Tag: 3BL

This year, Entergy’s pro bono team successfully assisted an Afghan refugee family in their pursuit of immigration asylum in the U.S. In 2021, the parents and their young child were forced to flee their homeland amid the escalating conflict and insecurity that ensued as U.S. military forces withdrew from Afghanistan and the Taliban retook control of the country.

The family managed to escape Afghanistan safely but had to spend almost two years working through the U.S. immigration asylum process knowing that, at any time, they could be ordered to leave the country and return to Taliban-ruled Afghanistan, where their lives – and the life of their child – would be in danger.

Recognizing the urgency and the need for legal expertise, Entergy’s pro bono team, led by Pro Bono Counsel Christy Kane, swiftly mobilized to provide assistance. Partnering with Home is Here, an immigration-focused nonprofit, and Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans, the team of professionals spent more than 250 hours helping the family navigate the complicated immigration process, including representing them during their eight-hour asylum interviews last year – all completely free of charge. Throughout the process, the Afghan family built a strong connection with the pro bono team and enjoyed their frequent office visits, where their child found comfort in activities with their team members while the parents were navigated through the complex legal process.

At the end of July in 2023, the family received notice that their asylum requests had been officially approved. This ensures that the family can now safely remain in this country and rebuild their lives while continuing on the path toward U.S. citizenship.

“It has been a privilege working with this family, and the team is beyond thrilled that we were able to help them obtain asylum. We often take for granted how fortunate we are to live in a country like the United States, and it was heartbreaking to see first-hand what our clients had to endure just to keep their family safe,” said Kane. “They are some of the bravest people I’ve met in my life. The immigration process here is overwhelming for anyone who does not have the means to pay for an attorney, particularly when there is a language barrier involved. I’m grateful to work in a place that allowed us to help this family, changing their lives forever.”

By leveraging their legal expertise and resources, Entergy’s pro bono team and community partners have given this Afghan refugee family a fighting chance at a new life, free from fear and persecution of the Taliban. Cases like these are a testament to the life-changing importance of the company’s pro bono program.

Entergy was the first U.S. company to hire full-time pro bono counsel in 2018, and today, remains only one of three. Since 2012, Entergy attorneys have contributed over 20,000 hours of pro bono services and provided free legal counsel to the community worth over $5.6 million.

Entergy’s attorneys partner with legal aid nonprofits to offer free legal advice and representation to community members in need on matters ranging from life-planning documents for first responders, FEMA claims after natural disasters, veterans’ benefits access, family law issues, post-conviction relief for incarcerated survivors of domestic violence, and assistance for nonprofits and minority and women-owned small businesses.

The Louisiana State Bar Association has honored members of Entergy’s legal department with the prestigious 2019 Friend of Pro Bono Award. In 2020, the Pro Bono Project named Entergy Outstanding Pro Bono Corporate Partner of the Year and the Mississippi Volunteer Lawyers Project awarded Entergy their Torchbearer and Pro Bono awards.

Entergy’s pro bono team that helped the Afghan family seek asylum includes attorneys Christy Kane, Leslie LaCoste, Skylar Rosenbloom and supporting team members including Jessica Coolidge, Erin Farrell and Jennifer Favalora.

Learn more about Entergy’s pro bono team here.

November 29, 2023 /3BL/ – The world won’t meet its sustainability goals without addressing gender issues – and sustainability standards and similar systems have an important role to play. That was the message from a recent session at India and Sustainability Standards 2023 conference exploring the challenges and opportunities for sustainability systems to contribute to gender equality in supply chains, hosted by ISEAL and CGIAR Initiative on Gender Equality.

Gender equality is one of the UN Sustainable Development Goals for 2030, and is crucial to achieving many of the other goals, from eradicating poverty and hunger, to decent work and economic growth, peace and justice. Yet at current rates of progress, it will take up to 140 years for women to be represented equally in positions of power and leadership in the workplace, while progress on some indicators has gone into reverse following the Covid-19 pandemic.

There is also a clear business case for tackling gender inequities. Studies show that businesses that support women workers and improve conditions for women throughout their supply chains benefit from improved health and safety, ethical and legal compliance, strengthened staff motivation and improved productivity.

