ESG News

International Day of UN Peacekeepers
2024-05-29 00:00 - 23:59 (America/New_York)
Peace begins with me
Marking 75 years of UN Peacekeeping
For 75 years, United Nations peacekeepers have worked to save and change lives in the world’s most fragile political and security situations. Since 1948, more than two million uniformed and civilian personnel have helped countries to transition from war to peace.
Working alongside local communities, peacekeepers help advance political solutions, prevent conflict, protect civilians, strengthen human rights and the rule of law, and build sustainable peace.
The challenges faced by peacekeepers are greater than ever, with rising global tensions, more complex conflict, and a proliferation of misinformation and disinformation, which impedes their work and threatens their safety. Despite these obstacles, peacekeepers persevere, alongside many partners, in the collective pursuit of peace.
The theme of the 75th anniversary “Peace begins with me” recognizes the service and sacrifice of peacekeepers, past and present, including more than 4200 who have given their lives under the UN flag. It also pays tribute to the resilience of the communities that we serve, who continue to strive for peace despite many obstacles.
This campaign also calls on each of us to join the global movement for peace. Alone, we can never succeed. But, together, we can be a strong force for change.

Events
To mark the occasion at the UN Headquarters in New York on 25 May, the UN Secretary-General will lay a wreath in honor of all peacekeepers who have lost their lives over the past 75 years. A ceremony will be held to posthumously award the Dag Hammarskjold medal to peacekeepers who died in 2022. The Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award will also be presented.
On display at the Visitor’s Lobby from 1 May to 6 June is a photo exhibit tracing the journey of 75 years of peacekeeping. The exhibit is available virtually at here.
Join us at New York City’s Time Square to take part in an interactive art installation event with “Inside Out“, the platform that helps communities around the world spark global change locally. It was founded by renowned street artist JR in 2011. More information is available here.
Learn more about the commemorative events in New York.
ESG News Editorial TeamThe ESG News Editorial Team is comprised of veteran financial journalists and sustainability analysts dedicated to providing real-time, objective reporting on global ESG regulations, climate finance, and corporate governance. Our desk monitors daily developments from the SEC, IFRS, CSRD and international regulatory bodies to ensure our 1M+ readers receive accurate, data-driven insights into the evolving sustainable investment landscape. Follow the ESG News Editorial Team for expert reporting on global sustainability standards, ESG disclosures, and climate policy. Access over 10,000 investigative reports and real-time updates.

World Environment Day
2024-06-05 00:00 - 23:59
Solutions to plastic pollution
More than 400 million tonnes of plastic is produced every year worldwide, half of which is designed to be used only once. Of that, less than 10 per cent is recycled.
An estimated 19-23 million tonnes end up in lakes, rivers and seas annually. That is approximately the weight of 2,200 Eiffel Towers all together.
Microplastics – tiny plastic particles up to 5mm in diameter – find their way into food, water and air. It is estimated that each person on the planet consumes more than 50,000 plastic particles per year –and many more if inhalation is considered.
Discarded or burnt single-use plastic harms human health and biodiversity and pollutes every ecosystem from mountain tops to the ocean floor.
With available science and solutions to tackle the problem, governments, companies and other stakeholders must scale up and speed actions to solve this crisis.
This underscores the importance of this World Environment Day in mobilizing transformative action from every corner of the world.

Fifty years celebrating World Environment Day
Led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and held annually on 5 June since 1973, World Environment Day is the largest global platform for environmental public outreach and is celebrated by millions of people across the world. In 2023, it is hosted by Côte D’Ivoire.
Why take part?
Time is running out, and nature is in emergency mode. To keep global warming below 1.5°C this century, we must halve annual greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. Without action, exposure to air pollution beyond safe guidelines will increase by 50 per cent within the decade and plastic waste flowing into aquatic ecosystems will nearly triple by 2040.
We need urgent action to address these pressing issues.

Did you know?

Some 11 million tonnes of plastic waste flow annually into oceans. This may triple by 2040.
More than 800 marine and coastal species are affected by this pollution through ingestion, entanglement, and other dangers.
A shift to a circular economy can reduce the volume of plastics entering oceans by over 80 per cent by 2040; reduce virgin plastic production by 55 per cent; save governments US$70 billion by 2040; reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25 per cent; and create 700,000 additional jobs – mainly in the global south.

