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UN Global Compact and private sector move to accelerate progress on SDGs in Africa

Kampala Declaration calls for scaling up Forward Faster initiative across Africa
KAMPALA, Uganda, April 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — To accelerate progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Africa, the United Nations Global Compact hosted the SDGs Activation Day earlier this week as part of its Forward Faster Now Africa initiative.
The SDG Activation Day served as the private sector space within the 11th Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development (ARFSD-11) held 7-11 April. With the theme, “Moving Forward Faster Now on the SDGs with African Businesses”, the SDG Activation Day brought together CEOs, corporate sustainability professionals, private sector leaders as well as representatives from Governments, policymakers, UN officials and other stakeholders from across Africa for high-level discussions.
With only 17 per cent of SDG targets on track for 2030, the UN Global Compact launched its Forward Faster initiative in 2023 to mobilize ambitious corporate action in high-impact areas: gender equality, living wage, water resilience, climate action and sustainable finance. Forward Faster calls on business leaders everywhere to drive companies to take measurable, credible and ambitious action in 5 areas that have the power to accelerate progress across all 17 SDGs where the private sector can collectively make the biggest, fastest impact by 2030.
Opening discussions, Sanda Ojiambo, CEO and Executive Director of the UN Global Compact, emphasized the critical role of private businesses in achieving the 2030 Agenda:
“To achieve the Africa that we all want, we know that we need forward thinkers – bold private sector leaders committed to working together and alongside Governments and civil society. Our UN Global Compact Forward Faster initiative is designed to guide and support business leaders and companies in areas where the business community is best equipped to scale sustainable business and sustainable development. These companies tell us that joining Forward Faster has helped shape company strategy, increase visibility, and build public trust, as well as get ahead of new regulations.”
The convening highlighted the urgent need for businesses to take action, inspiring participants to raise their ambitions. Through dedicated sessions on gender equality, sustainable finance and living wage, attendees heard tangible examples from leading African companies, facilitating peer learning to share best practices. In each session, attendees explored innovative approaches to enhance private sector engagement in sustainability, especially actions that businesses can take now, without any need for additional resources.
In his remarks, Antonio Pedro, Deputy Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), urged business leaders to act decisively, noting that with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) unlocking the potential of a $3.4 trillion market, the opportunities to harness Africa’s potential are immense if done inclusively and sustainably.
“The private sector is no bystander; it is indispensable to job creation, innovation, and ultimately, prosperity for all Africans,” Pedro said. “We must move beyond visions, declarations, and plans— beyond even conferences—and translate these commitments into concrete action.”
The Kampala Declaration, the outcome document of the ARFSD-11, included a call for incentivizing private sector investments aligned with the SDGs and for scaling up the Forward Faster initiative in Africa to accelerate progress on the SDGs and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
Key discussions on driving SDGs action
On sustainable finance, SDG Activation Day participants discussed how innovative public-private-partnerships (PPPs) can serve as a way to collaboratively create transformative impact. Financial services executives also shared how capital can be mobilized towards the SDGs, sharing learnings on risk management, blended finance and financial inclusion.
During the gender equality session, private sector leaders shared how they were able to move the needle within their organizations through recruitment, retention, procurement and male allyship. On living wages, participants called for cross-sector collaboration—from policy and awareness to research and technical support to ensure fair pay that lifts workers out of poverty and fuels economic growth.
Members of the Africa Business Leaders Coalition (ABLC) highlighted how collective action is a multiplier for impact. Leaders shared how the ABLC has already mobilized nearly 5 billion USD for climate action and centred the importance of promoting women’s economic inclusion with the ABLC Gender Statement.
The ARFSD is an annual inter-governmental and multi-stakeholder platform mandated to review progress in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Agenda 2063, while identifying and promoting interventions to accelerate implementation of the two Agendas, and generating Africa’s regional inputs to the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) and other major national, regional, and global meetings.