The session heard how sustainability systems such as the Rainforest Alliance and Better Cotton are seeking to address gender issues within their standards, projects, collaborations and monitoring. It also heard from the Anker Research Institute on how women’s specific needs are incorporated into methodologies for calculating living wage benchmarks.

Sustainability systems can raise the bar on what’s expected of companies and their supply chains in many areas, and gender is no exception. Dr. Madhuri Nanda, Director South Asia, Rainforest Alliance, highlighted the importance of working with companies and communities to assess and address the most important issues. Collecting data to identify gender gaps and needs is an important first step to addressing them, she added.

Vidyun Rathore from Better Cotton explained how the previous version of its standard addressed gender equality in terms of fair wages and labour rights, but that its newly updated standard makes gender a cross-cutting priority. Better Cotton has also previously worked with Care International to develop and pilot a women’s empowerment composite indicator for the Delta Framework, which she believes could be incorporated into sustainability standards and certification schemes.

Dr. Nidhi Kaicker, who has conducted research for the Anker Research Institute, also highlighted the importance of collecting disaggregated data to better understand gender pay gaps. Sustainability systems that want to support equitable living incomes need to take account of issues such as differences in the type of work done by men and women, and the higher burden of unpaid care work that typically falls on women.

Participants stressed that addressing structural and cultural barriers to gender equality is a long-term process, and that behaviour change takes time. Nevertheless, there is a great deal of work already being done in this area that sustainability systems can build on. Ultimately, multiple actors – including businesses, governments, NGOs and researchers – need to work together collectively to achieve gender equality in supply chains.

ISEAL and CGIAR are working together to explore challenges, opportunities and best practices for sustainability systems to advance gender equality in supply chains and agrifood systems. To find out more, click here.

Notes:

ISEAL is the global membership organisation for ambitious, collaborative and transparent sustainability systems. ISEAL is driving collective efforts to tackle the most pressing sustainability issues and create a world where markets are a force for good. ISEAL supports sustainability systems and their partners in delivering solutions to critical global challenges, so that companies and governments can meet their sustainability commitments and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. ISEAL drives improvement by defining credible practice; convening forums for collaboration, sharing of experience, and collective action; delivering expertise, advice and training; and facilitating and promoting innovation to strengthen sustainability systems.The CGIAR HER+ Gender Equality Research Initiative is designed to address challenges to gender equality in agrifood systems in times of climate change. The Initiative aims to use impactful gender research to address four dimensions of gender inequality by applying gender-transformative approaches to harmful norms, bundling socio-technical innovations for women’s empowerment, leveraging social protection to increase women’s access to and control over resources, and promoting inclusive governance and policies for increased resilience. The research is supported by funders through their contributions to the CGIAR Trust Fund.

LONDON, November 28, 2023 /3BL/ – Pentair plc (NYSE: PNR), a leader in helping the world sustainably move, improve and enjoy water, and the Pentair Foundation announce the twenty-fifth consecutive year of giving to strengthen communities around the world, increase access to quality education, and provide safer, cleaner water to those who lack access. In addition to awarding over $1 million in strategic and community grants in 2023, the existing matching gift program is extended to include a double match for all qualifying contributions by employees made to non-profit organizations on Giving Tuesday, November 28, 2023.

“Aligned to our purpose of creating a better world for people and the planet, we are committed to leading in our communities where our employees live and work as well as expanding access to safer water and education in the developing world,” said Karla Robertson, Executive Vice President, General Counsel, Secretary and Chief Social Responsibility Officer. “In 2023, we continued the strong legacy of giving that was formalized with the establishment of the Pentair Foundation 25 years ago to help improve the lives of people around the world today, as well as for future generations.”

Pentair and the Pentair Foundation operate independent grantmaking programs to support the communities where Pentair employees live and work, and are focused on improving access to cleaner, safer water and quality education in communities where the needs are greatest.

