In spite of everything, a culture of peace is emerging in all fields of human endeavour
monthly, year 23rd, number 316 – 1st August 2023
Good News Agency carries positive and constructive news from all over the world relating to voluntary work, the work of the United Nations, non-governmental organizations and institutions engaged in improving the quality of life – news that doesn’t “burn out” in the space of a day. It is distributed free of charge through Internet to media and editorial journalists, NGOs, service associations and high schools and colleges around the world.
It is an all-volunteer service of Associazione Culturale dei Triangoli e della Buona Volontà Mondiale, an educational charity associated with the United Nations Department of Public Information It is a supporter of the Global Movement for the Culture of Peace. In the final report of the Decade for a Culture of Peace project (2001-2010) provided to the UN Secretary-General for presentation to the UN General Assembly, Good News Agency is included among the three NGOs that have been playing an active role in the field of Information through Internet.*
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Society and communication –Rules, regulations and environment
A good day for Europe': EU lawmakers pass landmark nature restoration law
13 July 2023 – (…) On Wednesday, members of the European Parliament approved the landmark Nature Restoration Law, which commits each EU country to take measures to restore at least 20 per cent of degraded terrestrial and marine ecosystems by 2030, rising to 60 per cent by 2040, and 90 per cent by 2050. It also commits governments to providing financial support to impacted farmers and fishers to help ensure the targets are met. (…)
News related with SDGs number 15-Life on Land
European Parliament adopts final agreement on alternative fuel refuelling and recharging infrastructure
(by Meghan Sapp)
12 July 2023 - In Belgium, the European Parliament adopted the final agreement on both the Regulation on the deployment of Alternative Fuel Infrastructure (AFIR) – setting the framework for the deployment of alternative fuel refuelling and recharging infrastructure across the EU and Member States – and the FuelEU Maritime Regulation – aimed at increasing the demand for and consistent use of renewable and low-carbon fuels in the maritime sector. (…)
News related with SDGs number 12-Responsible Consumption and Production
United Nations – General Assembly – Seventy-seventh session – Agenda item 48 –Resolution adopted by the General Assembly on 29 June 2023: Comprehensive review of the whole question of peacekeeping operations in all their aspects
5 July 2023 - The General Assembly (…)
3. Urges Member States, the Secretariat and relevant organs of the United Nations to take all steps necessary to implement the proposals, recommendations and conclusions of the Special Committee;
4. Reiterates that those Member States that become personnel contributors to the United Nations peacekeeping operations in years to come or that participate in the future in the Special Committee for three consecutive years as observers shall, upon request in writing to the Chair of the Special Committee, become members at the following session of the Special Committee; (…)
https://documents-dds-ny.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/N23/190/53/PDF/N2319053.pdf?OpenElement
News related with SDGs number 16-Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Mercosur calls for update to EU trade agreement
(by Ramon Sahmkow)
3 July 2023 - The South American trade bloc Mercosur opened a two-day summit on Monday with host Argentina calling for an update to a long-paused trade deal with the European Union which it said was the product of an asymmetrical relationship. Observers have low expectations for the summit's ability to give final shape to the pact stalled by EU concerns over environmental protections, particularly in the Brazilian Amazon. (…)
https://www.terradaily.com/reports/Mercosur_calls_for_update_to_EU_trade_agreement_999.html
News related with SDGs number 17-Partnerships for the Goals
NY Governor should sign Tropical Deforestation Bill
24 June 2023 - The New York State Assembly took a crucial step towards approving the Tropical Deforestation-Free Procurement Act on Wednesday, a bill intended to ensure that companies contracting with the state are not contributing to tropical deforestation and human rights abuses overseas. The governor should sign it into law without delay. New York is the third largest economy among US states. (…) The bill would require that contractors for these and other services not source any soy, beef, palm oil, coffee, cocoa, wood pulp, paper, and wood products from land where deforestation or forest degradation occurred after January 1st, 2023. (…) Globally, industrial agriculture is the largest driver of tropical deforestation. (…)
News related with SDGs number 15-Life on Land
United Nations – General Assembly – Seventy-seventh session – Agenda item 14 –Culture of peace. Resolution adopted by the General Assembly on 14 June 2023: Follow-up to the Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace.
