United Nations Development Programme

EventMobi Acquires Virtual Event Platform Run The World, Ignites Innovation in Future of Event Technology

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, August 2, 2023

EventMobi , an industry-leading event management software provider with customers across the globe, announced today the acquisition of Run The World , a trailblazer in the virtual event space.

Key Points: 
  • EventMobi , an industry-leading event management software provider with customers across the globe, announced today the acquisition of Run The World , a trailblazer in the virtual event space.
  • “With the acquisition of Run The World, we're doubling down on our ability to deliver diverse event formats, expand our reach, and solidify our position as industry leaders.
  • “We couldn't have anticipated the explosive interest Run The World would generate,” said Xiaoyin Qu, Founder and CEO of Run The World.
  • Run The World customers can sign up to join the EventMobi family over the coming months.

CAF AMERICA AND UNDP TO PARTNER FOR THE 8TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL GRANTMAKING SYMPOSIUM

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, June 6, 2023

The International Grantmaking Symposium convenes corporate and private foundations, practitioners, philanthropists, advisors, and attorneys dedicated to advancing global philanthropy and is an opportunity for stakeholders to share best practices and guidance on the latest regulations governing cross-border giving.

Key Points: 
  • The International Grantmaking Symposium convenes corporate and private foundations, practitioners, philanthropists, advisors, and attorneys dedicated to advancing global philanthropy and is an opportunity for stakeholders to share best practices and guidance on the latest regulations governing cross-border giving.
  • This year's IGS will feature leading experts in a series of presentations, panel discussions and workshops focused on the fundamentals of international grantmaking and trends in the international development space.
  • "The International Grantmaking Symposium is the ideal platform in which to highlight the progress made towards the Sustainable Development Goals.
  • UNDP is pleased to collaborate with CAF's International Grantmaking Symposium, a strategic well-positioned partner with an excellent network that can help contribute to and scale sustainable development solutions," said Marcos Neto, Director Sustainable Finance Hub, UNDP.

How raising tobacco taxes can save lives and cut poverty across the Asia-Pacific

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, June 1, 2023

1.3 billion people use tobacco, mostly in low- and middle-income countries.

Key Points: 
  • 1.3 billion people use tobacco, mostly in low- and middle-income countries.
  • More than 8 million people die prematurely because of tobacco, at an annual economic loss of at least US$1.4 trillion.
  • That’s why it’s worth pointing out a solution that really works, yet not enough Asian nations have acted on it: raising tobacco prices through higher taxes.

The pay-off for higher taxes

    • Increasing tobacco taxes costs relatively little, but yields a high impact.
    • In our study of six Asia-Pacific countries, we found that for every unit of local currency invested in increasing tobacco taxes, the countries would gain between 20 and 1,057 units in return over 15 years.

Who would benefit most?

    • Smoking is responsible for nearly half of the difference in death rates between wealthy and poor people, meaning measures that reduce smoking disproportionately benefit poor people.
    • People with low incomes – both men and women – are more likely to use tobacco than their wealthier counterparts.
    • Although the reductions in smoking-related deaths from higher taxes are concentrated in men, the financial benefits appear to flow to women.

How the Philippines became an Asia-Pacific leader

    • Among its many reforms, the Philippines also instituted a whole-of-public sector code of conduct to prevent tobacco industry interference in its public policymaking.
    • Yet despite the Philippines’ example and the clear benefits of significant tobacco tax increases, tobacco tax rates in most low income countries remain low.

Higher taxes, fewer smokers in Australia & NZ

    • Over that time the proportion of Australians aged 14 and over who smoke daily has plummeted from 22% to 11%.
    • Aotearoa New Zealand has gone even further with its “Smokefree 2025” policy, with a goal that by 2025, fewer than 5% of New Zealanders will be smokers.
    • The NZ government increased the tobacco excise tax by inflation plus 10% each year between 2010 and 2020.

Even smokers back higher tax – if it goes to health


    Higher taxes on cigarettes are overwhelmingly supported by non-smokers. But a US study has found that when the extra tax revenue is directed to healthcare programs, they are also overwhelmingly supported by smokers: 60% of those surveyed, up from 25% if the extra revenue is unallocated. The tax gap between rich and poorer countries might be partly due to myths such as that increasing tobacco taxes
    • The United Nations’ Human Development Index has declined for two consecutive years for the first time since data became available.
    • * This article was co-authored with Kazuyuki Uji, Policy Specialist, Health and Inclusive Development, United Nations Development Programme Bangkok Regional Hub.

Government of Japan Expresses its Pledge of US$200 Million to GHIT Fund/UNDP Replenishment

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, May 25, 2023

TOKYO, May 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- At the G7 Hiroshima Summit 2023, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced the Government of Japan's pledge to contribute US$200 million to the Global Health Innovative Technology Fund (GHIT Fund)/United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). This pledge supports the GHIT Fund's third phase of operations, including investments in research and development (R&D) of drugs, vaccines and diagnostics, utilizing Japan's innovation and expertise to prevent and address infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, malaria and neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), which are highly prevalent in low- and middle-income countries.

Key Points: 
  • In addition to the new contribution from the Government of Japan, support from industry for GHIT's replenishment has increased compared to previous replenishments.
  • Additionally, founding foundation partners Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Wellcome will continue to support GHIT.
  • Over the next five years, the GHIT Fund will strive to secure additional support with a total replenishment goal of US$400 million to support operations and investments.
  • This replenishment supports the implementation of "GHIT 3.0," the institution's third five-year plan, as follows.