The African private sector has embraced the sustainable development agenda and the UN Global Compact now counts more than 1,100 participants in the region. To date, more than 115 companies in Africa have made 585 specific commitments to deliver meaningful progress by 2030. We all call on African businesses of all sizes to commit to one or more forward faster targets. For those who are not yet Global Compact participants, learn more about joining the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative HERE.
About the UN Global Compact
The ambition of the UN Global Compact is to accelerate and scale the global collective impact of business by upholding the Ten Principles and delivering the SDGs through accountable companies and ecosystems that enable change. With more than 20,000 participating companies, 5 Regional Hubs, 63 Country Networks covering 80 countries and 13 Country Managers establishing Networks in 18 other countries, the UN Global Compact is the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative—one Global Compact uniting business for a better world.
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Cognoa Advocates for Expanded Insurance Coverage of Canvas Dx as CDC Reports 1 in 31 Children Now Identified with Autism

Recent CDC data reveals significant regional disparities in autism identification, highlighting the need for standardized, accessible diagnostic approaches nationwide.
PALO ALTO, Calif., April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In response to yesterday’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report revealing that autism spectrum disorder now affects 1 in 31 U.S. children, Cognoa is calling for expanded insurance coverage of evidence-based diagnostic tools to address significant nationwide disparities in timely autism identification.
The CDC’s latest data highlights substantial regional variations in autism diagnosis rates, ranging from 1 in 19 children in California to 1 in 103 in Texas, reflecting inconsistent access to evaluation services and underscoring the urgent need for standardized, accessible diagnostic approaches across all communities.
“These new findings confirm what many healthcare providers and families have experienced firsthand – there is an urgent need for equitable access to early, objective autism diagnosis,” said Dr. Sharief Taraman, pediatric neurologist and CEO of Cognoa. “With research consistently showing better outcomes for children who receive timely support, we must work collectively to remove barriers to early identification.”
Addressing Critical Diagnostic Delays
The current diagnostic pathway often requires families to wait months or even years to receive an autism evaluation from specialists. According to clinical data, the average time from initial concern to diagnosis remains approximately three years – a critical developmental window during which evidence-based interventions can have their greatest impact.
Canvas Dx, developed by Cognoa, is the first FDA-authorized diagnostic aid that enables primary care clinicians to deliver an autism evaluation for children ages 18 months to 6 years, potentially reducing wait times from months to days. This technology supports healthcare providers in making more timely diagnostic decisions, helping families access appropriate support services much sooner.
Collaborative Approach to Improving Access
Cognoa encourages multiple stakeholders to take action to help more children access timely diagnosis:
For Healthcare Providers:
- Consider implementing objective diagnostic aids like Canvas Dx to supplement clinical judgment when evaluating children for developmental concerns
- Discuss available diagnostic options with families who express developmental concerns
For Health Insurers:
- Review coverage policies for FDA-authorized diagnostic aids for autism to ensure alignment with clinical best practices
- Consider the downstream cost savings and improved outcomes associated with earlier intervention and support
For Families:
- Discuss developmental concerns promptly with healthcare providers
- Ask about available diagnostic approaches, including technology-enabled tools that may accelerate the evaluation process
For Policymakers:
- Support initiatives that expand access to timely autism identification in underserved communities
- Consider how Autism CARES Act funds might address diagnostic bottlenecks in the healthcare system
“Early identification and appropriate support can significantly improve developmental trajectories for children on the autism spectrum,” said Dr. Taraman. “Several forward-thinking insurers and Medicaid programs have already recognized the value of covering tools like Canvas Dx, and we encourage others to join them in making early, accurate diagnosis accessible to all families.”
About Cognoa
Cognoa is dedicated to transforming pediatric behavioral health through innovative, AI-powered solutions. Canvas Dx is the first FDA-authorized diagnostic aid enabling primary care clinicians to perform earlier, objective autism evaluations for children ages 18 months to 6 years.
Contact:
Emily Delong
Emily.delong@cognoa.com
+1 650-206-9273
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Wirex Named Finalist at the ICA Compliance Awards Europe 2025

LONDON, April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Wirex, a global leader in digital payments and Web3 money solutions, has been selected as a finalist for the “Compliance Culture Initiative of the Year” at the International Compliance Association (ICA) Compliance Awards Europe 2025.