22 June 2023 - The General Assembly (…)
1. Reiterates that the objective of the effective implementation of the Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace is to strengthen further the global movement for a culture of peace, and calls upon all concerned to renew their attention to this objective;
2. Invites Member States to continue to place greater emphasis on and expand their activities promoting a culture of peace at the national, regional and international levels and to ensure that peace and non-violence are fostered at all levels;
3. Invites the entities of the United Nations system, within their existing mandates, to integrate, as appropriate, the eight action areas of the Programme of Action into their programmes of activities, focusing on promoting a culture of peace and non-violence at the national, regional and international levels; (…)
https://documents-dds-ny.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/N23/180/15/pdf/N2318015.pdf?OpenElement
News related with SDGs number 16-Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
California Senate approves Wave and Tidal Renewable Energy Bill
21 June 2023 - The California State Senate has passed California Senate Bill 605 - Wave and Tidal Energy ("SB 605"). The bill was unanimously approved in three separate policy committees: the Energy, Utilities and Communications Committee; the Natural Resources and Water Committee; and the Appropriations Committee. (…) The bill aims to put California on the path to developing a new source of clean, renewable energy that will help the state meet its carbon-free targets while bolstering its grid. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) found that wave and tidal energy has the technical feasibility to supply 30 percent of the United States' energy needs. (…)
News related with SDGs number 15-Life on Land
Towards an inclusive educational future: the Regional Framework Law will transform Education in Central America, the Caribbean Basin, and Mexico
(by Mariana Álvarez)
21 July 2023 - Representatives from the Forum of Presidents and Presidents of Legislative Powers of Central America, the Caribbean Basin, and Mexico (FOPREL) gathered today to present the initiative: the "Special Regional Framework Law for the promotion, prioritization, and protection of the Right to Education." This law, developed and supported in collaboration with key stakeholders such as Save the Children, the Central American Educational and Cultural Coordination of the SICA (CECC-SICA), and UNESCO, aims to provide legislative bodies with guidance to develop normative instruments that reinforce countries' commitments and capacities to ensure the right to inclusive, equitable, and quality education for all citizens of the region, especially those in vulnerable situations. This framework law could also help harmonize legislative frameworks concerning education and promote national and sub-regional dialogues to reconsider the purposes, content, and pedagogies of education in the context of a discussion on post-COVID-19 development models, in order to respond to a changing world.
News related with SDGs number 4-Quality Education
Switzerland signs USD 2 Mil partnership with UNESCO and the Ministry of Education to support education system strengthening
20 July 2023, Amman– A signing ceremony was held today, to formalize an additional contribution of USD 2 million from Switzerland to the Multi-Partner Trust Fund (MPTF) in support of the “System Strengthening Partnership with Jordan’s Ministry of Education” (SSP) programme, implemented with UNESCO technical support under the leadership of the Ministry of Education. This latest contribution follows an initial grant of USD 1,6 million in 2021 when Switzerland joined Canada, Italy and Norway as a member of the Multi Partner Trust Fund for a multi-year initiative to support the Ministry of Education.The new contribution of USD 2 million will build on achievements made so far under the SSP programme and be used to support the realization of a more resilient and robust education ecosystem in Jordan based on the principles of partnership and coordination.
