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SUSTAINABLE MARKETS INITIATIVE UNVEILS SUPPORT TO COMMONWEALTH MEMBER STATES AT CHOGM

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In support of His Majesty King Charles III’s visits to Australia and Samoa, for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), SMI launches further support for Commonwealth Member States

  • Pacific Hub launched in Australia to enhance alignment of industry, finance and country efforts to accelerate delivery on global climate and biodiversity targets.
  • Marine Mangrove Sanctuary launched in partnership with SpaceX and Rotary International in Samoa to restore mangrove ecosystems, mitigate sea level rise, increase community connectivity and preserve cultural heritage for future generations.
  • Private Sector Training Programme for government officials extended to enhance public-private partnerships and project delivery in the Commonwealth.
  • SMI’s Impact Accelerator, along with a recommendation to establish High-Level Climate Investment Authorities, launched to provide end-to-end support for governments to develop industry partnerships and investment ready projects aligned with sustainable transition. 
  • The SMI’s Nature-Risk Tool, developed by AECOM, has been made available to all Commonwealth member states to assist them in assessing Nature-risks associated with physical infrastructure and urban planning.
  • The Natural Capital on African Governments’ Balance Sheets Initiative launched to explore making natural capital assets as a core component of national balance sheets.

APIA, Samoa, Oct. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — In the presence of His Majesty King Charles III, as well as leaders from the Commonwealth as part of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting’s Business Forum, the Sustainable Markets Initiative (SMI) has launched several initiatives to further enhance its commitment and support to Commonwealth Members States.

  • Pacific Hub: Connecting SMI’s global CEOs with CEOs and climate leaders in Australia, the SMI launched its Pacific Hub to enhance alignment of industry, finance and country efforts to accelerate delivery on global climate and biodiversity targets.
  • Marine Mangrove Sanctuary: In collaboration with Rotary International and Space X, the SMI is launching a Marine Mangrove Sanctuary in Samoa to restore and maintain the mangrove ecosystem, mitigating sea level rise and preserving cultural heritage.
  • Private Sector Training Programme: SMI introduces a climate-based training programme for government officials in Commonwealth Member States. This programme will support the delivery of climate and biodiversity-related projects and the implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions.
  • Impact Accelerator:  SMI launches its Impact Accelerator for Commonwealth Member States which provides end-to-end support for Governments to develop industry partnerships and investment ready projects aligned with sustainable transition.  The SMI further recommends establishing High-level Climate Investment Authorities within governments to better coordinate and crowd-in private sector support and investment.
  • Nature Risk Tool: SMI’s Nature Risk Tool, developed by AECOM, will now be available to all Commonwealth nations to assess the impact of infrastructure on local biodiversity globally.
  • The Natural Capital on African Governments’ Balance Sheets Initiative was launched as an institutional investor-public partnership, led by the SMI Africa Council. This initiative aims to embed Nature as an investable asset class.

Jennifer Jordan-Saifi M.V.O., CEO of the Sustainable Markets Initiative, emphasised the urgency of these initiatives: “It is an honour to be in Samoa for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). Being welcomed into the community of Nono’a Saleimoa to launch their Mangrove Sanctuary, we saw first-hand how Pacific communities are on the front lines of climate change and biodiversity loss. With future generations in mind, we also saw the passion of community members for restoring harmony with Nature.  The SMI is delighted to bring private sector CEOs together with Commonwealth governments at CHOGM, and through our new Pacific Hub, to accelerate practical, scalable actions that advance a genuinely sustainable future for all.”

Recognizing the importance of biodiversity restoration across the Commonwealth, Dr Hubert Danso, Co-Chair of the SMI Africa Council, highlighted that Africa’s natural capital forms the backbone not only of our economies, but also of global business models and societies. To protect and expand this value, we must invest at scale in our ecosystems. Through mandate-aligned institutional investor-public partnerships with governments, we can unlock risk and Nature-adjusted returns, that drive benefits for Nature, people and planet.  Through these efforts we aim to demonstrate that what’s good for Africa and the world, can also create sustainable value for investors.”

