Latest news with #aSustainableFuture
The Sun
20-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Energizing a Sustainable Future: The 29th World Gas Conference Opens in Beijing
BEIJING, CHINA - Media OutReach Newswire - 20 May 2025 - On the morning of May 20, the 29th World Gas Conference (WGC2025) opened at the China National Convention Center in Beijing. This marks the first time in the nearly 100-year history of the World Gas Conference that the event is being held in China. As one of the three flagship events of the International Gas Union (IGU), this year's conference is themed 'Energizing a Sustainable Future.' It has brought together more than 3,000 delegates from 70 countries and regions around the world to engage in in-depth discussions and consensus-building on global energy transition, the development of the natural gas industry, and pathways to a sustainable future. The opening ceremony was chaired by Mr. Cao Yujun, Chair of the National Organizing Committee (NOC). Speeches were delivered by Li Yalan, President of the International Gas Union; Yin Yong, Mayor of Beijing; Wan Jinsong, Deputy Director of the National Energy Administration; Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies; and Dai Houliang, Chairman of China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC). Li Yalan, emphasized that amid multiple global challenges such as climate change, energy security, and geopolitical tensions, natural gas — with its advantages of abundant reserves, cleanliness, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness — is becoming an indispensable pillar of the global energy mix. She noted that China, as the world's largest importer of natural gas and LNG, is drawing growing international attention for its development model. In particular, she highlighted how Beijing has leveraged natural gas to significantly improve air quality, offering a replicable model for other developing countries. Yin Yong stated that Beijing firmly implements the country's new energy security strategy and continues to promote the green and low-carbon transformation of the energy structure. Currently, natural gas accounts for more than 35% of Beijing's energy consumption. Through initiatives such as coal-to-gas conversion, the city has achieved a more than 60% reduction in average annual PM2.5 concentrations and nearly a 50% decrease in carbon intensity over the past decade. He reaffirmed Beijing's commitment to opening up and deepening international energy cooperation while promoting sustainable urban development. Wan Jinsong noted that China's energy production and consumption continue to grow, with increasingly robust infrastructure and a nationwide unified gas network essentially completed. He emphasized significant improvements in natural gas dispatching and emergency response capacity. He said breakthroughs were seen in deep-earth, deep-sea, and unconventional resource development, helping boost output of natural gas. Wan proposed four key initiatives: enhancing supply capabilities to serve global public welfare, prioritizing ecology in green development, empowering the energy system through digital transformation, and improving governance via multilateral cooperation. He called for continued openness and win–win collaboration to jointly build a secure, efficient, clean, and low-carbon global energy system. Patrick Pouyanné highlighted TotalEnergies' efforts to maintain its leadership in the conventional oil and gas market while actively participating in the global energy transition. He reiterated TotalEnergies' commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and to furthering international cooperation to build a diversified, clean, secure, and sustainable energy future. Dai Houliang introduced CNPC's recent breakthroughs in deep oil and gas exploration, including the successful completion of a 10,000-meter ultra-deep drilling mission and continuous progress in unconventional resource development. As Asia's largest and the world's second-largest energy company, CNPC plays a key role in safeguarding national energy security and consistently undertakes critical supply missions during peak winter and summer periods. He stressed CNPC's unwavering commitment to green transition, accelerating the integration of oil, gas, and new energy, and building a synergistic, multi-energy system. As the only Chinese member of the Oil and Gas Climate Initiative (OGCI), CNPC will continue to actively participate in global climate governance, contribute to China's carbon peak and carbon neutrality goals, and help extend the benefits of green development to more countries, clients, and communities, he said. Following the speeches, Mr. Cao Yujun, Chair of the NOC, invited Yin Li, Secretary of the Beijing Municipal Committee of the CPC; Yin Yong, Mayor of Beijing; Li Yalan, President of the IGU; Wan Jinsong, Deputy Director of the National Energy Administration; Li Xiaolong, Vice Minister of Housing and Urban-Rural Development; Dai Houliang, Chairman of CNPC; and Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies, to jointly inaugurate the opening ceremony. As the countdown reached zero, the main screen lit up with the words 'WGC2025 Officially Opens,' and the venue erupted in enthusiastic applause—marking the official launch of the 29th World Gas Conference. According to schedule, WGC2025 will feature more than 80 high-level forums covering topics such as LNG development, natural gas and renewable energy integration, energy security, and digital transformation. More than 400 distinguished guests will engage in deep dialogue on industry trends and technological innovation. The concurrent exhibition spans 50,000 square meters — the largest in the event's history — and is expected to attract more than 30,000 professional visitors from China and abroad. The 29th World Gas Conference (WGC2025) is presented by the International Gas Union, hosted by Beijing Gas Group, and exclusively organized by Capital Convention & Exhibition Group.
