Month: September 2025

SHARJAH, UAE, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As the leading eco-tourism destination in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Mleiha National Park (MNP) exemplifies a remarkable conservation success story. It offers visitors—both local and international—the unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in the awe-inspiring desert landscape and forge a deeper connection with nature.

Established by Emiri Decree under the leadership of His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and developed and operated by the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), this 34.2-square-kilometre protected area offers an unmatched destination in one of the Arabian Peninsula’s most ecologically diverse settings. MNP is part of the Core Zone of the Faya Palaeolandscape project, recently inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, further confirming its global cultural value.

Beyond evidence of ancient human migration, Mleiha’s archaeological record is distinguished by a diverse collection of Paleolithic tools, the rare 4,500-year-old Umm an-Nar tomb, and more than 1,500 unique artifacts that map humanity’s passage through the desert. The recent UNESCO recognition of the Faya Paleolandscape project spotlights Mleiha’s global archaeological and natural value.

Few places in the world can claim more than 210,000 years of continuous human history. Even fewer can combine that legacy with stunning desert landscapes, opportunities for exploration, and rare wildlife. That is why Mleiha stands out for its conservation efforts, which protect over 11 mammal species, including Sand Gazelles and Arabian Red Foxes, and more than 10 reptile species, such as the Sandfish Skink and the Arabian Horned Viper.

The rolling dunes and limestone escarpments of Mleiha are home to 20 bird species, including Purple Sunbird, Common Kestrel, Bonelli’s Eagle, Pharoah Eagle Owl and more than 39 species of arachnids and insects, such as Arabian Fat-Tailed Scorpion, Blue Pansy Butterfly, and Carpenter Bee, all vital to the park’s ecosystem.

In addition to its vast wildlife, fossils dating back 93-65 million years offer yet another layer to Mleiha’s rich history, featuring preserved corals, marine fossils, and limestone rock formations.

Designed to balance preservation with exploration, Mleiha translates this biodiversity into a broad spectrum of activities that educate and inspire while protecting the land. Mleiha offers desert trails for hiking on foot, and guided archaeology tours and fossil hunts. Visitors who enjoy thrill-seeking adventures more can enjoy dune bashing and paragliding at UAE’s first licensed desert paragliding center.

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SOURCE Mleiha National Park

Annual Report Highlights Achievements in Advancing the UN SDGs

LONDON, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Clarivate Plc (NYSE: CLVT), a leading global provider of transformative intelligence, today released its 2024 sustainability report, highlighting the company’s achievements in driving sustainability and broader Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) principles over the past year. This annual report demonstrates how Clarivate continues to focus on aligning its products and services with the United Nations Sustainable Goals (UN SDGs), contributing to progress across all 17 of these goals.

In 2024, Clarivate signed the UN SDGs Publishers Compact, in addition to maintaining its existing commitments to the United Nations Global Compact, the United Nations Women’s Empowerment Principles and CEO Action for Inclusion & Diversity.

Matti Shem Tov, Chief Executive Officer, Clarivate, said: “At Clarivate, we help people and organizations think forward, which is essential for a sustainable future. We are committed to driving sustainability by providing our solutions that help our customers advance UN SDGs worldwide. We strive to implement sustainable business practices across our operations and partner with those in our value chain to do the same.”

Key achievements in the 2024 report include:

• 49% of Clarivate revenue is directly aligned with the SDGs.
• The Academia and Government segment developed and is now offering a Sustainability Ebook Subscription, mapped to all 17 SDGs.
• Clarivate colleagues used their volunteer time off benefit to provide nearly 32,000 collective hours improving their communities.
• A company-wide ‘Clarivate Mentoring Program’ was launched to assist colleagues with their professional development plans and career growth.
• Clarivate was included in the Global Mentorship Initiative’s top five corporate partners and is the first corporate partner to have 10x repeat mentors.

