Latest news with #SustainableDevelopmentGoals
Zawya
6 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
Egypt jumps to 9th in global FDI rankings as Africa sees rebound
Egypt's foreign direct investment (FDI) surged in 2024, making it the ninth-largest recipient globally and the main driver of a rebound in investment across Africa, according to a UN report launched in Cairo on Thursday. The World Investment Report 2025 from UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) showed that Egypt's performance contrasted with a second consecutive annual decline in global FDI when excluding volatile financial flows. The global outlook for 2025 remains negative amid heightened investor uncertainty. FDI inflows to Africa rebounded by 75% in 2024 to $97bn, largely due to flows into Egypt. This increased the continent's share of global FDI to 6% from 4% the previous year, and its share of developing-country inflows to 11% from 6%. Egypt was identified as the primary driver of this turnaround, with a mega-project in urban development at Ras El-Hekma being a significant contributor. Globally, FDI rose 4% in 2024 to $1.5 trillion, but UNCTAD noted this headline div was inflated by volatile flows through conduit economies. When these are excluded, global FDI registered an 11% decline. The report also found that investment in sectors related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in developing countries fell by 25–33% across infrastructure, renewable energy, water and sanitation, and agrifood systems. Only the health sector saw growth, though from a small base. 'This year's findings call for renewed efforts to mobilize private investment for sustainable development, especially in economies facing structural constraints,' said Richard Bolwijn, Director of UNCTAD's Investment Research Branch. While Africa experienced an overall FDI rebound, the report detailed a mixed picture across the continent. Announced greenfield projects fell in both number, by 5%, and value, by 37%, in most countries. Cross-border mergers and acquisitions turned negative, resulting in net divestments of $1.5bn compared with net investments of $9.5bn in 2023. However, announced international project-finance deals in Africa increased in value by 15%, boosted by a megaproject in Egypt, even as the number of such deals dipped by 3%. In Egypt, which jumped from 32nd to 9th place among global FDI recipients, project-finance commitments doubled, supported by large-scale investments in energy and transport infrastructure. The country also defied the continent-wide decline in announced greenfield projects. The report identified North Africa, led by Egypt, as the main growth engine for FDI on the continent. The findings were presented at an event hosted by the Government of Egypt to mark the report's launch. 'In a year marked by shifting global investment patterns, Egypt's consistent presence on the investment landscape, as captured in the World Investment Report, comes as we double down on an ambitious reform agenda that places industrial production, exports, and foreign direct investment at the heart of our economic development model,' said Dr Rania Al-Mashat, Egypt's Minister of Planning, Economic Development & International Cooperation. 'Our focus remains clear: unleashing private sector potential through structural reforms that foster quality growth and resilience by driving job creation, boosting productivity and increasing value-added.' Eng Hassan Elkhatib, Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade, added: 'Egypt is writing a new investment narrative, coupling deep structural reforms and clear, predictable policies with a competitive, transparent business climate and a dynamic private sector. This vision reinforces Egypt's growing role in the regional and global investment landscape, transforming the country into a hub of opportunity and connectivity.' The report also examined policy trends, finding that the number of investment policy measures reached its second-highest level on record in 2024, at 174. Of these, 78% were favourable to investors, although many were shaped by geopolitical and industrial-policy objectives. In the digital economy, the report noted that investment is expanding rapidly but remains highly concentrated, with data centres and fintech attracting most of the flows and leaving significant regional gaps. The launch event in Cairo included a technical briefing on the report's findings and a discussion with representatives from the private sector, international organisations and academia.
