Rachel Freeman

Good news on international support for managing Central Asia's water and environmental issues. With the right policies and intellegent use of new technologies and global best practices this region has huge potential to supply the world with both lessons learned and ultimately sustainable agro production which could feed the world.

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Another awesome report full of insights! Wondering about the household economic impact of energy and agriculture companies? We tried to put a number on it - have a read! :-) 60 Decibels Acumen Koolboks Promethean

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Last week, the Eurasian Development Bank co-sponsored and took part in the CAREC Institute #ThinkTank forum in Almaty. There, we presented a large-scale research project – vital for #CentralAsia and its people – on Drinking #Water and Sanitation. Our team has proposed several applied solutions to help solve the issue – they are outlined in our most recent publication https://lnkd.in/dwEjfA_v Discussions delved into the role of innovative technologies in climate change mitigation and adaptation, emphasizing the potential of rapid technological advancements and the critical need to cultivate a supportive regional ecosystem for climate solutions. My substantiation of this claim: “Central Asian and South Caucasus countries are among the world’s most vulnerable to the risks and threats posed by climate change. In particular, it leads to accelerated melting of glaciers, reduced snow cover, intensifying desertification and salinization of land, loss of biodiversity, and increased deforestation. We estimate that the region will only have five years to react to the challenge of water scarcity before it becomes chronic. No single player can be a lifesaver here - these challenges truly require a collective regional approach. Converting to more advanced water-saving technologies is pivotal. Digital water metering technologies and modern irrigation are key. Regional think tanks are important players; they look forward, provide numbers-based analysis, and offer solutions. Hence, we are eager to support their dialogue, exchange of ideas, and concerted action.”

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Ever since our Annual meeting in Almaty, we have been receiving questions and requests regarding #EDB’s plan to establish an Islamic Window in #CentralAsia.  The best way to understand our vision is by seeing Ruslan Dalenov’s deep dive into the topic during his presentation at the Business Forum.  As always, I am here to answer any questions you might have after going through the slides. #Islamicfinance #Islamicbanking #annualmeeting #EurasianDevelopmentBank

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I'm delighted to announce that our #t20policybrief, which advocates for an integrated transition planning ecosystem, has now been published! https://lnkd.in/gzYm4avy This work has benefited from the tremendous support of CETEx (Centre for Economic Transition Expertise) at The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). And I have had the privilege of working with an incredible team of co-authors - Lisa Sachs Perrine Toledano FIONA STEWART Peter Knaack Agnieszka (Aga) Smoleńska, PhD Megan Bowman Tom Tayler Riona Bowhay Harald Walkate. We have also received many invaluable inputs from along the way. Thank you all for the collaboration! Our Policy Brief argues that achieving the ambition of the Paris Agreement will require a fundamental rewiring of the economy. Every government and every company will need to think strategically about how to respond and contribute. And capital will need to be mobilised at speed and scale. So, we need strategic transition planning across the economy. Momentum has built behind private sector transition planning in recent years, but corporate and financial institutions' plans have critical dependencies on government policy. Given the scale of transformation required, climate action will need to be embedded into almost every aspect of government strategy, at national and sub-national levels. So, we call on governments to take the lead at the centre of a whole-of-system response – developing national transition plans that build from their NDCs, LT-LEDS and other plans and strategies; and that direct, finance, incentivise, coordinate and enable private sector action. To facilitate integration across the system, our approach aligns with the frameworks for corporate and financial institutions' plans developed by the Transition Plan Taskforce (TPT) and Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero (GFANZ). The publication of this Brief is timely, coming just days before the G20 Taskforce for the Global Mobilisation against Climate Change meets in Brazil - with national transition plans and country platforms firmly on the agenda. It is also a "teaser" ahead of the publication of our more detailed policy report, Taking the Lead on Climate Action and Sustainable Development, at Climate Week NYC later this month. Taking the Lead elaborates on the recommendations in the Policy Brief, and provides guidance and examples of relevant current practice around the world. Our launch event will be co-organised with Columbia University, World Benchmarking Alliance, WBCSD – World Business Council for Sustainable Development and Climateworks Centre -details at https://lnkd.in/gRHB2r7Q; in-person registrations are now closed, but virtual registrations are still open]. #t20 #g20 #transitionplanning #nationaltransitionplanning #climateaction