The report shows how Clarivate has aligned its corporate sustainability goals with the UN SDGs, particularly in the following ways:

• SDG 4: Quality education: With over 130 million students benefiting from Clarivate solutions, Clarivate has a significant impact on education. Clarivate tools empower students to enhance their learning and research experiences and access valuable resources. Clarivate serves as a trusted partner to more than 26,000 public and academic libraries, providing essential tools and resources.
• SDG 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure: Clarivate data and insights support customers along the innovation lifecycle, bringing innovations to market faster. With over 200 million individual documents detailing research and development outcomes, Clarivate data empower policymakers to understand the global technology landscape and inform sustainability policies.
• United Nations Global Compact: Clarivate signed the UN SDGs Publishers Compact as a commitment to develop sustainable practices and act as a champion of the SDGs during the Decade of Action (2020-2030).

Liliana Hinderman, Senior Vice President, Chief Risk and Sustainability Officer, said: “At Clarivate, our commitment to sustainability is not just a corporate responsibility but a core part of who we are. We are proud to share our unwavering commitment, progress and future plans in this report. We continue to integrate sustainability into our business goals, which are designed to help us and our clients advance a more sustainable world.”

Read the full report here.

About Clarivate
Clarivate is a leading global provider of transformative intelligence. We offer enriched data, insights & analytics, workflow solutions and expert services in the areas of Academia & Government, Intellectual Property and Life Sciences & Healthcare. For more information, please visit www.clarivate.com 

Forward-Looking Statements
This communication contains “forward-looking statements” as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements, which express management’s current views concerning future business, events, trends, contingencies, financial performance, or financial condition, appear at various places in this communication and may use words like “aim,” “anticipate,” “assume,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “future,” “goal,” “intend,” “likely,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “see,” “seek,” “should,” “strategy,” “strive,” “target,” “will,” and “would” and similar expressions, and variations or negatives of these words. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on management’s current beliefs, expectations, and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy, and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Important factors that could cause our actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include those factors discussed under the caption “Risk Factors” in our most recent annual report on Form 10-K, along with our other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). However, those factors should not be considered to be a complete statement of all potential risks and uncertainties. Additional risks and uncertainties not known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also impair our business operations. Forward-looking statements are based only on information currently available to our management and speak only as of the date of this communication. We do not assume any obligation to publicly provide revisions or updates to any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as otherwise required by securities and other applicable laws. Please consult our public filings with the SEC or on our website at www.clarivate.com.

Media contact:
Jack Wan
Director, External Communications
newsroom@clarivate.com

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SOURCE Clarivate Plc

• Climate-Driven Health Risks Could Cost the Global Economy at Least $1.5 Trillion in Lost Productivity by 2050 Across Food and Agriculture, Built Environment, and Health and Health Care, New World Economic Forum and Boston Consulting Group Report Finds.
• The Report Sets out Adaptation Priorities for Four Critical Economic Sectors, Urging Companies to Act Now to Protect Worker Health and Build Operational Resilience.
• Investment in Climate Health Innovation—from Climate-Resistant Crops to Heat-Stable Medicines and New Insurance Models Tackling Coverage Gaps—Can Reduce Risks, Unlock New Market Opportunities, and Drive Long-Term Value.

NEW YORK, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In the next 25 years, climate-driven health impacts could result in the loss of more than $1.5 trillion in lost output from select climate-health illnesses. This is according to a new report from the World Economic Forum, developed in collaboration with Boston Consulting Group (BCG), assessing climate-driven health impacts across four of the most affected economic sectors: food and agriculture, the built environment, health and health care, and insurance. The $1.5 trillion estimate reflects losses in only the first three sectors, under a mid-range scenario, suggesting the burden on the global economy could be far higher.

The report, “Building Economic Resilience to the Health Impacts of Climate Change,” urges companies to act now to protect workforce health, build operational resilience, and safeguard productivity before the costs of climate adaptation become unmanageable. The findings highlight that adapting to extreme heat, infectious diseases, and other health risks accelerating due to climate change, is now a strategic business imperative. 

“We are entering an era in which protecting worker health is proving essential to business continuity and long-term resilience,” said Eric White, Head of Climate Resilience at the World Economic Forum. “Every year we delay embedding resilience into business decisions, the risks to human health and productivity climb, and the costs of adaptation rise.”

