Press Release
AS STRATEGIC PARTNER FOR COP28 BUSINESS AND PHILANTHROPY CLIMATE FORUM, SUSTAINABLE MARKETS INITIATIVE EXPANDS FOCUS ON INDUSTRY TRANSITION WITH GLOBAL LEADERS TO ALIGN INDUSTRY, FINANCE, AND COUNTRY ROADMAPS
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Sustainable Markets Initiative’s Founder, His Majesty King Charles III, opened the COP28 Business and Philanthropy Climate Forum at reception in Dubai
More than 1,000 private sector CEOs, Heads of State and Philanthropic leaders came together at first-ever Business and Philanthropy Climate Forum, for which the Sustainable Markets Initiative was the Strategic Partner
Industry Transition Initiatives across its Task Forces and Country Engagement
DUBAI, UAE, Dec. 12, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — The Sustainable Markets Initiative, the Strategic Partner to the COP28 Business and Philanthropy Climate Forum (BPCF) helped convene more than a 1,000 CEOs, global leaders, and philanthropists from over 80 countries. The Forum was led by the COP28 Presidency of the United Arab Emirates and held alongside the World Climate Action Summit.
The Forum launched on November 30 with a high-level reception, which was hosted by the COP28 Presidency and the Sustainable Markets Initiative, in the presence of His Majesty King Charles III, the Founder of the Sustainable Markets Initiative. The event highlighted the mission of the Sustainable Markets Initiative, and echoed The King’s vision for Nature, People and Planet on a global stage. The reception also highlighted opening remarks from Brian Moynihan, Chair and CEO of Bank of America, and Chair of the Sustainable Markets Initiative.
The COP28 Business and Philanthropy Climate Forum shared the private sector’s progress and released its Purpose Statement and aims for COP29. Read Purpose Statement.
“The Sustainable Markets Initiative, as a private sector led organisation, has transformed how the global business community convenes at world events like COP28. Our members, as global CEOs from a wide range of industries, and finance, are scaling the sustainable transition and are demonstrating action across their value and supply chains,” said Jennifer Jordan-Saifi, CEO of the Sustainable Markets Initiative. “As the ‘go-to’ private sector organisation on transition, we know it is a business imperative and we must address climate change now, with speed and results. Our member companies, with their global reach, ingenuity, and resources, are helping to bring real world demonstrations of a sustainable transition forward at scale, supporting a path to a more sustainable future.”
Pre-COP28 and COP28 Highlights:
- Terra Carta Seal: 2023 Terra Carta Seal winners were announced November 28. The Seal recognises global companies that are actively leading the charge to create a climate and Nature-positive future. It is awarded to companies which have demonstrated the success of a high-impact, large scale company-wide project, initiative or strategy which aligns with one or more of the Sustainable Markets Initiative’s ten Terra Carta Articles. The 2023 Terra Carta Seal had 17 winners, which span multiple geographies and industries. Press release.
- Terra Carta Design Lab: At the COP28 BPCF, one of the event sessions focused on supporting sustainable innovation. The Sustainable Markets Initiative’s Terra Carta Design Lab was highlighted. This global competition, inspired by its guiding mandate the Terra Carta, invites students to design high-impact solutions to address climate change. Four design schools participating in the program include the Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation, National Institute of Design Ahmedabad, Rhode Island School of Design, and the Royal College of Art. Press release.
- Task Forces: Launched three new Task Forces, Circularity, Fusion, and Technology, Media, and Telecommunications. The Task Forces’ help to build foundational and transformative activities to accelerate the transition.
- Agribusiness Task Force: Launches first-of-its-kind Blended Finance framework to make regenerative farming financially viable for farmers; projects in India, the US and the UK explored to prove concept. Companies call for 10 policy changes which could help to unlock a projected $1.2 trillion that regenerative agriculture can add to the worldwide economy.