ESG News Editorial TeamThe ESG News Editorial Team is comprised of veteran financial journalists and sustainability analysts dedicated to providing real-time, objective reporting on global ESG regulations, climate finance, and corporate governance. Our desk monitors daily developments from the SEC, IFRS, CSRD and international regulatory bodies to ensure our 1M+ readers receive accurate, data-driven insights into the evolving sustainable investment landscape. Follow the ESG News Editorial Team for expert reporting on global sustainability standards, ESG disclosures, and climate policy. Access over 10,000 investigative reports and real-time updates.

Russian Language Day
2024-06-06 00:00 - 23:59
Russian Language Day at the UN
June 6, the birthday of the great Russian poet A.S. Pushkin, as part of the program to support and develop multilingualism and cultural diversity, the UN celebrates Russian Language Day. One of the goals of this program is to maintain equal rights for all six official UN languages: English, Arabic, Spanish, Chinese, Russian and French.
The decision to hold language days was made by the Department of Public Information (currently the Department of Global Communications) on the eve of International Mother Language Day , celebrated annually on February 21 at the initiative of UNESCO.
The purpose of the UN Language Days is to increase awareness of the history, culture and development of each of the six official UN languages ​​among the staff of the Organization. Each language is given the opportunity to find its own unique approach and develop its own program of events for the day, including the invitation of famous poets and writers and the development of information and thematic materials.
Cultural events, among others, may include the performance of musical and literary works, competitions, exhibitions, lectures, variety shows and performances by cultural figures, national cuisine days and performances by folklore groups, film screenings and express language lessons for those wishing to learn another language. from the official languages ​​of the UN.

UN and multilingualism
Multilingualism , which is an important factor for harmonious communication between peoples, is of particular importance to the United Nations. By promoting tolerance, it also ensures the effective and more active participation of all in the work of the Organization, as well as greater efficiency, better results and wider participation of parties. Multilingualism must be preserved and promoted through various measures taken within the United Nations system for sharing and communication.
Ensuring a balance between the six official languages ​​- English, Arabic, Spanish, Chinese, Russian and French (with English and French serving as the languages ​​of everyday professional communication) – has been a constant concern of all secretaries-general. From 1946 to the present day, numerous measures have been taken to promote the use of official languages ​​so that the United Nations, its purposes and actions are understood by the general public.
The official languages ​​of the United Nations are English, Arabic, Spanish, Chinese, Russian and French. English and French are also the working languages ​​of the United Nations Secretariat ( resolution 2 (I) of 1 February 1946).
In its resolution 54/64 of 6 December 1999, the General Assembly requested the Secretary-General to appoint a Secretariat-wide focal point for multilingualism issues from among the senior staff of the Secretariat.
Issues of multilingualism must be considered from various points of view, in particular from the point of view of internal and external communication. Internal communication occurs within the Organization, whether it is formal interaction between Member States and all parties involved in the work of the United Nations, or between Member States and the United Nations Secretariat. It requires a distinction to be made between working and official languages. External communications aimed at the general public may include languages ​​other than official ones, as well as the media used to disseminate United Nations messages. Finally, to promote all aspects of multilingualism, the issue of human resources must be addressed separately.
The responsibilities of the Department of Global Communications include, inter alia, ensuring awareness and understanding of the ideals and messages of the United Nations throughout the world in order to promote support for the Organization, through the participation of key intermediaries such as the press, non-governmental organizations and educational institutions. To achieve this, the widest and most timely dissemination of information and materials must be ensured. In this regard, the Department continually strives to expand the global audience for its information products and outputs, such as television and radio programs, a website, a network of United Nations information centers and tour programs at major offices.
ESG News Editorial TeamThe ESG News Editorial Team is comprised of veteran financial journalists and sustainability analysts dedicated to providing real-time, objective reporting on global ESG regulations, climate finance, and corporate governance. Our desk monitors daily developments from the SEC, IFRS, CSRD and international regulatory bodies to ensure our 1M+ readers receive accurate, data-driven insights into the evolving sustainable investment landscape. Follow the ESG News Editorial Team for expert reporting on global sustainability standards, ESG disclosures, and climate policy. Access over 10,000 investigative reports and real-time updates.

