Latest news with #UNDP
Business Recorder
a day ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Digital & financial inclusion of women: WCCI, UNDP hold provincial dialogue
LAHORE: In a concerted effort to empower women and bridge Pakistan's widening gender gap, the Women's Chamber of Commerce and Industry Lahore (WCCIL), in collaboration with UNDP's Punjab SDGs Unit, convened a high-level provincial consultation titled 'Bridging the Gender Divide | Empowering Futures through Digital and Financial Inclusion of Women.' Chaired by the President of Bank of Punjab Zafar Masud, the dialogue engaged esteemed speakers from diverse sectors with UNDP, represented by Dr. M. Aman Ullah, Project Manager, Punjab SDGs Unit; Dr. Shehla Javed Akram, Founder Women's Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Falahat Imran, President WCCI; Ahmed Khan, CEO PSDF; Prof. Dr. Uzma Qureshi, Vice Chancellor, Lahore College for Women University, Ayub Ghuri, Executive Director Netsol, and Ms. Rie Komahashi from JICA. The keynote address was delivered by Zafar Masud, President of the Bank of Punjab, who emphasized the critical need for expanding access to financial services for women and young entrepreneurs. 'Local chambers must give a list of local global and regional supply chains to which local women entrepreneurs can connect to while transcending baking and dress making', said Zafar. Further he stressed to create some bankable projects/financial empowerment schemes that could be run or supported by Bank of Punjab. 'This provincial dialogue is not just a discussion; it is a commitment to action. We are working to ensure that women are not only included in Pakistan's digital and financial ecosystems but empowered to lead within them,' said UNDP's Dr. M. Aman Ullah. Despite some progress with 8 million more women gaining access to mobile internet in the past year; Pakistan's overall ranking in the Global Gender Gap Report 2025 remains concerning at 148 out of 148 countries. The event addressed this urgent call to action by exploring barriers such as lack of digital literacy, limited access to credit, and informal labour constraints, which disproportionately affect women-led SMEs and home-based workers. The session brought together key stakeholders from government, thought leaders, development practitioners, private sector representatives, academia, and civil society, who actively engaged in a meaningful debate followed by a Q&A session to spotlight systemic challenges and explore inclusive pathways for women's economic emancipation and digital empowerment in both formal and informal sectors. Anchored in SDG 5 (Gender Equality), the event amplified women's voices and innovation, called for public-private collaboration, and laid the foundation for scalable, gender-responsive economic solutions. Gender and fintech experts highlighted the role of women in driving economic growth, the barriers to their economic emancipation, significance of digital literacy, access to supply chains, and mentorship and skills-based training programs to support and formalize the women-led SMEs. The session ended with an action plan shared by WCCIL Founder, Dr. Shehla Javed Akram. 'To re-imagine a thriving and inclusive economy, we must enable women not just as beneficiaries, but as builders and leaders of the future,' remarked Dr. Shehla Javed Akram. The dialogue served as a pivotal step toward reshaping the landscape of financial and digital inclusion for women in Pakistan; one solution, one story, and one commitment at a time. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Zawya
2 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Carbon Markets Africa Summit reveals packed programme featuring continent's entire carbon markets value chain
The upcoming Carbon Markets Africa Summit (CMAS) programme features the continent's entire carbon markets value chain in what is a compelling combination of successful early carbon market movers, climate-finance-ready projects, regulatory bodies as well as global institutional development organisations and investors. The event is taking place in Johannesburg from 22 to 23 October, with pre-conference sessions on 21 October. CMAS is dedicated to unlocking Africa's carbon market potential, incorporating integrity, investment and impact. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) are official supporters of the event. Shifting global landscape Day 1's opening session will focus on the continent's pivotal opportunity to define its own carbon trajectory, attract meaningful investment and align carbon market growth with the priorities of climate resilience, equity and sustainable development. Speakers already confirmed include: - Iain Banner, Chairman, South Africa - Fenella Aouane, Global Green Growth Institute, Luxembourg - Maxwell Gomera, UNDP - Javier Manzanares, Allen Manza, Panama - Caroline Tixier, EU Delegation to South Africa - Angela Churie Kallhauge, Impact, Environmental Defence Fund, USA Aligning strategy with global agendas The session on the "Road to COP30: Aligning Africa's Carbon Strategy with Global Agendas" will look compare Africa's carbon strategy with global frameworks such as Article 6. High-level representatives from the GMEX Group, AfDBm Verra and ACMI will be part of this panel discussion. Carbon market frameworks As African countries move from climate ambition to implementation, regulatory clarity is becoming the cornerstone of carbon market development. A session titled 'Turning Policy into Action,' will explore how national frameworks are evolving post-COP29, what integration of Article 6 looks like on the ground and how public-private collaboration can drive effective