Fintech PR
Capacity-building Alliance of Sustainable Investment (CASI) Launched at COP28
DUBAI, UAE, Dec. 5, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Ma Jun, President of the Beijing-based Institute of Finance and Sustainability (IFS) and former Co-Chair of the G20 Sustainable Finance Working Group (SFWG), together with representatives from six other founding members, launched the Capacity-building Alliance of Sustainable Investment (CASI) today at COP28. Representatives from over 20 CASI members and partners joined the launch ceremony held in AIIB Pavilion.
As of now, 42 Chinese and global institutions, including financial firms, financial associations, NGOs, service providers and universities have joined CASI as members.
CASI, initiated by the IFS, is an international cooperation platform aiming to deliver high quality and high impact sustainable finance capacity building services to Emerging Markets and Developing Economies (EMDEs). CASI’s learning programs, including face-to-face training programs and e-learning products, aim to attract an audience of 100,000 people by 2030.
“The demand for sustainable investment is huge in EMDEs, but most of these economies are yet to put in place the key elements of a green financial system. A key barrier to mobilizing sustainable finance in much of the Global South is the lack of ‘green’ capacity with various stakeholders, including governments, financial institutions, service providers and project owners. CASI will serve as a global aggregator and distributor of sustainable finance knowledge for EMDEs,” said Ma.
“Capacity building is a key enabler for wider adoption of the IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards, especially in emerging markets and developing economies. The ISSB looks forward to working with CASI, via its network of sustainable finance stakeholders, in delivering capacity building for effective sustainability disclosure,” said Faber Emmanuel, Chairman of the ISSB.
Eddie Yue, Chief Executive of HKMA, said “EMDEs are facing steep pathways to meet their sustainable development goals, requiring substantial investment. The HKMA Infrastructure Financing Facilitation Office looks forward to working with CASI on leveraging Hong Kong as a leading green and sustainable finance hub to help strengthen EMDEs’ capacity and meet their financing needs.”
Zhu Jun, Chairwoman of Silk Road Fund, said “The establishment of CASI is another critical progress in promoting sustainable investment in the global south. As a founding member, Silk Road Fund would like to make contributions in terms of project implementation, technical assistance, professional training, seminar organization and knowledge sharing. Let’s join hands and strive for the common goal of green development.”
Surendra Rosha, Co-Chief Executive of HSBC Asia-Pacific, and Group Executive of the HSBC Group said, “The transition to net zero requires finance to be channeled at scale to where it is needed most. The challenge of Asia’s current financing gap is heightened by a lack of technical capability to access and scale up finance. We are pleased to support CASI to help build local technical skills for organisations to secure sustainable financing in emerging markets across the globe.”
Bill Winters, CEO of Standard Chartered Bank, said “CASI demonstrates the value of constructive partnerships to accelerate sustainable investment. This is particularly relevant given our commitment to emerging markets and long-standing presence across Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Sharing our expertise to unlock capacity and aid capital deployment is critical in accelerating future sustainable investment. We are very proud to be involved.”
“As an asset manager, we are pleased to join CASI as a founding member. We firmly believe that enhancing technical capacity in emerging market and developing economies is a key component to increasing the supply of investment opportunities aligned with global net-zero ambitions,” said George Walker, Chairman and CEO of Neuberger Berman.
Margaret Franklin, President and CEO at CFA Institute, said, “Creating sustainable growth is clearly the greatest challenge of our time. It is crucial to develop strong capacity, both at the institutional and individual levels, and we are deeply honored that CFA Institute is furthering our long-time collaboration with the IFS through CASI. Collectively, we can contribute to ensuring strong and sustainable growth by helping build capacity.”
CASI will develop and consolidate educational content in collaboration with its members, tailor them to be more relevant to developing country contexts and deliver them to a larger audience through its network.
CASI’s learning programs will cover topics including green taxonomies, disclosure, financial products, policy incentives, carbon markets and project origination. Programs will be distributed through a variety of means, including online courses, certificate programs, face-to-face training events, and tailor-made courses.
