Category: MENA

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CPOPC Holds A Writing Competition on Smallholder’s Topic

JAKARTA, Indonesia, Sept. 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — A short story competition with the theme “smallholders and oil palm plantation” is now open for entries.

Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC) holds a story writing competition to engage communities and families living near or within the palm oil plantation in palm oil producing countries. For more info, please visit: https://www.cpopc.org/events/

This competition organized by the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC) engages the communities and families living near or within the palm oil plantation in Indonesia, Malaysia and other oil palm producing countries.

As more than 40% of the global palm oil production is done by smallholders, the stories should focus on the smallholders’ significant role in the palm oil industry, acknowledging thereby that their lives also face challenges. It is due time that we start recognizing smallholders’ substantial contributions to the palm oil industry in meeting one of the most important elements of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), that is sustainable consumption and production. Through this competition, CPOPC hopes to convey the importance of establishing a global alliance of oil palm smallholders of palm oil producing countries where information sharing and collaboration will continue to take place.

This competition could make people appreciate the important role of smallholders in providing affordable vegetable oil for food and energy.

Winning entries may win up to USD1,000 and a chance to share real-life stories of smallholders’ efforts in managing their plantations and in creating a decent life for their families. CPOPC is offering prizes worth USD7,950 for all winning entries.

Participant may submit their stories of 500 to 750 words in one of these languages: Bahasa Indonesia, Bahasa Malaysia, English, Spanish or French.

The categories are in the following:

  • Decent work, education, and sustainable community
  • Poverty alleviation, zero hunger, health and economic growth
  • Climate action, environment and biodiversity

All the winning stories will be published into a book. The deadline for submission is September 30, 2021. Submissions of short stories can be sent to cpopcstorycompetition@cpopc.org.

For more information on the competition please visit: https://www.cpopc.org/events/

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1612849/CPOPC_Story_Competition_Flyer_English.jpg

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Innova Medical Group Gifts £10m To Launch Global Pandemic Institute In Liverpool

– Liverpool is to headquarter the Pandemic Institute, which will provide the world’s first unique and comprehensive capability to predict, prevent, respond to and recover from Future Pandemics

– Innova has provided the capital required to establish the Institute, alongside support from the Liverpool City Council, The University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University, the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine and KQ Liverpool.

PASADENA, Calif. and LIVERPOOL, England, Sept. 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Innova Medical Group, a global health innovator and the world’s largest provider of rapid antigen tests, has announced a £10 million donation for the launch of The Pandemic Institute, a global centre of excellence to help the world prevent, prepare, and respond more effectively to future pandemics. The Institute is headquartered in Knowledge Quarter Liverpool (KQ Liverpool).

INNOVA MEDICAL GROUP GIFTS £10M TO LAUNCH GLOBAL PANDEMIC INSTITUTE IN LIVERPOOL

Innova’s donation provides the startup capital required to establish the Institute, alongside support from the Liverpool City Council, The University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University, the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, and KQ Liverpool.

The facility will offer world-leading clinical, research, and policy expertise, based in what is soon to be designated one of the world’s healthiest buildings, The Spine. That expertise will be supported by one of Liverpool’s greatest assets – its considerable academic resources – along with global connections and affiliates and public and private sector partners.

Together, the Institute’s partners will translate research results into policy and tangible actions, providing a unique holistic approach and comprehensive end-to-end capabilities across the pandemic lifecycle. The result will allow the world to accelerate global response to future pandemic events, to unify global intelligence and to dramatically increase the impact of pandemic research on the global society.

Innova Medical Group Logo

“The Innova team is passionate about supporting projects that will make a difference and it is clear now that pandemics are one of the biggest threats to the health of the world’s population,” said Daniel Elliott, CEO and President of Innova Medical Group. “It’s a really exciting initiative for us to be supporting the City’s academic and business institutions with an ambition towards end-to-end solutions that can be applied on a global scale. We look forward to working collaboratively with the Institute’s existing and future partners in pursuit of that combined goal.”

“The Pandemic Institute will be a unique centre of excellence which has the potential to help revolutionise how the world responds to future pandemics,” said Professor Matthew Baylis, Director of the Pandemic Institute. “Liverpool is perfectly placed for this exciting initiative and we appreciate Innova’s leadership in establishing the Pandemic Institute and the generous gift to Liverpool.”

