Bulgarian Liaison Office for Research’s Post

【#PolicyAddress︱ #施政報告 】Our Response to the 2025 Policy Address   We applaud the publication of the Hong Kong SAR Government’s 2025-2026 Policy Address. The Government’s Address has situated climate and environmental considerations at the core of its policies to strengthen decarbonisation efforts across different sectors. Details on the policy measures include: 🔹Supporting the development of the carbon market, particularly through linkages with the GBA carbon market; 🔹Highlighting eco-tourism, green infrastructure development, and cross-boundary cooperation with the Mainland; 🔹Reinforcing the development of the new energy industry through sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), hydrogen and battery recycling. 1️⃣Accelerating Decarbonisation: It is encouraging to see the Government’s emphasis on green mobility and freight through advancing a smart and green mass transit system, a green maritime fuel bunkering centre, and a charging network for electric vehicles in Hong Kong. Hydrogen plays a fundamental role in decarbonising Hong Kong’s heavy-emitting sectors. The Government’s decision to formulate hydrogen standard certification accelerates the transition away from conventional fossil fuels.   2️⃣Investing in People, Nature, and Resilience: To truly position Hong Kong as a global eco-tourism destination and enhance its international image, we must also embrace Nature-based Solutions (NbS) as a unifying narrative that connects climate resilience, biodiversity, and community well-being. While the Policy Address outlines opportunities in the Northern Metropolis that remains largely on hardware, Civic Exchange’s work shows how projects such as river revitalisation, oyster reef restoration, and urban mini-forests can deliver ecological, cultural, and tourism value. Crucially, this must be complemented by the “software” of sustainability—empowering youth and local communities with climate and biodiversity knowledge. 3️⃣Facilitating Funding the Transition to Lower Carbon Future: We encourage the Government to consider whole-of-government approaches to create policy frameworks and markets that also empower the private sector to decisively on decarbonisation. For example, the Government can leverage its already positive efforts across government bodies to integrate sustainability and decarbonisation in areas such as transport and the buildings sector by exploring a combination of fiscal, monetary and prudential policies that can encourage project developers and investors to pursue decarbonisation projects. In doing so, Hong Kong could further strengthen its position as a global green finance leader through on-the-ground projects and case studies. Read Our Full Response: https://lnkd.in/gnpDAVbf   #CivicExchange #hk2050isnow #climatechange #ClimateAction #decarbonisation #Governance #hongkong

🇺🇸🌱🇧🇷 U.S.-Brazil Association Partnerships: Driving Sustainability and Innovation In the 21st century, collaboration between American and Brazilian associations is not only about expanding influence — it’s about building a sustainable and innovative future. From renewable energy and agri-tech to digital transformation and environmental governance, partnerships create powerful platforms to: ✅ Advance sustainable practices in global supply chains ✅ Co-develop technologies that solve pressing environmental challenges ✅ Strengthen institutional frameworks for responsible growth ✅ Empower local communities through knowledge transfer ✅ Shape global conversations on ESG and climate resilience 🌎 Brazil holds vast natural resources and a vibrant innovation ecosystem. When U.S. associations engage strategically, they don’t just tap into opportunities — they help design the future of responsible development. 🤝 By connecting missions and aligning values, associations on both sides can transform sustainability goals into practical, measurable impact. If your organization wants to lead on climate, innovation, and social responsibility, Brazil is not just an option — it’s a partner of choice. 🚀 Together, we can turn shared responsibility into shared progress. #USBrazilRelations #Sustainability #Innovation #GlobalLeadership #StrategicPartnerships #ESG #ClimateAction #Technology #CrossBorderCooperation #Future

UJ is driving change sustainably! Did you know? We’re the first university in South Africa to launch electric buses! And by 2028, our entire fleet will be electric, replacing all diesel buses! 🚌🧡 Our mission to go green, by reducing carbon emissions aligns us to United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 11 which envisions green cities that prioritise environmental, socio-economic sustainability! 🌍🌱 #UJSustainableFuture #UJAllTheWay #UJImpact

Clean Energy for Sustainability in Africa: Removing Barriers and Harnessing Opportunities.https://https://lnkd.in/egUA-nUeProf. Kariuki Muigua Ph.D,FCIArb,Ch.Arb,OGW|Network for Clean Energy Transition: Research and Advocacy|Women in Clean Energy | NL|National Environment Management Authority|Global Environment Facility|University of Embu|Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT)

#Sustainableinfrastructure is gaining momentum across Asia, with governments and the private sector embedding sustainability principles into national development priorities and channelling investments into #energy, #transport, #water and more. The Southeast Asia’s Green Economy 2025 report highlights how deeper regional collaboration could unlock up to US$120 billion in new economic value. As a member of the ASIA Panel, Joan M. Larrea, CEO of Convergence Blended Finance, shares what inspires her and highlights the pivotal role sustainable infrastructure plays in Asia’s development. 🔗 Read her feature with Mark Florance from Climate Fund Managers (CFM) in our previous Upshot article here: https://lnkd.in/g24DUamd Stay tuned for more insights from the other ASIA Panel members on the future of sustainable infrastructure in Asia.