- Asset Manager and Asset Owner Task Force: As part of a wider collaboration with the Sustainable Markets Initiative’s Asset Manager and Asset Owner Task Force, the Climate Bonds Initiative mapped the degree of alignment of 13 corporate transition frameworks and highlighted areas where further work and alignment is needed. The project addresses the pressing challenge of navigating through various corporate transition frameworks. The goal is to create a navigator tool that enables financial institutions to orientate their corporate portfolios in a way that is consistent with those frameworks. Read more at the Climate Bonds Initiative webpage.
- Blended Finance Task Force: Along with nine other leading organisations, the Task Force came together to advocate for scaling private capital mobilisation with a Call to Action that launched at COP28. Read more on the UN Environment Programme Finance Initiative website.
- Energy Transition Task Force:
- Launched Decarbonising Industry How-to Guide, which outlines a roadmap to decarbonising three of the hardest-to-abate industries – steel, aluminium, and mining. The guide and the decarbonisation initiatives that it recommends exemplify how cross-industry cooperation can result in strong positive impact and accelerated results.
- Launched Global Grids, Money & Models: Unblocking Investment and Unlocking Africa’s Renewable Energy Future report, which highlights the profound potential that investments in electricity grid networks hold for sub-Saharan Africa. The report provides a strategic blueprint for government and private sector engagement in electric grid development, particularly as transmission projects grow more attractive for investment.
- Health Systems Task Force:
- Health Working Group: In early November launched a Health Working Group in China with the Sustainable Markets Initiative’s China Council.
- Read the Health Systems Task Force November 29 Press Release:
- Members of the Task Force are in advanced discussions with energy providers in China and India to scale renewable power across their supply chains. This is the first time that companies from across the global healthcare sector have come together to pioneer such initiatives in these countries.
- Recognising the importance of a harmonised method to measure and report the environmental impact of medicines and healthcare products, the Task Force worked with the Pharmaceutical Environment Group (PEG) through a newly created consortium and NHS England to support the development of a sector-wide standard for medicines Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). The consortium and NHS England intend to work with the British Standards Institution (BSI) to reach consensus among the sector’s stakeholder groups including healthcare systems, providers and professionals, representative bodies, academics, and patients to establish the standard. An international measurement framework is also being developed to calculate the carbon emissions from different patient care pathways.
- Three new members joined the Health Systems Task Force to contribute broader sectoral expertise.
- Insurance Task Force:
- Global Risk and Resilience Fellowship Program report highlights the inaugural year of the Fellowship, which paired city leaders with a deep understanding of urban resilience challenges, and insurance experts to collaboratively develop solutions that empower cities to build a safe, equitable, and sustainable future. Read more about the initiative.
- Published a report, Insuring a Sustainable Future, which explores the critical role the insurance industry is playing in the growth of clean and emerging technologies, de-risking investment and enabling recovery post climate-related disasters.
- Private Equity Task Force: Launched a Private Markets Decarbonisation Roadmap (PMDR) in collaboration with the Initiative Climat International and Bain & Company. The PMDR helps to support global private markets firms (General Partners or ‘GPs’) with a common language and approach to speak about decarbonisation and drive meaningful progress by disclosing their portfolio’s decarbonisation evolution. To access the PMDR, visit the Bain & Co. webpage. To read the press statement, please visit the Principles for Responsible Investment webpage.
- Sustainable Building Task Force: Launched a paper on Decarbonization in the Built Environment: Addressing Embodied Carbon in mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) systems. The report outlines solutions, challenges, and best practices for reducing embodied carbon in a building’s MEP system – a significant, but often not highlighted, component of a building’s overall emissions.
- Country Engagement: The Sustainable Markets Initiative established a new regional council in Africa, and its China Council launched a Health Working Group. The Sustainable Markets Initiative’s Country Engagement team supports three Country Councils, which focus on supporting private and public sector engagement and collaboration to build momentum for more sustainable actions and accelerate the transition in country.
Notes to editors:
Additional COP28 activities:
RE:TV, a partner to the Sustainable Markets Initiative, had a significant role at the BPCF as it captured leading stories across its member platform and demonstrations of how companies are accelerating the path to low-carbon and net zero solutions.