ABOUT INNOVA MEDICAL GROUP, INC:

Innova Medical Group is a global health screening and diagnostic innovator driven to dramatically improve health outcomes worldwide with equitable, high-value testing solutions. Our strategic and iterative approach enables us to create, build and deploy a myriad of accessible tests customized to meet and empower the user at their point of need. With a panoramic vision spanning the present to the future, we develop trusted solutions that are both intuitive and secure to use. We quickly and nimbly became the world’s largest provider of Covid-19 tests, and we are determined to execute on this model across infectious disease, other chronic conditions and wellness. For more information, please visit: www.innovamedgroup.com

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1613366/Pandemic_Innova.jpg

Logo –  https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1494814/Innova_tagline_blue_Logo.jpg

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Adagio Therapeutics Announces Expansion of Patient Population in Global Phase 2/3 Clinical Trial of ADG20 for the Prevention of COVID-19

Independent Data Monitoring Committee Supports Expansion to Adolescents and Pregnant and Nursing Women Based on Safety and Tolerability Data from Phase 2 Lead-In

WALTHAM, Mass., Sept. 10, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Adagio Therapeutics, Inc., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of antibody-based solutions for infectious diseases with pandemic potential, today announced that the independent data monitoring committee (IDMC) for the EVADE Phase 2/3 trial of ADG20 for the prevention of COVID-19 has provided a recommendation to expand Phase 3 trial enrollment to include adolescents and pregnant or nursing women, as well as to decrease the protocol-specified, post injection monitoring time. The IDMC’s assessments are based on their review of unblinded safety and tolerability data from 200 participants enrolled in the Phase 2 lead-in portion of the trial. Adagio remains blinded to the data and plans to implement the IDMC recommendations for the Phase 3 portion of the trial. EVADE is being conducted globally, including in regions where there is a high prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern, to evaluate the ability of a single, intramuscular dose of ADG20 to prevent COVID-19 in both pre- and post-exposure settings.

“Given the urgent need for additional treatment and preventative options for COVID-19, particularly in vulnerable populations, we are pleased that an independent assessment of the safety data from the lead-in portion of EVADE supported inclusion of adolescents and pregnant or nursing women in the next phase of the study,” said Lynn Connolly, M.D., Ph.D., chief medical officer of Adagio. “Based on the potent and broad activity of ADG20 in non-clinical studies, as well as its extended half-life and ease of administration, we believe this antibody has the potential to become a preferred prophylactic option for COVID-19, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children and the immunocompromised, for whom there are currently limited or no available options.”

The EVADE trial is a global, multi-center, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial evaluating ADG20 in two independent cohorts. The first cohort (post-exposure prophylaxis) is designed to assess the safety and efficacy of ADG20 compared to placebo for the prevention of COVID-19 after exposure to an individual with laboratory confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. The second cohort (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is designed to assess the efficacy and safety of ADG20 compared to placebo in individuals who are at increased risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection due to occupational, housing or recreational situations, and in individuals who are at increased risk of poor vaccine response, including individuals with compromised immune systems or other co-morbidities. The primary efficacy endpoint in both cohorts is the prevention of laboratory confirmed, symptomatic COVID-19. For more information on the EVADE trial, please visit https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04859517.

The clinical development program for ADG20 includes two additional trials: the ongoing Phase 1 clinical trial of ADG20 in healthy volunteers and the ongoing STAMP trial evaluating ADG20 as a treatment for high-risk individuals with mild or moderate COVID-19 (see clinicaltrials.gov).

About ADG20
ADG20, a monoclonal antibody targeting the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 and related coronaviruses, is being developed for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19, the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2. ADG20 was designed and engineered to possess high potency and broad neutralization against SARS-CoV-2 and additional clade 1 sarbecoviruses, by targeting a highly conserved epitope in the receptor binding domain. ADG20 displays potent neutralizing activity against the original SARS-CoV-2 strain as well as all known variants of concern. ADG20 has the potential to impact viral replication and subsequent disease through multiple mechanisms of action, including direct blocking of viral entry into the host cell (neutralization) and elimination of infected host cells through Fc-mediated innate immune effector activity. ADG20 is formulated at high concentrations, enabling intramuscular administration, and was engineered to have a long half-life, with a goal of providing both rapid and durable protection. Adagio is advancing ADG20 through multiple clinical trials on a global basis.

About Adagio Therapeutics
Adagio is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of antibody-based solutions for infectious diseases with pandemic potential. The company’s portfolio of antibodies has been optimized using Adimab’s industry-leading antibody engineering capabilities and is designed to provide patients and clinicians with a powerful combination of potency, breadth, durable protection (via half-life extension), manufacturability and affordability. Adagio’s portfolio of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies includes multiple, non-competing broadly neutralizing antibodies with distinct binding epitopes, led by ADG20. Adagio has secured manufacturing capacity for the production of ADG20 with third-party contract manufacturers through the completion of clinical trials and, if approved by regulatory authorities, through initial commercial launch. For more information, please visit www.adagiotx.com.