Pacific Hub

The new SMI Pacific Hub, is the latest addition to the Sustainable Markets Initiative’s regional engagement activities, joining a cohort of five other Hubs and Councils including North America, Africa, China, India, and Greece.  As part of its regional and country approach, the Pacific Hub will provide a forum for CEOs to look more practically at sustainability efforts across industry and finance while exploring how the region’s private sector is actively working with governments to support Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and biodiversity targets in the region.

Marine Mangrove Sanctuary

The Sustainable Markets Initiative announces the Marine Mangrove Sanctuary in collaboration with Rotary International and SpaceX. The sanctuary in Nono’a Saleimoa, Samoa will restore and maintain the mangrove ecosystem to mitigate the onset of sea level rise.  Starlink will enable project leads to record, in real-time, key data points regarding the progress of the project such as: number of mangrove seedlings planted, growth of seedlings, time spent planting and maintaining the site, and general updates from site visits. The project demonstrates the value of remote access connectivity to support underserved and remote communities across the Commonwealth. The SMI’s partnership with Starlink includes a focus on rapidly scaling support for Nature-capital and post-disaster monitoring.

Government Training Programme

The Sustainable Markets Initiative will now offer Commonwealth Member States access to its highly successful Government Training Programme, which has so far had over 800 participants from over 85 countries register worldwide. The programme has convened subject matter experts from across the public and private sectors along with non-governmental organisations to develop climate-based training that can help support government officials (and others) responsible for delivering and developing climate-related projects and the implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

SMI Impact Accelerator and High-Level Climate Investment Authority

The SMI also offers support through its Impact Accelerator.  The private sector is ready to mobilize capital, however to date there is a limited pipeline of “investment-ready” projects. The Sustainable Markets Initiative strives to fill this gap by offering end-to-end support for project development, industry partnerships and capacity building.  Recognizing the urgency and complexity of public-private partnerships for transition, we strongly recommend that High-Level Climate Investment Authorities (HCIA) be established to offer an empowered and coordinated docking point that is focused on private sector partnerships and capital mobilization.  The SMI has a range of guidance available on how to best establish these HCIAs.

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SMI Nature Risk Tool

The Sustainable Markets Initiative has recently launched its SMI Nature Risk Tool and is now offering it to all Commonwealth Member States.  The SMI Nature Risk Tool recognizes that infrastructure development often leads to habitat loss, biodiversity decline, pollution, and increased greenhouse gas emissions. Powered by AECOM, and using datasets from the Taskforce for Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD), the SMI Nature Risk Tool enables infrastructure investors and promoters to analyse any piece of land globally, providing expert-reviewed descriptions of the location’s habitat and biomes early in the site selection process.

About The Sustainable Markets Initiative

Founded by His Majesty King Charles III in 2020, then the Prince of Wales, the Sustainable Markets Initiative has become the world’s ‘go-to’ private sector organisation on transition.  Launched in 2021, the Terra Carta serves as the Sustainable Markets Initiative’s mandate with a focus on accelerating positive results for Nature, People and Planet through real economy action.  Complementing the Terra Carta, the Astra Carta was launched in 2023 to support a default sustainable approach to space while leveraging space resources for sustainability on Earth.  Read more: www.sustainable-markets.org

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ALUMINIUM CHINA 2025: Celebrating 20 Years of Collective Achievements and Embracing a New Chapter

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SHANGHAI, Nov. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The 20th ALUMINIUM CHINA will take place from July 9-11, 2025, at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC). Organized by RX China, the event will feature over 600 diverse exhibitors showcasing the entire aluminium industry chain. With the theme “Aspirational•Limitless•Unique: 20 Years of Excellence,” the exhibition will span over 60,000㎡ and expects more than 30,000 global professionals. Exciting activities throughout the year will foster international exchange, business cooperation, and celebrate innovation and development in the aluminium sector.

A Year Full of Engagements and Innovations

To mark its twentieth anniversary, ALUMINIUM CHINA will launch various activities aimed at fostering industry connections and showcasing achievements.