Wirex’s nomination is a direct result of its strategic investment in a compliance-first culture, supported by an experienced global compliance team and enterprise-grade risk management systems.
Pavel Matveev, Co-Founder of Wirex, commented: “Wirex was founded on the belief that financial freedom should go hand in hand with regulatory responsibility. To meet this aim, we created a compliance culture designed to meet today’s global standards—and to anticipate tomorrow’s. Being named a finalist is a testament to our team’s dedication to building a resilient and trustworthy financial ecosystem.”
With more than 6 million users worldwide and a suite of regulated digital asset services, Wirex continues to set the benchmark for how fintechs can scale responsibly while maintaining rigorous compliance standards.
Dmitry Lazarichev, Co-Founder of Wirex, added: “A strong compliance culture is foundational to any sustainable fintech business. Wirex is confident that we can grow in a safe and sustainable manner with regulatory foresight and a deep respect for the frameworks that protect consumers and institutions alike.”
Wirex is regulated in multiple jurisdictions including the UK, EU, and APAC regions, and holds licenses from the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), and other respected regulators. The company also upholds industry-leading standards in regulatory compliance including within AML, CTF, Sanctions and fraud detection.
“This nomination validates the comprehensive and strategic work we’ve undertaken to strengthen compliance across Wirex’s global footprint,” said Chet Shah, the Global Chief Risk & Compliance Officer at Wirex. “Rather than treating compliance as a back-office function, we’ve embedded it into the fabric of our business—from executive decision-making to product design. Our initiative empowers teams company-wide to understand and champion compliance, helping us operate ethically while enabling innovation at scale. How we manage Risk and Compliance in Wirex is now a competitive advantage.”
Hosted by the ICA, the annual awards celebrate excellence, collaboration, and innovation in the compliance and financial crime prevention sectors. The judging panel comprises some of the most respected figures in the industry, including:
- Lisa Bennett, Legal Compliance Director, Mastercard
- Caroline Braddock, Civil Ethics and Compliance Officer, Rolls-Royce
- Samer Jannoun, Head of Regional Ethics and Compliance Special Oversight, Meta
- Dane Pedro, Presiding Justice and Magistrate, Ministry of Justice, UK
- Chris Watkins, Head of Compliance & ESG, Renewable Power Capital
- Ben Westwood, Head of Compliance & DPO, Motor Insurers Bureau
Winners will be announced during a gala ceremony at the Park Plaza Westminster in London on 26 June 2025.
About Wirex
Wirex is a prominent UK-based digital payments platform with over 6 million customers spread across 130 countries. It offers secure accounts, making it easy for users to store, purchase, and exchange multiple currencies seamlessly. As a principal member of both Visa and Mastercard, Wirex goes beyond traditional services, embracing the evolving trends of Web3 to provide mainstream access to digital finance and wealth management. Having processed transactions totalling $20 billion, Wirex aims to contribute to the adoption of a cashless society by facilitating straightforward transactions in various currencies worldwide. Wirex is simplifying digital payments, making it more accessible and convenient for people across the globe.
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Digital Oilfield Market is expected to generate a revenue of USD 38.09 Billion by 2031, Globally, at 5.31% CAGR: Verified Market Research®

Verified Market Research® a leading provider of business intelligence and market analysis is thrilled to announce the release of its comprehensive and authoritative report on the, “Digital Oilfield Market Size and Forecast,” The Digital Oilfield Market is expanding as energy companies accelerate automation and adopt real-time data systems to improve operational efficiency. However, data security concerns, high implementation costs, and lack of skilled personnel continue to challenge broader adoption across the industry.
LEWES, Del., April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Global Digital Oilfield Market Size is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.31% from 2024 to 2031, according to a new report published by Verified Market Research®. The report reveals that the market was valued at USD 25.18 Billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 38.09 Billion by the end of the forecast period.