Alongside shared disruptions, the analysis also outlines sector-specific vulnerabilities. In food and agriculture, climate-health impacts could drive $740 billion in lost output, placing the sector under strain and triggering cascading impacts on global food security. In the built environment sector, climate-health impacts are projected to result in productivity losses of $570 billion. The health and health care sector stands to lose $200 billion in productivity due to workforce climate-health illness, while rising climate-driven disease rates among the wider population could compound demand pressures. The insurance industry, meanwhile, is projected to experience a sharp rise in climate-health claims.

Still, the report finds that companies investing early in climate-health adaptation can benefit beyond risk mitigation. They can unlock new opportunities for innovation and growth, while meeting emerging market needs. Each sector is uniquely positioned to develop and scale solutions to emerging climate-health challenges. From climate-resilient crops that protect food systems and heat-stable medications that expand medicine availability, to cooling technologies that keep construction workers safe and new insurance models protecting communities against climate-health shocks, examples of innovation are already taking shape.

“Momentum on health adaptation is building, but financing and implementation are still far below what’s needed,” said Elia Tziambazis, managing director and partner at BCG. “The challenge now is to scale proven solutions fast enough to keep pace with climate change, mitigate its impact on workforces, and invest in the innovation that will define the next generation of resilience services and products.”

The report’s analysis covers seven major health risks exacerbated by climate change, and models the economic cost of lost output due to climate-driven worker illness and death between 2025 and 2050. It sources health data from scientific literature and employment data and economic cost from the International Labour Organization and World Bank data.

While organizations in each sector can act, a global shift toward health resilience must be underpinned by supportive policies, interoperable climate-health data systems, and innovative financing to mobilize capital. The report’s findings, published ahead of the World Economic Forum’s Sustainable Development Impact Meetings, arrive as preparations intensify for COP30 in Belém, Brazil. This year’s climate negotiations are set to bring health adaptation to the forefront of the global climate agenda, signaling a unique opportunity to align private sector innovation with policy action.

Download the publication here:
https://www.bcg.com/about/partner-ecosystem/world-economic-forum/climate-health-sector-impact-adaptation-opportunities

Media Contacts:
BCG: Eric Gregoire, gregoire.eric@bcg.com
World Economic Forum: public.affairs@weforum.org

About the Sustainable Development Impact Meetings 2025
The Sustainable Development Impact Meetings 2025 will take place from September 22 to 26 in New York and bring together over 1,000 global leaders from diverse sectors and geographies. Held ahead of the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2026, these meetings are part of the Forum’s year-round work to accelerate progress on sustainable development through multistakeholder dialogues and action.

About The World Economic Forum
The World Economic Forum, committed to improving the state of the world, is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation. The Forum engages the foremost political, business and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas. (www.weforum.org).

About Boston Consulting Group
Boston Consulting Group partners with leaders in business and society to tackle their most important challenges and capture their greatest opportunities. BCG was the pioneer in business strategy when it was founded in 1963. Today, we work closely with clients to embrace a transformational approach aimed at benefiting all stakeholders—empowering organizations to grow, build sustainable competitive advantage, and drive positive societal impact.

Our diverse, global teams bring deep industry and functional expertise and a range of perspectives that question the status quo and spark change. BCG delivers solutions through leading-edge management consulting, technology and design, and corporate and digital ventures. We work in a uniquely collaborative model across the firm and throughout all levels of the client organization, fueled by the goal of helping our clients thrive and enabling them to make the world a better place.

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SOURCE Boston Consulting Group (BCG)

OSLO, Norway, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Reference is made to the stock exchange release published 23 January 2025 announcing Elkem ASA’s (“Elkem” or the “Company”) initiation of a strategic review of the Silicones division, with the ambition to streamline Elkem, as well as to enable allocation of capital to accelerate growth in the Silicon Products and Carbon Solutions divisions.

Elkem has now entered an exclusive sales process with a counterparty. The contemplated process is well aligned with the strategic review and represents an important milestone amid a challenging market environment.

Following an evaluation of alternative options, the Company has decided to pursue exclusive negotiations with a major industrial player that has a significant presence in the global chemicals industry. Elkem is confident that the potential transaction would represent the best possible outcome for the Silicones division as well as the Company and all its stakeholders.

Subject to negotiations, agreement and necessary approvals, the closing of the transaction is expected to occur in the first half of 2026.

ABG Sundal Collier ASA is acting as financial advisor to Elkem.