World Food Safety Day
2024-06-07 00:00 - 23:59
Why improving food safety is important
Access to sufficient amounts of safe food is key to sustaining life and promoting good health. Foodborne illnesses are usually infectious or toxic in nature and often invisible to the plain eye, caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites or chemical substances entering the body through contaminated food or water.
Food safety has a critical role in assuring that food stays safe at every stage of the food chain – from production to harvest, processing, storage, distribution, all the way to preparation and consumption.
With an estimated 600 million cases of foodborne illnesses annually, unsafe food is a threat to human health and economies, disproportionally affecting vulnerable and marginalized people, especially women and children, populations affected by conflict, and migrants. An estimated 420 000 people around the world die every year after eating contaminated food and children under 5 years of age carry 40% of the foodborne disease burden, with 125 000 deaths every year.
World Food Safety Day on 7 June aims to draw attention and inspire action to help prevent, detect and manage foodborne risks, contributing to food security, human health, economic prosperity, agriculture, market access, tourism and sustainable development. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) jointly facilitate the observance of World Food Safety Day, in collaboration with Member States and other relevant organizations. This international day is an opportunity to strengthen efforts to ensure that the food we eat is safe, mainstream food safety in the public agenda and reduce the burden of food-borne diseases globally.

Food safety is everyone’s business
Under the slogan “Food safety, everyone’s business”, the action-oriented campaign promotes global food safety awareness and calls upon countries and decision makers, the private sector, civil society, UN organizations and the general public to take action.
The way in which food is produced, stored, handled and consumed affects the safety of our food. Complying with Global food standards, establishing effective regulatory food control systems including emergency preparedness and response, providing access to clean water, applying good agriculture practices (terrestrial, aquatic, livestock, horticulture), strengthening the use of food safety management systems by food business operators, and building capacities of consumers to make healthy food choices are some ways in which governments, international organizations, scientists, the private sector and civil society work to ensure food safety.
Food safety is a shared responsibility between governments, producers and consumers. Everybody has a role to play from farm to table to ensure the food we consume is safe and will not damage our health. Through World Food Safety Day, WHO and FAO pursue efforts to mainstream food safety in the public agenda and reduce the burden of food-borne diseases globally.
#WorldFoodSafetyDay #FoodSafety #SafeFood

Did you know?

Unsafe food containing harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites or chemical substances causes more than 200 diseases.
Recent estimates indicate that the impact of unsafe food costs low- and middle-income economies around US$ 95 billion in lost productivity each year.
Good hygiene practices in the food and agricultural sectors help to reduce the emergence and spread of food-borne diseases.

Get involved!
Whether you grow, process, transport, store, distribute, sell, prepare, serve or consume food, you have a role to play in keeping it safe. Take part in the celebration!
Check the many events and participate using the World Food Safety Day promotional material.

ESG News Editorial TeamThe ESG News Editorial Team is comprised of veteran financial journalists and sustainability analysts dedicated to providing real-time, objective reporting on global ESG regulations, climate finance, and corporate governance. Our desk monitors daily developments from the SEC, IFRS, CSRD and international regulatory bodies to ensure our 1M+ readers receive accurate, data-driven insights into the evolving sustainable investment landscape. Follow the ESG News Editorial Team for expert reporting on global sustainability standards, ESG disclosures, and climate policy. Access over 10,000 investigative reports and real-time updates.

World Oceans Day
2024-06-08 00:00 - 23:59
Planet Ocean: tides are changing
The ocean covers over 70% of the planet. It is our life source, supporting humanity’s sustenance and that of every other organism on earth.
The ocean produces at least 50% of the planet’s oxygen, it is home to most of earth’s biodiversity, and is the main source of protein for more than a billion people around the world. Not to mention, the ocean is key to our economy with an estimated 40 million people being employed by ocean-based industries by 2030.
Even though all its benefits, the ocean is now in need of support.
With 90% of big fish populations depleted, and 50% of coral reefs destroyed, we are taking more from the ocean than can be replenished. We need to work together to create a new balance with the ocean that no longer depletes its bounty but instead restores its vibrancy and brings it new life.
“Planet Ocean: tides are changing”, is the theme for World Oceans Day 2023 – the UN is joining forces with decision-makers, indigenous leaders, scientists, private sector executives, civil society, celebrities, and youth activist to put the ocean first.

