Latest news with #17SustainableDevelopmentGoals
Korea Herald
5 days ago
- Business
- Korea Herald
Ultima Markets Unveils First Sustainability Academy in the CFD Industry
SINGAPORE, July 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- has launched the first sustainability academy in the CFD industry, setting a key milestone within the financial services sector. Developed by the Ultima Impact Foundation, the educational initiative reflects the broker's belief that real progress begins with providing access to knowledge, from the experts to everyone. The sustainability academy features a curated series of short video lessons led by professors from globally respected universities, and top scientists working in some of the most influential organisations in the climate space. Drawing from their years of work in climate risk, natural capital, nature-based solutions and sustainable finance, every lesson distills complex ideas into simple, actionable messages. While much of this content is typically only available in graduate classes, Ultima Impact has chosen to make this content freely available to all, through a dedicated learning section on its website. The foundation hopes this will allow anyone to have the opportunity to better understand these global challenges. "Sustainability can feel complex and difficult to grasp, especially for those who are just starting to learn about it. Our goal with the academy is to demystify these topics and make them more approachable and relatable to everyone," said Jean Philippe, Director of the Ultima Impact Foundation. "These highly respected scientists and professors carry with them a huge wealth of knowledge, but too often their ideas remain within university walls. We wanted to bring their ideas out into the open, to connect academia with the public in a meaningful manner, thereby inspiring more people to engage, learn and take part in the global sustainability conversation." This initiative was created as part of Ultima Markets' broader sustainability agenda. As the first CFD broker to join the United Nations Global Compact, the company aligns its operations with the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals, using education and accessibility as tools to advance meaningful global progress. By ensuring the academy is open to everyone everywhere, we hope to create greater awareness and build a future for all," he concludes. About Ultima Markets Ultima Markets is a licensed multi-asset broker offering access to over 250 CFD instruments, including Forex, Commodities, Indices and Shares. The platform serves traders in over 170 countries and regions, with a focus on reliable execution and client-first service. Ultima Markets has earned multiple accolades including the Most Advanced Multi-Asset Trading Platform Europe 2025 from Gazet International and the Best Educational Trading Hub Brokerage Global 2025 from Global Business and Finance Magazine. As the first CFD broker to join the United Nations Global Compact, it champions sustainability and ethical finance. Ultima Markets is a member of The Financial Commission and offers eligible clients insurance protection up to US$1,000,000 per account via Willis Towers Watson. About Ultima Impact Foundation Ultima Impact Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation established to lead Ultima Markets' long-term commitment to sustainability and social impact. Rooted in the belief that business can be a force for good, the Foundation bridges purpose and impact to create measurable, lasting change for individuals, communities and the planet. Its initiatives span ecological restoration, biodiversity, climate resilience, education, innovation and community development. The Foundation works hand-in-hand with partners on the ground, guided by strong governance and driven by a vision for sustainable, inclusive impact.
Time of India
22-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
‘We all can contribute towards achieving goals through sustainable consumption'
1 2 A Ranchi-based social development professional and founder of a non-profit organisation, Citizens' Foundation, Ganesh Reddy, has been recently elected as the secretary of the UN Global Compact Network, India's (UNGCNI) governing council 2025–27. While speaking to Dhrubajyoti Malakar, Reddy shares his vision and plans for Jharkhand and the country at large on sustainable development. First of all, congratulations to you for assuming the coveted post. How are you feeling about it? Thank you. It feels good to receive such acknowledgements. It also brings a renewed sense of responsibility towards the field I have been associated with and a motivation to do good work for society. Tell us about UNGCNI. Global Compact Network India is one of the United Nations agencies like UNICEF, UNDP, and UNESCO, etc. It was established in India in 2000. UN Global Compact Network is the largest organisation engaged in corporate sustainability across the globe. And in India as well, it is the largest organisation engaged with different corporates, PSUs, and NGOs. UNGCNI does advocacy to promote the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), also runs various pilot projects to promote SDGs under CSRs. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Treatment That Might Help You Against Knee Pain Knee pain | search ads Find Now Undo How do you assess India or Jharkhand's performance in particular, in achieving the SDGs? We are not in a very good state as of now, and there are lots of work to be done. Reasons to the setback is many including investment crunches, not adopting to sustainable development practices in development projects, lack of coordination among departments to adhere to the SDGs, among others. To achieve the goals, not only the govts but the citizens also have to start acting responsibly. What are your visions and plans to address the shortcomings after assuming the post? We are focusing on engaging with more stakeholders in coming days. Our stakeholders are the state govts, union govts, corporate and PSUs. We are also planning to establish four or five regional hubs across the country to ensure better coordination, capacity building with the states. We are also planning to form goal-based sub committees for better monitoring on implementation of the SDGs. Apart from this, UNGCNI is going to target more MSMEs for strengthening our partnerships. How do you think your association with UNGCNI is going to benefit Jharkhand? As I said, we are focusing on building partnerships with various entities and sensitising them more on adhering to the SDGs, which will prove to be beneficial for Jharkhand and the country as well. How can commoners contribute to achieving the SDGs? We all can contribute towards achieving the goals through responsible consumption. Natural resources are limited, we have to make sure how responsibly we consume. For example, while taking a bath, if we use a bucket instead of a shower, we will be able to lower the burden on the planet to a great extent.
