United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs

• Speaking at the panel "Addressing the Triple Earth Crisis: Industry in Action", Mr. Li Zhenguo said that the key element of climate action is energy transition.
• This year, LONGi's near-term target has been approved by the SBTi, aligning with the 1.5℃ target in the Paris Agreement.
• The event also witnessed the signing of the "Our Responsibility and Commitment to A Green and Sustainable Future We Want" endorsed by Chinese enterprises.
• The 10-point initiative urges the global business community to consolidate industry development consensus in resource use, renewable energy adoption, technological innovation, inclusive growth, and sustainable international collaboration.

• New York, United States of America, July 18, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Business, Government, civil society and United Nations leaders gathered today for the 2023 SDG Global Business Forum to elevate business ambition to achieve the 2030 Agenda.
• At the mid-way point to 2030, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are in deep trouble.
• It took place alongside important policy debates at the ministerial segment of the 2023 High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development.
• Sustainability must be core to the business of presidents and prime ministers, parliaments and the private sector.”

Nigeria’s population is currently estimated at over 222 million, with the median age - the age at the midpoint of the population - 18.1 years. This poses challenges and opportunities. Akanni Akinyemi explains in this interview with The Conversation Africa that better data and greater focus on its huge young population are essential in managing the population well.

What are the distinguishing features of Nigeria’s population profile?

• The country has the largest population of youth in the world and a median age of 18.1 years.
• About 70% of the population is under 30, and 42% is under the age of 15.
• Nearly 12% of the world population in extreme poverty lives in Nigeria, as measured by a poverty threshold at US$1.90 a day.
• According to the International Migration Organisation, emigration more than doubled between 1990 and 2013 – from 465,932 to 1,030,322 in the period.

Which of these population features poses risks?

• Lack of accurate data means that policies and planning are guided by political expediencies rather than evidence.
• Without accurate data, it becomes almost impossible to align the complex interaction between individual, community and societal needs to government planning.
• Housing estates are sometimes abandoned and isolated because they are situated in the wrong place.
• High population growth without socio-economic and infrastructural support puts huge pressure on the country’s limited resources.
• Secondly, a high birth rate is risky because each birth poses a threat to the woman, child, family and community.

Which features present opportunities?

Large population with the right investment in health and education can spur economic development. Population growth increases density and, together with rural-urban migration, creates higher urban agglomeration. This can help companies in producing goods in larger numbers and more cheaply, serving a larger number of low-income customers. But accurate data would be needed to guide the government policies and programme implementation.

What policies need to be put in place to manage the risks?

The government needs to prioritise data and evidence based policies and programmes. An accurate census is important and government needs to revitalise the administrative and civil registration data. Government at all levels needs to prioritise investment in quality education, particularly for girl children, and also in family planning. These will empower women to be able to make rational decision on when, how and number of children they want.

What policies are needed to make the most of the opportunities?

• A young, large population could be an economic asset because population growth and urbanisation go together and economic development is closely correlated with urbanisation.
• Leaders must invest through health and education and adopt strong policies to create an environment where this human resource is used optimally.

• BERKELEY, US – MAINZ, Germany – June 20, 2023 — Mainz Biomed NV (NASDAQ:MYNZ) (“Mainz Biomed” or the “Company”), a molecular genetics diagnostic company specializing in the early detection of cancer, is excited to announce the addition of Bioclinica to its esteemed network of laboratory partners.
• "We are delighted to welcome Bioclinica as a ColoAlert partner," stated Darin Leigh, Chief Commercial Officer of Mainz Biomed.
• Mainz Biomed is providing ColoAlert to Bioclinica under the standard terms of the Company’s partnership agreements.
• In the coming weeks, Mainz Biomed will work with Bioclinica to prepare and launch co-marketing activities to ensure a successful commercial launch in these markets.