The target audience of the CASI programs include senior professionals from financial regulators and governments, financial institutions, service providers, as well as corporates that need to originate green and bankable projects.
CASI will begin its operations in 2024, with in-person events planned in Asia, Africa, Middle East, and Latin America.
List of CASI Founding Members as of November 2023
- Institute of Finance and Sustainability
- HKMA Infrastructure Financing Facilitation Office
- Silk Road Fund
- HSBC
- Standard Chartered Bank
- Neuberger Berman
- CFA Institute
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/capacity-building-alliance-of-sustainable-investment-casi-launched-at-cop28-302006023.html
PASAY CITY, Philippines, Dec. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The SM Group is approaching the coming year with cautious optimism, encouraged by the continued growth of the Philippine economy.
SM Investments President and Chief Executive Officer Frederic C. DyBuncio said that despite ongoing challenges of peso volatility and higher inflation, the business sector has adapted well.
Consistent demand sustained household spending in the third quarter, with Household Final Consumption Expenditure posting a year-on-year growth of 5.1%, maintaining the same level in the same quarter last year, data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed.
“Any moderation in inflation should trigger a strong confidence rebound. This could create opportunities in consumer-focused sectors in the country and we are poised to cater to these evolving demands,” Mr. DyBuncio said.
To cater to growing demand, SM continues to expand into more underserved areas, contributing to sustainable economic development and collaborating with government stakeholders to enhance access to modern retail, financial services, and integrated property developments.
“By investing and expanding to more areas nationwide, SM creates new markets and improves access to these essential sectors, serving more communities and helping stimulate sustained economic activities,” he said.
Mr. DyBuncio also said SM continues to invest in promising ventures such as renewable energy and logistics, that foster economic activity.
SM has invested in the clean energy industry through Philippine Geothermal Production Company (PGPC) which produces 300 Megawatts of geothermal steam supply. SM aims to continue to develop geothermal concessions through PGPC in support of the Department of Energy’s goal of reaching 50% renewable energy supply by 2040.
To encourage circularity towards green energy production, SM’s property arm, SM Prime Holdings partnered with GUUN Co. Ltd. (GUUN) to implement the Japanese technique of reducing landfill impact. The technology converts non-recyclable and hard-to-recycle packaging into alternative fuel.
SM’s banking arm, BDO Unibank is one of the largest funders of renewable energy projects. BDO has funded PHP898 billion in sustainable finance, including loans to 59 renewable energy projects as of December 2023.
In logistics and tourism, the improvement of transport networks across the country’s archipelago connects tourist and industrial areas that will help create inclusive growth. SM though its subsidiary 2GO launched MV Masigla and MV Masikap in 2024 to help better connect goods to 19 ports across the country including Iloilo, Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro and Manila, further supporting the government’s push for medium term growth through an upgraded tourism infrastructure and ecosystem.
“Our focus for 2025 will be to drive purposeful growth, empowering communities and partners through our investments towards a sustainable future,” Mr. DyBuncio said.
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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/sm-approaches-2025-with-cautious-optimism-302339452.html
TAIPEI, Dec. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — VIVOTEK (3454-TW), the global leading security solution provider, has once again demonstrated its outstanding commitment to sustainability. Participating for the first time in the 17th Taiwan Corporate Sustainability Awards (TCSA), VIVOTEK emerged victorious, earning the Sustainability Report Award for the Information, Communication, and Broadcasting Industry and the Taiwan Corporate Sustainability Excellence Award. These recognitions showcase VIVOTEK’s remarkable success in corporate governance, environmental protection, and social responsibility, affirming its dedication to sustainable growth.
Pioneering Sustainability with Dual Recognition
“For over seven years, VIVOTEK has independently published sustainability reports, actively driving and disclosing our internal sustainability initiatives.” said Allen Hsieh, VIVOTEK’s Spokesperson and Director of the Global Marketing Division. “These awards not only recognize our integrity and efforts in presenting operational performance, environmental data, and social impact but also serve as a strong motivation for us to continue advancing on the path of sustainable development.”