Scoop
9 hours ago
- Science
- Scoop
World's Top Science Competition Awards $1M To Australia's Visionary Scientist Tackling Global Climate Crisis
June 17, 2025 The Frontiers Planet Prize has named its three 2024/25 International Champions, including Australia's Dr Arunima Malik. The winners are scientists offering innovative, scalable solutions to help keep humanity safely within planetary boundaries. Dr Arunima Malik will receive a prize of one million dollars (USD) to further her research and impact. The winning research focuses on the environmental and social impacts of international trade and its effect on meeting the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Following an independent scientific assessment involving 100 experts, chaired by Professor Johan Rockström, the developer of the Planetary Boundaries framework, the prize ensures faster global scientific consensus around the innovative ideas with greatest potential to drive change. On 17 June, the Frontiers Planet Prize announced Dr Arunima Malik, from The University of Sydney, as one of its 2025 International Champions, awarding her $1 million to advance her and her research team's pioneering work in sustainability science. Providing groundbreaking, scalable solutions to help keep humanity within planetary boundaries, Dr Malik received the award for the publication, Polarizing and equalizing trends in international trade and Sustainable Development Goals, featured in Nature Sustainability. This year's three International Champions were revealed at the Frontiers Planet Prize Award Ceremony, hosted by the Villars Institute as part of the 2025 Villars Symposium in Villars-sur-Ollon, Switzerland. The three International Champions were selected from a group of 19 National Champions chosen by the independent Jury of 100, a group of renowned sustainability and planetary health experts chaired by Professor Johan Rockström. The world's largest and most ambitious science competition for planetary health, the Frontiers Planet Prize is a global call to action - accelerating innovation, igniting impact, and rallying the academic world to confront the planetary crisis with urgency and bold solutions. The award-winning research by Dr Malik and her team highlights the environmental and social impacts of international trade and the complex role it plays in achieving the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. The research is also highly relevant for shaping policies related to the Loss and Damage (L&D) fund, offering data-driven guidance on financial contributions from developed countries to support developing nations in addressing climate-related losses and damages. Commenting on the award, Dr Arunima Malik said: 'Commenting on the award, Dr Arunima Malik said: 'It's an honor and a privilege to receive this recognition and support from the Frontiers Planet Prize. This esteemed prize will provide impetus to drive sustainable solutions for planetary health. It is inspiring and vital as we search for innovation and action in the face of global environmental challenges. This $1 million award will significantly help accelerate our ability to expand our research and further highlight the nuances around the impact of trade and associated positive and negative impacts on both people and planet around the world. With these resources, we can advance research with policy-relevant insights, and develop tools to inform sustainable solutions, especially in contexts where climate vulnerability and economic inequality intersect. I would take this opportunity to thank the research team, Prof. Manfred Lenzen, Dr Mengyu Li, Camille Mora, Dr Sarah Carter, Dr Stefan Giljum, Dr Stephan Lutter and Prof. Jorge Gomez-Paredes for their valuable contributions.' Commenting on the Frontiers Planet Prize, Johan Rockström, Director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research said: 'The Frontiers Planet Prize is more than a scientific award - it is a catalyst for the urgent transformation we need to stay within planetary boundaries. The three 2025 International Champions exemplify the power of science to deepen the understanding of the fundamentals of our earth systems while also delivering actionable, scalable solutions to the intertwined crises of climate, biodiversity, and inequality. Their work stands at the intersection of scientific novelty, innovation, and impact, showing us that a sustainable and just future is within reach—if we act boldly, and fast. It has been an honor to chair the Jury of 100 and witness firsthand the incredible depth of scientific excellence mobilized by this prize." Jean-Claude Burgelman, Director of the Frontiers Planet Prize, added: 'The 2025 International Champions embody the spirit of the Frontiers Planet Prize: bold science in service of humanity and the planet. This Prize is building a global community of researchers who are not only advancing knowledge but actively shaping the path to a sustainable future. These Champions inspire all of us – demonstrating that through collaboration, courage, and scientific integrity, transformative change is not only possible, but already underway.' About the Frontiers Research Foundation: The Frontiers Research Foundation is a not-for-profit organization based in Switzerland, which was founded by Kamila and Henry Markram, neuroscientists from the Swiss Federal Institute for Technology (EPFL). It raises funds to support programs that accelerate scientific solutions for healthy lives on a healthy planet. About the Frontiers Planet Prize: The Frontiers Planet Prize is a global competition for scientists and research institutions to propose solutions to help the planet remain within the safe operating space of any one or more of the nine planetary boundaries. It was created by the Frontiers Research Foundation on Earth Day 2022 to mobilize the global scientific community, make it complete at the highest level of excellence, and contribute to the acceleration of concrete solutions to the challenges defined by the planetary boundaries. To-date, it has drawn together hundreds of scientists, 23 national academies of science, over 600 leading universities and research institutions to compete for three prizes of 1M USD each as adjudicated by a Jury of 100 leading sustainability scientists.