Grants awarded by the Pentair Foundation in 2023 totaling over $1 million include:

Community giving grants to 19 nonprofit organizations providing educational opportunities to underserved groups in the communities in which Pentair operates.FIRST Robotics – Utilizes robotics as a tool to inspire youth in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Pentair’s grant provides support for 21 teams across the U.S.Great River Greening – Implements nature-based solutions to restore ecosytems. The grant by Pentair will help improve water quality through natural filtration of new native plants at a site on the Crow Wing River in Minnesota.H2O for Life – Encourages students across the U.S. to learn about the issues affecting local water resources and the global water crisis and to organize their own service-learning project to make a meaningful difference.Project Scientist – Increases STEM identity, STEM awareness, and STEM confidence in elementary school girls through their intensive Summer STEM Lab programming.Project Safewater Strategic Partners – Since 2007, Pentair has implemented numerous Project Safewater programs, providing cleaner, safer drinking water every day to communities across India, Mexico, and Kenya. In 2023, the Pentair Foundation is providing funding to Safe Water Network, Shining Hope for Communities, and Water Mission to provide sustainable access to safe water.

Team Pentair 

Pentair believes the passions and contributions of its approximately 11,250 employees are important, and encourages and rewards employee-led involvement through Team Pentair, the company’s philanthropic engagement program.

In 2023, the Pentair Foundation built on its year-round matching gifts program for employee donations by implementing an additional double match for qualifying contributions made on Giving Tuesday (November 28, 2023) to non-profit organizations.

To learn about Pentair’s corporate responsibility and philanthropic efforts, visit pentair.com.

ABOUT PENTAIR PLC AND THE PENTAIR FOUNDATION

At Pentair, we help the world sustainably move, improve, and enjoy water, life’s most essential resource. From our residential and commercial water solutions, to industrial water management and everything in between, Pentair is focused on smart, sustainable water solutions that help people and the planet thrive.

Founded in 1998, the Pentair Foundation is Pentair’s philanthropic arm which through its programs and grants helps strengthen the communities in which Pentair operates as well as helps to provide safe, clean water to nearly three million people every day in the developing world.

Pentair had revenue in 2022 of approximately $4.1 billion, and trades under the ticker symbol PNR. With approximately 11,250 global employees serving customers in more than 150 countries, we work to help improve lives and the environment around the world. To learn more, visit www.pentair.com.

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LONDON, November 28, 2023 /3BL/ – Pentair plc (NYSE: PNR), a leader in helping the world sustainably move, improve and enjoy water, and the Pentair Foundation announce the twenty-fifth consecutive year of giving to strengthen communities around the world, increase access to quality education, and provide safer, cleaner water to those who lack access. In addition to awarding over $1 million in strategic and community grants in 2023, the existing matching gift program is extended to include a double match for all qualifying contributions by employees made to non-profit organizations on Giving Tuesday, November 28, 2023.

“Aligned to our purpose of creating a better world for people and the planet, we are committed to leading in our communities where our employees live and work as well as expanding access to safer water and education in the developing world,” said Karla Robertson, Executive Vice President, General Counsel, Secretary and Chief Social Responsibility Officer. “In 2023, we continued the strong legacy of giving that was formalized with the establishment of the Pentair Foundation 25 years ago to help improve the lives of people around the world today, as well as for future generations.”

Pentair and the Pentair Foundation operate independent grantmaking programs to support the communities where Pentair employees live and work, and are focused on improving access to cleaner, safer water and quality education in communities where the needs are greatest.

Grants awarded by the Pentair Foundation in 2023 totaling over $1 million include:

Community giving grants to 19 nonprofit organizations providing educational opportunities to underserved groups in the communities in which Pentair operates.FIRST Robotics – Utilizes robotics as a tool to inspire youth in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Pentair’s grant provides support for 21 teams across the U.S.Great River Greening – Implements nature-based solutions to restore ecosytems. The grant by Pentair will help improve water quality through natural filtration of new native plants at a site on the Crow Wing River in Minnesota.H2O for Life – Encourages students across the U.S. to learn about the issues affecting local water resources and the global water crisis and to organize their own service-learning project to make a meaningful difference.Project Scientist – Increases STEM identity, STEM awareness, and STEM confidence in elementary school girls through their intensive Summer STEM Lab programming.Project Safewater Strategic Partners – Since 2007, Pentair has implemented numerous Project Safewater programs, providing cleaner, safer drinking water every day to communities across India, Mexico, and Kenya. In 2023, the Pentair Foundation is providing funding to Safe Water Network, Shining Hope for Communities, and Water Mission to provide sustainable access to safe water.