Join us and celebrate the value of oceans
World Oceans Day reminds every one of the major role the oceans have in everyday life. They are the lungs of our Planet and a major source of food and medicine and a critical part of the biosphere.
The purpose of the Day is to inform the public of the impact of human actions on the ocean, develop a worldwide movement of citizens for the ocean, and mobilize and unite the world’s population on a project for the sustainable management of the world’s oceans.
This year, the United Nations will host ahybrid celebration of the annual event on 8 June 2023, hosted in-person at the UN Headquarters in New York to be broadcasted live. It will highlight the 2023 theme of “Planet Ocean: tides are changing”.
Hosted by the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea of the Office of Legal Affairs of the United Nations, in partnership with the non-profit organization Oceanic Global, and supported by Panerai, this year’s annual event will shed light on how we can work together to ensure the ocean’s health and well-being.

Did you know?

The ocean produces at least 50% of the planet’s oxygen.
The ocean is key to our economy with an estimated 40 million people being employed by ocean-based industries by 2030.
Oceans absorb about 30% of carbon dioxide produced by humans, buffering the impacts of global warming.

ESG News Editorial TeamThe ESG News Editorial Team is comprised of veteran financial journalists and sustainability analysts dedicated to providing real-time, objective reporting on global ESG regulations, climate finance, and corporate governance. Our desk monitors daily developments from the SEC, IFRS, CSRD and international regulatory bodies to ensure our 1M+ readers receive accurate, data-driven insights into the evolving sustainable investment landscape. Follow the ESG News Editorial Team for expert reporting on global sustainability standards, ESG disclosures, and climate policy. Access over 10,000 investigative reports and real-time updates.

World Day Against Child Labour
2024-06-12 00:00 - 23:59
Social Justice for All. End Child Labour!
Observed on June 12th, World Day Against Child Labour is intended to serve as a catalyst for the growing worldwide movement against child labour. Emphasizing the link between social justice and child labour, the slogan for the World Day in 2023 is ‘Social Justice for All. End Child Labour!’.
Our joint experience in tackling child labour over the course of the last three decades has demonstrated that child labour can be eliminated, if the root causes are addressed. More than ever, it is urgent for all of us to contribute to bringing solutions to people’s daily problems, and child labour is – possibly – the most visible of these problems.
We therefore consider the 2023 World Day Against Child Labour to be a moment for all of us who are committed to ending child labour to demonstrate that change can be achieved when will and determination come together and provide a momentum for efforts to be accelerated in a situation of great urgency.
This World Day Against Child Labour, June 12, 2023 we are calling for

Reinvigorated international action to achieve social justice, particularly under the envisaged Global Coalition for Social Justice, with child labour elimination as one of its important elements;
Universal ratification of ILO Convention No. 138 on Minimum Age, which, together with the universal ratification of ILO Convention No. 182 on Worst Forms of Child Labour achieved in 2020, would provide all children with legal protection against all forms of child labour;

Effective implementation of the Durban Call to Action.

Prevalence of child labour
Since 2000, for nearly two decades, the world had been making steady progress in reducing child labour. But over the past few years, conflicts, crises and the COVID-19 pandemic, have plunged more families into poverty – and forced millions more children into child labour. Economic growth has not been sufficient, nor inclusive enough, to relieve the pressure that too many families and communities feel and that makes them resort to child labour. Today, 160 million children are still engaged in child labour. That is almost one in ten children worldwide.
Africa ranks highest among regions both in the percentage of children in child labour — one-fifth — and the absolute number of children in child labour — 72 million. Asia and the Pacific ranks second highest in both these measures — 7% of all children and 62 million in absolute terms are in child labour in this region.
The Africa and the Asia and the Pacific regions together account for almost nine out of every ten children in child labour worldwide. The remaining child labour population is divided among the Americas (11 million), Europe and Central Asia (6 million), and the Arab States (1 million). In terms of incidence, 5% of children are in child labour in the Americas, 4% in Europe and Central Asia, and 3% in the Arab States.
While the percentage of children in child labour is highest in low-income countries, their numbers are actually greater in middle-income countries. 9% all children in lower-middle-income countries, and 7% of all children in upper-middle-income countries, are in child labour. Statistics on the absolute number of children in child labour in each national income grouping indicate that 84 million children in child labour, accounting for 56% of all those in child labour, actually live in middle-income countries, and an additional 2 million live in high-income countries.
ESG News Editorial TeamThe ESG News Editorial Team is comprised of veteran financial journalists and sustainability analysts dedicated to providing real-time, objective reporting on global ESG regulations, climate finance, and corporate governance. Our desk monitors daily developments from the SEC, IFRS, CSRD and international regulatory bodies to ensure our 1M+ readers receive accurate, data-driven insights into the evolving sustainable investment landscape. Follow the ESG News Editorial Team for expert reporting on global sustainability standards, ESG disclosures, and climate policy. Access over 10,000 investigative reports and real-time updates.

