SUSTAINABILITY TLDR NEWSLETTER: EDITION 30
This newsletter gives you highlights of selected sustainability insights that were, perhaps, too long (you) didn’t read (TLDR) or there’s just too much out there to read. The highlights presented cover insights gleaned from a global, regional (African), and national (Kenyan) perspective. Happy reading! GLOBAL Global Wage Report 2024 – 2025 Produced by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) this report reviews global and regional wage trends to check wage inequality and real wage growth. Some key highlights from the report: Real wages grew faster than inflation in the past couple of years, as inflation eased – but there are regional differences in this. Real wages in emerging economies i.e. Asia and the Pacific, Central and Western Asia, and Eastern Europe; grew faster than in other parts of the world. Advanced G20 economies had two years of consecutive decline in real wages. Despite this gain, wage inequality remains strong and persistent, especially in low-income countries, with women and workers in the informal economy likely to be the lowest paid, and without any legal and/or social protection. This is important as in most low and middle income countries most workers are self-employed workers in the informal economy. Wage distribution shows that men earn more than women in all country income groups and across the entire wage scale. The gender wage gap is higher in lower-upper-middle income countries when looking at the low end of the wage distribution (low pay occupations, and informal sectors); and this is the same in high-income countries where the highest gender gap is also at the bottom end of the wage distribution. Importantly, this report also highlights that most low and middle income countries have a majority of non-wage workers, while high income countries have a minority of non-wage workers – this makes it more complex to give a true picture of inequality; as non-wage work is harder to quantify. A better measure would be labour income (inequality) which would then consider non-wage work e.g. self-employed, family workers, workers in cooperatives e.t.c. As such, wage inequality increases when non-wage workers are added to the calculations. The report proposes national strategies to reduce wage inequality that include: Collective bargaining and statutory minimum wages set through social dialogue; Wage policies should level the field to reduce gender inequalities and discrimination; these policies should also take economic factors and needs of workers into consideration; Understand and address the root cause of low pay; Redistribute income through national taxes and social transfer systems to reduce household income inequality. My two-cents: I’m taking this report with a pinch of salt, which I think the authors expect us to. Because, while wage inequality seems to have improved (but not necessarily labour income inequality) at the start of the 21st Century, we are in a tumultuous century – that’s shifting the stability of fundamental life, the cost of living and one’s ability to maintain livelihoods. ‘Surely some revelation is at hand’. Corruption Perceptions Index 2024 This global annual report is published by Transparency International to bring attention to public sector corruption and the need to fight against it. Today, about 2/3rds (over 60%) of the world score below the mid-point (50/100) – where 100 is very clean, 0 highly corrupt. Denmark leads with a score of 90, while South Sudan ends the ranking with a score of 8. Additionally, strong democracies outperform non-democratic countries and flawed democracies. In our globalized world, such a significant percentage implies an endemic issue. This year’s report calls out the interconnectedness of the climate crisis and corruption, highlighting the capture of climate action policy as well as the murky lines of illicit funds from corruption, environmental destruction, crimes and vested interests in financing fossil fuels, among others. Corruption undermines development, hinders climate action, and erodes democracy and human rights. Looking at corruption from a regional perspective, some insights drawn are: The EU and Western Europe – Corruption is increasing due to weak enforcement of anti-corruption measures; Americas – Corruption is fueling environmental crimes and impunity; Asia-Pacific – failing to combat corruption is exacerbating climate disasters; Middle East & North Africa – Systems of government can block transparency efforts; Sub-Saharan Africa – Weak and/or lack of anti-corruption measures and institutional checks are undermining much needed climate action; Eastern Europe & Central Asia – corruption thrives due to weak democracies and rule of law. My two cents: Across the world, SDG 16 (Peace, justice, strong institutions) is one of the top 4 least reported on SDGs, according to KPMG’s survey of sustainability reporting 2022. Like lots of other global trends, corruption seems to be heading upwards rather than down. It’s systemic, but perhaps at an individual decision-making level (work or home), we can make a difference one decision at a time. AFRICA Africa Youth Survey 2024 In its 3rd edition, this publication captures the perceptions of Africa’s largest population and their views on environmental, social and political issues. The survey and its’ results are championed by the Ichikowitz Family Foundation, based in Johannesburg, South Africa. The survey captures 16 countries, about 5,600 young Africans between the ages of 18-24 years, and of equal gender distribution. In case you missed seeing it late 2024, here are some insights gleaned from the report: Young Africans are cautiously optimistic of the continent’s future with slight over 35% saying the continent is headed in the right direction, but young people are losing trust in all forms of authority (less so religious leaders). Young people want Africa to have a stronger voice (presence) on the world stage, and are wary of foreign influence in Africa’s affairs and express mixed sentiments about foreign influence on the continent. China and the US are seen as the biggest influences, with China being appreciated for its development investments e.g. infrastructure, but there’s also concerns over resource exploitation. The EU’s influence is seen as waning as anti-colonial sentiments grow, and Russia viewed more negatively with its role in global conflicts. There’s strong belief in democracy, but also the desire for democratic systems that are relevant for African countries, rather than simply adopting Western models; and perhaps sometimes non-democratic models could work in certain circumstances. Most young Africans don’t believe their governments are
SUSTAINABILITY TLDR NEWSLETTER: EDITION 29
This newsletter gives you highlights of selected sustainability insights that were, perhaps, too long (you) didn’t read (TLDR) or there’s just too much out there to read. The highlights presented cover insights gleaned from a global, regional (African), and national (Kenyan) perspective. Happy reading! GLOBAL Global Risks Report 2025 The World Economic Forum published the 2025 report, its 20th edition of the Global Risks Report. Here are some interesting considerations from the report: Globally optimism is declining, the world is more polarized, divided and skepticism prevails in the inability of our governing institutions and social mechanisms to handle the fragile world we are in. Deepening rifts in political economy and geopolitics resulting in national security gaining priority on government agendas and budgets (to the detriment of other public services), and these rifts are being exacerbated by cyber insecurity, misinformation and disinformation. Social fragmentation from rising inequality, displacement and migration, erosion of civic freedoms are stressing social cohesion within and across countries. Environmental risks remain critical as negative climate and environmental impacts take their toll, and are expected to continue doing so. Nature loss and ecosystem collapse are also at the fore with significant deterioration expected. Technology risks threatening information quality and exchange contributing as well to social fragmentation. We are also yet to grasp the adverse outcomes of AI technologies. The report highlights the global risks in 2025 (watch the video) as below, and also shows the most severe risks for the next 2 years and 10 years: This year’s report also