For further information, please contact:
Odd-Geir Lyngstad
VP Finance & Investor Relations
Tel: +47 976 72 806
Email: odd-geir.lyngstad@elkem.com

Marianne Stigset
VP Corporate Communications & Public Affairs
Tel: +47 411 88 482
Email: marianne.stigset@elkem.com    

About Elkem:

Elkem is one of the world’s leading providers of advanced silicon-based materials shaping a better and more sustainable future. The company develops silicones, silicon products and carbon solutions by combining natural raw materials, renewable energy and human ingenuity. Elkem helps its customers create and improve essential innovations like electric mobility, digital communications, health and personal care as well as smarter and more sustainable cities. With a strong track record since 1904, its global team of more than 7,200 people has a joint commitment to stakeholders: Delivering your potential. In 2024, Elkem achieved an operating income of NOK 33 billion. Elkem has been awarded top score of A on Forests and Water Security, and B on Climate Change from CDP. Elkem is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange (ticker: ELK), where the company is also included in the ESG Index. www.elkem.com

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/elkem/r/elkem-asa—elkem-enters-exclusive-sales-process-for-silicones-division,c4236024

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SOURCE Elkem

NEW YORK, Sept. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Viva Eve, a women’s health practice redefining integrated care, announced the launch of its latest campaign, a documentary-style spot told through the eyes of a patient navigating the challenges of today’s healthcare system. 

The story follows a New York City woman who, like so many, has felt overlooked, dismissed, and shuffled endlessly between medical providers in search of answers. Each step feels rushed and impersonal: her symptoms are ignored, her concerns minimized, her voice unheard. 

The short video spot captures the exhausting cycle so many women know too well—the frustration of repeating her story again and again to yet another provider, being shuffled from office to office, referral to referral, prescription to prescription. Each step feels like starting over, with no continuity of care and no real answers in sight. 

The turning point comes when a friend refers and reminds her to check out the modern alternative: Viva Eve. She enters the space with a calm, warm energy, and for the first time, she feels listened to, respected, and truly seen. What had been a chaotic and fragmented journey transforms into one rooted in clarity and compassion. At Viva Eve, she finds more than a doctor’s office—she discovers a one-stop destination for her health, where expert gynecology, advanced fibroid care, nutrition, dermatology, and wellness services come together under one roof. 

The ad was written and produced by Viva Eve’s in-house, all-women marketing team, and is the product of close collaboration with women doctors, nurse practitioners, patients, and the real-world stories of obstacles women face every day. It was shot and edited by 8Bit Motion in Toronto, Canada. 

“We wanted to show, honestly and unflinchingly, what many women still go through when seeking care,” said Dr James Gohar, board-certified Ob/Gyn physician and founder and CEO of Viva Eve. “Too often, patients are made to feel invisible. Viva Eve’s, mission is to change that. Every woman deserves to have her concerns taken seriously, her options explained clearly, and her care delivered seamlessly in one place.” 

The campaign underscores Viva Eve’s commitment to building a new standard of women’s healthcare—one that is thoughtful, patient-centered, and designed to simplify the experience rather than complicate it. 

The video will appear across digital platforms and social media beginning September 15, 2025. 

For more information about Viva Eve or to schedule an appointment, visit www.vivaeve.com. 

Media Contact:
Olga Chernin
917-406-6542

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SOURCE Viva Eve

NEW YORK, Sept. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Viva Eve, a women’s health practice redefining integrated care, announced the launch of its latest campaign, a documentary-style spot told through the eyes of a patient navigating the challenges of today’s healthcare system. 

The story follows a New York City woman who, like so many, has felt overlooked, dismissed, and shuffled endlessly between medical providers in search of answers. Each step feels rushed and impersonal: her symptoms are ignored, her concerns minimized, her voice unheard. 

The short video spot captures the exhausting cycle so many women know too well—the frustration of repeating her story again and again to yet another provider, being shuffled from office to office, referral to referral, prescription to prescription. Each step feels like starting over, with no continuity of care and no real answers in sight. 