  • Exclusive Visits to Top Enterprises

Leading up to next year’s exhibition, the “Visits to Leading Aluminium Enterprises” initiative will offer site visits to prominent companies in the aluminium processing sector. Through tailored one-on-one discussions, this initiative will spotlight the noteworthy accomplishments of these leading enterprises in advancing the aluminium industry. Their invaluable experiences and inspiring growth stories will be shared alongside the exhibition.

  • Dazzling Array of Events

Building on the success of multiple “Exploring Application Industries” events over the past year, which garnered widespread acclaim, the focus remains sharp in 2025, as 2025 marks the 20th anniversary of the exhibition. Efforts will intensify in exploring key application markets such as automotive, packaging, home appliances, 3C electronics, solar photovoltaics, and energy storage. Notable representatives and experts will participate, creating a diverse platform for industry exchange and learning, featuring thematic reports, supply-demand matching, product displays, roundtable discussions, and closed-door meetings.

  • Recognizing Industry Achievements

In the flourishing landscape of the aluminium processing industry over the last two decades, numerous innovative technologies and superior products have emerged, fostering high-quality sectoral growth. To set industry standards and promote healthy development, ALUMINIUM CHINA is proud to introduce the “ALU FUTURE Awards.” This prestigious accolade aims to honor exceptional contributions from enterprises and individuals in the aluminium sector, spanning categories such as the Application Innovation Award, Craftsmanship Award, and Honorary Award for Quality Partners.

  • Enhancing Global Connection Initiatives

Capitalizing on years of amassed international resources, ALUMINIUM CHINA is poised to strengthen initiatives aimed at connecting with overseas markets. By empowering enterprises to reach global markets, a series of activities including overseas market research, trade matchmaking and high-level meetings will be orchestrated in foreign countries and regions. Furthermore, collaborations with international industry associations will be strengthened, spotlighting guest country of honor activities and other international features at the grand 20th-anniversary exhibition.

  • Bridging Industry, Academia, and Research

ALUMINIUM CHINA have meticulously outlined a series of industry-academia-research activities. The specially curated “Innovation Achievements Showcase” will illuminate aluminium material research outcomes from universities and research institutions, showcasing high-performance aluminium alloys and environmentally friendly aluminium-based composites. Attendees will have a unique opportunity to interact closely with cutting-edge technology and witness the allure of innovation. Furthermore, the grand “Empowering Industries of the Future: Aluminium Innovation and Development Symposium” is scheduled, inviting distinguished scholars and industry experts from globally renowned universities to engage in profound dialogues on breakthroughs in aluminium materials research and emerging trends.

Two Decades of Continuous Growth

Since its inception in 2005, ALUMINIUM CHINA quickly emerged as a cornerstone for industry professionals worldwide.  During its early years (2005-2009), the exhibition expanded across various segments of the aluminium processing chain, steadily increasing exhibitors and attendees, surpassing 10,000 visitors. Strategic collaborations with domestic and international associations bolstered its reputation as a premier platform for communication.

From 2010-2014, ALUMINIUM CHINA solidified its role in connecting China’s aluminium sector with the global market. Attendance continued to grow as the exhibition welcomed professionals from over 60 countries, facilitating crucial discussions on market trends and technological innovations.

The subsequent five years saw continued growth, with approximately 400 exhibitors attracting over 24,000 visitors by 2019. ALUMINIUM CHINA emphasized “Technological Innovation for the Future,” showcasing cutting-edge applications of aluminium in sectors such as automotive lightweighting, packaging and consumer electronics through specialized exhibits. Notable collaborations, including featuring “India as the Guest Country of Honor” and “Thailand as the Guest Country of Honor,” opened new avenues for international exchange, enabling domestic companies to engage on a global scale.

Despite unprecedented global challenges during 2020-2024, ALUMINIUM CHINA introduced innovative solutions like online livestreaming and year-round business matchmaking. These adaptations ensured that over 600 exhibitors could connect with 29,000+ professionals from over 100 countries by 2024. The commitment to promoting sustainability was evident through initiatives supporting green practices within the industry.

The celebration of its 20th anniversary marks a momentous milestone for both the event and the enduring growth of the industry. For further insights into ALUMINIUM CHINA, please visit their official website at https://www.aluminiumchina.com/en-gb.html or Facebook page @Aluminium China.