News related with SDGs number 4-Quality Education
Fostering a safe and dignified childhood: cash transfers help refugee children from Ukraine meet their most urgent needs
17 July 2023 - “Getting financial aid in cash works for me. I save this money to buy clothes, books and food,” fifteen-year-old Alissa says. Alissa loves living in Kragujevac, the Serbian city that “adopted” her since arriving from Ukraine in March last year. She fled war in her native city of Kharkiv with her mother Julia and grandmother Natalia. The cash transfer program from which Alissa benefited is part of the many ways in which UNICEF, in cooperation with the Danish Refugee Council, the Commissariat for Refugees and Migration of the Republic of Serbia, government institutions, and implementing partners work to protect and improve the lives of refugee children and young people. Cash transfers aim at increasing the resilience and coping abilities of refugee households in Serbia, and access education, social protection and health services.
https://www.unicef.org/eca/stories/fostering-safe-and-dignified-childhood
News related with SDGs number 4-Quality Education
40 million young people in Sub-Saharan Africa to enhance their knowledge on CSE
3 July 2023 - On 15th June 2023 in Zanzibar, UNESCO through the Our Rights Our Lives Our Future (O3) Programme brought together more than 125 delegates from 33 Sub-Saharan African countries including Government officials from selected countries, funding partners, civil society organizations, and Youth representatives in the launch of the second phase of the O3 Programme. O3 phase two is planning to provide 44 million adolescents and young people with high-quality, accurate, culturally, and rights-based education on health and well-being, as well as education on preventing violence in schools.
In its second phase, the O3 Programme is placing a heightened emphasis on youth agency, parental engagement, social norms transformation, and community mobilization while intensifying efforts to reach hard-to-reach young people, starting with those left furthest behind. The O3 Programme is made possible through the generous support of the governments of Sweden, Norway, France, Switzerland, and Ireland.
News related with SDGs number 4-Quality Education
Empowering Afghan women refugee teachers in Iran
3 July 2023 - Since launching in 2021, the UNESCO Afghan Teacher Training Programme has made significant progress in fostering a brighter future for displaced Afghan teachers and students. Supported by the Government of Japan and UNICEF Iran, and in collaboration with the Iranian National Commission for UNESCO and the Universities of Tehran, and Kharazmi, this initiative is equipping Afghan refugee teachers in the Islamic Republic of Iran with the necessary tools and skills to provide quality education amidst challenging circumstances. With the completion of its first phase in 2022, and upcoming phases in 2023, the programme has enabled approximately 500 Afghan women refugee teachers in Iran to receive recognized training and certification. The quality education and support provided by these trained teachers will indirectly benefit approximately 9,000 primary school students in Iran.
https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/empowering-afghan-women-refugee-teachers-iran?hub=701
News related with SDGs number 4-Quality Education
South London brewery toasts the launch of offset-free 'carbon negative' pint
(by Amber Rolt)
12 July 2023 - Gipsy Hill said it created beer using regenerative farming methods and without offsetting emissions. Carbon-conscious beer drinkers can now enjoy a 'carbon negative' pint, which has been created by a brewery in South London. Gipsy Hill announced this week that it has become the first brewery in the world to create a carbon negative beer without offsetting emissions. (…)
News related with SDGs number 12-Responsible Consumption and Production
Rotary-USAID Partnership amplifies complementary strengths
6July 2023 – Rotary’s long and successful strategic partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to improve access to safely managed water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) illustrates how public-private partnerships can improve impact in the communities we serve and expand services and support beyond what Rotary members could do alone. The ability to leverage the strengths of all partners is what determines whether a partner is the right one, says Erica Gwynn, the area of focus manager for water and sanitation at Rotary. “If you do partnerships right,” Gwynn says, “one plus one shouldn’t equal two. The impact of partnerships should be multiplicative, not just additive.” For Rotary, partners provide benefits such as permanent staffing, expertise, and a foundation that allows Rotary members to focus on activities that capitalize on their grass roots presence. Ensuring that people have access to clean water is a huge global issue. About 2.2 billion people around the world lack access to safe drinking water, and more than a billion more don’t have safe sanitation. The consequences are deadly: Diseases from contaminated water account for one in nine child deaths, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (…)
https://www.rotary.org/en/rotary-usaid-partnership-amplifies-complementary-strengths
News related with SDGs number 6-Clean Water and Sanitation
New process to recycle wind turbines wins funding
