Tag: 3BL

This blog post is being guest written by Shreya Arora on Cisco’s India Cash Grant team, where she supports the rollout and governance of CSR programs across India. Drawing on seven years of experience in program development and fundraising, Shreya brings a holistic view of the nonprofit world and a strong desire to translate local needs into real-world solutions.

Shreya’s commitment to inclusive, community-driven change is fueled by the inspiration she finds in collaborating with Cisco’s diverse network of partners.

In the bustling lanes of India’s villages and cities, dreams often collide with barriers. For millions of families, social welfare programs hold the promise of a brighter future; however, the pathways to these benefits are often managed by older, lower-tech systems that can be complex to navigate. In 2018, Cisco partnered with Indus Action, an India-based non-profit, to address this challenge, digitally transforming essential social protection systems to be more citizen-friendly and effective.

Through our ever-evolving partnership, Cisco and Indus Action have helped countless vulnerable citizens transform their lives for the better by increasing their access to education, maternal health, labor welfare, and more. Read on to learn how Indus Action is using creative digital solutions to drive ecosystem innovation, building more resilient and thriving communities in the process.

Bridging the gap: Education for every child

Education can be transformational for anyone—yet, for many low-income families in India, it remains elusive. Recognizing this challenge, Cisco and Indus Action joined together to support the implementation of Section 12(1)(c) of India’s Right to Education (RTE) Act. This policy mandates that 25% of seats in private, unaided schools be reserved for children from economically disadvantaged sections and groups.

With Cisco’s support, Indus Action developed an Education-Management Information System (EdMIS), an innovative technology platform designed to streamline the RTE admissions process. The work spanned three states full-time and supported four others, ensuring admissions for about 2.15lakh (215,000) students. From school and student registrations to application lotteries, reimbursements, and student tracking, EdMIS has simplified complex administrative workflows and ensured transparency across the ecosystem.

Families like Somesh’s, whose son gained admission to a private school under RTE, are living proof of the transformative power of this initiative. “Without this provision, enrolling our child in a private school would have been nearly impossible,” Somesh’s mother shared. “This policy helps families like ours. We hope it continues to support others like us in the future.”

Indus Action’s flagship project wasn’t just about immediate outcomes—it was about building scalable, replicable, sustainable solutions for the longer term. By launching the EdMIS platform in states like Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh, and Haryana, while supporting others in Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh, the partnership laid the groundwork for lasting systemic change.

Supporting pregnant and first-time mothers

In 2020, Cisco and Indus Action expanded their reach to support pregnant and first-time mothers under the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY), a welfare program for maternal health. The objective of PMMVY is to give partial compensation to pregnant women and lactating mothers who were working and had to experience a wage loss due to the pregnancy.

Inspired by the EdMIS use case, a dashboard and hotline were developed to streamline operational efficiencies and data monitoring for the state of Uttar Pradesh, while providing a forum for the recipients to seek assistance. Over 18,000 women received all three instalments of the cash benefit, and the project witnessed over 60,000 new registrations.

Cash benefits are delivered in a timely manner, with additional improvements in service delivery. Beyond this, the program has resulted in an increase in health-seeking behavior—such as antenatal and prenatal check-ups.

Safeguarding labor welfare

In 2025, Cisco and Indus Action renewed their partnership with a bold new focus: improving welfare for workers registered under the Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board (BOCWWB). Leveraging the lessons learned from RTE implementation, the partners aim to deploy technology to simplify access to benefits, address grievances, and enhance governance for workers and their families.

Cisco’s investment in grievance redressal mechanisms has already proven invaluable, helping families successfully navigate the often-confusing welfare landscape. By listening to citizens’ concerns, Indus Action has not only resolved individual cases but also used these insights to strengthen policies and processes at the state level.

Working towards a future where good education is for everyone

Our partnership with Indus Action is more than just a program; it’s a movement—a demonstration of how technology, when paired with Purpose, can dismantle barriers, build bridges, and improve crucial ecosystems. As Cisco and Indus Action continue their journey, the lessons learned and milestones achieved will serve as a playbook for driving scalable, sustainable change across India.

To learn more about Indus Action’s initiatives and explore ways to get involved, visit their website at indusaction.org. Together, we can create better social protection systems that work for everyone.

View original content here.

CLEVELAND, September 30, 2025 /3BL/ – KeyBank Community Development Lending and Investment (CDLI) provided a $25.9 million loan to finance the new construction of 1434 W. Compton Blvd LP, a 75-unit affordable housing project located in Compton, California. The Coalition for Responsible Community Development (CRCD) has partnered with LandSpire Group, LLC, to develop the project. This is the inaugural development project between the sponsor, CRCD and LandSpire Group, LLC, a partnership that aims to produce 1,000+ permanent supportive and affordable housing units across the Greater Los Angeles area over the next decade.

The project will be a three-story development consisting of studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units, all of which are restricted at or below 50% of the area median income (AMI). Fifty percent of the units are set aside as permanent supportive housing, and the remaining 50% as general affordable housing. Additional LIHTC equity and Freddie Mac TEL permanent financing were secured from Walker & Dunlop.