execution. Strong representation from across the continent and value chain bodes for an enlightening discussion, including the UNDP, Government of Nigeria, the South African Department of Fisheries, Forestry and the Environment, Zambia's Ministry of Green Economy and Environment and Uganda Climate Change Department. The challenges with regards to integrity that carbon markets have faced will be tackled head-on during CMAS. Promethium's Principal Climate Change Advisor Olivia Tuchten will lead the panel discussion around standards, verification and market oversight with experts from Verra, Gold Standard and Anthesis. Financing Africa's carbon pipeline Day 2 of the packed CMAS programme features investor roundtables in a more intimate setting, aimed at 'Connecting Climate Capital with Scalable Carbon Solutions,' during which a select group of carbon market investors and financiers can present their funds, strategies and investment opportunities to both potential capital partners and carbon project developers. Keynote on investment Day 2's keynote session on 'Financing Africa's Carbon Pipeline: Derisking, Scaling and Innovating" will address both sides of the investment equation with participants from Shell Nature Based Solutions, Standard Bank, MIGA, AfDB and South Pole. Jonathan First, Senior Advisor at Climate Policy Initiative will also unpack the question of how to mobilise private capital for Africa's carbon markets with several financiers from TransEnergy Global, FSD Africa, the JSE and JP Morgan. Pre-conference day The CARBON 101 masterclass will provide investors, policymakers and developers with the necessary insights into the burgeoning business of carbon markets. The expert facilitators in this relatively new field will cover everything from international frameworks, African policy landscapes, credit integrity and investment fundamentals. 'Trust plays a key role' As part of CMAS 2025's mission to catalyse high-integrity, African-led carbon markets, Dominic Wilhelm, Executive Director of the Global Trust Project, will also lead a high-impact dialogue working session. 'While the current value of carbon markets as of 2023 is about $950 billion, within the next 10 years, it's going to be worth $16 trillion,' says Wilhelm. 'However, the full value chain of carbon markets is very fragmented, and it's not transparent. Therefore, the full value chain needs to rapidly come together in a high-level dialogue, in which trust plays a key role to solve some of these challenges.' VUKA Group Carbon Markets Africa Summit is organised by VUKA Group, which has more than 20 years' experience in serving the business community across Africa. Event dates and location: Dates: 21 October: Pre-summit day 22–23 October: Summit Location: Johannesburg, South Africa Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group. Additional Information: Download the Carbon Markets Africa Summit Programme Brochure here: Contact details for Carbon Markets Africa Summit: Tailor-made partnerships: Natalie Kruger Cell: +66 (0) 65 614 8605 Email: Project Lead: Emmanuelle Nicholls Cell: +27 83 447 8410 Email: Event website:
Malaysia Sun
2 days ago
- Politics
- Malaysia Sun
Restrictive laws and political pressures continue to limit media freedom and trust in Bangladesh, says UNDP and UNESCO report
Dhaka [Bangladesh], July 4 (ANI): A report on Bangladesh's media landscape has revealed that the restrictive laws and political press continue to limit media freedom and trust in the country. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), with support from the Embassy of Switzerland, on Thursday launched 'An Assessment of Bangladesh's Media Landscape: Free, Independent and Pluralistic Media', a comprehensive study examining both the challenges and opportunities facing Bangladesh's media sector during this critical period of transition, UNDP said in a statement. In response to Bangladesh's recent political and social shifts, this joint assessment, undertaken between July and December 2024, offers a timely roadmap for meaningful reform to build a freer, more independent, and truly pluralistic media environment. Developed through extensive nationwide consultations with journalists, policymakers, civil society, academics, and development partners, the report highlights entrenched barriers while pointing to practical pathways for positive, lasting change. 'The report highlights that restrictive laws and political pressures continue to limit media freedom and trust in Bangladesh', the statement said. 'To address this, it recommends urgent legal and policy reforms to align with international standards, fair licensing and transparent state advertising, stronger protections and fair pay for journalists, credible self-regulation, gender equality in newsrooms, and greater support for community and indigenous media. It also calls for investment in professional standards and nationwide media literacy to rebuild public trust', the statement said. Speaking as the chief guest, Mahfuz Alam, Adviser, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of Bangladesh, said, 'Media must uphold ethics and accountability, so that people's trust is not broken again and generations are not wronged.' Attending the dialogue, Sonali Dayaratne, Resident Representative UNDP Bangladesh said, 'A free, independent, and pluralistic media is the foundation of any vibrant democracy. This joint assessment by UNESCO and UNDP, with the Government of Switzerland's support, reinforces what must be done to safeguard media freedom and strengthen public trust.' 