19 June 2023 - Engineering researchers have won a £125k grant from renewables investor Greencoat UK Wind to develop their innovative wind turbine recycling process. The researchers, from the University of Edinburgh, are developing a technique to turn old wind turbine blades into powders that could be used to protect engineering and structural components, including new wind turbine blades. Wind energy is a critical part of the renewable energy mix being harnessed in the UK's drive to net zero, but the question of how to recycle wind turbine blades at the end of their 20-25 year lifespan continues to pose an engineering and environmental challenge. (…)
News related with SDGs number 9-Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
This salty gel could harvest water from desert air
(by Jennifer Chu for MIT News)
16 June 2023 - MIT engineers have synthesized a superabsorbent material that can soak up a record amount of moisture from the air, even in desert-like conditions. As the material absorbs water vapor, it can swell to make room for more moisture. Even in very dry conditions, with 30 percent relative humidity, the material can pull vapor from the air and hold in the moisture without leaking. The water could then be heated and condensed, then collected as ultrapure water. (…)
https://www.terradaily.com/reports/This_salty_gel_could_harvest_water_from_desert_air_999.html
News related with SDGs number 6-Clean Water and Sanitation
Fungi funds: Ecovative raises $30 million for mushroom-based products
(by Rebecca Coons)
15 June 2023 - In New York, mycelium materials company Ecovative Design has raised $30 million in a Series E financing. Half of the funds will be used by its plant-based foods subsidiary, MyForest Foods Co., and the other half will support Ecovative’s plans to scale its Forager business into a world-class supplier of sustainable textile and foam products. (…) Ecovative’s products and technologies are based on mycelium, the fibrous roots of mushrooms. Fed on leftover plant fibers, mycelial growth is guided to produce materials that are completely home compostable, plastic free, and cruelty-free. (…)
News related with SDGs number 9-Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
China: developing deeper understanding of the humanitarian law and action
9July 2023 – On July 9, 2023, the five-day 12th International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Summer Session concluded successfully at Soochow University, Jiangsu Province, China. The event was jointly organized by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the National Committee on International Humanitarian Law of China (NIHLC), and the International Academy of Red Cross and Red Crescent (IARC). The event gathered 40 participants from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National People's Congress, the National Cultural Heritage Administration, the Red Cross movement, the military and police forces, military industry enterprises, think tanks, and universities. (…) The dissemination and promotion of IHL have always been part of the mandate of the ICRC. Since 2011, the ICRC has collaborated with esteemed institutions such as Peking University, China Foreign Affairs University, Jilin University, and China University of Political Science and Law to organize IHL summer sessions. Through years of effort, the event has become an important platform for exchanges and discussions on IHL. (…)
https://www.icrc.org/en/document/china-12th-ihl-summer-session-suzhou
News related with SDGs number 16-Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Gaza: A resuscitated Al-Shifa Emergency Department breathes new life into patient care
Gaza (ICRC), 9July 2023 – A newly completed upgrade to the Emergency Department of Al-Shifa Medical Complex in the Gaza Strip means residents can now better access effective and efficient care during crises. This upgrade, implemented by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in partnership with the Ministry of Health in Gaza, will support Al-Shifa Emergency Department in capably navigating shocks caused by the conflict. Each round of armed hostilities puts additional stress on essential services, including healthcare. These cycles of violence create increased strain on Al-Shifa Medical Complex, which receives a high number of wounded individuals during hostilities. With the upgrade designed to improve workflow, quality of care, and patient prioritization, these changes will support the dedicated health-workers at Al-Shifa to save lives for years to come. (…) The ICRC remains committed to working with the Ministry of Health and other key actors in Gaza to help ensure high-quality care for patients. (…)
News related with SDGs number 3-Good Health and Well-Being
Search for Common Ground – Burkina Faso promotes community resilience through dialogue and peace initiatives in Ouahigouya
July 2023- Search for Common Ground – Burkina Faso partnered with the municipality of Ouahigouya to organize an unprecedented event to promote peace and social cohesion in the context of security challenges, the spread of violent extremism, and intercommunity tensions in Burkina Faso.The event was organized within the framework of the project “Un Futur à Construire” (A Future to Build), funded by the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Germany and Denmark through the PATRIP Foundation and the Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW).More than 500 participants, including local authorities, religious and customary leaders, and representatives of eight communities – Peules, Mossé, Samo, Gourounsi, Gourmantché, those of the Southwest (Lobi, Dagara Djan Pougli, Birifors), Bissa and the Malian community, which was invited as a guest of honor – took part in the event. The strong participation of women, with 300 present, underscored their crucial role in promoting resilience and community cohesion.
