Latest news with #greeneconomy
Reuters
4 days ago
- Business
- Reuters
China, ASEAN to submit upgraded free trade deal to leaders in October, says China's foreign minister
SHANGHAI, July 12 (Reuters) - China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations have agreed to submit a pact upgrading their free trade areas to their leaders for approval in October, according to China's foreign minister Wang Yi on Saturday. Negotiations about the so-called 3.0 version of the free trade zone started in November 2022 and completed in May, seeking to cover areas such as the digital economy, green economy and supply chain connectivity. China and ASEAN also agreed on a five-year action plan that specifies collaboration between the two sides in over 40 fields in the coming years, according to a statement published by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, citing Wang's comments after attending the East Asia Summit in Kuala Lumpur on Friday. Wang also said the two sides agreed to strive to complete consultations next year on a code of conduct in the South China Sea - a set of guidelines aiming to manage disputes in the region, where Beijing and several ASEAN members have overlapping maritime claims.
BBC News
4 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Pledge to plug West Midlands skills gap to boost green economy
The mayor of the West Midlands has pledged to plug the net-zero skills gap to boost the region's green Parker said he would ensure people in the area would have the skills they needed to take up new jobs being created in "fast-growing green industries".His comments came after a report from Coventry University highlighted the lack of skilled workers in the sector and urged the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) to take said he would boost the sector with measures like investing in decarbonising homes or businesses and attracting firms to the region, including electric vehicle battery manufacturers. "It will turbocharge the work that's already begun to build a pipeline of talent to tackle the net-zero skills gap this report rightly highlights," he report made recommendations for short, medium and long-term action that could be taken in the included establishing a green skills centre, creating apprenticeships and collaborate with government and Carl Perrin, Coventry University's associate pro vice-chancellor for research, said: "Green skills are no longer a 'nice to have' - they are a strategic imperative."Businesses that invest in sustainability and workforce development are not only contributing to environmental goals but also unlocking economic advantages." Follow BBC Coventry & Warwickshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
Forbes
01-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Leapfrog, Transform Capitalism, And Embrace Women's Strengths For Climate Positive Economy
A woman uses her Samsung smartphone in Santa Fe, New Mexico. (Photo by Robert Alexander/Getty ... More Images) 'Perhaps it's not about redesign, it's actually leapfrogging where we are, right? If you think about mobile phone technology…when the first mobile phones came out, they were about this big right? Bricks, well, in Africa they didn't build networks across phone lines or electricity lines to enable mobile technology. They went straight from no phones to mobile phones, right? That's a leapfrog. So,I take your point about we need to look at it with a different lens, to me a different lens is let's stop trying to redesign, recreate, tinker at the edges and just leapfrog stuff…. It will take us sort of taking our own blinkers off in a way and thinking about what's the leapfrog change that we can make? What's our move from no phones to mobile phones?' That's one of the insights a group of 11 extraordinarily accomplished women across industries, geographies, generations and cultures came up with at a private Roundtable I produced at SXSW London recently. The purpose was to talk about addressing the climate crisis and what women's role in doing so might be. It was Chatham House Rules, so I can't reveal who was there, but I can share their insights without attribution. conference room - image by websubs for PIxabay The Frame Our goal was 'To step outside the usual conversations, spark new ideas and co-create tangible strategies for advancing a thriving green economy through the power of female leadership.' There are obviously fierce, urgent, and conflicting political, economic, cultural and environmental forces at play today. The planet is warming, yet dominant political forces deny climate change and are empowering industries that will make it worse. Yet, market forces are addressing the climate crisis, in part because businesses have to make long-term decisions and investments to protect their operations, their supply chains, their people, and their homes. Investors take seriously the very real financial risks of climate change and are demanding businesses do too. There are workforce pressures too, including studies that the majority of Gen Zers and Millennials, which are 38% of the workforce today and will grow, want to work for companies that have sustainability initiatives. A woman searches for a sweater at a Uniqlo store on January 4, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by ... More) Women make or influence 85% of purchasing decisions and they prioritize environmental issues as voters too. A recent environmental voter projects study found that 62% of women prioritize environmental issues compared to only 37% of men. Screenshot - Woman in cotton field on The Fearless Girl is silhouetted at night in front of the New York Stock Exchange in Manhattan, New ... More York, on July 7, 2024. (Photo by JUAN MABROMATA / AFP) Production staff on the weekly fashion magazine, (Photo by) Volunteer rescuer workers help a woman from her home that was inundated with the flooding of ... More Hurricane Harvey on August 30, 2017 in Port Arthur, Texas. (Photo by) There was so much more… Thank you to these extraordinary women. You know who you are.