highlighted risks by age-group and stakeholder group, which I thought was interesting as well. Under 30 years ranked extreme weather events as the current no.1 risk; while Above 30 year’s ranked state based armed conflict as their current no.1 risk. Looking at stakeholder groups ranking of global short term risks (2 years): civil society – extreme weather events; international organisations – stated based armed conflict; and academia, government and private sector – misinformation and disinformation. The WEF 2025 report, provided some key actions needed to address the global risks we face: Global cooperation and multi-stakeholder engagement through multilateral institutions is needed to navigate these times and what lies ahead. Regional organisations need to take a proactive and key role in managing tensions. Diversify supply chains to ensure supply chain resilience as well as domestic supply. Upskill the people building automated algorithms, improve digital literacy for all, and establish governance and transparency of and for new (and emerging) technologies. My two-cents: This global risk report is a critical annual reminder of the significant collective risks that leaders and organisations need to address. We have 5 years left to achieve global commitments of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement for climate – time flies! AFRICA Foresight Africa: Top Priorities for Africa 2025 – 2030 The African Union will see the appointment of a new African Union Chairperson in February 2025. The Chairperson serves a 4 year term (renewable only once) and oversees delivery of the long term commitment to “An integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the global arena”, under the African Union’s Agenda 2063, the continent’s blueprint for development. Africa has a critical role to play in our globalized world, and an even more significant responsibility to prioritizing sustainable development for its people. This year, the Brookings Institution moved from delivering an annual foresight, to one that presents a 5 year strategic perspective for policy and decision-makers relevant to the continent. This comprehensive foresight report provides key insights and thought-provoking contributions from key African leaders for consideration. Here are some highlights from the report: Harnessing Africa’s Inner Strength: The continent’s potential – with fast growing economies, youth population, natural resources and vibrant mobile and digital economy, among others – are some of the essential foundations for development that can be leveraged to address country and pan-African poverty and economic productivity disparities. African leaders must put concerted effort into realising the AfCFTA for intra-regional opportunities and resilience. Achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Only 6% of the 32 measurable SDG targets reviewed are on track to be achieved by 2030 for the continent. It’s imperative that leaders prioritise domestic finance to meet development needs, optimise data-driven decision making and digitisation for efficiency, and implement climate resilience. Women and Youth Empowerment: With over 50% of the African population being women, and more than 60% of Africa’s population under 35 years – it is evident that only a minority of Africans have access to opportunities to contribute to their societies and economies, while the majority are left out. These demographic dividends can no longer be ignored, and the report presents the need for investments in education, entrepreneurship, and structural reforms to empower women and youth as key levers to change this gaping inequality. Governance: Governments are not delivering the progress needed for their countries, and ‘A growing number of Africans struggle to secure the basic necessities of life’ (p.121). Addressing implementation gaps, establishing government accountability, and fostering citizen engagement are vital for effective governance. Technology and Innovation: Exploring the transformative potential of AI and digital infrastructure in solving Africa’s challenges moving the continent from simply being a user of technology to a creator of technology. Policy makers will need to take action to boost investment, enable access to education that enhances tech and digital knowledge and skills, and ensure robust regulation and governance measures are established to provide a just and responsible landscape. Global Partnerships: The continent is (finally) taking a more prominent role on the world stage e.g. G20 membership, making the case for permanent membership to the UN Security Council (for 80 years this has not been the case), pushing for reforms in global tax regimes, e.t.c. The African Union and all its member states will need to be strategic in negotiating trade agreements and other partnerships around financial and debt sustainability, strategic minerals, renewable energy, e.t.c. to secure real development for their countries, maintain and ensure sovereignty, and deliver just and sustainable transitions. My two-cents: Reading this report, the most compelling insight I have drawn is that the continent requires the best possible decision-makers and leaders in leadership positions in government and business, to deliver development (in real-terms) required for Africa’s people and the
SUSTAINABILITY TLDR NEWSLETTER: EDITION 28
This newsletter gives you highlights of selected sustainability insights that were, perhaps, too long (you) didn’t read (TLDR) or there’s just too much out there to read. The highlights presented cover insights gleaned from a global, regional (African), and national (Kenyan) perspective. Happy reading! GLOBAL COP29, Baku The much-awaited United Nations Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC) Conference of the Parties (COP) 29th edition took place in Baku, Azerbaijan in November 2024. The conference marked significant progress in climate action while also highlighting challenges for future efforts. Key achievements included: Climate Finance: Developed nations pledged to triple their annual climate finance commitment to $300 billion by 2035, aiming to help countries adapt to climate disasters and accelerate the clean energy transition. While ambitious, this goal still falls short of the trillions required for comprehensive global climate action. Carbon Markets: COP29 finalized long-awaited rules under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. These provide frameworks for bilateral trading and a centralized carbon market mechanism, ensuring transparency and environmental integrity. Developing countries are expected to benefit from new financial inflows and capacity-building support. Loss and Damage Fund: The conference operationalized a new fund, with $800 million pledged to support adaptation efforts in vulnerable countries. Enhanced Climate Reporting Standards and Transparency Initiatives: Advances in climate reporting were made, with several nations submitting Biennial Transparency Reports. The Enhanced Transparency Framework tools and related training programs aim to ensure accountability and identify financing needs. Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): Countries are required to submit updated NDCs by February 2025, emphasizing the need for ambitious, actionable climate plans that integrate private sector involvement. Despite these steps, challenges remain, particularly in scaling financial commitments to the levels necessary for meaningful change and ensuring accountability in climate finance. The transition away from fossil fuels also requires more urgent action. COP29 sets the stage for further action and dialogue at COP30 in Brazil, with stakeholders emphasizing the need for stronger commitments to meet global climate goals. My two-cents: The decisions made at the COP29 such as creating a new fund and new emphasis on NDCs and developing countries are critical in making peace with nature and addressing the damage already done on our planet. I believe that creating a level playing field in the carbon credits markets presents a huge opportunity for developing countries in Africa. The countries have vast lands that they can convert into carbon sinks such as forest for trade. Again, streamlining the market will allow revaluation of national wealth to reflect biodiversity and natural wealth. A major issue that I believe COP29 could have addressed and perhaps should be addressed in upcoming conference(s) is unsustainable government subsidies for fossil fuels and unsustainable agriculture. Some developed countries such as Belgium Germany, Italy, and France continue to subsidise fossil fuels thereby increasing their use and exacerbating the emissions situation. In total, about 2% of the global GDP is allocated to subsidies that could otherwise be directed towards climate action and mitigation. Biodiversity COP16 (21 October – 1 November 2024) The Conference of the Parties (COP) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is a conference parallel to and under the UNFCC COP. Established in1992, 150 nations signed the Convention on Biological Diversity, a global agreement to support sustainable development by protecting the web of life on Earth. The 16th Conference of the Parties (COP) to that agreement took place in Cali, Colombia from 21 October – 1 November 2024. Themed making peace with nature, the conference discussed ways that humanity can utilize nature to address climate change. Key issues worth noting from the conference are as follows: Inclusivity and Local Engagement: COP16 marked a shift towards broader societal engagement, involving Indigenous and local communities through the establishment of a UN Subsidiary Body. Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) Funding: The KMGBF is an international agreement that aims to protect and restore biodiversity by 2030 adopted in 2022. The conference approved USD 2.42 billion in direct support to the KMGBF. New Initiatives: The Cali Fund aims to fairly share benefits from the use of digital sequence information. This requires companies in various sectors such as pharmaceutical, agriculture, and health that utilize deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) or ribonucleic acid (RNA) data from nature to commit 1% of their profits or 0.1% of revenue to diversity protection that directly benefits developing countries and Indigenous Peoples and local communities. The Berlin Urban Nature Pact emphasises cities’ roles in biodiversity through green infrastructure. The Pact sets out 7 target areas: (1. Green infrastructure, trees & forests; 2. Blue infrastructure & water management; 3. Food & agriculture; 4. Education & nature experience; 5. Soil health; 6. Co-habitation; and 7. Species & habitats) in the Plan of Action broken down into 28 ambitious and measurable targets covering the following key topics of biodiversity action. Signatories are required to meet 15 out of 28 targets by 2030. The Kunming Biodiversity Fund (KBF), launched at COP 16 with a US $200 million contribution from the Government of China. The KBF supports accelerated action to deliver 2030 Agenda and SDG targets and 2050 goals of the Kunming-Montréal Global Biodiversity Framework, particularly cities in developing countries. Challenges in Financing: Despite the proposed $200 billion for the Global Biodiversity Framework fund, commitments remain uncertain, highlighting an urgency for government and private sector contributions. Nature-Based Solutions (NbS): These were spotlighted as crucial for addressing climate and biodiversity crises but are underfunded, receiving only 2% of climate finance. Urgent Actions Required: Existing commitments must translate into concrete actions to avert biodiversity loss, advocating for regenerative, inclusive leadership and better collaboration between stakeholders. My two-cents: The creation of a subsidiary body dealing with diversity as well as the Calif Fund bring to the fore the needed innovativeness of climate financing to address the challenges that face us. What is even more interesting is that nature-based solutions could contribute one-third of the emissions reductions needed by 2030, with only 15% of the investment. I am convinced that third world countries that struggle to generate capital for climate action programs should look more into these less costly alternatives. AFRICA African Development Bank Group: THE TEN-YEAR STRATEGY 2024 – 2033 The African Development Bank (AFDB) released its new Ten-Year Strategy for 2024–2033 at its Annual Meetings
SUSTAINABILITY TLDR NEWSLETTER: EDITION 27
This newsletter gives you highlights of selected sustainability insights that were, perhaps, too long (you) didn’t read (TLDR) or there’s just too much out there to read. The highlights presented cover insights gleaned from a global, regional (African), and national (Kenyan) perspective. Happy reading! GLOBAL Summit of the Future Pact The 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly held on 23-27th September 2024 was spearheaded by the Summit of the Future Pact. The pact, which includes Global Digital Compact and a Declaration on Future Generations, was adopted by consensus by all 193 member states and seeks to create a better international system that responds well to sustainable development needs and other modern realities. The pact covers five key areas with specific actions in each: Sustainable development and financing for development International peace and security Science, technology and innovation and digital cooperation Youth and future generations Transforming global governance To achieve these goals, there are 56 specific calls to actions. Key among them are: Turbocharge the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement on climate change; Listening to young people and including them in decision-making, at national and global level; Building stronger partnerships with civil society, the private sector, local and regional authorities and more to tackle interconnected challenges; Redouble efforts to build and sustain peaceful, inclusive and just societies and address the root causes of conflicts; Protect all civilians in armed conflict; Accelerate the implementation of our commitments on women, peace and security; Reaffirmation of human rights as foundational; Emphasizing universal freedoms and the need to combat discrimination. In my view, the recognition of the critical role played by social protection and welfare in protecting the gains made so far and attaining SDGs is a big thing. The Pact notes that providing adequate social protection will be paramount in eliminating hunger, providing quality universal education, better housing, improved healthcare, reduce inequalities and even absorb the shocks in quality of life occasioned by climate change and adaptation challenges. In furtherance to the social protection issue and its recognition as a foundational human right, the International Labour Organization (ILO) released its 26th edition of the flagship report-World Social Protection Report, on 12th September. The report provides an overview of the progress made around the world since 2015 in the face of climate change and action in terms of providing social and welfare support to the vulnerable in society. Key highlights of the report are as follows: Social protection remains a basic human right that must be incorporated and even guide climate action; Social protection is part and parcel of the sustainability agenda because besides addressing poverty, it minimizes the effects of climate change to vulnerable households; Globally, social protection coverage has increased from 26.7% to 37.3% of vulnerable persons since 2015. Despite such increase, over 3.8 billion people remain without any form of social protection; Gender imbalance in social protection exists with men at 54.6% and women lagging behind at 50.1%; The older persons group is best covered by social protection in both high and low-income countries, though the gap between the two is large with high income countries recording 96% while the latter has only 12.7% covered; Unemployed persons and mothers with newborns are the least covered by social protection in both high-income and low-income countries. My two cents: The UNGA report has made the right step into human sustainable development and deconstructing SDGs as government and private sector ideals. Provision of social justice to the masses will accelerate the attainment of the SDGs. I believe this approach will shape government policies in formulating requisite social policies as part of the sustainable development agenda. Again, judging by the weight placed on social protection, it will not be a surprise that developing and low-income countries will request some form of climate finance funding (besides official development funding) from development partners to be directed towards supporting local social protection funding. Perhaps, this