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ARRAY Innovation Celebrates Landmark Success at Gateway Gulf with Three Major Partnership Deals

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MANAMA, Bahrain, Nov. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — ARRAY Innovation, the Bahrain-based leader in AI, enterprise software, and cloud solutions, proudly celebrated a milestone at Gateway Gulf 2024. During the event, organized by the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) in the Kingdom of Bahrain, ARRAY signed strategic agreements with Bahraini organizations: Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba), National Bank of Bahrain (NBB), and the Labour Fund (Tamkeen), highlighting ARRAY’s commitment to digital transformation.

ARRAY Chairman, Mr. Khalid Taqi, commented, “Our collaborations with Alba, NBB, and Tamkeen underscore ARRAY’s dedication to Bahrain’s digital transformation journey. We are committed to delivering technology solutions that support local enterprises in sustainable growth and operational excellence.”

“ARRAY’s mission is to develop advanced enterprise software and AI solutions that create high-value jobs for Bahrainis. Our latest agreements with leading Bahraini organizations reflect our vision to positively impact the Bahraini enterprises and communities,” said Alaa Saeed, ARRAY Founder & CEO.

ARRAY’s partnership with Alba focused on AI, data analytics, and automation solutions, driving operational excellence and cost reduction. “Our strategic collaboration with ARRAY marks a significant step towards positioning Alba as a technology-driven industry leader. This partnership will not only advance our Industry 4.0 journey, driving operational excellence, but also aligns with Bahrain Economic Vision 2030 by investing in local talent,” said Alba’s Chairman of the Board, Mr. Khalid Al Rumaihi.

ARRAY’s partnership with the National Bank of Bahrain (NBB) aims to enhance NBB’s technology infrastructure with advanced Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Generative AI. The collaboration will deliver actionable insights, optimize operations, and improve customer experience. “By integrating the latest in artificial intelligence, we are positioned to drive our digital transformation forward, delivering solutions that enrich our customers’ banking experience. Our partnership with ARRAY Innovation underscores our focus on modern technology to reinforce Bahrain’s leadership in financial ingenuity,” said NBB Group CEO Mr. Usman Ahmed.

In its agreement with Tamkeen, ARRAY will develop an AI-powered job-matching solution boosting Bahrain’s economic growth through strategic private sector alignment. Her Excellency Ms. Maha Abdulhameed Mofeez, Chief Executive of Tamkeen, highlighted, “By enhancing both internal and external operations through this partnership, we aim to maximize the impact of our initiatives and increase opportunities for Bahraini talent within the private sector.”

These landmark agreements underscore ARRAY’s role as a trusted partner in Bahrain’s digital transformation, empowering organizations to drive efficiency and growth aligned with Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030.

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FII8 Day Three Ends with $70 Billion in Deals Announced

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RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Nov. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The Future Investment Initiative (FII) Institute wrapped up Day 3 of its 8th annual gathering in Riyadh, with an “Investment Day” under the theme of “Infinite Horizons: Investing Today, Shaping Tomorrow.” Leaders, investors, and innovators explored avenues to drive impactful investment in emerging markets, venture capital, and sustainable growth strategies, setting the stage for the future of global finance and economic development.

Richard Attias, CEO of the FII Institute, commented on the day’s events: “Today’s discussions underscored the power of targeted investments to transcend traditional boundaries, creating opportunities in markets that promise to shape the next economic era. Our collective focus on deploying capital with long-term vision and sustainability will guide us as we navigate an ever-changing landscape.”

Standout Moments from FII8 Day 3:

1.         Opening Remarks by H.E. Faisal F. Alibrahim

H.E. Faisal F. Alibrahim, Minister of Economy & Planning for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia opening remarks set the tone for the day, emphasizing the role of investment in Saudi Arabia’s economic transformation under Vision 2030, highlighting non-oil growth as pivotal for future diversification.