International Albinism Awareness Day
2024-06-13 00:00 - 23:59
What is albinism?
Albinism is a rare, non-contagious, genetically inherited difference present at birth. In almost all types of albinism, both parents must carry the gene for it to be passed on, even if they do not have albinism themselves. The condition is found in both sexes regardless of ethnicity and in all countries of the world. Albinism results in a lack of pigmentation (melanin) in the hair, skin and eyes, causing vulnerability to the sun and bright light. As a result, almost all people with albinism are visually impaired and are prone to developing skin cancer. There is no cure for the absence of melanin that is central to albinism.
While numbers vary, it is estimated that in North America and Europe 1 in every 17,000 to 20,000 people have some form of albinism. The condition is much more prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa, with estimates of 1 in 1,400 people being affected in Tanzania and prevalence as high as 1 in 1,000 reported for select populations in Zimbabwe and for other specific ethnic groups in Southern Africa.

Health challenges of people living with albinism
The lack of melanin means persons with albinism are highly vulnerable to developing skin cancer. In some countries, a majority of persons with albinism die from skin cancer between 30 and 40 years of age. Skin cancer is highly preventable when persons with albinism enjoy their right to health. This includes access to regular health checks, sunscreen, sunglasses and sun-protective clothing. In a significant number of countries, these life-saving means are unavailable or inaccessible to them. Consequently, in the realm of development measures, persons with albinism have been and are among those “left furthest behind.” Therefore, they ought to be targeted for human rights interventions in the manner envisioned by the Sustainable Development Goals.
Due to a lack of melanin in the skin and eyes, persons with albinism often have permanent visual impairment. They also face discrimination due to their skin colour; as such, they are often subject to multiple and intersecting discrimination on the grounds of both disability and colour.

Did you know?

Albinism is a genetic condition inherited from both parents that occurs worldwide, regardless of ethnicity or gender.
The common lack of melanin pigment in the hair, skin and eyes of people with albinism causes vulnerability to sun exposure, which can lead to skin cancer and severe visual impairment.
As many as 1 in 5,000 people in Sub-Saharan Africa and 1 in 20,000 people in Europe and North America have albinism.
In some countries people with albinism suffer discrimination, poverty, stigma, violence and even killings.
In some countries, women who give birth to children with albinism are repudiated by their husbands, and their children abandoned or the victims of infanticide.
The movie industry has seldom portrayed people with albinism accurately, preferring to depict them as villains, demons or freaks of nature.
Violence against people with albinism is largely met by social silence and indifference, and is seldom followed by investigations or the prosecution of perpetrators.

ESG News Editorial TeamThe ESG News Editorial Team is comprised of veteran financial journalists and sustainability analysts dedicated to providing real-time, objective reporting on global ESG regulations, climate finance, and corporate governance. Our desk monitors daily developments from the SEC, IFRS, CSRD and international regulatory bodies to ensure our 1M+ readers receive accurate, data-driven insights into the evolving sustainable investment landscape. Follow the ESG News Editorial Team for expert reporting on global sustainability standards, ESG disclosures, and climate policy. Access over 10,000 investigative reports and real-time updates.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
2024-06-15 00:00 - 23:59
Addressing Elder Abuse
Between 2019 and 2030, the number of persons aged 60 years or over is projected to grow by 38%, from 1 billion to 1.4 billion, globally outnumbering youth, and this increase will be the greatest and the most rapid in the developing world, and recognizing that greater attention needs to be paid to the specific challenges affecting older persons, including in the field of human rights.
Elder abuse is a problem that exists in both developing and developed countries yet is typically underreported globally. Prevalence rates or estimates exist only in selected developed countries — ranging from 1% to 10%. Although the extent of elder mistreatment is unknown, its social and moral significance is obvious. As such, it demands a global multifaceted response, one which focuses on protecting the rights of older persons.
Approaches to define, detect and address elder abuse need to be placed within a cultural context and considered along side culturally specific risk factors. For example, in some traditional societies, older widows are subjected to forced marriages while in others, isolated older women are accused of witchcraft. From a health and social perspectives, unless both primary health care and social service sectors are well equipped to identify and deal with the problem, elder abuse will continue to be underdiagnosed and overlooked.