Team Pentair 

Pentair believes the passions and contributions of its approximately 11,250 employees are important, and encourages and rewards employee-led involvement through Team Pentair, the company’s philanthropic engagement program.

In 2023, the Pentair Foundation built on its year-round matching gifts program for employee donations by implementing an additional double match for qualifying contributions made on Giving Tuesday (November 28, 2023) to non-profit organizations.

To learn about Pentair’s corporate responsibility and philanthropic efforts, visit pentair.com.

ABOUT PENTAIR PLC AND THE PENTAIR FOUNDATION

At Pentair, we help the world sustainably move, improve, and enjoy water, life’s most essential resource. From our residential and commercial water solutions, to industrial water management and everything in between, Pentair is focused on smart, sustainable water solutions that help people and the planet thrive.

Founded in 1998, the Pentair Foundation is Pentair’s philanthropic arm which through its programs and grants helps strengthen the communities in which Pentair operates as well as helps to provide safe, clean water to nearly three million people every day in the developing world.

Pentair had revenue in 2022 of approximately $4.1 billion, and trades under the ticker symbol PNR. With approximately 11,250 global employees serving customers in more than 150 countries, we work to help improve lives and the environment around the world. To learn more, visit www.pentair.com.

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In September, CNH Industrial proudly collaborated with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in launching the first-ever Global Conference on Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization.

The United Nations’ (UN) FAO marks its first high-level institutional event on the topic with the Global Conference on Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization (GAMC). The opening ceremony of this significant occasion was presided over by Qu Dongyu, Director-General of the FAO.

At the event, Gilles Mayer, New Holland (a brand of CNH) Global Head of Tractors for Alternative Fuels, highlighted the ways in which our industry is innovating to enable farmers to contribute positively to the environment. This includes the development of technologies for the use of biomethane and electric propulsion in agriculture, as well as precision farming technology.

With this Global Conference, in collaboration with the FAO and UN, CNH maintains its commitment to providing solutions for a diverse range of farming equipment needs worldwide, and its dedication to creating a more sustainable future for farming.

In September, CNH Industrial proudly collaborated with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in launching the first-ever Global Conference on Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization.

The United Nations’ (UN) FAO marks its first high-level institutional event on the topic with the Global Conference on Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization (GAMC). The opening ceremony of this significant occasion was presided over by Qu Dongyu, Director-General of the FAO.

At the event, Gilles Mayer, New Holland (a brand of CNH) Global Head of Tractors for Alternative Fuels, highlighted the ways in which our industry is innovating to enable farmers to contribute positively to the environment. This includes the development of technologies for the use of biomethane and electric propulsion in agriculture, as well as precision farming technology.

With this Global Conference, in collaboration with the FAO and UN, CNH maintains its commitment to providing solutions for a diverse range of farming equipment needs worldwide, and its dedication to creating a more sustainable future for farming.

November 28, 2023 /3BL/ – Ceres and major Michigan companies applaud Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for signing landmark clean energy legislation into law today, following its passage in the Michigan legislature earlier this month. Anchored by a commitment to achieve 100% clean energy by 2040, the legislative package also includes a strong energy waste reduction plan and other important measures supported by Michigan businesses.

“Michigan has established itself today as a leader in the clean energy economy by finalizing one of the most ambitious clean electricity standards in the U.S.” said Alli Gold Roberts, senior director of state policy, Ceres. “Major businesses strongly supported bold legislation to clean the electric grid and make clear that the state is fully open for business. The legislation signed today marks a strong first step toward realizing that vision in Michigan. Ceres and the companies we work with look forward to supporting the implementation process and continued efforts to ensure the state meets its climate, economic, and environmental justice goals.”