Sustainable Markets Initiative Showcase: At COP28, the Sustainable Markets Initiative member companies and partners showcased recent demonstrations of progress through a digital storytelling series that highlighted sustainable transition projects, investment, and business activities across the globe. This showcase was highlighted as a successful articulation of real action in motion across the globe at COP28 amongst attendees.
About the Sustainable Markets Initiative
Founded by His Majesty King Charles III in 2020, as 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. Read more: www.sustainable-markets.org
Sustainable Markets Initiative’s Terra Carta
His Majesty King Charles III, as Prince of Wales, launched the Terra Carta at the One Planet Summit in January 2021. The Terra Carta serves as the mandate for the Sustainable Markets Initiative and provides a practical roadmap for acceleration towards an ambitious and sustainable future; one that will harness the power of Nature combined with the transformative power, innovation, and resources of the private sector. The Terra Carta is supported by the 56 members of the Commonwealth, C40 Cities and the United Kingdom’s 13 Core Cities.
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Press Release
New Study Reveals Majority of Indians Prioritize Nutrition Over Taste, Surpassing Global Average
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Based on a recent survey of urban Indian consumers:
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Nine out of 10 consumers are searching for protein-rich food compared to seven out of 10 global shoppers. -
The top four qualities consumers look for when buying snacks are (1) natural, (2) heart-healthy, (3) protein-rich and (4) energy-source, all of which come before satisfying cravings. -
Nuts have emerged as one of the most popular snacking choices, with 86% of Indian shoppers report having purchased them in a span of 6 months. -
Urban Indians read nutrition labels more than the global average, reflecting a growing trend towards informed purchasing. -
69% of urban dwellers surveyed have the opinion that plant-based protein is just as good as meat-based protein, exceeding the global average of 55%.
Wonderful Pistachios, the world’s largest grower and processor of pistachios and distributor of California Pistachios in India, released today, World Nutrition Day, the findings of a new global study that sheds light on the snacking habits of urban Indians. The study, commissioned with Material, a leading global research consultancy, included 10 countries and over 12,400 respondents, revealed a new behavioural trend that urban Indian consumers prioritize nutrition over taste when it comes to snacking. This growing preference for healthy snacking emphasizes the importance of good nutrition for overall well-being.
For the India market specifically, the study delved into the snacking habits of 2,415 shoppers across six Indian cities, which represented a population of approximately 35.9 million consumers. Remarkably, a majority of urban Indians (58%) reported basing their food purchasing decisions on nutritional benefits more than taste, exceeding the global average of 52%. Delhi and Ahmedabad lead with over 60% of urban shoppers preferring nutrition in their food. Bengaluru and Chennai follow closely, indicating a nationwide shift towards smarter snacking preferences. In India, Millennials and Gen Z are leading the charge in health-conscious purchasing decisions, with more than 83% of consumers in these age groups reading nutritional labels before buying.
Indian consumers prioritize four key factors when shopping for nutritional snacks: natural (free of artificial colours and preservatives), heart-healthy, protein-rich, and provides energy. Nine out of 10 urban shoppers consciously seek protein-rich food options, compared to the global average of seven out of 10. The focus on nutrition has fueled the rise of nuts as a preferred snack choice, becoming essential to daily eating habits. The study found a staggering consumption of nuts, with 86% of Indian shoppers report purchasing them in a span of 6 months, compared to just 75% globally. With 6g of protein in per 28g serving, California Pistachios are a smart snack choice that provides benefits without sacrificing taste.
Shail Pancholi, Country Director, India, Wonderful Pistachios, commented on the study, saying, “Nuts were traditionally used as garnishes and consumed during festivals, but have now become a popular snack in India, indicating a notable shift in dietary habits. Pistachio consumption in India has doubled in the last six years, as consumer awareness of the nutritional benefits that pistachios offer has grown. Consumers are discovering that pistachios are naturally cholesterol-free, rich in plant-based protein and dietary fiber, and provide over 30 different vitamins and minerals.”