Addressing Gender-Based Violence in Older Age Policy, Law and Evidence-based Responses
In the context of last year’s commemoration of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), the World Health Organization in partnership with Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), UN WOMEN and with support from the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA), published Tackling abuse of older people: five priorities for the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing 2021–2030. The resource outlined key priorities to prevent and respond to abuse of older persons and, hence, contribute to improving their health, well-being and dignity. This year, the commemoration will provide an update on the implementation of the priorities.
Ahead of the milestone of the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), this year’s commemoration of WEAAD will also connect with the year-long campaign to promote and recognise the 75th anniversary. As the month of June of the campaign will focus on showcasing the UDHR by raising awareness on its legacy, relevance and activism as relates to women’s rights, the theme of the 2023 WEAAD commemoration in the United Nations Headquarters in New York is entitled Closing the Circle: Addressing Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Older Age – Policy, Law and Evidence-based Responses.

Did you know?

Around 1 in 6 people 60 years and older experienced some form of abuse in community settings during the past year.
Rates of elder abuse are high in institutions such as nursing homes and long-term care facilities, with 2 in 3 staff reporting that they have committed abuse in the past year.
Rates of elder abuse have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Elder abuse can lead to serious physical injuries and long-term psychological consequences.
Elder abuse is predicted to increase as many countries are experiencing rapidly ageing populations.
The global population of people aged 60 years and older will more than double, from 900 million in 2015 to about 2 billion in 2050.

Ageism affects how we think, feel and act towards others and ourselves based on age. It imposes powerful barriers to the development of good policies and programmes for older and younger people, and has profound negative consequences on older adults’ health and well-being. Launched by World Health Organization, the Combatting Ageism Campaign aims to change the narrative around age and ageing and help create a world for all ages.

ESG News Editorial TeamThe ESG News Editorial Team is comprised of veteran financial journalists and sustainability analysts dedicated to providing real-time, objective reporting on global ESG regulations, climate finance, and corporate governance. Our desk monitors daily developments from the SEC, IFRS, CSRD and international regulatory bodies to ensure our 1M+ readers receive accurate, data-driven insights into the evolving sustainable investment landscape. Follow the ESG News Editorial Team for expert reporting on global sustainability standards, ESG disclosures, and climate policy. Access over 10,000 investigative reports and real-time updates.

International Day of Family Remittances
2024-06-16 00:00 - 23:59
Background
The International Day of Family Remittances (IDFR) is a universally-recognized observance adopted by the United Nations General Assembly and celebrated every year on 16 June. The Day recognizes the contribution of over 200 million migrants to improve the lives of their 800 million family members back home, and to create a future of hope for their children. Half of these flows go to rural areas, where poverty and hunger are concentrated, and where remittances count the most.
Through this observance, the United Nations aims to bring greater awareness of the impact that these contributions have on millions of households, but also on communities, countries, and entire regions. The Day also calls upon governments, private sector entities, as well as the civil society, to find ways that can maximize the impact of remittances through individual, and/or collective actions.
The IDFR is now fully recognized at the global level, and included as one of the a key initiatives to implement the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (Objective 20), also calling for the reduction of remittance transfer costs, and greater financial inclusion through remittances. The Day also promotes achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and furthers the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Remittance flows trends
In 2022, international remittances to low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) amounted to US$647 billion. Such average monthly transfers of US$200-US$300 sent by migrant workers support many basic household and prove transformational for both households and local communities, enabling many families to achieve their ‘own’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
However. the cost of transferring US$200 across international boundaries to LMICs is still high —averaging 6.2% in the fourth quarter of 2022. Mobile providers offer the best rates (4.5%), but less than 1% of transactions are made through digital channels. Remittance services are now much quicker and less expensive thanks to digital technologies.
For further information visit: familyRemittances.org and IFAD.