The turning point comes when a friend refers and reminds her to check out the modern alternative: Viva Eve. She enters the space with a calm, warm energy, and for the first time, she feels listened to, respected, and truly seen. What had been a chaotic and fragmented journey transforms into one rooted in clarity and compassion. At Viva Eve, she finds more than a doctor’s office—she discovers a one-stop destination for her health, where expert gynecology, advanced fibroid care, nutrition, dermatology, and wellness services come together under one roof. 

The ad was written and produced by Viva Eve’s in-house, all-women marketing team, and is the product of close collaboration with women doctors, nurse practitioners, patients, and the real-world stories of obstacles women face every day. It was shot and edited by 8Bit Motion in Toronto, Canada. 

“We wanted to show, honestly and unflinchingly, what many women still go through when seeking care,” said Dr James Gohar, board-certified Ob/Gyn physician and founder and CEO of Viva Eve. “Too often, patients are made to feel invisible. Viva Eve’s, mission is to change that. Every woman deserves to have her concerns taken seriously, her options explained clearly, and her care delivered seamlessly in one place.” 

The campaign underscores Viva Eve’s commitment to building a new standard of women’s healthcare—one that is thoughtful, patient-centered, and designed to simplify the experience rather than complicate it. 

The video will appear across digital platforms and social media beginning September 15, 2025. 

For more information about Viva Eve or to schedule an appointment, visit www.vivaeve.com. 

Media Contact:
Olga Chernin
917-406-6542

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/viva-eve-launches-new-campaign-highlighting-the-difference-compassionate-comprehensive-and-integrated-care-can-make-302560009.html

SOURCE Viva Eve

New ECW Results Report highlights transformative education outcomes for children and adolescents in emergencies and protracted crises and calls for urgent funding to sustain progress.

NEW YORK, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Education Cannot Wait (ECW), the global fund for education in emergencies and protracted crises in the United Nations, today launched its Investing in Futures: 2024 Annual Results Report – revealing that mid-way through its 2023–2026 Strategic Plan, ECW and its strategic partners have reached 8.3 million crisis-affected children and adolescents across 33 countries with inclusive, quality education. This brings the total number of children reached since ECW’s inception to 14 million girls and boys.

With a strong emphasis on equity and inclusion, 51% of those reached are girls, and 43% are refugee or internally displaced children. The report demonstrates that ECW investments are driving measurable improvements: more children are enrolling, staying in school, and learning both academic and social-emotional skills. Positive shifts in gender norms are also contributing to more equitable access and participation.  

“This progress reflects the unique strength of ECW’s strategic model and the unwavering commitment of our global coalition of partners. This is not just coordination, it is a shared commitment translating into collective action,” said Sigrid Kaag, Chair of the ECW High-Level Steering Group.  

The report captures the collective efforts of more than 100 partners – including host governments, UN agencies, local and international civil society organisations, philanthropic foundations and private sector leaders – who came together in 2024 to deliver education in some of the world’s most complex crises.

At the systems level, ECW’s model of rapid response and multi-year programming continues to strengthen coordination and partnerships across the humanitarian-development-peace nexus, with increased support to local partners and national ownership.

In 2024, 39% of ECW’s US$202 million disbursements were allocated to countries classified as ‘forgotten crises’ – such as Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti, Lebanon, Mali, Myanmar, Nigeria and South Sudan – underscoring the Fund’s commitment to reaching children in the most overlooked and underfunded emergencies.

The report also shows ECW and partners’ increased focus on the intersection of the climate crisis and the education crisis, with 41% of children reached in 2023–2024 – i.e. 3.4 million girls and boys – reached by programmes that supported climate change adaptation.

Despite these achievements, the report warns of a growing funding gap. By the end of 2024, ECW had mobilized US$934 million towards its 2023–2026 Strategic Plan, approximately two-thirds of its target. However, US$113 million in pledged contributions remain unpaid.

Meanwhile, escalating conflicts, forced displacement and climate-induced disasters are driving unprecedented humanitarian needs. Education systems in crisis-affected contexts are pushed to the brink, with an estimated 234 million crisis-affected children and adolescents requiring urgent education support – an 18% increase compared to three years ago. 

Yet, education remains one of the most underfunded sectors in humanitarian responses. In 2024, only 30% of education funding requirements were met in humanitarian appeals, despite education representing just 5.4% of total Global Humanitarian Overview requirements.