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Sustainability conference in Germany urges action despite conflicts
A major conference on sustainability and development opened in the northern Germany city of Hamburg on Monday, as participants warned that global environmental issues are being sidelined by conflicts. Around 1,600 people from some 110 countries are expected to attend the Hamburg Sustainability Conference, which is centred on the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The two-day event, first held last October, is being jointly organized by the German Development Ministry and the UN Development Programme (UNDP) along with local foundations. Hamburg Mayor Peter Tschentscher said "in recent years, the world has changed." "Crisis, wars, and conflicts increasingly overshadow the focus on climate change and the global pressures on nature and the environment," he argued. Tschentscher said the SDGs "aim to give 8 billion people worldwide a good life and a secure future with access to education, to health, participation, peace, security, and prosperity." "Implementing this is a mandate and a great responsibility for the international community of states, because global developments can only be achieved through cooperation and joint efforts," the mayor added. UNDP head Achim Steiner admitted that "the world has not exactly moved forward" since the last conference in October, and that "this is not a good moment to encourage people to believe in the scope, value, and potential of international cooperation." "My hope is that here, out of Hamburg, out of this Hamburg Sustainability Conference, emerges a new way to actually think about the future and not only to think, but to act on it," Steiner added.
Kuwait Times
05-05-2025
- Health
- Kuwait Times
Chronic disease is a global challenge - Dr Khalid Al-Saleh
Chronic disease is a global challenge Chronic or non-communicable diseases - namely cardiovascular diseases, cancer, chronic respiratory illnesses and diabetes - are among the leading causes of death globally. These conditions, which develop over long periods, are responsible for over 60 percent of all deaths worldwide, claiming approximately 36 million lives annually, including nearly a quarter of victims under the age of 60. Recognizing the gravity of this threat, world leaders convened in New York in September 2011 and adopted a political declaration to address the growing burden of chronic diseases. The World Health Organization followed with a global action plan for 2013–2020. However, by the end of the decade, it became evident that most countries had not fulfilled their commitments. In response, the global community adopted the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015, aiming for completion by 2030 - a target that now also appears at risk. Each country's response reflects its regard for the health and dignity of its people. Some nations have demonstrated earnest dedication, allocating resources and mobilizing efforts to implement international recommendations. Others have made partial progress, while some have produced plans on paper with little action on the ground. A few remain indifferent, disengaged from the collective responsibility to address this global crisis. A critical question The Gulf plan to combat chronic diseases was unveiled in Kuwait during the GCC Health Ministers' meeting in January 2014. That moment presented a promising opportunity for GCC nations to align with global health advancements. Unfortunately, the region, including Kuwait, has missed several opportunities to demonstrate a firm commitment to public health. Kuwait has established the Higher Committee for Chronic Diseases and maintains an active Chronic Diseases Department, along with the IMAN Network, which plays a vital role in surveillance, monitoring and evaluation - key pillars of the international framework. Despite these efforts, challenges persist. Financial backing for chronic disease initiatives remains insufficient. The implementation of recommendations often lacks the necessary flexibility and support. However, notable progress has been made in preventive measures. The Nutrition Department's efforts to reduce salt intake, the CAN campaign's cancer awareness programs, and breastfeeding promotion initiatives by the Mother and Child Welfare Department all serve as commendable examples. Kuwait has also taken important steps in healthcare provision, particularly with the establishment of a palliative care center - an essential service that supports the goals of sustainable health development. While the center faces administrative and staffing challenges, it fills a significant gap in the country's healthcare landscape. Positive cooperation is also evident among the Primary Care, Dental and Nursing departments and the CAN campaign, which have jointly trained physicians in cancer screening and early detection. The Diabetes Center, recently accredited as a regional reference facility, requires further support, and cancer treatment services must be upgraded with advanced technologies to keep pace with rapid medical developments. Kuwait thus finds itself at a crossroads - with promising indicators and significant gaps. To advance, the Chronic Diseases Department and the Supreme Committee need dedicated budgets, empowered teams and clear performance metrics to monitor progress in alignment with the national strategy. Effective action demands a structured framework, flexible planning and a culture of accountability. If Kuwait's administrative institutions rise to the occasion, the country - and others in the region following similar paths - could join the ranks of global health leaders by 2030. But without serious commitment, we risk falling behind - not the worst globally, but certainly far from the best. True leaders do not measure progress by those trailing behind, but by aspiring toward the top. Let us hope that by 2030, Kuwait and its Gulf counterparts will be counted among the nations that chose to lead, not follow, in the global fight against chronic disease.