The Hindu
9 hours ago
- General
- The Hindu
Analysing Internet access and digital skills in India
One important target of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education. Within this broad goal, there are two important targets pertaining to Internet and digital skills. Target 4.4.1 talks about the share of youth and adult population who have some Information and Communications Technology (ICT) skill. Target 4.4.2 pertains to a degree of proficiency in digital skills. Therefore, to attain the SDG4 target of education, providing ICT infrastructure and assessing digital skills is important. The data to assess these skills were rather sparse until the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) conducted the Comprehensive Annual Modular Survey (CAMS) between July 2022 and June 2023. This is arguably the first sample survey which asks a set of questions about people's access to, and use of, digital technology. The survey was conducted across India in 3.02 lakh households and with 12.99 lakh people. At the all-India level, 76.3% of households have broadband Internet facilities. In rural areas, 71.2% of households have the facility, while in urban areas, 86.5% do. This data shows the deep penetration of the Internet in India. But there are variations across States, castes, gender, and class. In some States, more than 90% of the households have a broadband connection. These include Delhi, Goa, Mizoram, Manipur, Sikkim, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh. But in some other States, fewer than 70% have a broadband connection. These include West Bengal (69.3%), Andhra Pradesh (66.5%), Odisha (65.3%), and Arunachal Pradesh (60.2%). There are also significant variation within caste groups on the issue of broadband connectivity at home. In households in the general category, 84.1% have broadband connection, while the numbers for Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Scheduled Castes (SCs), and Scheduled Tribes (STs) are 77.5%, 69.1%, and 64.8% respectively. While it is significant that within all social groups, the majority of the households have broadband connectivity, OBC, SC, and ST communities are still significantly behind households in the general category in this aspect. The most striking difference predictably exists in terms of income. Generally, the monthly per capita consumption expenditure (MPCE) is used as a proxy for income, since income data at the household level is not available. From the unit-level data of CAMS, we have arranged the population from the bottom 10% to the top 10% in terms of MPCE (Chart 1). Chart 1 | The chart shows the broadband connectivity of households according to the decile classes of Monthly Per Capita Expenditure (in %) While in the lowest decile class, 71.6% households don't have broadband connectivity, the number for the highest decile class is only 1.9%. However, even for those who belong to the second lowest decile class, the majority (56.2%) have broadband connection at home. In other words, while the poorest are still on the wrong side of the digital divide, broadband connectivity improves with every decile class. Economic status is a significant determinant of broadband connectivity. The government has said that provision of high-speed Internet is a fundamental utility akin to water or electricity (Digital India website). To facilitate coverage of the poorest sections of the society, the government can think of subsidising broadband connections so that there is universal coverage. According to the CAMS report, 94.2% of rural households and 97.1% of urban households have mobile or telephone connections in their households. When we look at people aged 15 years and above, 92.4% in urban areas and 83.9% in rural areas can use mobile phones. However, a deeper look at the data shows that the use of mobile phones is not as universal as the headline numbers suggest. Table 2 shows the share of the population who use a mobile phone with an active SIM card exclusively, for making calls or accessing the Internet. The data shows that women and socially deprived sections are at a disadvantage. For example, within the general category, only 25.3% of women use mobile phones exclusively in rural areas, while the number for urban areas is 51.2%. For SCs, STs, and OBCs, the numbers are far below the general category for both men and women. While there is a lot of discussion about 5G connectivity in India, data show that just more than half the population in rural areas uses 4G, while more than 70% in urban areas use the same. A significant share of the population (40.4%) still uses mobile technology which is more primitive than 4G. The share of people with 5G connectivity is negligible in the country. To gauge digital skills, we focused on some basic tasks such as using the Internet, sending emails, copy-pasting from documents, using arithmetic operations in spreadsheets, and performing online banking transactions (Chart 3). Chart 3 | Select digital skills of the rural and urban populations of India (15 years and above) (in %) Around 53.6% of the population (15 years and above) can use the Internet in rural areas and 74% in urban areas. The proportion who can send/receive emails is even lower (20% for rural, 40% for urban). Only around 40% of the rural population can perform the copy-paste function, while 60% of the urban population can. The share of people who can perform arithmetic operations in spreadsheets is extremely low. Only 37.8% of India's population aged 15 years and above can perform online banking transactions. Subhanil Chowdhury is an Associate Professor of Economics at St. Xavier's University, Kolkata, and Samiran Sengupta is a data analyst