The Digital Oilfield Market is witnessing steady growth driven by increasing demand for smart oilfield solutions, growing investments in IoT infrastructure, and the need for efficient oil recovery methods. The market caters to both upstream and midstream oil & gas segments.
Key Highlights of the Report:
- Market Size & Forecast: In-depth analysis of the global Digital Oilfield Market size, forecasted to grow significantly through 2031.
- Segmentation Analysis: Coverage by Application, Solution, Process, and Region.
- Regional Insights: North America leads due to advanced infrastructure and adoption of digital technologies in oilfields.
- Competitive Landscape: Profiles and strategies of key players like Schlumberger, Halliburton, Weatherford, and Emerson Electric.
- Technology Trends: Exploration of IoT, AI, big data, and cloud integration in oilfield operations.
- Challenges Covered: Analysis of cybersecurity risks, implementation barriers, and workforce gaps.
Why This Report Matters?
This report offers decision-makers a detailed look at technological advancements and challenges in the oil & gas sector. It equips B2B buyers, industry strategists, and investors with actionable insights to drive digital transformation in their operations and improve ROI.
Why You Should Read This Report:
- Oil & Gas Companies looking to digitize their operations
- Energy Sector Investors & VCs targeting tech-led ventures
- IT & Automation Firms offering oilfield solutions
- Market Research Professionals tracking industrial digitization
- Government Agencies & Policy Makers focusing on energy innovation
For more information or to purchase the report, please contact us at: https://www.verifiedmarketresearch.com/download-sample?rid=5739
Browse in-depth TOC on “Global Digital Oilfield Market Size“
202 – Pages
126 – Tables
37 – Figures
Report Scope
REPORT ATTRIBUTES |
DETAILS |
STUDY PERIOD |
2021-2031 |
BASE YEAR |
2024 |
FORECAST PERIOD |
2024-2031 |
HISTORICAL PERIOD |
2021-2023 |
UNIT |
Value in USD Billion |
KEY COMPANIES PROFILED |
Weatherford, National Oilwell Varco, Schlumberger, Halliburton, BHGE, ABB, Emerson, Rockwell, Siemens AG, CGG, Kongsberg |
SEGMENTS COVERED |
|
CUSTOMIZATION SCOPE |
Free report customization (equivalent to up to 4 analysts’ working days) with purchase. Addition or alteration to country, regional & segment scope. |
Global Digital Oilfield Market Overview
Market Driver
Rising Demand for Real-Time Data Analytics: The increasing demand for real-time data in upstream oil and gas operations is driving the adoption of digital oilfields. It facilitates predictive maintenance, minimises non-productive time, and enhances decision-making. As organisations pursue operational excellence and data-driven initiatives, real-time analytics solutions are increasingly vital for optimising performance, efficiency, and return on investment in exploration and production activities.
Increasing Focus on Operational Automation: Oil and gas corporations are emphasising automation to diminish operational expenses, enhance safety, and augment production efficiency. Digital oilfield technologies, like AI-driven drilling, automated processes, and remote asset monitoring, are revolutionising conventional procedures. The push for autonomous operations is driving adoption, particularly in areas with developed oilfields and a strategic emphasis on enhancing energy production economics.
Growing Investment in IoT and Cloud Technologies: The amalgamation of IoT devices, sensors, and cloud platforms is transforming oilfield operations. Intelligent fields today depend on interconnected systems for efficient data acquisition, surveillance, and remote management. These technologies facilitate improved decision-making, reduce downtime, and augment asset visibility. As major oil companies spend substantially in digital transformation, the demand for scalable and interoperable digital oilfield systems is experiencing considerable growth.
To Purchase a Comprehensive Report Analysis: https://www.verifiedmarketresearch.com/select-licence?rid=5739
Market RestraintHigh Initial Implementation Costs: Implementing digital oilfield solutions necessitates significant initial investment in IT infrastructure, edge computing, and system integration. Smaller operators may encounter financial limitations, hindering timely adoption. The ROI timeline, coupled with market price volatility, complicates cost justification for enterprises, particularly in areas where capital spending is already closely monitored due to variable oil prices and ambiguous energy policy.