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Good article by the Bangkok Post. Commercial banks in #thailand booked marginal profit growth in the first quarter of this year, largely influenced by the decreased profitability of small to mid-sized banks thanks to higher provision for loan loss. The race to win the banking consumer has been hot for a while now, but are banks really using all their data to drive greater cross sell / up sell opportunities? Our clients are looking to the future to monetize data and drive an array of digital platforms that will be powered by data and AI to deliver the next generation of digital banking services in Thailand and beyond. Collobration is the key to driving an innovation agenda for business growth. #banking #thailand #fsi #growth

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🌍 As we approach #COP29 in Baku this November, let's spotlight SDG9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – key enablers in our climate action toolkit. Sustainable infrastructure and clean industrial innovation aren't just environmental imperatives – they're economic opportunities. The transition to climate-resilient infrastructure and clean manufacturing could create millions of green jobs while reducing emissions. Three key priorities for Baku: • Accelerating clean tech transfer to developing nations • Scaling up climate-resilient infrastructure investment • Advancing sustainable industrialization through digital innovation We can't achieve our climate goals without transforming how we build, manufacture, and innovate. Let's make COP29 a turning point for sustainable infrastructure and clean industry. #ClimateAction #Sustainability #COP29Baku #SDGs #CleanTech #Infrastructure What are your thoughts on the priorities for sustainable infrastructure at COP29? 🤔

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⚠️ Important trend confirmed: Remittances now exceed FDI to low- and middle-income countries. ⚠️ This already has and will continue to have massive financing implications. In particular also in view of the still lilted growth of ODA. This should continue to force some rethinking of development finance.

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EBRD’s vision for Central Asia: #energytransition, #infrastructure, and #economic #reforms #EBRD #CentralAsia #Vision https://lnkd.in/d-vQ95hV

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Another excellent example of how Incofin Investment Management supports vulnerable populations in developing countries to adapt to the challenges induced by the climate change. Active involvement of private sector in climate talks and ressource distribution is critical to achieve our global targets. #Incofin_Climate_Smart_Microfinance_Fund #COP29

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No one knows what to expect next year. Therefore, it is especially important to develop international cooperation and exchange experiences in water resource management. Joint efforts by the countries of Central Asia can lead to the creation of effective and sustainable strategies that will help adapt to changing climatic conditions and ensure water availability for all residents of the region. Ultimately, only through cooperation and mutual understanding can sustainable development and well-being for all be achieved. https://lnkd.in/d3rE3KFt

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This is great news. Many financial institutions are keen to offer debt in the green / #sustainability space, but struggle to manage the process - the evaluation framework, the specific KPIs to monitor, the appropriate rates for such a deal, etc. Given a large, reputed organization like IFC - International Finance Corporation is involved, this will be a positive development for the overall #ESG ecosystem. Looking forward to many more sustainability-linked-bonds. What are your thoughts? https://lnkd.in/gAqRs3Eb

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🌱 As we come together for #COP29 in Baku, let's remember that behind every climate statistic are real people, families, and communities striving for decent work and a better future. SDG8 isn't just about economic metrics – it's about human dignity, shared prosperity, and ensuring no one is left behind in our transition to a sustainable future. The potential for 24 million new green jobs by 2030 represents 24 million opportunities for positive change in people's lives. Together, we're building a future where: • Everyone has access to meaningful, sustainable work • Communities thrive while protecting our planet • Innovation creates opportunities for all • Traditional skills evolve into green careers The path forward from Baku must reflect our shared values and collective responsibility. Whether you're a small business owner, corporate leader, or individual contributor - your voice and actions matter in this journey. What inspiring examples have you seen of communities successfully balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship? #Sustainability #ClimateAction #COP29 #SDGs #InclusiveGrowth #CommunityFirst #CollectiveAction