Ceres has worked with companies and investors to support Michigan’s clean energy legislation throughout the ongoing legislative session. Companies increasingly support clean energy policies not only to reduce climate pollution that threatens their operations, but because they bring significant business and economic benefits. According to a recent analysis conducted by 5 Lakes Energy and the MI Energy Innovation Business Council, this legislation will create nearly 160,000 jobs, increase Michigan’s GDP 2.5% by 2050, and save households $145 in energy costs annually by 2035.

“For more than three decades, Bell’s Brewery has understood that operating sustainably is critical for the long-term resilience of our business, and we have seen positive effects as a result,” said Carrie Yunker, executive vice president, Bell’s Brewery. “We believe a potent mix of public policy and private investment will bring similar benefits to Michigan’s entire economy. We are grateful that Michigan’s climate and economic goals will now be supported by a 100% clean energy standard that will bring new investment to our communities, reduce costs for both households and businesses, and cut dangerous pollution that damages the air and the climate.”

“We applaud Governor Whitmer and the Michigan legislature for turning ambition into action to help achieve their decarbonization goals,” said Paul Camuti, Executive Vice President and Chief Technology and Sustainability Officer at Trane Technologies. “These bold steps will help lower greenhouse gas emissions while ensuring residents and businesses can fully benefit from high efficiency products, such as heat pumps. As an innovator of sustainable climate solutions, we strive daily to create a positive lasting impact on our planet – this legislation makes that even more possible for the 400+ Trane Technologies’ employees who call Michigan home.”

“As Michigan faces the accelerating effects of a changing climate, we are proud that the state is taking aggressive action to adopt the proven technologies necessary to build a low-carbon energy future,” said Jim MacInnes, P.E., chairman, Crystal Mountain Resort. “We thank Michigan lawmakers and Gov. Whitmer for finalizing a 100% clean electricity plan that will protect this beautiful part of the country, grow our economy, and ensure that our state remains an attractive destination for future generations.”

In September, 15 businesses signed a letter to lawmakers and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declaring their support for an accelerated transition to 100% clean electricity that prioritizes jobs, equity, and affordability, and that helps Michigan maximize recent federal climate and clean energy investments.

“Passing legislation to achieve 100% clean energy while prioritizing affordability, equity, and job creation is an important step toward building a more just net zero economy that will enhance the vitality, competitiveness, and growth of our state,” the letter said. It was signed by Bell’s Brewery, Brewery Vivant, Broad Leaf Brewery + Spirits, CleanCapital, Crystal Mountain Resort, IKEA US, New Belgium Brewing, Nexamp, REI, Sealed, Siemens, Trane Technologies, Uplight, Walker-Miller Energy Services, and Worthen Industries.

The climate package will codify into law many aspects of Gov. Whitmer’s MI Healthy Climate Plan, which was released in 2022 and was also welcomed by Michigan businesses as an important tool to guide climate, public health, and economic development policy in the state.

About Ceres

Ceres is a nonprofit organization working with the most influential capital market leaders to solve the world’s greatest sustainability challenges. Through our powerful networks and global collaborations of investors, companies and nonprofits, we drive action and inspire equitable market-based and policy solutions throughout the economy to build a just and sustainable future. For more information, visit ceres.org and follow @CeresNews.

Media Contact: Helen Booth-Tobin, booth-tobin@ceres.org, 617-247-0700 ext. 214

Originally published as part of the “Transforming Trade” custom content series with The Wall Street Journal. Click here to access the original article.

Give a woman living off-grid in rural Senegal access to solar power, and she can have electric lighting, cellphone charging, and labor-saving devices at home. Train her to become a solar engineer, however, and she can go on to improve the quality of life, health, education, connectivity, and the earning and career potential of entire communities. And this is exactly what is happening in the West African country.

As a gateway to Africa with multiple ports and air routes, Senegal has one of the continent’s highest electrification rates: more than 78%, according to the World Bank. Yet, away from the ports and cities, there are many remote parts of the country where households and enterprises are not electrified.

In Ranérou, in northeastern Senegal, a historic lack of energy sources, along with slow economic development, means there were few jobs or business opportunities for locals to exploit. Now, as a government initiative expands electrification nationwide, private investment in a Ranérou solar power project is transforming lives, physically, economically and culturally, connecting some of West Africa’s most isolated villages to each other and the wider world.