The Danish Green Growth Network Q3 Newsletter is out! Our quarterly newsletter brings you the latest on Denmark’s path toward sustainability and the green transition, from new policies and innovations to cross-sector collaborations. ♻️ Beyond climate updates, you’ll also find stories from the Trade Council’s events and news from our strategic partners, giving you a full picture of the momentum behind Denmark’s efforts. 📖 Follow the link to read the Q3-newsletter here: https://lnkd.in/d_jmmqaZ Seda Kayrak Bilgen, Volkan Bulut, Cathrine Christensen, Ahmet Alper Akkaş

Excited to share the launch of our 2024 Sustainability Report, which shows how ESG is driving Africa’s industrial transformation. This report is more than numbers and metrics-it reflects how ESG is a way of working that connects everything we do, shaping outcomes for people, communities, and the environment. Our Special Economic Zones (SEZs) are not just industrial hubs-they are platforms for social and economic transformation. By fostering inclusive value chains, supporting farmers, building resilient and future ready infrastructure, and embedding circular economy practices, SEZs across Africa are becoming models of sustainable industrialization. Being part of this journey connects me to Africa’s growth story-where industry, communities, and nature move forward together 👏 #ESG #Sustainability #AriseIIP #SpecialEconomicZones #ImpactInvestment #FosteringSustainableEcosystems

Central Am integration: building multilateralism from municipalities via carbon credits initiatives Central America faces pressing environmental challenges, from deforestation and biodiversity loss to climate change impacts. Yet, the region also hosts communities that share ecosystems across national borders. Properly empowered, these binational grouping of municipalities can play a crucial role in sustainable environmental management while generating income through carbon credits. Transboundary Communities that share rivers, forests, and coastal ecosystems have the potential to collaborate in managing these resources sustainably. Initiatives like, e.g., the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor, supported by GEF and UNDP, have shown the effectiveness of regional cooperation in biodiversity conservation and sustainable agriculture. Carbon credits could provide a mechanism to fund conservation and restoration projects. The World Bank, WB, noted that countries like Costa Rica have leveraged payments for emission reductions to support local projects, improve infrastructure, and strengthen indigenous livelihoods. Moreover, the WB's SCALE program also helps countries access affordable climate finance and develop carbon markets. key question: Who Should Negotiate? For binational carbon credit schemes, I presume negotiation should be multi-level, paving the way to SDG 17. 1. Central governments: Ministries of Environment and Finance to ensure alignment with national legislation and climate commitments. 2. Regional coordination: SICA can standardize methodologies and facilitate cross-border collaboration. 3. Local actors: NGOs, and MRV experts for credible carbon accounting. 4. Municipal associations: Associations of municipalities, "mancomunidades", from each country should be included in negotiation teams, providing local governance expertise and ensuring community-level participation. 5. International support: BID, World Bank, and GEF can provide technical guidance and help access carbon markets. Carbon credit projects can scale and replicate across regions. Partnerships between BID and organizations like The Nature Conservancy demonstrate how nature-based solutions and reforestation can generate both environmental and socio-economic benefits. Including women, youth, and indigenous groups strengthens equity and impact. Binational Central American "mancomunidades" hold enormous potential for environmental protection and sustainable development through carbon credits. Multi-level governance initiative, including central ministries, SICA, municipal associations, local communities, and international partners will ensure that these initiatives are effective, equitable, and scalable. That way these projects can deliver climate, social, and economic benefits while pursuing further refionaltintegration. #BinationalCooperation #CarbonCredits #EnvironmentalProtection #CentralAmerica #SustainableDevelopment #LocalGovernance #INTPA #cooperacionespañola

The annual Climate Change and Business Conference was in Auckland this week, and full of rich conversations about the future of energy in Aotearoa. A few highlights stood out to our team: A bright spot: the plunging cost of solar and batteries. This shift is accelerating energy security, independence, and cost savings – faster than anyone predicted even five years ago. Finance is critical: Unlocking private capital is essential to bring the benefits of clean, affordable tech to more New Zealanders. Our very own Kate Gunthorp, fresh in her role as EECA's Director Commercial, shared EECA’s new strategic investment approach on a panel about financing the transition. Communities want to see it in action: from solar and batteries to electric heavy vehicles. The pilots, advice and tools that Richard Briggs and the team are offering the trucking industry were featured in the heavy freight session. Smarter demand = lower costs: shifting electricity use away from winter evenings is increasingly part of the solution to lower prices. Excitingly, it’s not just home batteries that can help. As Liz Yeaman of Retyna Ltd explained, EV batteries and even large electric freight vehicles can store energy, then earn a return when they’re plugged in. A lot is happening in energy – and collaboration across government, finance, industry and communities is how we’ll make it real. A big thank you to Sustainable Business Council NZ, Climate Leaders Coalition and Environmental Defence Society (EDS) for another great conference.

💡 What if your next sustainability initiative could help restore 1 billion hectares of degraded land? Farmer-Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) started with one farmer in Niger. Today, it’s a global, low-cost, high-impact movement, proven to scale and deliver measurable returns for people, planet, and profit. Meet The Pioneer, Tony Rinaudo, the visionary behind FMNR and recent recipient of the Luxembourg Peace Prize (2025 Outstanding Environmental Peace Award). This is your invitation to be part of a solution that turns risk into resilience. Stay tuned for the full episode featuring The Pioneer, and visit https://lnkd.in/gBdr3sSe to explore how your company can partner with World Vision to achieve real ESG impact. #WorldVision #VisionTalks #CSR #ESG #Sustainability #ClimateAction #FMNR #TonyRinaudo World Vision Australia Teresa (Terry) Ferrari Lindsey Ruffolo Dr. Salmon Jacob Winnie Khor Seyong Park Deepak R. Bhat Uyen-Thu Phan Yuventa Ariella