could even open up new ways of fast-tracking SDGs. AFRICA Ibrahim Index of African Governance The Ibrahim Index of African Governance (IIAG) was released this October. The report examines 96 indicators clustered into four categories namely: security & rule of law; participation, rights & inclusion; foundations for economic opportunity; and human development. The report shows an overall improvement of the performance of the continent over the last 10-year period. With the index created in 2007, it has been instrumental in tracking governance on the continent and has helped to objectively assess the performance of governments and highlight areas of needed improvement and adjustment. The index shows 2.9 (out of 100) points improvement in human development and 2.8 in foundations of economic opportunity. The most improved country in the overall IIAG index is Seychelles followed by Morocco, Angola and Somalia. Tunisia, Mauritius and Mali have recorded some of the largest declines. However, to me, the indicator overlooks some core modern realities such as climate action and change, increased intra-Africa collaboration (e.g. COMESA, AfCTFA), and the ballooning African young population among others which have been fundamental in Africa’s governance efforts. In the same breath, the African Union together with UNESCO released the Continental Strategy for Tertiary Education and Training (TVET) which is a collaborative effort by African countries to improve and standardise skills training as a response to increasing youth employment in the region. The strategy is perceived as a timely accelerator to the attainment of sustainable development and SDGs and also addressing the high rate of youth unemployment in the region. The report identifies key issues as some highlighted below: Fragmented structuring of TVET Unregulated traditional apprenticeship Growing importance of private TVET centres Mismatch between supply and demand for skills Low prestige and attractiveness of TVET Insufficient funding Weak policy implementation structures Promising initiatives at national level Of these major issues, skills mismatch seems to have a huge impact on the acceptance and effectiveness of TVETS. Partnerships and collaborations between training institutions, government and industries can address this issue. However, the strategy only recognises “training for the green economy and emerging job markets” as a function of governments in institutionalising TVETs and not a function of TVETs themselves. This anomaly is even in the list of
SUSTAINABILITY TLDR NEWSLETTER: EDITION 26
This newsletter gives you highlights of selected sustainability insights that were, perhaps, too long (you) didn’t read (TLDR) or there’s just too much out there to read. The highlights presented cover insights gleaned from a global, regional (African), and national (Kenyan) perspective. Happy reading! GLOBAL Global Trends for Youth Employment 2024 The International Labour Organisation (ILO) published its 20th anniversary edition of this youth centred report, which looks at how well (or not) young people are doing in attaining decent work – from a policy and institutional lens. (Note: youth is 15 – 24 years old). Here some key highlights from the report: Across most countries, youth unemployment returned to pre-COVID19 levels or below; but for Arab States, East Asia, South East Asia and the Pacific, youth unemployment was higher in 2023 than 2019. Young men benefited more than young women from this recovery. Globally, only 6% of youth were unemployed in 2023. However, about 20% of youth were not in employment, education or training. 1 in 3 of the world’s young people live in a country that is off track on SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth. The fact is, the world is well off track on SDG 8 as it was at the start of the SDGs in 2015. Concerningly, globally, 2 of 3 youth who are not in employment, education or training are young women and this rate is double that of young men. In the next few years, the low rates of youth unemployment in Northern, Southern and Western Europe and North America are likely increase. Most young people around the world cannot find secure paid jobs (a job with a paying employer and a contract longer than one year) but this picture has not changed much since the start of the millennium (year 2000). As the world shifts more towards casual work e.g. gig economy, shift work, e.t.c. young people are getting more anxious about their financial independence and the stages of adulthood. In sub-Saharan Africa, nearly 3 in 4 working young people are in insecure jobs. According to the report, this part of the world has some of the lowest youth unemployment rates (8.9% in 2023) because most young people cannot afford to not have some form of income generation. For North Africa and Arab States, youth unemployment will remain high. Education mismatches have increased as the supply of educated youth starts to outweigh the opportunities for highly skilled work in middle-income countries. As developing countries have been slow in their transition to value-addition sectors, young people are only finding work in low or average skilled jobs – that do not match their education. In these economies, 2 of 3 young people hold qualifications that do not match their work. In August 2024, the World Bank launched a special council to tackle the looming job crisis that will arise in the Global South. In the next decade, 1.2 billion young people in the Global South will be of working age, while the global job market will only create 420 million jobs. This high-level council is co-chaired by former President of Chile, Michelle Bachelet and President of the Republic of Singapore, Tharman Shanmugaratham and will convene experts across diverse stakeholders towards strategies that solve for large scale employment opportunities. The creation of this council highlights the global urgency to address youth unemployment. The ILO report points out that how effectively we are able to engage young people in the world of work and civic engagement, will determine the global progress (or lack of it). The report proposes some key recommendations for policy makers and institutional decision-makers: There needs to be more policies that boost job creation and improve financial access; Provide training and education to reduce skills mismatches and to manage the school-to-work transition; Deliver an enabling environment for self-employment and entrepreneurship; Ensure labour rights to ensure fair and decent work for young people in line with international standards. Shaping these policy and institutional interventions will require including youth; adding gender-responsive approaches to reverse declining trends around young women not in employment, education or training; matching education, skills and training to labour demand and opportunities; and working in partnership. My two-cents: As much as this report highlights much needed issues and interventions e.g. for our governments and development institutions, it also highlights significant opportunities in social sustainability for business as well. From my perspective, business is the creator and driver of the economy and the job creator (if we keep to the measure of production, consumption, exchange). The global youth employment trends also talk to the demographic trends I shared in a previous TLDR edition, which highlighted that for over 170 countries worldwide, populations will continue to grow well into mid 2050s and beyond. I am hoping that private sector are making the connection between citizens, customers, employees and long term (national) prosperity at the pace needed to provide solutions. AFRICA Global Media Index for Africa 2024 This index tracks how the world’s most powerful 20 global media houses cover the African continent based on diversity of topics, range of sources, number of countries and depth of coverage. This report’s work is important as how global media cover the region of Africa, shapes perceptions of the countries, which in turn influence decision-making on investment, trade, policy, tourism and cost of money. Here are some interesting callouts: The lion’s share of news report about the African continent related to politics, poverty, corruption, with little attention to culture, arts, innovation, technology and other positive developments. Global media organisations give so much space to powerful men (politicians, business leaders, experts) in their stories about the continent. In line with this, voices of ordinary citizens, young people, women, were given little attention. Despite having 55 countries on the continent of Africa, global news coverage of Africa focuses on a handful of countries suggesting that global media treat the African continent as a country. Nearly all global media outlets provide depth of coverage – ensuring balanced reporting e.g. thorough research; providing context for the stories to support audience understanding; and avoiding stereotypes in framing. Some key recommendations from the report to global media, I thought interesting were: Media houses can improve diversity by improving