'We are committed to working with partners like UNESCO to advance structural reforms, support media professionals, and raise public awareness about the media's vital role as a pillar of democracy,' she further said. Alberto Giovanetti, Counsellor and Head of Political, Economic and Cultural Affairs, Embassy of Switzerland in Bangladesh, stated, 'This assessment is a timely reminder that a free, independent, and pluralistic media is the bedrock of a vibrant democracy. We thank UNDP and UNESCO for supporting this important initiative and urge all partners to advance the critical reforms needed to protect media freedom and strengthen public trust.' UNESCO Representative to Bangladesh, Susan Vize, moderating the event said, 'Freedom of expression is a fundamental pillar of democratic institutions. If we want to build a society in which we work together towards the principles which realize basic human rights, and to guarantee quality of life, we must ensure that freedom of expression and the media is an essential part of this process' Earlier, Professor Joan Barata, Senior Legal Fellow, Future of Speech, Vanderbilt University, USA and Shameem Reza, Professor, Department of Mass Communication and Journalism, University of Dhaka, presented the keynote paper on the Assessment. Presentation was followed by reflections from media experts and development partners. As Bangladesh moves forward, implementing these recommendations will be crucial to ensuring a free, trusted, and inclusive media that strengthens democracy and supports sustainable development, the statement said. (ANI)
Zawya
2 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Second phase of green growth, job opportunities project concludes in Jordan
AMMAN — The second phase of the Green Growth and Jobs Accelerator project in Jordan concluded on Thursday, implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with funding from the Danish-Arab Partnership Programme. The initiative aimed to foster more sustainable growth and development for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), supporting their transition to environmentally friendly practices and stimulating growth and sustainable job creation, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP Jordan Majida Assaf said that the project was more than just a series of trainings or sessions; it served as a 'real' platform that enabled SMEs to engage with experts, review their strategies and build new pathways for growth, expansion and impact. "We witnessed ideas transform into action plans, a redefinition of priorities for many businesses, and remarkable professional and leadership development, a testament to the project's profound impact," Assaf added. This phase achieved tangible results by working with 22 SMEs through the "Green Growth Accelerator," where each company underwent an intensive programme that included 10–12 participatory sessions and 12–14 individual mentoring sessions. The outcomes demonstrated 'notable' leadership, 36 per cent of these companies are led by women and 27 per cent by youth, reflecting the project's commitment to empowering diverse groups. The phase also included an orientation day, a project showcase, and wrapped up with a networking event that helped build 'strong' bridges between companies and expand prospects for future collaboration and partnerships. Ali Qattan, founder of one of the participating companies, stressed the importance of such training in helping a start-up reach global markets, reflecting the ambition of young entrepreneurs for sustainable growth and expansion. The project reflects UNDP Jordan's ongoing efforts to support the transition towards a green economy and to facilitate decent and sustainable employment opportunities, Petra added. The programme places 'special' focus on promoting innovation and entrepreneurship, with a particular emphasis on empowering youth and women to play an active role in this vital transformation. © Copyright The Jordan Times. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Scoop
3 days ago
- Scoop
Vava'u Leads The Way: Tonga's Bold Step Toward A Sustainable Blue Future
Vava'u, a small but nature's beautifully crafted island in the Kingdom of Tonga, is a place of breathtaking beauty. As you stand at the top of the hill of Vava'u's Mt Talau, the vibrant hues of the water stretch out before you, a mesmerising blend of blues and greens. This serene landscape, however, is under threat from the relentless march of climate change. The Government of Tonga recently launched Phase II of the Ridge to Reef (R2R) Project in Vava'u, a milestone initiative, supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), underscoring Tonga's strategic commitment to integrated environmental management and sustainable development. The launch, which coincided with the global momentum of the third UN Ocean Conference, positions Tonga as a Pacific leader in aligning local action with international frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals and the UN's Ocean Decade. Community at the Heart of Conservation Sailing through the Vaipua Channel over the deep blue waters observing Marine Protected Areas near Lualoli, Maninita, and Taula, and exploring eco-tourism and reef restoration opportunities around Taoa Village – these sites exemplify the project's emphasis on community-led conservation, traditional knowledge, and sustainable livelihoods. The project's focus on restoring marine and terrestrial ecosystems, particularly through community-led conservation efforts and the promotion of Marine Protected Areas, enhances Vava'u's appeal as a destination for environmentally conscious travelers. Vava'u also stands as a cornerstone of Tonga's tourism sector, blending natural beauty with sustainable development initiatives that highlight the island group's ecological and cultural richness. The launch marked a crucial moment in the Tonga's journey toward sustainable development and climate resilience addressing challenges and vulnerabilities while reflecting resilience, wisdom, and agency of Tonga's people, who have been stewards of their natural resources for generations. 