Scoop
14 hours ago
- Business
- Scoop
Development Is ‘The First Line Of Defense Against Conflict,' Guterres Tells Security Council
19 June 2025 Ambassadors met to debate how poverty, inequality, and underdevelopment are fuelling conflict and instability, at a time when hostilities are increasing and demand for humanitarian aid is rising as resources dwindle. Every dollar spent on prevention could save up to $103 in conflict-related costs, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Sustainable development critical Conflicts are proliferating and lasting longer, said Mr. Guterres. At the same time the global economy is slowing and trade tensions are rising, as aid budgets are being slashed while military spending soars. He warned that if current trends continue, two thirds of the world's poor will live in conflict-affected or fragile countries by the end of this decade. 'The message is clear,' he said. 'The farther a country is from sustainable and inclusive development, the closer it is to instability, and even conflict.' Give peace a (fighting) chance The Secretary-General highlighted how the UN has worked to advance the three pillars of peace, development and human rights. These efforts began with its establishment 80 years ago and continue today, 'guided by the simple principle that prevention is the best cure for instability and conflict, and there is no better preventive measure than investing in development,' he said. 'Development gives peace a fighting chance. It's the first line of defence against conflict. But right now, we're losing ground,' he said, noting that 'the engine of development is sputtering.' World falling short Currently, two-thirds of the targets under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are lagging 10 years after adoption. 'The world is falling short by over $4 trillion annually in the resources developing countries need to deliver on these promises by 2030,' he added. Furthermore, 'developing countries are being battered and bruised by limited fiscal space, crushing debt burdens and skyrocketing prices.' Fix the 'engine' The Secretary-General pointed to the fourth Conference on Financing for Development, which begins next week in Spain, as an important moment 'to fix and strengthen this essential engine.' He called for renewed commitments towards securing public and private finance for the areas of greatest need, providing urgent relief for debt-laden countries, and reforming the outdated global financial architecture. The Council debate 'could not be more prescient,' said Kanni Wignaraja, the UN Development Programme's (UNDP) Assistant Secretary-General and Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific. Break the cycle Global human development has stalled just as violent conflicts have surged to levels not seen in eight decades, she said, before presenting three priorities for investment to help break the cycle, including protecting household economies. 'In fragile settings, where peace and security have been shattered, development that goes directly to the local level becomes the first line of peoples' defence and survival. And their hope for recovery,' she said. 'From these local economies - where livelihoods are restored, water and electricity can flow again, women's businesses in particular reopen, farmers can trade food, and there is basic finance to allow markets to stay afloat – from this, comes the resources to build back broken capabilities and resilience.' Address systemic imbalances The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, Mahmoud Youssouf Ali, recalled how the continent loses billions of dollars annually to conflict, which could be channeled into schools, hospitals, infrastructure and innovation. He said the international community must also acknowledge that poverty and underdevelopment 'are not confined within national borders" but are global challenges that require global response. 'If we are to uphold international peace and security, we must address the systemic imbalances – economic, political, and institutional – that continue to fuel deprivation, exclusion, and instability across regions,' he said. In this regard, the AU called for enhanced support to African-led peace operations, particularly those deployed in regions where poverty and underdevelopment are deeply entrenched. Collective action required The debate was convened by Guyana, which holds the rotating Council presidency this month. The country's Foreign Minister, Hugh Todd, remarked that with the world 'at a critical juncture where the interlinkages between peace, security and development have never been more pronounced,' collective and decisive action is required. He cautioned against 'prioritizing only political solutions in conflicts where poverty and underdevelopment feature prominently,' as creating conditions for socio-economic stability and well-being are also critical for peace. Mr. Todd urged countries to address issues such as lack of access to education, underemployment, exclusion, and greater participation of women and youth. 'Currently, the global youth population is the highest in history, with most young people concentrated in developing countries,' he said. 'For us to harness their full potential, they must be given adequate economic opportunities and be involved in decision making on peace and security.'