Interestingly, the study found that nuts are the second most preferred snack among urban Indian consumers, with 64% of Baby Boomers and 59% of Gen Z prioritizing nutrition over taste when selecting food. This indicates a growing focus on health across generations, with Baby Boomers focusing on senior wellness and Gen Z reflecting the rise of mindful purchasing. Though on opposite ends of the age spectrum, these two generations take the lead in seeking protein-rich options, as well as preferring natural snacks.
Mumbai tops most of the consideration sets when choosing a snack. Residents opt for natural ingredients (35% vs. the national average of 30%), heart-healthy options (33% vs. 30%), and protein (33% vs. 29%). Chennai residents look for energy-boosting snacks (31% vs. the national average of 29%).
The fact that 69% of urban Indians surveyed have the opinion that that plant-based protein is just as good as meat-based protein reflects a positive shift towards varied dietary preferences. Pistachios are a good source of high-quality complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids. A 28g serving of pistachios provides 6g of protein, which is 11% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) according to FSSAI.
The Wonderful Pistachios study unveils a compelling shift in Indian snacking habits. Nuts are evolving from festive treats to a daily snacking staple, fueled by a nationwide preference for more nutritious options. The trend transcends generations, resonating with Gen Z and Baby Boomers alike, underscoring the growing importance of mindful eating in urban India. As consumers increasingly seek natural, heart-healthy, protein-rich, and energy-boosting snacks, the future of Indian snacking appears to be firmly rooted in nutrition and well-being.
Wonderful Pistachios
Wonderful® Pistachios is the world’s largest grower and processor of pistachios, with a global presence in over 70 countries. As a vertically integrated operation, they are experts in every step of the process from tree to shelf, ensuring the highest-quality product every time. In tandem with its Grower Partners, Wonderful Pistachios harvests 125,000 sunny acres (50,000 hectares) of land in California that receive warm days and cool nights, which work in harmony with the rich, natural soils to create the perfect growing climate for high-quality pistachios. They ship 600 million pounds (204 million kg) of nuts worldwide from their advanced processing facilities to ensure the highest standards are met. When it comes to pistachios, Wonderful® Pistachios expertise is unmatched in scale and capacity, paired with warehouses and sales teams worldwide that are well-equipped to provide support at every step of the way.
California Pistachios
California Pistachios are grown and distributed by The Wonderful Company, the world’s largest vertically integrated pistachio processor and marketer located in California’s Central Valley. California Pistachios are Non-GMO, providing a smart, healthy choice for consumers around the world. Sun-ripened in the moderate Mediterranean climate of California, these distinctively green nuts pack taste and contain antioxidants and over 30 different nutrients. California Pistachios in India are available under leading brands and private labels at retail outlets, grocery stores, and online platforms.
For more information about California Pistachios India, please visit www.b2b.wonderfulpistachios.com
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SINGAPORE, May 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Senior Minister of State for Communications and Information Tan Kiat How launched the Digital Enterprise Blueprint (DEB) at Asia Tech x Singapore (ATxSG) 2024 today. The Blueprint will enable SMEs to harness technology, optimise the way they work, and strengthen digital resilience and cybersecurity across the ecosystem. 50,000 SMEs are expected to benefit over the next five years through four key focus areas:
- Empower enterprises to be smarter by adopting AI-enabled solutions
- Enable enterprises to scale faster through cloud-based and integrated solutions
- Equip enterprises to be safer through improved cyber resilience
- Support enterprises to upskill workers to make full use of digital capabilities
Seven partners have come onboard to pledge their commitment, including Singapore Business Federation, Singapore Computer Society, SGTech, Amazon Web Services, Google, Microsoft and Salesforce.
In collaboration with IMDA and the TechSkills Accelerator for ITE and Polytechnics Alliance, SGTech is launching the Tech Apprenticeship Programme to expand the career pathways of graduates by providing access to industry apprenticeships that offer on-the-job training and development opportunities. Over the next two and a half years, SGTech aims to facilitate the placement of at least 300 apprentices who are fresh or mid-career professionals from polytechnic or ITE backgrounds, and drive the adoption of similar practices that promote more inclusive hiring and career agility.