https://cpnn-world.org/new/?p=30331
News related with SDGs number 3-Good Health and Well-Being
United Cities and Local Governments of Africa (UCLG Africa) and the African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (ACCORD) Center are joining efforts to build a Culture of Peace in Africa, through training trainers on conflict management
July 2023- The UCLG Africa’s (www.UCLGA.org) Local Governments Academy (ALGA) and the African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (ACCORD) based in Durban, South Africa, will kick off their first Training-of-Trainers (ToT) Programme on Conflict Management Capacity this month with the first Workshop planned to take place from July 16th to 22nd 2023, in Al Akhawayn University, Ifrane, Kingdom of Morocco. This Workshop is the first step of an important Conflict Management ToT Programme that will end with the graduation Ceremony and awarding of Certificates in 2025. Given the scope and challenges of conflicts faced by African Local and Regional Governments, the training, empowerment and capacity building of a first Cohort group within UCLG Africa Constituency will help in the promotion and anchoring of a culture of Peace at the Subnational level. This activity is part of the implementation of the Strategic and Sound Partnership signed between UCLG Africa and ACCORD in 2021.
https://cpnn-world.org/new/?p=31348
News related with SDGs number 16-Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
ITALIAN RED CROSS “STORIE DI UMANITA’“
July 2023- It is through stories that humanity discovers, gets to know and unites. The "Stories of Humanity" festival to create a unique experience, through a rich program of events, exhibitions, shows and workshops with national and international artists, writers and musicians. The Festival offers an offer that embraces the beauty of culture, history and art, in a widespread context on the territory between Castiglione delle Stiviere and Solferino, two municipalities that represent a historical and cultural heritage of great value where you can appreciate the testimonies of the stories of women and men who have contributed to making this world a better place.
https://cri.it/storiediumanita-festival/
News related with SDGs number 16-Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Women peacemakers call for a holistic and sustainable peace
July 2023- Meaningful participation by women in a conflict resolution and peace-building promotes a more sustainable peace, a panel discussion with women peace-makers concluded, after the screening of a documentary on the 2015 “Women Cross the DMZ” initiative. The European premiere of the documentary “Crossings” took place on 21 March 2023 at the Ecumenical Centre in Geneva, as part of the World Council of Churches’ support for the Korea Peace Appeal campaign and accompaniment of the advocacy efforts of Korean churches for sustainable peace in the region. The film, directed by Emmy-award-winning filmmaker Deann Borshay Liem, explores enduring questions about war’s legacy on the Korean Peninsula and the significant and inspiring role women can play in resolving the world’s most intractable conflicts. The documentary “Crossings” particularly recognizes and celebrates women’s involvement in working for peace on the Korean Peninsula. It follows 30 women peacemakers from different parts of the world on their historic journey crossing the demilitarized zone (DMZ) from North to South Korea, calling for an end to the Korean War and for peace on the Korean Peninsula.
