Rockefeller and Tony Elumelu Foundation launch African impact fund
The Rockefeller Foundation and the Tony Elumelu Foundation, founded by Nigerian philanthropist Tony Elumelu, have launched an impact investment fund for Africa. Impact investing, a relatively new concept in African investment circles, typically refers to investments that aim to solve pertinent social and economic challenges while generating a financial return. Speaking on the new fund, Dr. Wiebe Boer, CEO of the Tony Elumelu Foundation said, “Impact Investing is a critical tool in driving our agenda of promoting entrepreneurship for lasting economic and social development in Africa [and] we want to see more deals of this nature.” (Forbes)
Governance
UN urges private sector to fight corruption
The UN Global Compact Working Group launched a campaign today for a global ‘call to action’ to mobilise the private sector against corruption. In order for global development efforts to benefit the poor as well as empower ethical players, business leaders are asked to refuse to engage in graft, and to urge Governments to promote anti-corruption measures and to establish systems of good governance worldwide. Olajobi Makinwa, Head of Transparency and Anti-Corruption Initiatives for the UN Global Compact said: “Corruption distorts markets, undermines development and makes business unsustainable. It is time for businesses to showcase their commitment to bring this critical global challenge into the centre of global development debates.” (Just means)
Policy & Research
Pollution in China causes millions to die
Air pollution has contributed to the loss of 1.2m lives in China in 2010, according to statistics revealed at a recent Beijing forum. The statistic makes up 40 percent of the 3.2m premature deaths tied to pollution worldwide that year, according to the study on leading causes of death around the globe. Air pollution is predominant in cities like Beijing, where many people wear breathing masks outdoors to protect against PM2.5 particles which are tiny pollutants that can cause cancer, bronchitis and asthma. The University of Washington study showed air pollution to be the fourth biggest threat to Chinese people after dietary risks, high blood pressure and smoking. (Acre, New York Times)
Drug companies release details of £40m payments to doctors
UK-based doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals were given £40m by big pharmaceutical companies in 2012, according to the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI). The ABPI, which has released the figures as part of its “on-going transparency drive”, says that both NHS and private staff were paid the sum for “attending medical education events, support such as training and development, as well as fees for services such as speaking engagements”. The announcement follows the January launch of a consultation into whether doctors paid by drug companies should declare their dealings publicly, and follows a global push for transparency in the pharmaceutical industry. (Telegraph; Forbes)
A food additive being used in conventional, natural, and organic food and drink products could be causing digestive problems and even cancer, according to a report from the Cornucopia Institute in the US. The compound is known as carrageenan, a seaweed-derived ingredient used to add thickness and texture to products. Soy milk dangers, along with almond milk and even ice cream threats, are included in the report. The Cornucopia Institute has been working to eliminate carrageenan from allowable organic ingredients and has now formally requested the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) remove it from the US food supply. (Sustainable Business)
Environment
Carlsberg commits to sustainable packaging
Carlsberg AS, the world’s fourth biggest brewer, is focusing on making its packaging more sustainable this year and beyond, according to Morten Nielsen, its director of corporate social responsibility. The company identified that about 45 percent of its CO2 emissions is attributed to packaging, with primary packaging with bottles and cans having the biggest impact. “We’ve put together a strategy to address this issue and reduce the negative impact,” said Nielsen. As a first step, the brewery has introduced a life-cycle analysis tool to further assess the impact of its packaging. (Bloomberg)
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