IMDA and the Singapore Academy of Law (SAL) signed an MoU aimed at uplifting the legal sector’s productivity through the use of GenAI. As part of this partnership, GPT-Legal, a new large language model which is contextualised for Singapore’s legal sector, will be co-developed. The model will be integrated into SAL’s research platform LawNet, which is accessible by 75% of Singapore’s lawyers. SAL will also be penning an MoU with the National University of Singapore and AI Singapore to develop its AI capabilities and create a certification to recognise AI specialists in the legal profession.
Additionally, Tribe and Digital Industry Singapore announced a collaboration with NVIDIA to launch the Ignition AI Accelerator for AI startups to create and bring to market the next wave of advancement in AI solutions. This programme will nurture 15 high-potential startups, equipping them with well-rounded support covering business and technical needs. NVIDIA and Tribe will also collaborate with EnterpriseSG to offer qualified AI startups funding support through the Startup SG Tech scheme, and assist them through the IMDA Accreditation process.
Singapore hosted the final meeting of the UN Secretary-General’s Artificial Intelligence Advisory Body (AIAB) from 28-29 May. As part of the agenda, Singapore facilitated an engagement session between AIAB and the Digital Forum of Small States (Digital FOSS). Digital FOSS Fellows exchanged views with AIAB members on the topic of AI governance, particularly on the implications and challenges faced by small states. Through such efforts, Singapore aims to promote a more inclusive approach towards shaping global AI and digital governance.
Contact:
atxsg.imda@omnicomprgroup.com
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SHENZHEN, China, May 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — By 2040, the burden of colorectal cancer (CRC) is projected to increase to 3.2 million new cases and 1.6 million deaths per year representing a 66% and 71% rise in new cases and deaths respectively relative to 2020.
To better address the global burden of CRC and reduce its impact, BGI Genomics has launched the second edition of its global CRC awareness report, covering 1,938 respondents from Brazil (306), China (367), Poland (300), Saudi Arabia (300), Thailand (362), and Uruguay (303):
CRC Screening Gaps Vary Globally: Nearly half (49.3%) of global respondents have never undergone CRC screening, with the highest proportions in Saudi Arabia (62.0%) and Poland (61.0%).
Preference for Fecal Testing Over Colonoscopy: Although colonoscopies are more recognized (33.4%), fecal tests at healthcare facilities are preferred (31.8%), reflecting a trend towards non-invasive methods.
Cost and Fear are Determinants of Screening Choice: Fear of colonoscopy (18.2%) and screening costs (17.7%) are major barriers to CRC screening. Poland (24.7%) and Uruguay (21.0%) show the highest fear of colonoscopy, while Thailand (24.5%) and Brazil (20%) indicate the most concern about costs.
Medical Advice and Family History Drive CRC Screening: Doctor’s recommendations are a major driver for CRC screening (30.5% globally), with Uruguay showing the highest adherence (44.1%). Additionally, those with a family history of CRC are more proactive in screening (64.5%), compared to the general population (35.0%).
Prof. Varut Lohsiriwat from Mahidol University offers his insights to this report. He suggested: “The essence of effective cancer screening lies in the acceptance and adherence of the patient to the screening method. The best screening method is the one that the patient accepts and adheres to because that’s the method that will actually benefit them.”
Dr. Zhu Shida, BGI Genomics Deputy GM, notes: “At BGI Genomics, we focused our efforts on developing advanced molecular biology testing techniques to close the gap [between acceptance and accessibility]. The ultimate goal is to transform colorectal cancer from a life-threatening disease into a manageable condition through widespread, early screening and intervention.”
For more region-level comparisons, access the full BGI Genomics 2024 State of CRC Awareness Report.
All data involved in this report come from the results of an online survey project conducted by BGI Genomics. It only surveys awareness related to colorectal cancer and does not involve personally identifiable data.
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New Study Reveals Majority of Indians Prioritize Nutrition Over Taste, Surpassing Global Average
Singapore Prepares Ahead to Leverage Artificial Intelligence for a Better Future
One in Six Globally Concerned About Colorectal Cancer Screening Costs
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