Digital remittances towards financial inclusion and cost reduction
IFAD, as custodian of the IDFR, aims at ensuring support of the observance and dissemination of resulting actions in the framework of the decennial #FamilyRemittances Campaign 2020‑2030: Support one billion people reach their own SDGs. In that timeframe, through a spotlight on yearly themes aligned to the global development agenda, the campaign aims at strengthening and guiding stakeholders in focusing on the new trends and priorities that make remittances count more.
The IDFR 2023-24 campaign focuses on promoting digital technologies to enhance financial inclusion in LMICs, and to work towards achieving the cost reduction target of 3% as mentioned in SDG 10.c.
The IDFR and the United Nations commend the determination and resilience of the human spirit as evidenced by migrant workers. Further, the UN calls for governments, the private sector, development organizations and the civil society to promote digital and financial solutions for remittances that foster greater social and economic resilience and inclusion.

ESG News Editorial TeamThe ESG News Editorial Team is comprised of veteran financial journalists and sustainability analysts dedicated to providing real-time, objective reporting on global ESG regulations, climate finance, and corporate governance. Our desk monitors daily developments from the SEC, IFRS, CSRD and international regulatory bodies to ensure our 1M+ readers receive accurate, data-driven insights into the evolving sustainable investment landscape. Follow the ESG News Editorial Team for expert reporting on global sustainability standards, ESG disclosures, and climate policy. Access over 10,000 investigative reports and real-time updates.

World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought
2024-06-17 00:00 - 23:59
Her land. Her rights.
Droughts are among the greatest threats to sustainable development, especially in developing countries, but increasingly so in developed nations too. In fact, forecasts estimate that by 2050 droughts may affect over three-quarters of the world’s population.
The number and duration of droughts has increased by 29 percent since 2000, as compared to the two previous decades (WMO 2021). When more than 2.3 billion people already face water stress, this is a huge problem.
Women hold a vital stake in the health of the land, yet they often don’t have control over it.
In all parts of the world, women face significant barriers in securing land rights, limiting their ability to thrive and prosper.
In many regions, they remain subject to discriminatory laws and practices that impede their right to inherit and access to services and resources.
And when land becomes degraded and water is scarce, women are often the worst affected.
This year, the theme of the International Day Against Desertification, and Drought “Her land. Her rights”, emphasizes that investing in women’s equal access to land and associated assets is a direct investment in their future and the future of humanity. It’s time for women and girls to be at the forefront of global land restoration and drought resilience efforts.

Did you know?

Today, nearly half of the global agricultural workforce is female – yet less than one in five landholders worldwide are women.
Women’s rights to inherit their husband’s property continue to be denied in over 100 countries under customary, religious, or traditional laws and practices.
Globally, women already spend a collective 200 million hours every day collecting water. In some countries, a single trip to fetch water can take over an hour.

source: UNCCD

ESG News Editorial TeamThe ESG News Editorial Team is comprised of veteran financial journalists and sustainability analysts dedicated to providing real-time, objective reporting on global ESG regulations, climate finance, and corporate governance. Our desk monitors daily developments from the SEC, IFRS, CSRD and international regulatory bodies to ensure our 1M+ readers receive accurate, data-driven insights into the evolving sustainable investment landscape. Follow the ESG News Editorial Team for expert reporting on global sustainability standards, ESG disclosures, and climate policy. Access over 10,000 investigative reports and real-time updates.

Climate Week NYC 2024
2024-09-22 00:00 - 2024-09-29 23:59 | Hybrid
A Climate Week NYC overview
Climate Week NYC is the largest annual climate event of its kind, bringing together over 600 events and activities across the City of New York – in person, hybrid and online. Each year, business leaders, political change makers, local decision takers and civil society representatives of all ages and backgrounds, from all over the world, gather to drive the transition, speed up progress, and champion change that is already happening.
Climate Week NYC is hosted by Climate Group, an international non-profit whose purpose is to drive climate action, fast. Climate Group hosts the official program during the week that brings together the most senior international figures from business, government, civil society and the climate sector.
This year, Climate Week NYC is being held from September 22-29, 2024. The event takes place every year in partnership with the United Nations General Assembly and is run in coordination with the United Nations and the City of New York.
REGISTER HERE
ESG News Editorial TeamThe ESG News Editorial Team is comprised of veteran financial journalists and sustainability analysts dedicated to providing real-time, objective reporting on global ESG regulations, climate finance, and corporate governance. Our desk monitors daily developments from the SEC, IFRS, CSRD and international regulatory bodies to ensure our 1M+ readers receive accurate, data-driven insights into the evolving sustainable investment landscape. Follow the ESG News Editorial Team for expert reporting on global sustainability standards, ESG disclosures, and climate policy. Access over 10,000 investigative reports and real-time updates.