It is founded on investment in educating local women, many of whom have had no formal education, let alone any knowledge of digital technology. The Solar Mamas of Senegal, as they are affectionally known, are fully trained solar engineers whose capabilities mean they can influence economic growth and financial stability in their communities.

“I never imagined that I could become a solar energy professional at my age—and without ever having been to school,” said Mairame Ba, 59, at her graduation in 2022. “I can’t wait to return home to bring electricity to my community. Having solar energy in our community will change our lives.”

Futureproofing through education

Ba was among the first group of 10 women from rural northern Senegal to have qualified as solar energy and maintenance technicians last year, after an intensive six-month training course in Toubab Dialao, 260 miles from Ba’s own village. The course is jointly run by Barefoot College International, an NGO based 40 miles from Dakar and global logistics leader DP World.

So, why did DP World, which also runs the container port at the Port of Dakar, choose to work with BCI on this project?

“A key focus for us is to ensure that we develop and empower the communities in which we operate,” says Clarence Rodrigues, CEO of DP World Dakar. “By training women from isolated regions in solar energy, BCI addresses many sustainable development goals, especially poverty eradication, gender equality and renewable energy.”

In BCI, adds Rodrigues, DP World found “a trusted, experienced partner who has convinced us of their approach, which allows women to benefit from technical training that transforms them into entrepreneurs.”

DP World Dakar’s $400,000 donation to BCI in 2021 paid for a training center in Toubab Dialao, as well as the costs of training groups of women to undertake the residential course that would see them become solar engineers, maintenance technicians, educators and entrepreneurs.

The first cohort of Solar Mamas was formed when a delegation from BCI arrived to tell women from low socioeconomic backgrounds across Ranérou about the opportunity. “We all come from rural villages and had never even heard of this program,” says Fatimata Sall, admitting that “some of us were pretty reluctant to participate at first.” Many of the women had never even left their own village at that time.

Everything to gain

Given their circumstances, though, the women realized they had little to lose and perhaps much to gain for themselves, their families and communities—not least the tools and resources to become entrepreneurs in their own right.

“We were introduced to digital technology,” says Hawa Sow. “We learned how to use mobile phones and Google, about GPS and other topics. It’s thanks to all this training that I have a job today.”

That job involves installing, maintaining and repairing solar infrastructure in her community, which is now fully electrified, as are those of the nine women with whom she trained.

“The first 10 Solar Mamas have positively impacted more than 530 families, who can now charge their cellphones whenever needed, and their children can study under bright lights,” says Rodrigues. “With better light, security for people and livestock is also increased.”

Ultimately, this education-based program shows the tangible benefits that meaningful partnerships can bring to people in marginalized communities. A second cohort of Solar Mamas has graduated this year and are, says BCI’s CEO Rodrigo Paris, “the best example of integrity, courage and determination to bring light to their communities and hope for their families.”

On Giving Tuesday, American Airlines is reminding customers and our team members of the many opportunities to participate in the airline’s charitable giving programs. Together, we give back by volunteering time and contributing miles and money to organizations that benefit those in need.

“Caring for people is at the foundation of everything we do at American, and we’re proud to use the resources of our global airline to give back year-round,” said Ron DeFeo, American’s Chief Communications and Marketing Officer. “In the spirit of Giving Tuesday, we encourage our generous customers to join in with our team in making the world a better place. It’s amazing to see what we can accomplish together.”

Give time

More than 300 American team members recently distributed holiday meals and other groceries to 6,000 North Texas families at this year’s Thanksgiving Mega Mobile Market. The airline teamed up with the Tarrant Area Food Bank and Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic for the third year to spread holiday cheer and put food on the tables of local families in need.

Give miles

American Airlines AAdvantage® miles can make all the difference to organizations that depend on air travel. American donated 50 million miles to Make-A-Wish this year to ensure the organization can continue granting wishes to children with critical illnesses.