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Sovereign Wealth Funds (SWFs) play a pivotal role in shaping economic landscapes by managing national wealth and driving development across crucial sectors. This recent article by our CEO, Ridha W., in The Jakarta Post delves into how these funds, including Indonesia’s own Indonesia Investment Authority (INA), strategically invest in initiatives that support sustainable economic growth and diversification. SWFs like INA aim to balance financial returns with developmental goals, focusing on transportation and logistics, green energy and transformation, digitalization and digital infrastructure, and healthcare. This approach not only supports national strategic initiatives but also attracts foreign direct investment, enhancing global economic collaborations. For a deeper understanding of how SWFs contribute to national and global economic stability, read the detailed insights in the full article: https://lnkd.in/e-zhQkat.

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Excited to share my thoughts in the latest The OPEC Fund for International Development quarterly publication on the critical role of private capital in driving the global green transformation. At EBRD we're pioneering efforts through our Green Economy Transition approach, blending finance, and innovative tools to lower climate risks and attract private sector participation for green transformation. As we face increasing climate challenges, it's vital we accelerate collaboration and innovate more to ensure a sustainable future. Read the interview here: bit.ly/3WE6kzL EBRD The OPEC Fund for International Development #GreenEconomy #PrivateSector #Sustainability #Development #EnergyTransition [Link to the article]

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DIFISOFT, a leading Vietnamese fintech company, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Quantit, a renowned South Korean AI fintech company. This strategic partnership aims to develop and introduce innovative AI-driven financial investment solutions in the financial markets of Vietnam, Indonesia, South Korea, and other Southeast Asian countries. The collaboration focuses on exploring new business opportunities and enhancing financial investment solutions through advanced AI technology, DIFISOFT plans to leverage Qunatit's AI solution, Finter Labs, which empowers financial investment professionals by supporting the development and execution of big data-driven investment strategies. Kim Won-hyung, CEO of DIFISOFT, stated, "This partnership allow us to bring Quantit's cutting-edge financial solutions to Southeast Asian markets, including Vietnam and Indonesia. With our extensive understanding of the local market, we are excited to offer financial solutions that meet the unique needs of these regions." Han Duck-hee, CEO of Quantit, commented, "Quantit has been expanding its business by providing innovative investment solutions to financial institutions. Our collaboration with DIFISOFT will enable us to deliver our technology to the …

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Over the past few years, I've become deeply convinced that tackling #wealthinequality is fundamental to any other solutions to address our complex #global #challenges. Exploring this problem has led me to investigate various approaches to business and social change. This journey brought me to the concept of Shared Wealth Social Enterprise (SWSE), convened under Social Enterprise International Ltd, who were the founders of social enterprise in the UK. The SWSE approach aims to go beyond traditional social enterprise models that merely sell social benefits. Instead, SWSE seeks to fundamentally change how businesses are owned and run, creating fairness and social good for entire communities and stakeholders. It leverages enterprise solutions to rebalance wealth distribution and ownership while serving societal and ecological impact. The SWSE Community comprises businesses that share, adopt, and adapt different solutions to their community needs, all pursuing this same north star. The network has grown from just a rabble of businesses, to now dozens of companies in our community, with millions in collective assets. The community is endeavouring to prove that SWSE is simply better business. I'm part of the #team working to tell the story of this SWSE network and expand its reach and impact. We aim to create shared learning and research outputs, develop capacity-building initiatives, and help other businesses transform based on the SWSE approach. If you'd like to partner with us and learn more about getting involved in the network activities, please send me a message or comment and I will add you to our list of friends and partners! Learn more about the community here: https://sharedwealth.net/ #socialenterprise #impact #entrepreneurship #impactinvesting #socialchange #wealth #inequality

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What's the secret to accelerating the growth of the sustainable & impact investing market in Asia? Tideline's Deegan Lee and Somerset G. have a some ideas

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