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Arlington residents raise concerns over Green Valley redevelopment project
ARLINGTON, Va. () — Arlington residents are raising concerns about a major redevelopment project they say could push Black families out of a historically-Black neighborhood. The Green Valley redevelopment project aims to turn two hotels on South Glebe Road into residential units, creating 531 residential units and townhouses. But, some Black residents in the area say most of the units would be unaffordable. US Senators from Maryland, Virginia demand return of Maryland man mistakenly deported 'The number of affordable units to this project is … a pittance,' said Arlington resident Frederick Craddock. 'It's really embarrassing when you look at it.' Renderings show the Green Valley redevelopment project would bring 494 units, 37 townhouses and 549 parking spaces to 2480 South Glebe Road. The developers plan to make only nine of the units affordable. 'The expected income needed to purchase here, which I referenced before, is about $119,000,' said Anne Bodine with Arlingtonians for a Sustainable Future. 'And this shows you that [the] average African-American income in Arlington and the average Hispanic household income do not meet the need of requirements to qualify.' Residents are also concerned that the proposed nine-story complex would impact traffic and overshadow the historic right next door. 'By allowing the developer to say, well, 'we'll have this level of affordable housing. We'll make a $2 million contribution to the affordable housing fund. And also we'll provide some other things like public art, some open space,'' said Rev. Adrian Nelson II with the church. 'Those are all things that are considered to be a community benefit, but they're not really a major benefit to those who live in this community.' The Arlington County Board released a statement saying, in part, 'The Board heard from dozens of members of our community … the Board decided to defer to the upcoming Wednesday Board meeting to provide more time to deliberate and discuss.' Venable LLP, which represents the developers of the project, also released a statement saying: We have been working hard to further a compatible design with the project architect Hord Coplan Macht. Having started the dialogue with major local stakeholders back in November 2023, we are committed to continuing to work closely with all community members to deliver a viable project that provides significant benefits to the local area. The developers all share a commitment to delivering extraordinary properties, and will continue to meet or exceed Arlington County's requirements for the redevelopment of the 5.5 acres. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
See - Sada Elbalad
05-02-2025
- Business
- See - Sada Elbalad
UNDP Egypt, Partners Host 1st Annual Green Growth Conference Advancing Innovation for Sustainable Future
Ahmed Emam The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Egypt and the Government of Egypt is proud to host the Annual Green Growth Conference, themed 'Advancing Innovation for a Sustainable Future'. At the conference, UNDP Egypt Resident Representative Alessandro Fracassetti was joined by Dr. Ashraf Sobhy, Minister of Youth and Sports, Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat, Minister of International Cooperation (via recorded video message); Ambassador Hamdy Shaaban, Assistant Minister, Director of the International Cooperation for Development Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Dr. Ali Abu Senna, Assistant Minister, CEO of Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency and Mr. Frej Jackson, Chargé d'Affaires a.i., Embassy of Denmark. The event brought together over 200 participants including high-level representatives from international organizations, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and youth advocates, fostering dialogue on actionable pathways to sustainability and green innovation. Their insights underscored the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in advancing Egypt's green development agenda. Several key Memorandum of Understanding (MOUs) were signed to strengthen partnerships for green growth. These include agreements with Banque du Caire, Plan International, Vodafone Egypt and the initiation of an agreement with the Danish-Egyptian Dialogue Initiative (DEDI). These partnerships aim to support SMEs, youth empowerment, and sustainability-focused initiatives. The conference also marked the official launch of the National Green Taskforce to foster collaboration among entrepreneurs, policymakers, and private sector representatives. A digital learning platform was also introduced to empower youth as Green Ambassadors, equipping them with tools and knowledge to lead sustainability efforts. A high-level panel discussion highlighted the successes of the UNDP-Denmark Green Growth and Jobs Accelerator Programme (GGJAP), showcasing its impact on SMEs and youth empowerment. Panelists also addressed key challenges in the green economy and the importance of sustainable innovation in achieving Egypt's development goals. The conversation emphasized actionable insights and inspired partnerships for a resilient, inclusive future. At the conference, H.E. Minister of Youth and Sports Dr. Ashraf Sobhy, emphasized that the programme was founded with a clear vision: to invest in the potential of youth and prepare them to be pioneers in building a sustainable future. He stated that, 'In recent months, we have witnessed significant progress in the ideas and projects presented by our youth, reflected in impactful initiatives that support the transition towards a circular economy and environmental sustainability. Today, at this important gathering, we reaffirm that this is not the end of the journey, but rather a new beginning—one filled with more work and greater achievements.' From his side, Assistant Minister and CEO of Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency of the Ministry of Environment H.E. Dr. Ali Abu Senna highlighted that 'Green growth is not merely a slogan —it's an actionable strategy that we champion, believe in and strive to implement on the ground. We have an opportunity to achieve sustainable and