2.         Panel on Alternative Asset Growth in Emerging Markets

Key insights were shared during a session featuring H.E. Mohammed El-Kuwaiz, Chairman, Capital Market Authority (CMA); Rishi Kapoor, Vice Chairman & CIO, Investcorp; Chip Kaye, Chairman, Warburg Pincus LLC which focused on new frontiers in alternative asset growth. This panel explored trends driving investments in emerging economies, spotlighting regions set to lead the next growth phase.

3.         Capital Allocators Roundtable

A high-level discussion gathered influential leaders to discuss 2024’s projected impact for alternative assets and the diversification trends shaping institutional portfolios. The roundtable featured a diverse array of experts, including institutional investors, and thought leaders, all sharing insights on how alternative investments are becoming crucial in navigating economic uncertainties.

4.         Venture Capital Hotspots: Catalysts for Disruption

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In this session, the panel explored the evolving landscape of innovation funding, with a particular emphasis on developments in burgeoning markets like Saudi Arabia.

5.         Health Humanity Initiative

In a global effort to secure a healthier future for all, FII Institute launched the Healthy Humanity Initiative inviting over 100 corporations, 10 health insurance companies insurers and governments from the Global South and North to join the movement to impact lives by providing free preventive health checkups for citizens every two years, waive up to 50% in health bills and ensure tax-free benefits. So far, this initiative has garnered support from Saudi Health in All Policies (HIAP), Claure Group, Moderna, Merck GCC, ⁠Ausmed Global, ⁠Qi Ming Venture Partners, ⁠Burjeel Holdings, SCAI, CURA, Genrait and Cleveland Clinic.

6.         Health Longevity Compass

The FII Institute presented findings from the Healthy Longevity Compass, which surveyed 22,600 respondents across 21 countries in partnership with The McKinsey Health Institute. The study revealed that 70% of individuals aspire to adopt healthier living habits, yet 43% in developing countries are dissatisfied with access to nutritious food. Read the Full Report Here.

7.         Investment Day

FII8 Investment Day launched a dynamic new chapter for the entrepreneurial ecosystem, transforming bold visions into actionable solutions that drive progress. At the inaugural global program hosted by FII Institute, five start-up companies showcased their cutting-edge tech solutions tackling world’s most pressing global challenges in artificial intelligence and robotics, sustainability, health and education. Among the innovators were: Oxccu, Sakuu, Beyond-Aero, Archireef and Bytelearn.

In the finale, Sakuu emerged as the winner and was crowned FII8 Innovator 2024. Each participating company received 2025 FII Institute complimentary membership and access to the FII Venture Program – powered by General Atlantic and Lakestar. This comprehensive support system is designed to accelerate their growth, offering unparalleled opportunities for market expansion, knowledge sharing and global visibility. Additionally, the innovative start-ups are eligible for a market expansion package providing over $10 million in financing grants and startup support. They may also benefit from soft landing program through NTDP (Saudi Arabia) and Hong Kong Science and Technology Park.

8.         Closing Remarks by H.H. Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, KSA Minister of Foreign Affairs. H.H. Prince Faisal emphasized the importance of global citizenship in addressing today’s pressing issues. He highlighted that collaboration across nations is vital for tackling conflicts, climate change, health crises, and economic disparities.

9.          Announcements: During the four days of the FII8 conference, over 30 plus announcements worth 70 billion dollars were made that focused on promoting sustainable development and innovative solutions for humanity. Additionally, strategic partnerships were established highlighting collaboration across various sectors, including technology, quality of life, and innovation.

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As FII8 wrapped up, the narrative of a united front for positive change was clear. The collective voices of leaders and innovators echoed the sentiment that the future is not just a vision; it’s a movement we are all part of Day 3 at FII8 demonstrated the Institute’s commitment to connecting capital with impactful initiatives, further strengthening the global investment landscape. The FII Institute continues its mission of fostering sustainable and forward-looking investments that empower change across diverse geographies.

For media inquiries, please contact: [email protected]

About FII Institute

The Future Investment Initiative (FII) Institute is a global non-profit foundation driven by data with an investment arm and one agenda: Impact on Humanity. Global and inclusive, we foster great minds from around the world and turn ideas into real-world solutions in four critical areas: Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Robotics, Education, Healthcare and Sustainability.

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