Driving Sustainability through AI Innovation
VIVOTEK delivers advanced AI-powered security solutions built on cutting-edge AI and edge computing technologies. Beyond innovation, the company drives green initiatives, reduces its carbon footprint, and fosters a sustainable, supportive workplace.
Committed to social responsibility, VIVOTEK leads the security industry’s sustainability efforts through its ‘Safety Map’ initiative. For four years, employees have formed security teams to enhance safety in neighborhoods, care centers, and schools with on-site assessments and improvement plans.
In 2024, VIVOTEK will expand its efforts to Hualien’s Dacheng Village, where it will help improve local safety environments and support cultural preservation and tourism revitalization. These actions reflect its dedication to sustainability, community well-being, and lasting societal contributions.
Security Sustainability as a Foundation for Social Impact
VIVOTEK proudly received two prestigious honors at the Taiwan Corporate Sustainability Awards, highlighting its dedication to sustainable practices. These accolades inspire the company to deepen its internal efforts and mark the start of an exciting new chapter.
Building on this achievement, VIVOTEK aims to strengthen its mission of becoming the world’s most trusted smart security brand. By aligning with global market needs and fostering collaboration with customers, partners, and employees, VIVOTEK is committed to shaping a sustainable future founded on mutual trust and shared success.
To learn more about VIVOTEK’s sustainability initiatives, please refer to the 2023 Sustainability Report.
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/vivotek-wins-double-honors-for-its-commitment-to-sustainability-302339223.html
Fintech PR
2024 Global Youth Design Contest on Chinese Characters Themed “Guiyang in Characters” Successfully Concluded
GUIYANG, China, Dec. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — To fully implement the spirit of “carrying forward China’s cultural heritage” and “promoting the creative transformation and innovative development of fine traditional Chinese culture”, the 2024 Global Youth Design Contest on Chinese Characters Themed “Guiyang in Characters”, organized by the Publicity Department of the CPC Guiyang Municipal Committee and hosted by www.huanqiu.com, has successfully concluded on Dec.16. The contest drew thousands of teenagers from both China and abroad, who used cultural empowerment and innovative designs of Chinese characters to narrate and promote Guiyang.
At the “Colorful Guizhou • Literary Plateau” Farming and Reading Event, 59 outstanding works from 26 countries, along with 21 representative pieces from various countries and regions, were showcased. According to the organizing committee of the Global Youth Design Contest on Chinese Characters, “This exhibition serves as both a lasting commemoration of the event and a report to all those who care about the inheritance and promotion of Guiyang and Chinese culture.”
In their submissions, the teenagers selected Chinese characters or phrases they believed best represented Guiyang and reimagined them through innovative designs. Outstanding designs incorporated Guiyang’s iconic architecture and cultural landmarks into Chinese characters to present the city’s urban landscape and historical culture. Some works spotlighted Guiyang’s distinctive cuisine, offering a glimpse into the vibrant and diverse local culinary culture. Some other designs drew inspiration from martial arts villages in Guizhou and featured dragon motifs to symbolize the depth and vitality of Guizhou culture.
Saison from Tajikistan was among the participants in this year’s Global Youth Design Contest on Chinese Characters. Speaking about his design of the Chinese characters, he shared that his design sought to merge the beauty of Chinese characters with the charm of Guiyang. “Guiyang is a captivating place, known for its beautiful scenery, delicious food, and diverse ethnic minorities. I tried to incorporate the beauty of Guiyang into my Chinese character design, hoping to convey the city’s charm and the wonders of Chinese characters through my work.”
The contest officially opened for submissions on September 30. In an effort to boost public engagement and participation, a “cheerleading campaign” was organized for shortlisted works from November 22 to 29. Following expert reviews, 80 outstanding works were ultimately selected for public exhibition.
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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/2024-global-youth-design-contest-on-chinese-characters-themed-guiyang-in-characters-successfully-concluded-302339323.html
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