SUSTAINABILITY TLDR NEWSLETTER: EDITION 25
This newsletter gives you highlights of selected sustainability insights that were, perhaps, too long (you) didn’t read (TLDR) or there’s just too much out there to read. The highlights presented cover insights gleaned from a global, regional (African), and national (Kenyan) perspective. Happy reading! GLOBAL World Population Prospects 2024 Understanding population trends is integral to sustainable development. According to UN DESA population trends are more predictable than the global economic and technological advances trends. So, perhaps it is well worth paying more attention to the trends of population growth, ageing, urbanization and migration as they shape our world; and then, in turn, shape economic and technological trends. The recent 28th edition of World Population Prospects 2024 report from the UN, presents vital insights for decision-makers in government and private sector. Here are some interesting highlights: Global population will peak within this century, and this is sooner and will be at a lower level than previously expected around mid-2080s; and then will gradually decline by the end of the century. Demographic outlooks are diverse with some countries having high and rapid growth, while others have low growth, and some even decline. However, all populations are headed towards a similar path of longer lives, smaller families, this is called the demographic transition. 63 countries which include China, Germany, Japan, Russia, will peak before 2024. 48 countries which include Brazil, Iran, Turkey, Vietnam, will peak between 2025 – 2054. The remaining 126 countries which include the USA, India, Pakistan, Nigeria, Indonesia, will continue to grow through 2054 possibly peaking later this century or beyond 2100. This group’s population change will significantly influence the size and timing of global population peak and its level. Women today are having one child less than in 1990s. Increasing the age at which women have their 1st child slows population growth and optimizes resources for sustainable development. Momentum from past growth is the main driver for global population increase up to mid-century. By 2080, people over 65 years will outnumber children under 18 years globally. Countries that peaked in 2024 as well as those set to peak between 2025 – 2054, have a limited time to benefit economically from their youthful populations. For some countries, immigration will be their main driver of future growth e.g. populations in Italy, Germany, Russia would have peaked sooner without immigration. Gender equality and women’s empowerment helps counter rapid population growth or decline. Globally, mortality has decreased and life expectancy has increased in leaps and bounds over the past 3 decades. My two-cents: Decision-makers need to use population data to plan ahead, to understand current and future needs of their countries/populations and ensure effective and relevant sustainability development strategies are in place, this goes for private sector which is reliant on the society (the population) for their talent pool and work force, customers, investors, suppliers, etc. In late 2022, the world’s population hit 8 billion people, and today it is still growing. Population boils down to ‘a woman, a couple, a family deciding on children – then you can aggregate that to get to national population’ – children, family is often personal choice yet, when extrapolated, has national and eventually global implications. Whether at household level or national level family sizes need to be discussed, planned and managed. Global Sustainability Leaders 2024 Globescan and ERM Sustainability Institute, published their annual global sustainability leaders 2024 report. About 500 sustainability experts across 60+ countries participated in this survey to present perspectives on key themes influencing the sustainability agenda. Key perspectives presented in the report were that: Globally, sustainability legislation, regulation and frameworks are a significant and important lever to driving the sustainability agenda e.g. recent EU, and US regulations as well as international reporting guidelines like the IFRS. Climate change is still the most pressing sustainability challenge, but nature-related issues such as biodiversity loss, deforestation, water scarcity and pollution; are now also significant and pressing global sustainability issues. Sustainability backlash, particularly in the US, is impacting the sustainability agenda; but it’s unclear whether this backlash will actually slow the transition to sustainability. Patagonia, Unilever, Natura & Co and IKEA are seen as the top corporate sustainability leaders. Nordic countries and Germany top the list of governments/countries driving sustainability; with Costa Rica, Japan and Singapore also featuring on the list. The top 3 criteria for a corporate sustainability leader were: integrated sustainability into strategy; evidence of impact/action; and integrating sustainability into the supply chain. WWF topped the not-for-profit leader board, followed by Greenpeace and Nature Conservancy. Business-led networks, Global Compact and World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), also made the not-for-profits leaders list. Regionally, leaders were more diversified. In North America – Patagonia; Europe – Unilever; Latin-America; Natura & Co; Asia Pacific – Tata Group. Industry sustainability leadership is led by forest products, life sciences, Information Communication & Technology (ICT), electric utilities; while the extractive industries is rated lowest for its sustainability transition. My two-cents: I like sharing insights from this report, as it gives a quick leader board perspective on sustainability leadership – and if you’re like me, you like a way to gauge ‘what good looks like’and ‘what needs to be done to get there’. It also highlights which issues sustainability peers are keeping top-of-mind, a useful gauge for any practitioner. As more sustainability experts from more regions and countries participate in this survey, I anticipate the survey will continue to deepen its regional insights. AFRICA African Disability Protocol Becomes Legally Binding In June 2024, the African Disability Protocol (ADP) came into force, becoming legally binding across the African Union’s 55 member states/countries. This milestone is thanks to the efforts of disability rights organisation’s, like Sightsavers, who have been relentlessly championing the rights of people with disability across the continent from the Protocol’s adoption in 2018 to it becoming a pan-African legally binding agreement mid-2024. More than 80 million people on the continent live with disability. The Africa Disability Protocol is a human rights treaty tailored to Africa’s unique socio-cultural context. It ensures countries carry out
SUSTAINABILITY TLDR NEWSLETTER: EDITION 24
