Latest news with #UnitedNationsSustainableDevelopmentGoals
Hans India
4 days ago
- Hans India
Xiaomi India Launches Eco-Village Initiative in Partnership with BharatCares
Xiaomi India today announced the launch of its Eco-Village initiative, a flagship rural development program aimed at fostering long-term sustainability through community-driven, technology-enabled transformation. The initiative, launched in collaboration with Shri Mahakal Education and Charitable Trust (BharatCares), will begin with pilot projects in two villages: K. Palasandra in Tumakuru, and Sonnenahalli near Bengaluru. With this program, Xiaomi India is extending its innovation-led philosophy beyond devices and into the heart of communities, addressing core developmental issues around environment, infrastructure, and livelihoods. The Eco-Village initiative focuses on five integrated areas: renewable energy, water conservation, waste management, plantation and sustainable agriculture. These efforts are closely aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including clean water and sanitation, zero hunger, affordable and clean energy, and responsible consumption and production. The project will introduce a range of technology-backed solutions tailored for rural settings. These include solar panel installations at community learning centers, rooftop rainwater harvesting systems, battery-powered waste collection vehicles, and drip irrigation systems to support efficient farming practices. Each intervention will be tracked using real-time dashboards and mobile feedback tools, ensuring continuous monitoring, accountability, and improvement. To formally commence the program, Xiaomi India and BharatCares hosted foundation stone-laying ceremonies on 4th, and 5th August across the two locations. These events will kick off the construction of solid waste management centers, rejuvenation of neglected water bodies, and extensive plantation drives. Residents will be introduced to the initiative's long-term vision, with participation from Xiaomi India representatives, BharatCares teams, and local officials. Speaking on the occasion, Sudhin Mathur, Chief Operating Officer, Xiaomi India, said, "At Xiaomi India, we have always believed that innovation should serve a larger purpose. The Eco-Village initiative reflects our long-term commitment to India by using our engineering mindset to address real on-ground challenges. This program represents a step toward building stronger, more resilient communities that grow alongside India's progress." Varun Madan, Chief People Officer, Xiaomi India, added, "The Eco-Village initiative reflects the very core of Xiaomi India's values: taking ownership, co-creating with purpose, and driving meaningful outcomes. By working together with local communities, this project stands as a testament to what can be achieved when we combine compassion with a results-driven mindset. It is a step towards a more inclusive, sustainable, and human-centric future." Bhomik Shah, Managing Trustee of BharatCares stated "This initiative stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to building a greener, healthier future by empowering communities with innovative solutions, fostering harmony between progress and the planet, and laying the foundation for resilient, self-sustaining habitats for generations to come." The two pilot villages were chosen for their proximity to growing urban centers and their shared challenges such as water scarcity, insufficient waste infrastructure, and limited access to sustainable agricultural practices. Each village has a population of between 4,000 and 8,500 residents and demonstrates potential to evolve into a replicable model for rural sustainability. A third project site in Salarpur Kalan, Noida will also be launched in the coming month, expanding the initiative's reach and impact. With this initiative, Xiaomi India continues to deepen its role as a long-term partner in India's development story, turning innovation into action an d purpose into measurable progress.
Qatar Tribune
6 days ago
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
QFC partners with ILO, HBKU to launch skills study in financial sector
Tribune News Network Doha The Employment Standards Office of the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC), a leading onshore financial and business centre in the region, in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO) – Doha Office and Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), conducted a skills study in the financial sector. After study they havelaunched a landmark policy brief titled 'Identifying Skills Needs in Qatar's Financial Sector – A QFC Perspective for Policymakers'. The brief was published on a globally recognised ILO platform, underscoring Qatar's commitment to future-ready workforce planning and inclusive labour policy. The policy brief offers data-driven insights into the current and emerging skills most in demand across QFC-licensed firms, covering areas such as digital finance, risk analysis, regulatory compliance, ESG awareness, data literacy, and human capital leadership. It also serves as a practical guide for policymakers, regulators, and industry stakeholders to align talent development strategies with the country's economic diversification goals and national workforce agenda. The brief reflects the Employment Standards Office's broader mandate to promote transparent and fair labour practices and a human-centred approach to enhancing business performance and productivity, in line with the Qatar National Vision (QNV) 2030, the Third National Development Strategy, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) and the 'Social' element of the Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) metrics. By promoting and monitoring regulatory compliance, the Employment Standards Office ensures that employment standards and policies not only uphold the rights of individuals but also strengthen the integrity of the QFC ecosystem. Emphasising QFC's ongoing commitment to advancing Qatar's long-term development goals, QFC CEO Yousuf Mohamed Al Jaida said, 'Multi-stakeholder collaborations are critical in designing workforce policies that not only support Qatar's economic ambitions but also advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. By drawing on diverse perspectives and expertise, we can build more inclusive and resilient markets that deliver long-term value to both people and the economy.' QFC Commissioner of the Employment Standards Office Luigia Ingianni said, 'This study particularly reinforces our dedication to promoting and achieving SDG 5 (gender equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 17 (partnership for the goals), and highlights the benefits of a collaborative approach to creating inclusive and sustainable employment practices in the financial sector.' Reflecting on the evolving role of the Employment Standards Office in supporting the State of Qatar in pursuing the Third National Development Strategy and its 'Future-Ready Workforce' objective, Maha Tawfik, Head of Monitoring and Labour Affairs at Employment Standards Office, QFC, remarked: 'Our responsibility is to ensure regulatory frameworks are informed by comprehensive and robust data, enabling targeted interventions that cultivate a resilient, adaptive, and inclusive financial sector workforce. For this reason, we have established the Labour Market Information System to collect and analyse labour market data and trends and define policies to address the gaps and make the workforce ready for the future of work. This alignment with both national priorities and international labour standards is essential to fostering sustainable growth and equitable opportunities in Qatar's fast-evolving economic landscape.' Since its establishment in 2015, the Employment Standards Office has championed ethical employment practices and regulatory excellence. The launch of this study and the subsequent publication of the policy brief mark a new phase in the Employment Standards Office's impact – supporting a resilient, inclusive, and future-focused workforce.