Armatec Global Appoints Former UN Ambassador Libran N. Cabactulan as Chair of the Advisory Board

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, May 25, 2023

SYDNEY, May 24, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Armatec Global, an innovative provider of advanced technology solutions for the defence, critical infrastructure, and private and public sectors, is proud to announce the appointment of former United Nations Ambassador Libran N Cabactulan as the Chair of its Advisory Board. Ambassador Cabactulan brings a wealth of experience, global insights, and diplomatic expertise to Armatec Global, further strengthening the company's strategic vision and global presence.

Key Points: 
  • Ambassador Cabactulan brings a wealth of experience, global insights, and diplomatic expertise to Armatec Global, further strengthening the company's strategic vision and global presence.
  • Ambassador Cabactulan brings a wealth of experience, global insights, and diplomatic expertise to Armatec Global, further strengthening the company's strategic vision and global presence.
  • "As Chair of the Advisory Board, Ambassador Cabactulan will provide strategic counsel, guide policy engagement, and ensure that Armatec Global's activities align with international best practices and standards.
  • "I am excited to join Armatec Global and contribute my insights from years of diplomatic work," Ambassador Cabactulan said.

Women’s Entrepreneurship Accelerator Event at 67th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women Calls for Gender-Inclusive Digital Innovation Eco-Systems

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, May 17, 2023

Key Points: 
  • View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230517005570/en/
    The Women’s Entrepreneurship Accelerator (WEA) is a multi-stakeholder partnership on women’s entrepreneurship established during UNGA 74.
  • This guidance aims to promote the full and equal participation and leadership of women and girls in the design and rollout of digital technologies and innovation processes.
  • the critical importance of women’s entrepreneurship as a key driver of innovation in addressing societal challenges, and;
    the contribution women entrepreneurs make to economic growth and poverty reduction.
  • The WEA event was also an opportunity to announce the winners of WEA’s Digital Innovation Challenge.

FORD FOUNDATION JOINS CROSS-SECTOR LEADERS TO LAUNCH INDONESIA IMPACT ALLIANCE

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, May 10, 2023

JAKARTA, Indonesia, May 10, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Ford Foundation President Darren Walker joined members of the Indonesian government and business community to celebrate the launch of the Indonesia Impact Alliance (IIA). As a founding member of the IIA and an impact investor on a global scale, Ford Foundation will support the IIA to bring together investors, entrepreneurs, and government to develop an impact investing ecosystem in Indonesia that allows businesses to gain financial returns while solving social and environmental problems.

Key Points: 
  • In Indonesia, the IIA will be unlocking a major opportunity," said Ford Foundation President Darren Walker.
  • "The power of Impact Investing has been leveraged throughout the world, and we're excited to expand this methodology here in Indonesia," said Indonesia Impact Alliance Chair and CEO of Instellar Romy Cahyadi.
  • Ford Foundation launched its $1 billion Mission Investments program in 2017 and has been a longtime supporter of impact investing domestically and abroad.
  • "The Nigerian impact investing ecosystem is rapidly evolving with the Ford Foundation being at the forefront of supporting the growth of the market.

GHIT Fund Secures USD 24 Million Pledge From Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Over Three Years

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, May 10, 2023

"The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has been supporting the GHIT Fund as a critical partner since its inception.

Key Points: 
  • "The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has been supporting the GHIT Fund as a critical partner since its inception.
  • Katey Owen, director of neglected tropical diseases and director, vaccine development, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, said: "Over the past nine years, our relationship with GHIT has evolved and expanded.
  • The GHIT Fund is a Japan-based international public-private partnership fund (PPP) that was formed between the Government of Japan, multiple pharmaceutical companies, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Wellcome, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
  • The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is a US-based foundation established in 2000.

Albania's developing tourism industry could help stop its young people from leaving – and boost its economy

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, May 2, 2023

Despite its small size, Albania’s varied landscape offers an array of touristic opportunities.

Key Points: 
  • Despite its small size, Albania’s varied landscape offers an array of touristic opportunities.
  • The interior of the country is wild and mountainous, boasting 15 national parks, picturesque remote villages and breathtaking alpine scenery.
  • So could tourism be an economic saviour for Albania and mediate the migration of its young people?
  • Industry professionals in Albania feel that infrastructure, waste management and transport links are not at the level required to attract a large number of tourists.

Transformation through tourism

    • After the second world war, tourism became a crucial way for many poorer Mediterranean countries to kickstart their economies.
    • In 1951, the Greek National Tourism Organisation embarked on a nationwide development initiative to construct tourist facilities across the country, the Xenia project.
    • A growth in Albania’s tourism might offer young people alternative opportunities to those they seek by leaving their home nation.
    • Travel and tourism employ more young people (14- to 25-year-olds) than any other sector, according to a World Travel and Tourism Council study.

Stunning landscapes

    • In 2022, a TikTok trend sparked a boom in tourist bookings after people posted images of its stunning beaches.
    • The World Travel and Tourism Council found that the Caribbean’s tourism sector suffered from economic leakage of 27.5% in 2019.
    • For decades, the country sealed its population inside its borders, but these days many young people are desperate to leave.
    • But an improvement in economic prosperity and jobs in the tourism industry might be a significant factor in changing that, if managed well.

EDB to Host Conference for Major Investors from 40+ Countries in Almaty on May 15-17

Retrieved on: 
Monday, May 1, 2023

International organizations, including the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and United Nations Development Program (UNDP), will also be present.

Key Points: 
  • International organizations, including the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and United Nations Development Program (UNDP), will also be present.
  • The conference will feature a special session to present the investment potential and projects in Kazakhstan and Central Asia as the world’s fastest-growing region.
  • The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) is an international financial institution promoting integration and development in its member countries.
  • For more than 17 years, the Bank has worked to strengthen and expand economic ties and foster comprehensive development in its member countries.