https://cpnn-world.org/new/?p=30396
News related with SDGs number 16-Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Activists protest over ship pollution at maritime meet
3 July 2023 - Environmental campaigners protested Monday outside the London-based International Maritime Organization, which is meeting to discuss curbing carbon dioxide emissions from the high-polluting shipping sector. Several dozen activists, including some dressed as jellyfish, demonstrated outside the headquarters of the UN's global shipping regulator, as they urged greener freight to help tackle climate change and protect the oceans. (…) The hefty carbon footprint of global shipping networks will come under scrutiny at the event, as countries wrestle over measures to slash planet-heating pollution. (…)
https://www.oilgasdaily.com/reports/Activists_protest_over_ship_pollution_at_maritime_meet_999.html
News related with SDGs number 14- Life below Water
International Summer School in Hydrogen to be held in Portugal
15 June 2023 - The International Summer School in Hydrogen being held in Porto, Portugal next week will hear how the Belfast Met led EU hydrogen project GenComm has encouraged fresh thinking for the use of hydrogen for global industry and business. GenComm Program Manager Paul McCormack will make two presentations at the event which runs from June 21-23. On June 21 Paul will present the four stages of the hydrogen value chain journey that has to be achieved for hydrogen to become a commodity and achieve universal acceptance. The drive to reduce our carbon footprint energy security has powered companies to unprecedented levels of innovation, transformation and efficiency. (…)
News related with SDGs number 9-Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
UN General Secretary demands 'concrete' climate pledges from concrete industry
(by Stuart Stone)
13 Jun 2023 - António Guterres urges cement and concrete industry leaders to take 'sustained and immediate' action to deliver on net zero goals.The United Nations Secretary General has today called for "concrete" action zero from building material manufacturers to deliver on climate goals during a speech to the Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA) conference in Zurich. Addressing around 200 industry CEOs from across the global industry, António Guterres called for corporate leaders to end the use of coal-fired power in cement production, work more closely with governments to speed up decarbonisation efforts, and set ambitious emissions targets and transition plans in line with UN guidelines. (…)
News related with SDGs number 12-Responsible Consumption and Production
SG/SM/21818
Consequences from plastic pollution catastrophic, but solutions possible ‘If we act now’, Secretary-General Stresses in Message on World Environment Day
31 May 2023 - This World Environment Day is a call to beat plastic pollution.Every year, over 400 million tons of plastic is produced worldwide — one third of which is used just once. Every day, the equivalent of over 2,000 garbage trucks full of plastic is dumped into our oceans, rivers and lakes. The consequences are catastrophic. Microplastics find their way into the food we eat, the water we drink, and the air we breathe. Plastic is made from fossil fuels — the more plastic we produce, the more fossil fuel we burn, and the worse we make the climate crisis. But we have solutions. Last year, the global community began negotiating a legally binding agreement to end plastic pollution. This is a promising first step, but we need all hands on deck. (…)
https://press.un.org/en/2023/sgsm21818.doc.htm
News related with SDGs number 12-Responsible Consumption and Production
Conrad N. Hilton Foundation awards more than $57 Million in grants in the first half of 2023
13 July 2023 – The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation Board of Directors approved 13 grants totaling more than $57 million in the first two quarters of 2023. The grants span our seven initiatives across the Hilton Foundation’s work in the U.S. and internationally. The following is an overview of the grants awarded in the first and second quarters of 2023: (visit page)
To learn more about our program areas and how we approach our work, please visit hiltonfoundation.org/program-areas. For more detailed information on our grantmaking, please visit hiltonfoundation.org/grants.
News related with SDGs number 11-Sustainable Cities and Communities
Sudan: Red Cross Red Crescent continue to deliver aid despite security challenges
Khartoum/Nairobi/Cairo/Geneva, 6 July 2023 - As the armed conflict in Sudan enters its third month, the Sudanese Red Crescent Society (SRCS) has so far moved more than 1,520 tonnes of vital food, relief items and medical supplies into the country by ship and by air. To date, SRCS has received over 20 international flights and two shipments of aid. The SRCS, supported by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and partner National Societies, has been able to import and distribute food, essential household items and much needed medical supplies to the most vulnerable families across the country, including in Khartoum. This also includes supporting the distribution of 1,285 tonnes of food provided by the World Food Programme. (…)
News related with SDGs number 11-Sustainable Cities and Communities
Mindfulness courses help improve mental health for at least six months
July 2023- Mindfulness courses help improve mental health for at least six months, shows University of Cambridge study. Adults who voluntarily participate in mindfulness courses are less likely to experience symptoms of anxiety and depression for at least six months after completing the programmes, compared to adults who do not participate, a new analysis compiling data from 13 studies has confirmed.