Time of India
01-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
‘Green Washing'
Past President of ICAI and Consultant in Non-Financial Reporting & Sustainable Finance Lloyds Banking Group Misleading Ads (UK, 2024) 'We're committed to supporting the energy transition, by continuing to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and putting the weight of our finance into clean and renewable energy. We use 100% renewable energy to power our buildings. We're aiming to halve our own energy consumption by 2030.' These ads were banned by the UK regulator for presenting a misleading picture. While promoting green initiatives, the bank omitted its continued investments in fossil fuels. Shell (Singapore, 2023) Shell was fined $130 million by the Monetary Authority of Singapore for falsely claiming net-zero carbon operations while still investing heavily in fossil fuels. Green Washing refers to the practice of making vague, irrelevant, or misleading environmental claims that exaggerate a company's commitment to sustainability. Many global and multinational companies make lofty promises but deliver very little, thereby misleading stakeholders and manipulating regulatory requirements in their respective countries. Context and Global Action Global warming has emerged as a critical global issue, prompting world leaders to take collective action to reduce carbon emissions and safeguard our planet—Mother Earth—from further environmental damage. In 2015, the United Nations introduced the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a blueprint for a sustainable future. The Paris Agreement set a global target of limiting temperature rise to 1.5°C, necessitating a 45% reduction in emissions by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. India, aligning with these international efforts, has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. These initiatives reflect a unified global resolve to combat climate change and secure a sustainable future for coming generations. Examples of Greenwashing: H&M (2022) : Investigated in the Netherlands for unclear sustainability labels. Removed terms like 'Conscious Choice' and donated €400,000 to sustainable causes. HSBC : Ads banned for promoting climate action while financing fossil fuel projects. Coca-Cola : Accused in the US and EU of overstating recyclability. LA County filed a lawsuit in 2024. Volkswagen : Post-Dieselgate, claimed zero-emission vehicles while heavily investing in fossil fuels. Settled multiple lawsuits and paid billions in penalties. Shell : Misleadingly categorized fossil fuel spending as renewable investments. Ads were ruled misleading by the UK ASA. Delta Airlines : Called itself the 'world's first carbon-neutral airline' based on questionable offsets. Sued in California in 2023. Luton Airport (UK, 2024) : Ads claiming environmental responsibility failed to include flight emissions, and were banned. TotalEnergies (South Africa, 2024) : Found guilty of misleading ads while continuing carbon-intensive projects. Recent Developments A 2025 study in Nature from Dartmouth linked emissions to economic damages, showing that heat-related damages from 111 companies cost the world $28 trillion (1991– 2020). Indian Context: India, from ancient times, has embodied sustainability and environmental harmony. Indians have long revered nature—worshipping trees, rivers, seas, and animals as gods and goddesses. The Earth is respected as 'Mother Earth,' and the country is seen as 'Bharat Mata.' Trees are cared for deeply, as they provide life-giving oxygen and absorb harmful CO2. While industrialization and population growth have shifted some focus toward economic development, environmental stewardship remains strong. Government bodies, NGOs, foundations, and citizens actively work to protect the environment. Tree-planting initiatives are widely promoted to restore ecological balance. A recent campaign by the Government of India, titled 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam,' has led to the planting of 1.4 billion trees within a year—demonstrating the country's environmental commitment. These efforts position India as a capable and credible leader in the ESG (Environment, Social & Governance) space. Regulatory Landscape Environment Regulators across the Globe has developed Non Financial Reporting Framework like GRI,TCFD,ISSB,SASB,CDP, EU CSRD & B Corp and are very vigil and enforcing Corporates to follow the deadlines by making them accountable In India also SEBI has mandated BRSR (Business Responsibility & Sustainability Reporting) on top 1000 listed Corporates depending on their market the same time they need some parts of 9 principles of NGRBC (National guidelines of responsible business conduct which are part of BRSR) Assurance from third they are not very effective as no penal provisions has been prescribed so far for non-compliances. RBI too has published Discussion Paper on 'Climate Risk and Sustainable Finance' on 27th July 2022 in this regard. Recently Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change has proposed Greenhouse Gas Emission reduction targets for aluminium companies and sought inputs from stakeholders. ICAI (Institute of Chartered Accountants of India) has also established Sustainability Reporting Standard Board in 2020 which has formulated Sustainability Reporting Standards alongwith Certificate Courses on Non Financial Reporting. Takeaways India needs a unified non-financial reporting framework for listed companies. A Central ESG regulator is essential. Professionals have emerging practice opportunities in ESG and non-financial assurance. References: UN News, 2022: Ethical Consumer: https:// environmental-crisis Marketing Beat, 2024: https:// greenwash Economic Times: forest-and-climate-change Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Disclaimer Views expressed above are the author's own.