'When the launch came to Vava'u, it felt like the world was finally seeing what we've always known – that our land and ocean are sacred,' says Siu Latu, 57, a housewife and women's group representative from Vaipua. 'We feel a deep sense of ownership and hope, not just for today but for our children's future. This hope is embodied in the launch of Phase II of Tonga's Ridge to Reef (R2R) Project with the aim to protect and restore the island's ecosystems – from its forested ridges to its coral reefs – while improving the lives of the 15,000 people who call Vava'u home. Having spent four days in Vava'u witnessing firsthand the landscapes of the project that aims to protect rich hillsides, reefs and mangrove lined shores, the signs of change were subtle but real. Standing on the bridge of the Vaipua channel, watching children and community members splash in the shallows to mid-deep blue and green waters – it intrigues to know that with the success of the project, these same children will grow up with cleaner water, stronger reefs, and more secure livelihoods. That hope is what this initiative is planting – quietly, steadily, like the mangroves along the shore connecting the land and sea – just as the project connects different parts of the ecosystem and the communities. The initiative is more than an environmental program – it's a lifeline. Implemented by Tonga's Department of Environment, the project integrates land, freshwater, coastal, and marine ecosystems into a single management framework. It tackles the root causes of degradation – deforestation, poor land use, and unregulated coastal development while delivering tangible benefits: clean drinking water, food security, and protection from floods. But the real story lies in the people. Hopoate Latu, 58, a local farmer and youth leader, sees the project as a turning point. 'This will create opportunities for our youth, empower women in traditional weaving and handicrafts, and ensure sustainable fishing. Vaipua will become a model for Vava'u – blessed with bountiful marine life and agriculture farming.' Siosiua Fehoko, 38, says for majority women in the Vaipua channel, their source of income comes from fishing and by implementing the Ridge to Reef project, there are providing for their families. He said: 'By implementing what is required through this project, our means of support like plantation family, traditional weaving, and fishing are protected – for the future of our children.' A Living Connection Between Land and Sea The project's inception began with a three-day field visit to the Vaipua Channel, where stakeholders explored Marine Protected Areas and eco-tourism opportunities. Standing on the bridge overlooking the channel, children splashed in the shallows, their laughter echoing across the water. It's easy to imagine a future where these same children grow up with cleaner water, stronger reefs, and more secure livelihoods. Meleane Latu, 22, grew up in these villages. 'The ocean paid for our education,' she said. 'Now, we must protect it. Youth need to be educated on conservation so we can invest in our families' futures.' Siosiua Fehoko, 38, said: 'Fishing, weaving, farming – they are our lifelines. By following the project's guidance, we're protecting them for our children.' This approach not only strengthens ecological resilience but also supports Tonga's Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement. Reviving Fangauta Lagoon A key highlight was the strategic focus on Fangauta Lagoon, a vital urban ecosystem under pressure from sedimentation and pollution. To breathe life back into the critical waterway, the project will pilot a series of nature-based interventions including mangrove restoration, sustainable land-use practices, and targeted dredging to improve water flow and biodiversity. These efforts aim to restore critical habitats, improve water quality, and unlock eco-tourism and fisheries potential – while complementing existing community initiatives and national biodiversity strategies. These efforts are not just about ecological repair – they are about unlocking new opportunities. Shaping a Legacy Tonga's Ridge to Reef Phase II is more than a local initiative – it's a powerful voice from the Pacific in the global conversation on ocean governance. At the recent UN Ocean Conference, the urgent need to support Small Island Developing States like Tonga was clear: through targeted funding, knowledge sharing, and nature-based solutions, these nations can lead the way in protecting our planet's blue heart. The project exemplifies the Pacific's call for Blue Pacific Continent stewardship – where ocean health, climate action, and sustainable development are inseparable. With Phase II now underway, Tonga is not only restoring ecosystems but also reaffirming its role as a custodian of the ocean. As the sun sets over Vava'u, casting a golden glow over the land and sea, children playing by the water echo along the shores. Their laughter is more than joy. It's a call to action. This isn't just about reefs or ridges – it's about safeguarding a legacy. It's about ensuring that tomorrow's generation inherits not just land and sea, but the stories, the strength, and the spirit of a people who choose to protect what they love. In the quiet rhythm of waves and the whisper of mangroves, Tonga is writing a new chapter – one of resilience, unity, and hope.