They say the findings, published in the journal Nature Mental Health, should encourage the adoption of similar teacher-led programmes in workplaces and educational institutions eager to help prevent the development of mental health problems in members of their community.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/07/230710113911.htm
News related with SDGs number 3-Good Health and Well-Being
Culture is not a mortgage but an asset to be exploited for the benefit of communities.
July 2023- The Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) preserves heritage buildings, supports musicians, encourages excellence in architecture, runs a museum and offers education in all disciplines. It offers awards in music and architecture and, in turn, has received 20 awards for the restoration of historic cities around the world. But what ties these fields together - and what does culture have to do with development?
Luis Monreal, Managing Director of AKTC, explains. 'Culture is the soul of our body. It is the software that makes us rational, that gives us an identity, that makes us feel. In development, culture is this essential ingredient that allows people to feel that they belong to a community, that allows people to understand that there are other communities that should be respected'.
https://the.akdn/en/resources-media/multimedia/video/in-conversation-with-luis-monreal
News related with SDGs number 11-Sustainable Cities and Communities
Rules, regulations and environment
(top)
INTERNATIONAL RENEWABLE ENERGY AGENCY - IDB Backs IRENA's ETAF with Potential Investment of up to USD 100 Million Through this partnership, the climate financing platform ETAF boosts its ongoing support for public sector renewable projects in Latin America and the Caribbean
14 July 2023 - The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) today (July 11) signed an agreement with the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) to join the Energy Transition Accelerator Financing (ETAF) platform, a global initiative that seeks to mobilise funds for renewable energy investments. As part of its commitment, the IDB plans to co-finance renewable energy projects and energy transition technologies in the Latin America and the Caribbean region, with an allocation of up to USD 100 million. (…)
News related with SDGs number 17-Partnerships for the Goals
INTERNATIONAL RENEWABLE ENERGY AGENCY - IRENA and SPC deepen collaboration to accelerate the Pacific's Energy Transition
11 July 2023 - The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the Pacific Community (SPC) have strengthened their partnership with a renewed agreement. Both parties agree to promote the acceleration of renewable energy deployment in the Pacific Island countries and territories through the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Lighthouses Initiative (LHI), which is coordinated by IRENA. The Memorandum of Understanding extends the existing partnership between IRENA and SPC that has seen the two parties work closely since 2019. The two organisations have been delivering tailored regional and national support to the Pacific SIDS, which include nationally determined contributions (NDCs) enhancement and implementation; capacity building; technical assistance and project facilitation. (…)
News related with SDGs number 17-Partnerships for the Goals
AUSTRALIAN RENEWABLE ENERGY AGENCY - Renewable hydrogen gathers pace with Wodonga deployment
4 July 2023 - One of Australia's largest renewable hydrogen plants is set to go ahead, with the Australian Gas Infrastructure Group (AGIG) reaching financial close on its Hydrogen Park Murray Valley development.
On behalf of the Australian Government, the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has announced a $36.1 million commitment to AGIG for the 10 MW electrolyser deployment in Wodonga, Victoria. The project builds on ARENA's existing work in renewable hydrogen and strong track record of delivering transformative projects in the energy transition in pursuit of net zero. The Hydrogen Park Murray Valley project will produce renewable hydrogen to initially be blended into the local natural gas distribution network (…).
News related with SDGs number 7-Affordable and Clean Energy
Crossover — Solar & Wind Power now producing more electricity than fossil fuels in EU!