“Education is our best – if not the only – hope for children enduring the brunt of crises. To continue our work, and protect the significant results achieved, we are asking for renewed financial contributions from our public and private sector partners. We also look forward to expanded commitments through new innovative partnerships,” said Kaag.      

To meet its US$1.5 billion resource mobilization goal by the end of 2026, ECW requires an additional US$567 million in contributions. With this support, ECW and its partners can deliver quality education to 20 million children who need it most. Without decisive action, millions risk being left behind – not due to a lack of solutions, but because of chronic underinvestment.

Key Results Highlights

• 14 million children reached since inception, including 8.3 million children across 33 countries in the first two years of ECW’s Strategic Plan, 2023–2024, alone.
• 51% of children reached are girls; and over 40% are forcibly displaced, the highest share since ECW’s inception.
• 96% of programmes reported increased education participation, with 74% showing gender-equitable improvements in 2023–2024.
• Among multi-year programmes providing evidence, 88% reported improved literacy and/or numeracy outcomes and 78% reported gains in social-emotional learning in 2023–2024.
• More than 155,000 children with disabilities reached in 2023-2024.
• 6% of children reached were pre-primary school aged and 20% were secondary school aged in 2023–2024, with notable progress registered for girls ‘secondary education.    
• In programmes approved in 2024, nearly a third (29%) of funding is committed/planned to be transferred to local and national actors. 
• 41% of children reached in 2023-2024 – i.e. 3.4 million girls and boys – were reached by programmes that supported climate change adaptation.
• Download the Full Report and Executive Summary.
• Access b-roll, high-resolution photos and impact stories. 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/investing-in-futures-education-cannot-wait-reaches-14-million-children-in-crises-worldwide-302559946.html

SOURCE Education Cannot Wait

New ECW Results Report highlights transformative education outcomes for children and adolescents in emergencies and protracted crises and calls for urgent funding to sustain progress.

NEW YORK, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Education Cannot Wait (ECW), the global fund for education in emergencies and protracted crises in the United Nations, today launched its Investing in Futures: 2024 Annual Results Report – revealing that mid-way through its 2023–2026 Strategic Plan, ECW and its strategic partners have reached 8.3 million crisis-affected children and adolescents across 33 countries with inclusive, quality education. This brings the total number of children reached since ECW’s inception to 14 million girls and boys.

With a strong emphasis on equity and inclusion, 51% of those reached are girls, and 43% are refugee or internally displaced children. The report demonstrates that ECW investments are driving measurable improvements: more children are enrolling, staying in school, and learning both academic and social-emotional skills. Positive shifts in gender norms are also contributing to more equitable access and participation.  

“This progress reflects the unique strength of ECW’s strategic model and the unwavering commitment of our global coalition of partners. This is not just coordination, it is a shared commitment translating into collective action,” said Sigrid Kaag, Chair of the ECW High-Level Steering Group.  

The report captures the collective efforts of more than 100 partners – including host governments, UN agencies, local and international civil society organisations, philanthropic foundations and private sector leaders – who came together in 2024 to deliver education in some of the world’s most complex crises.

At the systems level, ECW’s model of rapid response and multi-year programming continues to strengthen coordination and partnerships across the humanitarian-development-peace nexus, with increased support to local partners and national ownership.

In 2024, 39% of ECW’s US$202 million disbursements were allocated to countries classified as ‘forgotten crises’ – such as Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti, Lebanon, Mali, Myanmar, Nigeria and South Sudan – underscoring the Fund’s commitment to reaching children in the most overlooked and underfunded emergencies.

The report also shows ECW and partners’ increased focus on the intersection of the climate crisis and the education crisis, with 41% of children reached in 2023–2024 – i.e. 3.4 million girls and boys – reached by programmes that supported climate change adaptation.

Despite these achievements, the report warns of a growing funding gap. By the end of 2024, ECW had mobilized US$934 million towards its 2023–2026 Strategic Plan, approximately two-thirds of its target. However, US$113 million in pledged contributions remain unpaid.

Meanwhile, escalating conflicts, forced displacement and climate-induced disasters are driving unprecedented humanitarian needs. Education systems in crisis-affected contexts are pushed to the brink, with an estimated 234 million crisis-affected children and adolescents requiring urgent education support – an 18% increase compared to three years ago. 