Zawya
23-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Jordan: Launch of region's first business accelerator dedicated to green chemistry
AMMAN — On behalf of HRH Princess Sumaya bint El Hassan, President of the Royal Scientific Society (RSS), Vice President for Scientific Research Arafat Awajan officiated the launch ceremony of the Global Greenchem Chemistry Business Accelerator titled: 'The Catalyst' — the first of its kind in the region dedicated exclusively to green chemistry. In his opening remarks, Awajan highlighted the vital role RSS plays in linking scientific research to practical applications in the service of industry, the labour market, and society, according to a RSS statement. He stressed that these efforts are made possible through coordinated collaboration between the society's Business Incubator and its specialised technical centres. He said that the Green Chemistry Project is one of RSS's 'flagship' national initiatives, aiming to accelerate the country's transition towards a green economy in line with the Economic Modernisation Vision. Awajan also praised the Ministry of Environment's 'significant' role in the project, underscoring the importance of the strategic partnership between the ministry and RSS, a partnership that has led to tangible successes and positive impacts on both the environment and the community. Sulafa Mdanat, representative of the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), said that the adoption of green chemistry principles represents a 'vital' tool for achieving sustainable industrial development, contributing to environmental protection and human health. She reiterated UNIDO's commitment to supporting initiatives that align with national priorities and enhance economic stimulation in Jordan. The launch event was attended by representatives from Yale University, UNIDO, several Jordanian universities, the private sector, entrepreneurs and public institutions. A panel discussion was also held on the sidelines of the event, with participation from the Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship, IPARK, and the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. The dialogue focused on opportunities and challenges related to adopting and applying green chemistry concepts in commercial and entrepreneurial settings. Panellists highlighted the importance of enhancing coordination and collaboration among government entities, academic institutions, and entrepreneurs to overcome barriers and maximise available incentives. During the launch, the Green Chemistry Accelerator officially opened its call for applications. The programme will offer 'intensive' training and the opportunity to compete for financial awards to support the development, promotion, and commercialisation of green chemistry ventures. The Global Greenchem Programme is a global initiative funded by the Global Environment Facility, implemented by UNIDO, executed by Yale University and is nationally implemented by the Cleaner Production Unit at RSS, Jordan's National Cleaner Production Centre, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment.
CNA
04-06-2025
- Business
- CNA
Renewable energy, carbon credits are priority areas of cooperation for Singapore, Philippines: Lawrence Wong
SINGAPORE: Renewable energy and carbon credits are among 'priority areas for cooperation' for Singapore and the Philippines, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said on Wednesday (Jun 4). 'Our joint initiatives will support our climate goals, boost energy resilience and unlock new opportunities in the green economy,' he said during his first official visit to the Philippines since becoming prime minister last year. Mr Wong said he and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr discussed ways to build on and enhance cooperation between the two countries. They agreed that it was important to expand collaboration in renewable energy, with Mr Wong noting that Singapore companies are interested in projects in the Philippines such as solar and wind projects. 'Such projects can generate economic opportunities for the Philippines while supporting the Philippines' renewable energy targets,' he said. The two leaders also agreed to accelerate efforts to achieve a power grid for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), an integrated system to enable power sharing and improve cross-border electricity trade. 'This will improve energy resilience in the region and support ASEAN's green transition,' said Mr Wong, who was making his first bilateral visit since this year's General Election. For carbon credits, the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding last August, and officials are working toward finalising a legally binding Implementation Agreement aligned with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. 'This will facilitate commercial participation in carbon credits projects, which can spur technology transfer, green investments and create good jobs,' he said. President Marcos Jr said it is hoped that the early completion of the negotiation on carbon credits will result in climate-friendly actions and increased investments in related sectors. That would create meaningful and sustainable livelihoods and business opportunities for both countries, and produce good sustainability outcomes for communities, he said. Mr Wong gave a toast speech during the official dinner and also held a joint press conference with President Marcos Jr. Earlier on Wednesday, Mr Wong took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Rizal Monument and received a ceremonial welcome at the president's official residence. Singapore and the Philippines have strong economic ties, with bilateral trade amounting to S$19.1 billion (US$14.8 billion) in 2024. The Philippines was Singapore's fifth largest trading partner in ASEAN last year, and Singapore's investments in the Philippines range from real estate and hospitality to telecommunications, consumer goods and utilities. Many Singapore and Philippine companies work together for mutual benefit in areas including logistics and digital infrastructure, said Mr Wong. 'In trade and investments … our links have continued to grow over the years,' he said. 'Singapore has consistently been one of the top investors in the Philippines, and that testifies to the confidence that businesses have in your economy.'