World NGO Day
2025-02-27 00:00 - 23:59
World NGO Day: Why It’s Important for Companies & How to Participate
What is World NGO Day?World NGO Day, observed on February 27, is an international day dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the work of non-governmental organizations (NGOs). It acknowledges their role in addressing social, environmental, and humanitarian challenges, often filling gaps left by governments and corporations.
Why It’s Important for CompaniesFor businesses, World NGO Day presents an opportunity to strengthen their ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) commitments and align with impactful initiatives. Partnering with NGOs can:

Enhance corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategies.
Support sustainable development goals (SDGs) and community impact.
Improve brand reputation and stakeholder trust.
Foster employee engagement through volunteering and collaboration.

How Companies Can Participate

Collaborate with NGOs: Support through funding, in-kind donations, or skill-based volunteering.
Employee Engagement: Organize workplace activities, encourage staff to volunteer, or match employee donations.
Raise Awareness: Use digital platforms to highlight NGO initiatives and showcase corporate partnerships.
Innovate Together: Co-develop projects or campaigns that align with business sustainability goals.

NGO of the Month: Humanity 2.0 Foundation
Celebrating World NGO Day is a strategic way for companies to amplify their social impact while building meaningful relationships with NGOs that drive global progress.
ESG News Editorial TeamThe ESG News Editorial Team is comprised of veteran financial journalists and sustainability analysts dedicated to providing real-time, objective reporting on global ESG regulations, climate finance, and corporate governance. Our desk monitors daily developments from the SEC, IFRS, CSRD and international regulatory bodies to ensure our 1M+ readers receive accurate, data-driven insights into the evolving sustainable investment landscape. Follow the ESG News Editorial Team for expert reporting on global sustainability standards, ESG disclosures, and climate policy. Access over 10,000 investigative reports and real-time updates.

COP30
2025-11-10 00:00 - 2025-11-21 23:59 | Belém, Brazil, Belém, Brazil
The 30th UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) will convene in Belém, Brazil, marking a pivotal moment in global climate negotiations. This summit coincides with the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement and serves as a critical checkpoint toward achieving its 2030 targets. Belém’s location in the Amazon underscores the urgency of addressing deforestation and biodiversity loss.
Key Themes:

Adaptation and Resilience: Emphasis on accelerating adaptation strategies to combat the increasing frequency of extreme weather events.

Climate Finance: Discussions on mobilizing $1.3 trillion annually by 2035 to support climate initiatives in developing countries.

Climate Justice and Gender Equity: Focus on integrating gender perspectives into climate policies, with expectations to adopt a new Gender Action Plan.

Nature-Based Solutions: Highlighting the role of the Amazon in global climate regulation and promoting sustainable practices to preserve its ecosystems.

Significance for ESG Stakeholders:COP30 presents a crucial opportunity for ESG professionals to engage with evolving climate policies, particularly in areas of sustainable finance, corporate accountability, and equitable climate action. The conference’s outcomes are expected to influence ESG reporting standards and investment strategies globally.
Additional Notes:A Heads of State Summit is scheduled for November 6–7, preceding the main conference. The event is anticipated to attract over 50,000 participants, including policymakers, business leaders, and civil society representatives.
Inquire about media opportunities at COP30 www.esgnewsagency.com
ESG News Editorial TeamThe ESG News Editorial Team is comprised of veteran financial journalists and sustainability analysts dedicated to providing real-time, objective reporting on global ESG regulations, climate finance, and corporate governance. Our desk monitors daily developments from the SEC, IFRS, CSRD and international regulatory bodies to ensure our 1M+ readers receive accurate, data-driven insights into the evolving sustainable investment landscape. Follow the ESG News Editorial Team for expert reporting on global sustainability standards, ESG disclosures, and climate policy. Access over 10,000 investigative reports and real-time updates.