Cybersecurity and Data Privacy Concerns: The heightened digitisation of oilfields renders them more vulnerable to cyberattacks, viruses, and data breaches. Operators are focused on safeguarding essential operating data and preserving system integrity across distant assets. A solitary breach can result in significant downtime or production losses. This risk renders firms prudent, frequently postponing or reducing digital transformation initiatives unless supported by strong cybersecurity standards.
Shortage of Skilled Workforce and Technical Expertise: The use of digital oilfield technologies necessitates specialised knowledge in fields such as artificial intelligence, internet of things, big data analytics, and cloud architecture. A significant number of oil-producing regions are experiencing a talent shortage. While hiring from the outside adds additional expenses, training internal personnel requires both time and resources. The restricted availability of qualified individuals slows down implementation, inhibits solutions from being used to their full potential, and presents a challenge to both the expansion of digital capabilities and the scalability of infrastructure over the long run.
Geographical Dominance
The Digital Oilfield Market is dominated by North America due to the region’s advanced oilfield infrastructure, early acceptance of technology, and significant investments in automation and analytics. The shale boom in the United States and the growing emphasis on improving production efficiency have both contributed to the acceleration of digital integration, which has positioned the region as a centre for innovation. These leading energy companies and technology providers further reinforce North America’s leadership position in the oil and gas industry by pushing digital transformation across the industry.
Key Players
The “Global Digital Oilfield Market” study report will provide a valuable insight with an emphasis on the global market. The major players in the market are Weatherford, National Oilwell Varco, Schlumberger, Halliburton, BHGE, ABB, Emerson, Rockwell, Siemens AG, CGG, Kongsberg.
Digital Oilfield Market Segment Analysis
Based on the research, Verified Market Research has segmented the global market into Application, Solution, Process and Geography.
• Digital Oilfield Market, by Application
o Onshore
o Offshore
• Digital Oilfield Market, by Solution
o Hardware Solution
o Software & Service Solutions
o Data Storage Solutions
• Digital Oilfield Market, by Process
o Safety Management
o Reservoir Optimization
o Production Optimization
o Drilling Optimization
• Digital Oilfield Market, by Geography
o North America
§ U.S
§ Canada
§ Mexico
o Europe
§ Germany
§ France
§ U.K
§ Rest of Europe
o Asia Pacific
§ China
§ Japan
§ India
§ Rest of Asia Pacific
o ROW
§ Middle East & Africa
§ Latin America
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Global Oil and Gas Software Market Size By Software Type (Exploration and Production (E&P) Software, Field Development Software, Production Software, Reservoir Management Software, Drilling and Well Construction Software, Asset Integrity Software, Pipeline Management Software, Supply Chain Management (SCM) Software, Geographic Information System (GIS) Software), By Deployment Model (On-Premises, Cloud-based, Hybrid), By End User (Oil Companies, Gas Companies, Oilfield Services Companies, Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) Companies), By Geography, And Forecast
Top 7 Oil And Gas EPC Companies leading energy projects
Visualize Digital Oilfield Market using Verified Market Intelligence -:
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VMI provides a holistic overview and global competitive landscape with respect to Region, Country, Segment, and Key players of your market. Present your Market Report & findings with an inbuilt presentation feature saving over 70% of your time and resources for Investor, Sales & Marketing, R&D, and Product Development pitches. VMI enables data delivery In Excel and Interactive PDF formats with over 15+ Key Market Indicators for your market.
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Verified Market Research® stands at the forefront as a global leader in Research and Consulting, offering unparalleled analytical research solutions that empower organizations with the insights needed for critical business decisions. Celebrating 10+ years of service, VMR has been instrumental in providing founders and companies with precise, up-to-date research data.
With a team of 500+ Analysts and subject matter experts, VMR leverages internationally recognized research methodologies for data collection and analyses, covering over 15,000 high impact and niche markets. This robust team ensures data integrity and offers insights that are both informative and actionable, tailored to the strategic needs of businesses across various industries.
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