(by Zachary Shahan)
Jun 12, 2023 - The European Union (EU) has hit a crossover point. For the first time in history, solar power and wind power have combined for more electricity generation than fossil fuels in the EU. Last month, the two core renewables of the new clean energy era achieved that historic crossover point. (…)
News related with SDGs number 7-Affordable and Clean Energy
INTERNATIONAL ENERGY AGENCY - Growth in global oil demand is set to slow significantly by 2028
June 2023 - New IEA medium-term report sees oil use for transport going into decline after 2026, but overall consumption is expected to be supported by strong petrochemicals demand. Growth in the world's demand for oil is set to slow almost to a halt in the coming years, with the high prices and security of supply concerns highlighted by the global energy crisis hastening the shift towards cleaner energy technologies, according to a new IEA report released today. (…)
News related with SDGs number 9-Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
INTERNATIONAL RENEWABLE ENERGY AGENCY - OPEC Fund Partners with IRENA to accelerate Energy Transition Financing
June 2023 - The OPEC Fund for International Development (the OPEC Fund) today (June 19) signed an agreement with the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) to join the Energy Transition Accelerator Financing (ETAF) platform, a global initiative that seeks to mobilise funds for renewable energy investments. The OPEC Fund plans to support the platform with up to USD 250 million financing until 2030 to finance renewable energy solutions in its partner countries. (…) The ETAF platform, established by IRENA and backed by the United Arab Emirates, initially aimed to mobilise at least USD 1 billion of capital by 2030. Now, with the commitment from the OPEC Fund and contributions from all other existing ETAF partners, this initial target has been surpassed, with total commitments amounting to USD 1.15 billion. (…)
News related with SDGs number 7-Affordable and Clean Energy
The Rockefeller Foundation and GEAPP to design the World's First 'Coal-To-Clean' Credit Program in emerging economies
June 2023 – Highlights
- The Coal to Clean Credit Initiative (CCCI), a consortium of global experts, is developing a world-first carbon credit methodology and starting a consultative process this month.
- The methodology will be presented as soon as COP28 and transactions for coal-to-clean credits could be signed in 2024, following its accreditation.
- CCCI aims to apply this methodology to catalyze the just transition of coal-fired power plants in emerging economies across the world over the coming years, avoiding the planned release of millions of tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere.
- The Rockefeller Foundation and Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) will be supported by implementing partner South Pole, with technical and convening expertise from RMI and Climate Policy Initiative (CPI). (…)
News related with SDGs number 17-Partnerships for the Goals
Final wind turbine installed at Seagreen, Scotland's largest offshore wind farm
June 2023 - Seagreen Wind Farm, a joint venture between SSE Renewables and TotalEnergies, achieved another landmark this week (June 22) as the 114th and final wind turbine was installed. 76 of the 114 Vestas V164-10.0 MW turbines are now energised at the site, which is located 27km from the Angus coast, now producing more than two thirds of Seagreen's full capacity power to the grid. Once fully operational, Seagreen will be Scotland's largest offshore wind farm and will be capable of generating around 5,000GWh of renewable energy annually - enough clean and sustainable electricity to power more than 1.6m UK homes. (…)
News related with SDGs number 7-Affordable and Clean Energy
Huge lithium mine gets key greenlight in Portugal
31 May 2023 - Portugal's environmental protection agency gave a green light Wednesday for a massive lithium mine that could become western Europe's biggest and give a boost to the continent's growing electric car industry. The southern European nation is thought to have the continent's largest reserves of lithium, a vital raw material to produce the batteries that power electric vehicles.
https://www.inoreader.com/article/3a9c6e750699affd-huge-lithium-mine-gets-key-greenlight-in-portugal
News related with SDGs number 7-Affordable and Clean Energy
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Good News Agency is published monthly (except August) in English, Italian and Portuguese. Past issues are available at www.goodnewsagency.org . Rome Law-court registration no. 265 dated 20 June 2000. Managing Editor: Fabio Gatti. Editorial research by Fabio Gatti, Isabella Strippoli, Elisa Minelli, Salvatore Caruso Motta, Chiara Damilano, Francesco Viglienghi, Carlo Toraldo, Andrea Landriscina, Nazzarena Franco. Webmaster, media and NGO coverage: Simone Frassanito (simone.frassanito@goodnewsagency.org)
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