Time of India
03-08-2025
- General
- Time of India
Locals, S Korean students clean up Itanagar streets
1 2 3 4 5 6 Itanagar: Officials of Itanagar Municipal Corporation (IMC), led by mayor Tame Phassang, participated in a cleanliness drive on Sunday. Led by ASEZ (Save the Earth from A to Z), an international student volunteer group under the World Mission Society Church of God, the drive extended from IG Park to the Civil Secretariat gate and saw local residents and student volunteers from South Korea working together. They voluntarily collected litter, segregated waste and engaged with citizens to raise awareness about sustainable living and the importance of climate-conscious behaviour. Speaking at the event, Phassang said, "These young minds are leading by example. If international volunteers can take the initiative to clean our streets, we, as citizens, must feel even more responsible for our own city," he said. He further urged residents to actively embrace "Jan Bhagidari" — people's participation — in maintaining the city's cleanliness and greenery. Emphasizing the long-term vision, the mayor announced plans to officially collaborate with ASEZ. This partnership will involve engaging the group in ongoing awareness campaigns on cleanliness and environmental sustainability across IMC's jurisdiction and the state at large. ASEZ, which operates in over 175 countries, aligns its initiatives with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), aiming to foster a culture of volunteerism, civic responsibility, and climate action. The campaign concluded with participants pledging to continue their efforts toward a cleaner, greener Itanagar. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Friendship Day wishes , messages and quotes !
New Indian Express
02-08-2025
- Science
- New Indian Express
IIT, CTCL enter deal to manage TN solid waste
As part of the deal, CTCL will continue to implement waste management solutions across urban and rural local bodies, while IIT Madras will contribute its scientific expertise and advanced technologies to create a comprehensive framework for effective solid waste handling, recycling, and resource recovery. The memorandum of understanding will help to address the challenges faced by the state in solid waste management and to align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by promoting sustainable and scientific methods for waste handling. Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, Chief Secretary N Muruganandam, and Additional Chief Secretary of Special Programme Implementation department Pradeep Yadav, among others, took part in the event.
Gulf Today
31-07-2025
- Gulf Today
KSQF steps up international action to safeguard children
On World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, marked annually on July 30, the global community is once again confronted with a deeply uncomfortable truth: children are among the most exploited, most vulnerable, and least protected populations in the world. Child exploitation and human trafficking have surged post-pandemic, with a 31% rise in detected child trafficking victims. Meanwhile, nearly 138 million children remain trapped in child labour globally, according to the International Labour Organization (ILO) and UNICEF — a slight decline from previous estimates of 160 million, but still alarmingly high. These figures not only underscore the scale of the crisis but also illustrate the cyclical nature of harm, where each crisis further entrenches children in a system of exploitation and abuse. As governments, NGOs, and advocacy groups spotlight the growing threats of exploitation, one organisation is pushing the conversation beyond awareness and toward urgent, systemic action. The Khalid Bin Sultan Al Qasimi Humanitarian Foundation (KSQF), based in Sharjah, is implementing a proactive strategy to protect children by rewiring the structures that allow abuse, trafficking, and injustice to persist. KSQF recognises that today's crises are interconnected; displacement caused by climate disasters leads to school dropouts, heightening children's exposure to trafficking, and conflict and poverty push children into labour and criminal networks. Gender inequality multiplies these risks; especially for girls subjected to sexual exploitation and boys forced into armed groups or illicit work. The Foundation recognises that no single issue can be solved in isolation, and that meaningful protection requires a coordinated, cross-sectoral approach. Committed to the protection of children as its core mandate and overarching objective, KSQF's efforts also directly align with three key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 16.2, which calls for ending abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children; SDG 5.3, which seeks to eliminate child, early, and forced marriage practices as well as female genital mutilation; and SDG 8.7, dedicated to eradicating forced labour, modern slavery, human trafficking, and child labour in all its forms. 'Protection is no longer just about rescue—it's about structural prevention,' says Lujan Mourad, Director of KSQF. 'The Foundation is implementing a comprehensive strategy encompassing three main pillars of advocacy programmes, safeguarding initiatives and capacity building. This involves prevention, specifically community awareness and development programmes; support, focusing on caring for and safeguarding children in need; and partnerships, building a global network of collaborations.' At the heart of this vision is the leadership of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of Ruler of Sharjah, Chairperson of the Foundation, and one of the region's foremost advocates for children's rights and global humanitarian development. Her Highness's commitment to the dignity and safety of children transcends borders, backgrounds, and bureaucracies. She has instilled in KSQF a bold humanitarian philosophy: that child protection is not an act of charity, but a duty of justice. Her leadership has steered the Foundation towards long-term, sustainable action that addresses the root causes of vulnerability and amplifies the voices of those too often unheard. KSQF recently launched its first global initiatives aimed at protecting over 30,000 vulnerable children and their communities in Zanzibar and Mexico. In partnership with Save the Children International and Plan International, these projects tackle urgent issues like gender-based violence, child exploitation, and the hazards faced by migrant children. In Zanzibar, KSQF is expanding support services for survivors of violence, directly benefiting 1,000 individuals and reaching another 10,000 through community outreach. In Mexico, the 'Guardians of Children' project will provide essential aid and protection to 7,000 migrant children and adolescents, while indirectly supporting more than 15,000 people through awareness campaigns and community capacity building.