The Sun
19 hours ago
- Health
- The Sun
Hong Kong Baptist University Showcases World-Leading Research in Digital Health & Systems Medicine at THE Global Sustainable Development Congress 2025
ISTANBUL, TURKEY - Media OutReach Newswire - 19 June 2025 – Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) illuminated the path to global well-being as the Global Health Innovation Partner and sponsor of the Health and Wellbeing Track at the Times Higher Education (THE) Global Sustainable Development Congress (GSDC) 2025, from June 16-19, 2025. At this gathering of over 5,000 global thought leaders, HKBU presented its comprehensive, interdisciplinary strategy for health and well-being, spearheaded by its Health & Drug Discovery research cluster. Firmly aligned with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, HKBU's vision for health transformation drives from data to actionable insight. It comprehensively integrates mental and digital well-being, real-time analytics, and innovative interdisciplinary approaches. This includes blending traditional Chinese Medicine with cutting-edge sciences like chemical biology and data analytics, complemented by advancements in environmental, physical, and social sciences. A Hub for Holistic Health A highlight of HKBU's presence was the 6,000-square-foot 'Well-being Zone', thoughtfully designed to embody the principle that health is holistic and interconnected. This innovative Zone brought the concept of interdisciplinarity to a global audience by seamlessly integrating diverse fields, from martial arts and mindfulness to cutting-edge digital health monitoring: • Interdisciplinary Movement & Mindfulness: Tai Chi, Baduanjin and Mindfulness Karate sessions demonstrated HKBU's 'exercise is medicine' philosophy. • Real-Time Digital Well-being Research: Participants had the unique opportunity to contribute live data for Professor Christy Cheung's pioneering studies, which explore how digital tools can effectively measure mindfulness and enhance overall well-being. • Expert-Led Talks: Distinguished HKBU academics presented cutting-edge interdisciplinary research. Topics included critical global health trends, advancements in mental well-being, and innovative applications of Chinese Medicine and AI in modern healthcare. • Reflection & Rejuvenation Spaces: Thoughtfully curated 'chill-out' relaxation areas, massage corners and a juice bar provided spaces for participants to experience a reboot of the body and the mind. Highlighting HKBU's research strength in the transformative power of technology for global health, Professor Martin Wong, Provost & Chair Professor of Computer Science, emphasised, 'HKBU's recent top-50 global ranking in databases, design automation, and artificial intelligence underscores our collaborative ethos. By integrating advanced AI methodologies with clinical, pharmaceutical and social-science expertise, we are optimising diagnostics, accelerating drug discovery and enhancing surgical assistance. This interdisciplinary approach reinforces Hong Kong's reputation as a global hub for cutting-edge research and higher education.' Professor Lyu Aiping, Vice-President (Research & Development), highlighted HKBU's strategic edge, 'Hong Kong is uniquely positioned to lead East–West integration in digital health and systems medicine. HKBU combines the rigour of life sciences with robust Chinese Medicine research, underpinned by advanced data analytics. This powerful synergy enables us to tackle complex health disparities at biological, social, and environmental levels, and build resilient, equitable health systems to meet future global challenges.' In addition to numerous insightful presentations and the interactive experiences, HKBU Provost Professor Martin Wong gave a keynote at the session entitled 'Reframing Sustainability through the Lens of Chinese Heritage and Innovation' convened by the China Education Association for International Exchange. HKBU also released the 'Evolving Legacy: Decoding the Scientific Trajectory of Chinese Medicine' Report ( in collaboration with Elsevier. This report examines the development and evolving research landscape of Chinese Medicine and its growing influence on modern healthcare.