This newsletter gives you highlights of selected sustainability insights that were, perhaps, too long (you) didn’t read (TLDR) or there’s just too much out there to read. The highlights presented cover insights gleaned from a global, regional (African), and national (Kenyan) perspective. Happy reading! GLOBAL EU Climate Ministers Pass Law to Restore Nature in the EU The EU passed its landmark law to restore 20% of its degraded ecosystems by 2030. About 80% of EU habitats are in poor shape, the new law sets the ambition to restore 30% of nature by land and sea by 2030 and all degraded ecosystems by 2050 – this includes planting 3bn trees, restoring peatlands and increasing pollinators e.g. bees, flies, small bats, beetles, small mammals, birds etc. The controversial law will require EU countries to set binding targets to rehabilitate nature with a focus on habitats with significant potential for carbon capture, and nature’s ecosystem services e.g. cleaning water, pollinating plants, and reducing impacts of natural disasters. This also includes preventing deterioration of already restored areas, and removing man-made barriers in rivers to improve connectivity and flow. Although the details are yet to be worked out, and importantly funding found to realise nature’s restoration; the law is a milestone for the EU and its people. My two-cents: The global Biodiversity Agreement committed to by world leaders in late 2022, is (slowly) starting to take shape in regional and national policy. We are losing nature globally at rates never experienced before, yet the human species and countless other species rely on nature to exist. The expression ‘biting the hand that feeds you’ comes to mind, with a twist to ‘gobbling the hand that feeds you’. Human Development Index Report 2023/2024 In March 2024, UNDP published its latest Human Development Index Report. Human development focuses on improving the lives of people, and does not assume that economic growth means improved lives. It measures: long and healthy life, education and standard of living. The latest report 2023/2024 delivers some key insights: OECD countries reached record human development, while half of the world’s poorest fell backwards. After two decades of reducing inequalities between wealthy and poor countries this is now reversing. All developing countries did not meet their HDI levels projected before 2019, which suggests long term setbacks in human development progress. Agency is also low, with half of the world expressing they don’t have control over their lives; and 68% of people say they have little influence in decisions of their government Our world today is so interconnected and reliant, de-globalization isn’t feasible as no region is self-sufficient. Global and regional cooperation as well as human ingenuity for the betterment of humanity will be fundamental to solving human development gaps – particularly in the face of a climate crisis, nature crisis, exacerbating inequality and expanding digital divides (among others). My two-cents: It’s a bleak picture, as are many global pictures for human wellbeing. With all the elections taking place this year, it will be interesting to see at the end of 2024, if the leaders we selected opt to prioritise human development and wellbeing; or economic growth (on a finite planet) – as the human development index shows, and perhaps many developing countries can attest to; economic growth doesn’t necessarily translate to better lives or living. AFRICA UN Economic Report on Africa 2024 The UN’s Economic Commission for Africa, published its 2024 economic report: Investing in a Just and Sustainable Transition in Africa. The report, makes the case for investing in a just and sustainability transition for the continent aimed primarily at policy makers but gives a strategic pathway that is insightful for other stakeholders genuinely interested in Africa’s sustainable development and realization of Africa’s Agenda 2063 (The Africa We Want). It’s important to remember that these transitions, have never been done before – there is no manual or playbook from any other region, country to follow nor at the scale that these transitions are needed. It will be uncertain, complex and will rely on Africa’s policymakers understanding, (dare I say) foresight, and agility to design and manage these transitions in and for the next decade and beyond. Social and economic development gains from previous decades, have been reversed by a mélange of crises in recent years (and ongoing) e.g. C-19, extreme weather events, Russia’s war on Ukraine. Today, 1/3 of the continent’s population are in poverty. Africa’s just and sustainable transition will need to bank on social mitigation, environmental sustainability and low-carbon industrialization – that means new business and industrial models e.g. circular and technology based. Some key points highlighted by the report are: This is the continent’s opportunity to shape it’s sustainable development trajectory and the sustainability transition globally. Investment in the continent’s transition is minimal despite the opportunities it presents globally. Africa’s transitions need to be Africa-led, prioritising its best interests and rely on key enablers like collaborative governance, resource-efficient technologies, etc to succeed. Fundamental shifts will be required to transition from an extractive-economy to a value-adding, productive economy driven by renewable energy. Decisions will need to be guided by long-term vision and strategies to maximize benefits for Africa’s people and economies e.g. AFfCFTA – the continent’s visionary and ambitious trade agreement. Financing is required for Africa’s transitions, and that will require the much sought after, reform in the international financial architecture. At the same time, there is opportunity to expand country fiscal space leveraging natural resources in national accounting and planning, limiting illicit financial flows, and using the continent’s agency in geopolitics. The report provides eight key policy recommendations from national planning, private sector role, to natural capital planning, innovative financing, and multi-stakeholder collaboration. The ideal end goal of just and sustainable transitions for Africa would be meeting the basic needs of its people, creating useful jobs and livelihoods and ensuring healthy ecosystems. Meaning all +50 countries on the continent would deliver strategies for their just and sustainable transitions, in line with a wider continental ambition. My two-cents: The continent’s future lies in the hands of (current) policy makers and politicians…sigh. But we
SUSTAINABILITY TLDR NEWSLETTER: EDITION 23
This newsletter gives you highlights of selected sustainability insights that were, perhaps, too long (you) didn’t read (TLDR) or there’s just too much out there to read. The highlights presented cover insights gleaned from a global, regional (African), and national (Kenyan) perspective. Happy reading! GLOBAL EU criminalises ecosystem destruction Earlier this year, Europe’s top legislative body, the EU Parliament, voted to criminalise environmental crimes, commonly referred to as ecocide. The Independent Expert Panel for the International Criminal Court (ICC) defines ecocide as, “unlawful or wanton acts committed with knowledge that there is a substantial likelihood of severe and either widespread or long-term damage to the environment being caused by those acts.” Under this new legislation, CEOs and board members can be held accountable for their organisation’s environmental crimes, facing prison sentences of up to eight years, which can increase to ten years if the crime results in the death of any person. Compliance with permits will no longer exempt operators from criminal liability, as they are required to adhere to both legal and ethical obligations under their duty of care. The provision also requires EU member countries to incorporate this law into their national legislation within two years. Additionally, members will determine whether to impose fines for offenders, either capped at 5% of their turnover or fixed fines up to €40 million. However, it remains undecided if EU companies committing these crimes outside the region will be held accountable. There are also proposals to adopt ecocide as the fifth crime under the International Criminal Court (ICC), alongside genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and aggression. This comparison highlights the severity of ecocide, evident in a WHO report which indicates that air pollution causes over 400,000 premature deaths in Europe annually. In this context, ecocide could be considered a form of ‘genocide.’ My Two Cents: It is commendable that the EU is leading the world in formulating environmental laws. It will be interesting to see how this approach will hold to account European companies involved in environmental and/or ecosystem damage in countries outside the EU. EU Parliament Approves First Ever EU Rules on Combating Violence Against Women Another major highlight of the EU parliament this year so far has been the adoption of a directive on combating violence against women. The new rules prohibit female genital mutilation and forced marriage and outline particular guidelines for offenses committed online. Further to that, the directive calls for stronger laws against cyberviolence, better assistance for victims, and steps to prevent rape. Member states have three years to conform to the new law. Going by the figures presented by a UNODC report on gender-based violence globally, the law is very timely. The report indicates that there were 48,800 family/partner related homicides for women globally in 2022. The figures are relatively higher in Africa and Asia, and Europe is setting the pace in setting strict rules on gender violence and enacting them. It is worth noting that gender equality and the broader concept for combating violence against women is captured in Goal 5 of the 17 UN SDGS. My Two Cents: One of the major issues in Europe facing women is sexual trafficking. The issue is conspicuously missing from the legal provision. Perhaps this rule and its framing can be a template for other regions and countries. AFRICA The Africa CEO Forum The Africa CEO Forum brings together over 2,000 business leaders, investors, and policymakers from Africa and around the world. Will the forum ensure that African countries have a seat at the decision-making table, rather than being part of the menu? For decades, Africa has been exploited by Western corporations for its vast natural resources, exacerbating poverty and fueling corruption in the region. With a better-informed population today, the forum provides a platform to explore how Africa can leverage its new resources, such as manpower and innovation, to compete effectively on the global stage. The goal of the 2024 forum was designing mechanisms to step up to challenges to Africa’s full engagement in the global stage. The forum captured them in the four-item agenda: Governance (corporate and political), Technology shift in the face of AI, Regional integration and Financing. The organisers of the forum are very optimistic about Africa’s future. GDP growth records of 4.1% in 2022 and 3.2% in 2023 in the region are unmatched. African corporate champions among them ABSA, Ecobank, Equity and Safaricom have been instrumental in selling the African business success story. As such, start-ups can leverage on the success of these champions, new technology such as AI, Africa’s free trade agreement and new sources of business financing such as green funds to expand and enable Africa to sit at the global decision-making table. At the end of the forum, there were highlight events that demonstrated the direction that Africa is taking and the challenges on the ground as reported by CEOs of various organisations. IFC reportedly signed nine deals worth US$ 945 million while lack of market integration and unstable and punitive tax policies emerged as the top challenges that need urgent redress. Also cited were the high levels of youth unemployment and lack of local financing. My Two Cents: Its great to see African leaders convening to discuss and solve for our continent’s challenges. Let’s see whether the talk translates into real action and prosperity for the continent and its people. Jobs for young Africans A new tool by World Data Lab has been developed to paint a clearer picture of the job market in Africa. The tool revealed that the state of unemployment among African youths (21–35 years) stands at over 21%. Lack of skills and training is not a major stumbling block. My Two Cents: The reality is that higher education and training does not guarantee employment (anymore). New markets, new skills, and a more enabling environments that supports entrepreneurship and employability are needed. KENYA KEPSA’s Carbon Markets Guide KEPSA recently launched a Carbon Markets Guidebook to direct Kenyan enterprises on how they can benefit from the global carbon credits market. The UNDP defines carbon credits as measurable, verifiable emission reductions from certified climate action projects. These projects reduce, avoid or remove greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In most
SUSTAINABILITY TLDR NEWSLETTER: EDITION 22
This newsletter gives you highlights of selected sustainability insights that were, perhaps, too long (you) didn’t read (TLDR) or there’s just too much out there to read. The highlights presented cover insights gleaned from a global, regional (African), and national (Kenyan) perspective. Happy reading! GLOBAL The US Securities and Exchange Commission Approves Climate Rules U.S. government oversight agency responsible for regulating the securities markets and protecting investors, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approved new rules for publicly listed companies to disclose climate risks and GHG emissions. The new SEC rules have been a 2-year uphill struggle for the agency to realise and received the largest public commentary ever to date. As of 2026, the new rules require larger companies to disclose their scope 1 (emissions from the company’s owned operations) and scope 2 (purchased energy) emissions, where these are financial material for investors. Additionally, companies will need to disclose significant risks related to climate change. Earlier this month, the US Supreme Court ruled that companies cannot be sued e.g. for securities fraud for not disclosing climate risk. Although this is a punch in the gut for the new climate rules, the SEC still has authority to step in and take action. Senators are seeking to overturn the climate rules, so the SEC’s uphill struggle continues. KPMG’s 2022 global sustainability reporting survey showed that only 2% of the top 100 companies in North America provided integrated reporting, all other world regions were in double digit integrated reporting. My two-cents: Where would we be as a world without regulators – and if we had to rely only on politically elected leaders? The SEC climate rules are a vital step in the right direction (progress not perfection). KPMG U.S. CEO Outlook Survey KPMG recently released its United States of America CEO pulse survey, and US CEO’s are pretty optimistic! 87% are confident in US economic growth, and 78% in global economic growth and their own company’s growth, and only 4% expect workforce reductions. For these top 100 company CEOs, geopolitics, regulatory changes, cyber security and tax as the key threats to growth. Generative AI will be a key way to help companies solve these growth challenges and gain competitive advantage. Already companies are upskilling employees, evaluating compliance, ensuring human oversight and working regulators and peers to promote responsible AI use. Employee wellbeing, hybrid working, upskilling will be key ways to take care of their people, recognizing the strong ethical organizational culture will drive growth. (Pleasantly) Surprisingly, executing ESG initiatives was the top priority for US CEOs in the next year, followed by prioritizing inflation, digitization, supply chain agility and improving customer experience. 75% of CEOs expect return on their sustainability investments in the next 7 years with operations being the primary focus for sustainability efforts. My two-cents: It’s welcome to see US CEO’s aim to move forward with ESG, employee wellbeing and technology to cement their business’s future (irrespective of the news, stories are out there). It would be unrealistic to deny these 3 macro-trends or issues as non-essential to business resilience and survival. AFRICA End Natural Resource-back Loans The Africa Development Bank(AfDB) boss, Akinwumi Adesina, is asking African leaders to stop natural resource-backed loans, and if any exist to seek the AfDB’s support to re-negotiate them. Natural resource-backed loans are where governments or state-owned entities receive funds(loans) for future production or delivery of a resource. Often resource-backed loans are promoted as a way for countries to fund infrastructure and development, but they come with significant risks and consequences. (Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative). The AfDB highlighted that: one cannot price the asset properly; assymetric negotiations and power imbalances between the country and the lender; lack of transparency; potential for corruption; lack of sustainable debt managements; as some of the critical and long term issues with resource-backed loans. About 11 African countries have taken resource-back loans in the 2000s from policy banks, state-linked companies, western commodity traders, etc. The AfDB and IMF have stepped in to help Chad, Angola and the Republic of Congo renegotiate their natural resource-back loans