Contacts:
Media Contact:
Dan Budwick, 1AB
[email protected]

Investor Contact:
Monique Allaire, THRUST Strategic Communications
[email protected]


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Sphera Announces Expanded Availability of Environmental, Social and Governance Reporting Solutions

Sphera’s ESG offering supports companies on the path to net zero while reducing operational risk and enhancing brand reputation.

CHICAGO, Sept. 09, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sphera®, a global leader in Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) risk and performance management software, data and consulting services, announces the widespread availability of its integrated ESG solutions. They consist of a comprehensive suite of data, software and consulting services that help customers quickly and effectively elevate their ESG performance and reporting capability.

With this expanded offering, Sphera customers will have better access to data-driven insights to maximize cost-effectiveness, increase the value of their investments in corporate social responsibility efforts, and satisfy both traditional compliance and future sustainability needs. Managing ESG performance reduces exposure to environmental risk, increases revenue and drives organizations into a sustainable future. With growing investor demand for measurable ESG progress, business leaders need to be able to demonstrate their ESG performance with clarity and confidence. Sphera has adapted its technology suite to specifically address this burgeoning market need. Features of Sphera’s integrated ESG solutions include:

  • Industry-based sustainability data to provide reliable data-driven insights—close to 15,000 datasets for more than 20 industries—into a company’s value chain and create a foundation for fact-based improvement and communication of your ESG performance.
  • Connected, scalable software solutions to ensure transparency and increase the efficiency of each stage of a customer’s sustainability and ESG journey.
  • Expert-led ESG guidance from sustainability consultants to bring deep sector and method-specific knowledge into the equation.

Moving toward a net-zero emission target is one of the most important metrics for ESG reporting. However, the assessment, management and reduction of Scope 3 emissions are the most difficult parts to achieve due to the huge amount of information that needs to be collected and analyzed. Sphera’s combination of data, software and expertise helps companies address these strategic decarbonization challenges.

Sphera’s ESG solution also incorporates a number of widely accepted disclosure framework standards, such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI).  This flexibility enables companies across industries to efficiently report their sustainability activities in relevant, sector-specific terms.

“Innovation has always been at the heart of Sphera’s mission, and our laser focus on staying ahead of the risk management curve has helped us evolve to become a leading integrated ESG software, data and services organization—at a time when our clients need these services the most,” said Paul Marushka, Sphera’s president and CEO. “Companies with the highest levels of ESG performance see greater returns on their investments, and we believe our comprehensive solutions can help them harness this powerful correlation.”

Sphera has long been at the forefront of innovative sustainability reporting solutions, leveraging its triple-powered approach of Innovation, Information and Insights to help companies improve their ESG performance.​ Verdantix, an independent analyst firm, recently named Sphera as a market leader for environmental compliance, sustainability management and sustainability reporting in its EHS Software Benchmark report. Sphera achieved the highest aggregate score for environmental compliance management and Corporate Sustainability solutions.

“Sphera is one of the few digital solution providers to bring together capabilities for sustainability reporting, ESG risk management and product stewardship. They’ve made meaningful investments in building their ESG reporting capabilities,” added David Metcalfe, CEO of Verdantix. “Their recognition in our EHS Software Benchmark report is a direct reflection of their commitment to leading the way for corporate sustainability excellence.”

To learn more about how Sphera is helping customers in their sustainability journey, read about how the company helped Aptar, a global leader in packaging and drug delivery devices, validate their ESG risks and opportunities according to the TCFD methodology.

Dr. Michele Del Grosso, global program manager of sustainability at Aptar said that, “Sphera’s corporate sustainability and strategy experts provided Aptar with valuable insights into the financial implications of our climate-related risks and opportunities. This enabled us to provide our stakeholders with valid proof of our environmental performance. By integrating the results into CDP reporting, we were able to improve ESG performance and recognition to become a CDP 2020 Climate A-List company.”

For additional information on how Sphera is helping customers meet and exceed ESG performance goals, visit https://sphera.com/begin-your-esg-sustainability-journey/.

About Sphera

Sphera creates a safer, more sustainable and productive world. We are a leading global provider of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) performance and risk management software, data and consulting services with a focus on Environment, Health, Safety & Sustainability (EHS&S), Operational Risk Management and Product Stewardship.