environmental growth and impact the next generation. There is no contradiction between using natural resources in a rational way and sustainable economic growth.' He added that 'In Egypt, through our Vision 2030, we are placing the environment and a sustainable economy at the very heart of our development plans, encouraging innovation, green entrepreneurship, and supporting entrepreneurs with proper access to green financing to drive real change.' Assistant Minister and Director of International Cooperation for Development, Ministry of Foreign Affairs H.E. Ambassador Hamdy Shaaban stated that 'This cooperation comes in the context of the environmental and economic challenges, highlighting the importance of joint efforts to achieve sustainable development. The Egyptian government is committed to sustainable economic growth and environmental preservation, with the country's green transformation efforts reflected in the expansion of renewable energy projects, the promotion of renewable energy concepts, the development of sustainable infrastructure, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises.' In turn, Chargé d'Affaires of the Embassy of Denmark Frej Jackson highlighted that "Denmark's commitment to a green transition, both globally and especially in Egypt, has taken a giant leap forward with our new Africa Strategy and the groundbreaking Strategic Partnership between Egypt and Denmark, signed in December during President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's State Visit to Copenhagen. Today, we celebrate the continuation of the Danish-Egyptian Dialogue Initiative (DEDI), in new settings in a close partnership with UNDP and the Cairo International Center for Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding (CCCPA). DEDI's focus on sustainability, youth, climate, and job creation through sustainable design and fashion, green environmental literacy, and youth dialogue, will empower the next generation to drive green growth and address critical global challenges." Alessandro Fracassetti, UNDP Egypt Resident Representative, stated: "UNDP was pleased to host the 'Green Growth Conference' today under the umbrella of our flagship "Green Growth and Jobs Accelerator" programme, which is strategically designed to create green jobs for youth and propel SMEs on the path of sustainability by fostering the development of innovative ideas and scaling existing solutions. The launch of the National Green Taskforce and the Digital Learning Platform mark significant steps in equipping youth and young entrepreneurs with the resources, networks, and opportunities needed to transform their ideas into impactful, scalable green solutions." He added: "We are especially inspired by the young entrepreneurs graduating from the programme and UNDP remains committed to working with partners to support Egypt's green transition." The event also featured six interactive workshops on topics such as circular economy practices, digital transformation for sustainability, and green financing for SMEs. Twenty-four SMEs graduating from GGJAP presented their projects in a high-energy pitch session, connecting them with potential investors and stakeholders. Winners received financial rewards to scale their sustainable solutions. The day concluded with a recognition ceremony honoring exceptional youth green ambassadors who have demonstrated leadership in sustainability initiatives. This inspiring segment showcased testimonials and awarded certificates to motivate broader engagement in sustainability efforts. May Yassin, Head of External Communications and Sustainable Business at Vodafone Egypt: 'We are proud of our successful collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme, as we believe in the vital role played by SMEs in achieving sustainable impact. In line with this, we were eager to sign the Memorandum of Understanding with UNDP under the 'Green Growth and Jobs Accelerator' project to provide these companies with Vodafone Business digital solutions, helping them achieve sustainable growth through advisory services that support their digital transformation journey.' She added that this partnership aligns with Vodafone Egypt's Annual Sustainability Report, which outlines the company's purpose-driven strategy and key efforts in empowering people, protecting the planet, and maintaining trust, with the goal of driving positive and sustainable change in our communities. Heidi El Nahas, Head of Sustainability, Sustainable Finance and Corporate Communications Group Banque du Caire: 'We are all observing the global economic order transforming all around us, and with it the need for innovative and sustainable solutions have become more essential than ever before, setting the way for this accelerator and cooperation. This agreement signals an important milestone in our continuous efforts to provide our partners with strategic support to ensure a more resilient and sustainable SME ecosystem. With BdC's valuable experience in providing non-financial services to our SMEs clients, this gives us a unique perspective into their needs, fitting perfectly into the goals of the accelerator's participants. Since their role is integral in the country's economic development, BdC is committed to creating a smooth pathway for the SMEs sector towards sustainable transformation through innovation and sustainable resilience.' Ms. Rozan Khalifa, Plan International Egypt Country Director: 'Plan International has been working in Egypt since 1981 according to an agreement with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and under the supervision of the Ministry of Social Solidarity. Since 2014, Plan International Egypt has extended its target to work with Syrian Refugees to promote their integration and social cohesion among Syrian refugees and host communities in Cairo, Giza, Qalyoubya, Alexandria, Damietta, and Sharkaya. Work with all Refugees focuses on economic empowerment and livelihoods, child protection and education, providing psychosocial support, and promoting sexual and reproductive health rights. Today Plan International Egypt's development and humanitarian work are implemented in 10 governorates namely: Cairo, Giza, Qalyoubya, Alexandria, Beheira, Damietta, Assuit, Sohag, Qena, and Aswan.'