Yet, education remains one of the most underfunded sectors in humanitarian responses. In 2024, only 30% of education funding requirements were met in humanitarian appeals, despite education representing just 5.4% of total Global Humanitarian Overview requirements.

“Education is our best – if not the only – hope for children enduring the brunt of crises. To continue our work, and protect the significant results achieved, we are asking for renewed financial contributions from our public and private sector partners. We also look forward to expanded commitments through new innovative partnerships,” said Kaag.      

To meet its US$1.5 billion resource mobilization goal by the end of 2026, ECW requires an additional US$567 million in contributions. With this support, ECW and its partners can deliver quality education to 20 million children who need it most. Without decisive action, millions risk being left behind – not due to a lack of solutions, but because of chronic underinvestment.

Key Results Highlights

• 14 million children reached since inception, including 8.3 million children across 33 countries in the first two years of ECW’s Strategic Plan, 2023–2024, alone.
• 51% of children reached are girls; and over 40% are forcibly displaced, the highest share since ECW’s inception.
• 96% of programmes reported increased education participation, with 74% showing gender-equitable improvements in 2023–2024.
• Among multi-year programmes providing evidence, 88% reported improved literacy and/or numeracy outcomes and 78% reported gains in social-emotional learning in 2023–2024.
• More than 155,000 children with disabilities reached in 2023-2024.
• 6% of children reached were pre-primary school aged and 20% were secondary school aged in 2023–2024, with notable progress registered for girls ‘secondary education.    
• In programmes approved in 2024, nearly a third (29%) of funding is committed/planned to be transferred to local and national actors. 
• 41% of children reached in 2023-2024 – i.e. 3.4 million girls and boys – were reached by programmes that supported climate change adaptation.
• Download the Full Report and Executive Summary.
• Access b-roll, high-resolution photos and impact stories. 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/investing-in-futures-education-cannot-wait-reaches-14-million-children-in-crises-worldwide-302559946.html

SOURCE Education Cannot Wait

Vote For Your Favorite Bear Beginning September 23, 2025

ANCHORAGE, Alaska, Sept. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The bears are back and they are bigger than ever! Fat Bear Week returns for the 11th year September 23-30, 2025, inviting the public to vote for the bear that best embodies preparation for winter. Hosted by explore.org, the world’s leading live nature camera network, and the Katmai Conservancy, this beloved global event celebrates the lives of brown bears in Alaska’s Katmai National Park.

Fat Bear Week is a bracket-style, single-elimination tournament, where the public votes online to determine which bear has gained the most weight after a summer of salmon feasting. Matchups continue until one bear is crowned the 2025 Champion on Tuesday, September 30. The bracket reveal takes place Monday, September 22 at 3pm AKT.

Fat Bear Week began in 2014 with just 1,700 votes and has grown into an international sensation, with over 1.2 million votes cast in 2024 from more than 100 countries.

“Chunk’s resilience, Grazer’s skill, and Bucky’s intelligence were just a few of the powerful stories we witnessed at Brooks River this summer,” says Charlie Annenberg, founder of Explore.org. “Thanks to another great salmon run, the bears are the fattest I’ve ever seen!”

Reigning champion 128 Grazer, the first mother bear to win Fat Bear Week, returns in 2025 while raising a yearling cub. She’s joined by contenders like 32 Chunk, who overcame a broken jaw this spring and remains one of the largest bears on the river.

Voters can explore profiles and compare before-and-after photos on the Fat Bear Week website. Educational live streams with park rangers and experts offer insights throughout the week, and social media buzzes with updates under #FatBearWeek.

The action starts with Fat Bear Junior, a two-day competition for cubs. The bracket reveal is on Wednesday, September 17 at 3pm AKT, with voting on September 18 & 19.

Support conservation efforts by donating to the Katmai Conservancy’s Otis Fund, with explore.org matching contributions from September 23 – October 4 and the Fat Bear Week Celebration Fundraiser on October 4 at 12pm AKT.

Fat Bear Week is a celebration of strength, survival, and the wild spirit of Alaska’s Katmai National Park, a region that is home to more brown bears than people and the largest runs of sockeye salmon left on the planet.

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SOURCE explore.org