For media enquiries, please contact:

[email protected]

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In First Summit with International Business & Government Leaders, Essential Workers to Discuss Framework for Just COVID-19 Recovery

*Tune into Day 2 of the Summit at 13:00 GMT at essentialforrecovery.org*

London, UK, Sept. 09, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Wednesday, Sept. 8 marked the opening day of the first-ever global summit of essential workers. Participants from around the world tuned in to a powerful conversation about an economic recovery that prioritizes essential workers, especially women in the informal economy.

“Universal social protections for essential workers are no longer a choice for governments; it is a very necessary move for governments to take,” Lorraine Sibanda, president of StreetNet International, an international alliance of street vendors, told the crowd.

The Essential for Recovery summit, which runs from September 8 through September 10, brings together essential workers from North and South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia with global business and government leaders to discuss a framework for a just economic recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic. The event centers the demands of care workers and the 61% of workers worldwide who labor in the informal economy, including domestic workers, agricultural workers, street vendors, and home-based workers.

“Home-based workers contribute around $300 billion to the economy, but they don’t get any benefit out of it. We are part of supply chains but we are not recognized as contributors to the supply chains,” said Saira Feroze of the Home-Based Women Workers Federation, on Day 1 of the summit.

The first day of the innovative summit brought together diverse voices from across the globe. Martha Chen, a lecturer at Harvard and senior advisor to Women in Informal Employement: Globalizing and Organizing (WIEGO), interviewed Rosheda Muller, president of the South African Informal Traders Alliance, on how street vendors are organizing globally. Legendary South African labor leader Myrtle Witbooi spoke with Maina Kiai, senior official at Human Rights Watch and former United Nations Special Rapporteur. And actor and activist Martin Sheen and actress Yalitza Aparicio made special appearances.

“COVID-19 taught us the importance of all workers in different sectors, recognizing that they deserve decent work and are important in the global economy. Governments know about this issue, but what are they doing about it?” asked Aparicio, who was nominated for an Oscar for her performance in the 2019 movie Roma.

Day 2 of the event on Thursday will focus on the fight against inequality, sexual harassment, and abuse in the workplace. Guests include: Rosa Pavanelli, the General Secretary of Public Services International, interviewing “Mama Union” Rose Omamo, leader of the Kenyan metal workers union; journalist Xanthe Scharff interviewing Mercedes D’Alessandro, feminist economist and Argentine government official; and journalist Reena Ninan interviewing business leader Brid Gould of Sodexo.

About Essential For Recovery:

The Essential for Recovery Summit is led by non-profit labor organizations — including  HomeNet International, International Domestic Workers’ Federation, International Trade Union Confederation, Solidarity Center, StreetNet International, UNI Global Union, and Women in Informal Employment: Globalizing and Organizing — and supported by the Open Society Foundations.

Communications
Open Society Foundations 
(212)-548-0378
media@opensocietyfoundations.org
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Disruptive.Asia finds China’s chip makers leveraging innovation and policy support to hit 14nm maturity

LONDON, Sept. 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Disruptive.Asia finds that China’s quest for self-sufficiency in chipset manufacturing not only giving its 14nm chip-making capability a significant boost towards full maturity, but also positioning the country as a key global partner in the chipset space as the supply chain shifts in favor of the Asia-Pacific region.

According to Cai Yimao, Vice Dean of School of Electronic Engineering and Computer Science Peking University, Chinese companies have overcome many of the technical problems in developing 14nm chips, accelerating China’s 14nm capabilities over the past couple of years. It is expected that China’s 28nm chipset sector is on track for full maturity this year and 14nm chipsets are on track to follow suit by 2022.

Strong policy support and investment are supporting chip makers in China. Cai thinks the promulgation of relevant policies has made it clear that China continues to support the IC industry as a pillar industry. China has attached great importance to the development of the IC industry and continuously strengthens policy support and investment.

Currently, the supply chain shifts towards China and Southeast Asia. It is believed this will also drive domestic R&D of advanced technologies and spur rapid development of local enterprises in China as they accumulate technology expertise and management experience. Also, the gradual completion of the construction of new wafer fabs in mainland China provides new support for the chip industry in terms of reduced costs, expanded production capacity, and geographical convenience. The number and proportion of China’s integrated circuit production lines have continued to increase. More than 20 300mm fab production lines have been put into production, and several are under construction.

Disruptive.Asia agrees that China has already mastered the technology for mass production of 14nm.  Like what Cai has mentioned, China’s domestic 14nm chips will be mass-produced next year, with a better balance of performance, power consumption and cost than ever before.

About Disruptive.Asia

Disruptive.Asia covers the current state of digital disruption in the Asia-Pacific telecoms, fintech and internet sectors – where it’s coming from, what’s driving it, the impact it’s having on each industry, how the key players are responding and what’s next.