Customers can donate miles to support American’s nonprofit partners through Miles for Social Good, Miles for Global Health and Well-Being, Miles for Heroes and Miles for our Planet.

Give money

When disaster strikes, American provides relief efforts through our partnership with the Red Cross. Donations through the site help to provide relief and hope during hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, and other disasters. The airline has raised $1.8 million this year for disaster relief by activating its Red Cross site in times of great need.

A donation to Stand Up to Cancer will earn you 10 bonus AAdvantage® miles for every dollar you give on a donation of $25 or more. Through this year’s annual fundraising campaign, American raised nearly $4 million for innovative and life-saving cancer research.

The American Airlines Family Fund helps American team members who are facing financial hardship after a natural disaster or an unforeseen catastrophic situation. Already this year, the Family Fund has provided a record-breaking $1 million in grants to colleagues in need, including team members grappling with the recent wildfires in Maui. Learn more about American’s charitable giving at www.aa.com/letgoodtakeflight.

Globally, climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time.

If we do not take action to address climate change, the consequences will be severe, leading to widespread food insecurity, displacement and conflict. Africa, in particular, will be severely affected by such consequences with seven of its countries ranking within the top ten of countries most at risk of climate disaster1. But climate change is not the only critical issue.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a set of 17 goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015, identify and address what we have collectively agreed as a global community, as the most important issues facing our world today, including poverty, hunger, climate change and inequality.

Taking that important step

If we are to achieve the SDGs, we need to all work together. We need to see the SDGs not as a challenge but as an opportunity to build a better future for ourselves and for generations to come.

We have always been passionate about advancing science and innovation to find solutions that contribute to overcoming challenges impacting us all. The question now is – how can we use our expertise, talents and passions to transform the communities we live and work in?

The answer is not – and never has been – easy, but it provides a great first step is to team up with other like-minded individuals, organizations and communities and that’s exactly what we’re doing on the African content as well.

Promoting active citizenship amongst African youth

For the past two years, we partnered with LEAP Africa, Africa’s most prominent youth-focused leadership development organization, to host a Pan-African youth-led social impact campaign, the Youth Day of Service (YDoS).

YDoS is an annual month-long initiative aimed at renewing the spirit of active citizenship among African youth with an emphasis on spreading the culture of service and collective responsibility. The campaign seeks to inspire African youth to be social change agents by fostering the spirit of service to the community and volunteerism, focusing on the SDGs.

YDoS offered a unique opportunity to contextualize our 2025 sustainability goals and supported us to contribute to achieving global goals by raising awareness for the importance of SDGs within the African youth community. By partnering with young members of our society, we created social impact by advancing sustainable solutions, building inclusive communities and developing tomorrow’s innovators.

In the past two years, close to 10,000 volunteers registered and implemented over 500 projects during the month-long campaign. The participants represented a broad spectrum of African youth communities from 34 African countries including Nigeria, Kenya, Algeria, Sierra Leone, Mali, Madagascar, Ghana, The Gambia, South Sudan and South Africa.

All 17 SDGs were addressed in one way or another within implemented projects which reached an estimated 10 million individuals. Under goal 1 of the SDGs (No Poverty), more than 10 skill acquisition sessions were organised to empower vulnerable people to earn income. Over 200 people were reached by activities conducted under this particular activity.

Similarly, to address SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, a group of volunteers in Ghana was responsible for empowering other young people with hard and soft skills to help them start their own businesses. Some of the vocational skills taught during the project include phone repairs, liquid soap production and make-up, after which they were given seed capital as investments.

Over 30 cities and community clean-ups were implemented across countries to address SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, whilst 4,970 trees were planted in more than five countries. Done in accordance with SDG 13: Climate Action, this was accompanied by over 20 sensitization activities on the causes, consequences, and solutions to climate change.

What you can do today

The truth is tomorrow will be too late to begin action. Each and every one of us needs to take that decisive step today to ensure we succeed in building the better future we envision. Together, we can build a better future for all. Let’s apply our products, technology, and expertise for the greater social good and for our planet.

Mumbi Keega, Public Affairs and Citizenship Manager Africa

1 source: https://www.afdb.org/en/cop25/climate-change-africa