with lenders as these loans are having significant negative repercussions to the countries e.g. Chad’s financial crisis following an oil-back loan with a commodity trader has the country using all its oil proceeds to pay its debts. This call to stop these loans is not new, in 2023 the IMF and AfDB jointly warned African countries against natural resource back loans. African countries continue to face significant debt repayment challenges due to impacts from C-19, inflation, infrastructure investment needs. This year, African countries will pay USD 74Bn debt servicing compared to USD 17Bn in 2010. African countries also face staggeringly higher premiums at international capital markets yet evidence shows the region has a lower default rate than other regions. Although the global financial architecture remains heavily skewed against African countries, opaque natural-resource-backed loans will not secure Africa’s own future. My two-cents: This piece of information has me questioning who ‘owns’ a country’s natural resources, and the role of government as a ‘caretaker’ rather than ‘owner’ or ‘sole decision-maker’. In some countries, natural resource ownership it is enshrined in constitutions that these resources belong to the citizens e.g. in South Africa the people own the resources, the government is the custodian. In Ghana responsibility for natural resources is vested in the President in trust for the people. In other countries it may not be as clear, let alone known by the people. These are interesting times ahead for citizens, the leaders they elect to represent them, and the responsible protection and management of the peoples’ natural resources. Electricity to 300 million Africans by 2030 The World Bank and African Development Bank (AfDB) president’s recently met and announced their commitment to connect 300 million people on the African continent with electricity in the next 6 years. 600 million Africans (43% of the continent’s population) lack electricity. Africa’s best source of electricity is solar, but only 1% is installed solar PV capacity – despite it being
SUSTAINABILITY TLDR NEWSLETTER: EDITION 21
This newsletter gives you highlights of selected sustainability insights that were, perhaps, too long (you) didn’t read (TLDR) or there’s just too much out there to read. The highlights presented cover insights gleaned from a global, regional (African), and national (Kenyan) perspective. Happy reading! GLOBAL Global Inequality – Corporate power dividing the world Early 2024, Oxfam published its 2024 Global Inequality Report, perhaps aptly titled ‘Inequality Inc’ as it’s all about global corporate power’s concerted (stealth) erosion of equality worldwide. Oxfam has continually raised the alarm on growing inequality, but now we are reaching a point where these extreme inequalities will become (the new) normal – the extremely wealthy few and the majority. While most people globally have felt the strain of C-19, war, cost-of-living crisis, and the climate crisis; the extremely wealthy few have gotten even wealthier. From the report, since 2020 the 5 richest men have doubled (or more) their wealth, while nearly 5 billion people have become poorer. At this rate it will take 230 years to end poverty but the first trillionaire will come into existence in 10 years. Governments have permitted the supercharging of corporate power – and monopolies are growing. 4 ways corporate power is driving inequality: Rewarding the wealthy, not the workers – real wages are going down, and direct profits are on the rise. Tax avoidance – corporate income tax is down by 50% compared to what it was in the 1980s (OECD countries), lower tax rates, tax havens, tax incentives, result in less revenue for government to deliver essential services e.g. healthcare, education, infrastructure, etc and with globalization this is especially so for the Global South. Privatising public services – corporate influence is pushing into the public sector hiving off vital services e.g. water, education, etc. removing any possibilities for universal, equal, quality public services. Exacerbating the climate crisis – the processes that are emitting significant GHG emissions are largely owned by the wealthy; and efforts to take concerted climate action are often thwarted or diluted. Governments and citizens need to act urgently to reduce increasing inequality, its already too high in nearly every nation and globally. 3 key ways are proposed to do this: Revitalise the state – it’s the most effective way to counter corporate power. Governments need to take a proactive role in shaping their economies for society’s good e.g. provide ‘inequality-busting public services’ e.g. healthcare, education, food security, etc. Invest in public transport, energy, housing and other public infrastructure (not privatize). Improve transparency, oversight and accountability of public and state-owned institutions. Build capacity to enforce regulation. Regulate companies/corporations – Rein in corporate power, limit monopolies, promote empowering workers and communities, increase corporate taxes and tax the rich. Reinvent business – governments need to reinvent and repurpose the private sector to enable more equitable, better societies and countries for all (not just a few). My two-cents: I have a sense of trepidation after reading this report. Private sector has the potential to create a better economy that works for society – after all, what is economy for if not for society’s wellbeing? What are products and services for if they aren’t for society’s wellbeing? What is government for if not to provide for the people (who put them in office), what are taxes for if not to provide equally for everyone? The few have hoodwinked the majority, perhaps like the elephant tied to a small stake. 2024 Edelman Trust Barometer In its 24th year, this report measure the people’s trust in their institutions – government, media, business, NGOs – across 28 countries with approx. 1,000 respondents per country. Here are some interesting insights: Globally, governments are seen as less competent and ethical than business; but NGOs are most trusted, and the media less trusted than business. However, increasingly people believe that their government, media and business leaders are all say things they know are false and/or misleading. We continue to be worried about job security and cost of living, and our worries about existential fears like climate crisis, war (nuclear and information), cyber security are rising too. Taking into consideration that society needs innovation to solve our challenges, people trust scientists and other people like themselves more than CEOs, government leaders, journalists; to tell us the truth about an innovation. Ironically, (because of the earlier point) we trust business most to introduce new innovations into society (that they are safe, beneficial, accessible, understood) – more than NGOs, government, and the media. However, when it comes to innovations related to our health (gene-based medicine) and food (GMO) we definitely mistrust business. We want scientists and technical experts to vet and lead on implementation innovation, because we trust them more; but we also feel that scientists don’t know how to communicate to the public. Additionally, the people want to be given a voice and also control over how innovations affect their lives; after all it is people’s lives and futures at stake. As lack of trust in institutions shifts and wanes, this is creating more complexity and polarization to innovation needed to address societal challenges. My two-cents: I can’t help but feel the disconnect between the first article (inequality) and this one (trust). Both give me a sense that society is caught between a rock and a hard place in terms of trust for our lives and future. Many countries vote this year; time will tell if we have squeezed ourselves into an even tighter situation or created some room for us to breathe better. AFRICA 2024 is the Year of Education for Africa The African Union has declared 2024 as the Year of Education. The theme: Educate an African for the 21st Century and the concept note by the AU’s Department of Science Technology and Innovation, breaks down how this theme will be implemented across the continent. Globally, the world is facing a learning crisis – two thirds of the world’s 10 year olds aren’t able to read or understand simple text; education systems are failing children everywhere.