Founded in 2005, the Coalition for Responsible Community Development (CRCD) is a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to improving the quality of life in South Los Angeles. CRCD supports low-income residents and small businesses with jobs, education, training, affordable housing, and comprehensive support. Since its inception, CRCD has facilitated $160 million in investments, creating 464 housing units and additional development worth $665 million.

Founded in 2019, LandSpire Group is a Southern California-based real estate private equity firm specializing in investing in ground-up developments in select U.S. markets that are experiencing housing affordability challenges and supply imbalances. LandSpire’s housing portfolio currently consists of 500 units of market rate and workforce housing, with an additional 400 units of affordable and workforce housing scheduled for delivery by the end of 2025.

1434 W. Compton Blvd LP, which is expected to be completed by May 2027, will have onsite amenities including laundry facilities, a community room, a tot lot, a landscaped courtyard, an amphitheater-style seating area, a basketball/multi-court play area, onsite parking and a resident manager. Social services will also be provided on-site by CRCD and other community partners.

Matthew Haas and Cathy Danigelis of KeyBank CDLI structured the financing.

About KeyBank Community Development Lending and Investment 

KeyBank Community Development Lending and Investment (CDLI) finances projects that stabilize and revitalize communities across all 50 states. As one of the top affordable housing capital providers in the country, KeyBank’s platform brings together construction, acquisition, bridge-to-re-syndication, and preservation loans, as well as lines of credit, Agency and HUD permanent mortgage executions, and equity investments for low-income housing projects, especially Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) financing. KeyBank has earned 11 consecutive “Outstanding” ratings on the Community Reinvestment Act exam, from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, making it the first U.S. national bank among the 25 largest to do so since the Act’s passage in 1977.

About KeyCorp 

KeyCorp’s roots trace back 200 years to Albany, New York. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Key is one of the nation’s largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $185 billion at June 30, 2025.

Key provides deposit, lending, cash management, and investment services to individuals and businesses in 15 states under the name KeyBank National Association through a network of approximately 1,000 branches and approximately 1,200 ATMs. Key also provides a broad range of sophisticated corporate and investment banking products, such as merger and acquisition advice, public and private debt and equity, syndications and derivatives to middle market companies in selected industries throughout the United States under the KeyBanc Capital Markets trade name. For more information, visit https://www.key.com/. KeyBank is Member FDIC.

###

September 30, 2025 /3BL/ – PBF Energy Inc. (PBF) (NYSE: PBF) announced the release of its 2024 Sustainability Report, highlighting the company’s efforts to advance sustainable practices, be a good neighbor to the communities in which we operate, and continue to maintain the high level of transparency expected by all of our stakeholders.  

“As we look to the future, we are actively exploring additional opportunities for emissions reductions, circular solutions, and low-carbon product innovation that support a more sustainable energy system. “ Matthew Lucy, President and CEO

• Since 2013, PBF has achieved greater than 30% reduction in absolute Scope 1 and Scope 2 Greenhouse Gas emissions, with approximately one third of these reductions occurring in the last three years.   This recent progress reflects our continued ongoing focus on operational efficiency, and process optimization throughout our refining activities.
• 2024 was an important year for PBF’s production of renewable fuels.  The Saint Bernard Renewables biorefinery successfully completed its first full year of renewable diesel production.  This joint venture between PBF and Enilive S.p.A represents an important piece of our product offering portfolio.
• All of the PBF refining sites supported their local communities through monetary support and “sweat equity”.  Volunteering for various causes at each facility is an important aspect of our commitment to community partnership.

PBF continues to be committed to environmental stewardship, safe and reliable operations and transparent communication.  We invite you to read the full report and learn more about PBF Energy’s Sustainability progress. Click to view the report.

About PBF Energy Inc.
PBF Energy Inc. (NYSE: PBF) is one of the largest independent refiners in North America, operating through its subsidiaries, oil refineries and related facilities in California, Delaware, Louisiana, New Jersey and Ohio. Our mission is to operate our facilities in a safe, reliable and environmentally responsible manner, provide employees with a safe and rewarding workplace, become a positive influence in the communities where we do business and provide superior returns to our investors.

PBF Energy is also a 50% partner in the St. Bernard Renewables joint venture focused on the production of next generation sustainable fuels.

In his recent Supply Chain Management Review article, “Building Resilient Supply Chains: How AI, Automation, and Emerging Technologies Are Shaping the Future of Global Trade,” Morten Johansen, Chief Operating Officer for DP World in the Americas, underscores that digital transformation is no longer optional for global trade. “We’re entering an era where resilience depends on the ability to anticipate disruptions and act before they happen,” he writes, adding that companies must embrace artificial intelligence (AI) and automation to remain competitive in an increasingly volatile environment.

AI and Automation Take Center Stage

Johansen highlights that AI and automation are enabling businesses to predict disruptions, optimize logistics flows, and reduce waste. “AI-powered analytics provide visibility and foresight that traditional tools simply can’t match,” he notes. From predictive demand forecasting to robotic handling in warehouses, these technologies are transforming global supply chains into agile, data-driven networks.

At DP World, this transformation is well underway. We are integrating AI and automation across our global operations—from using predictive analytics in our CARGOES logistics platform to enhance visibility, to deploying autonomous cranes and vehicles at our terminals. These advancements streamline trade flows while cutting costs and emissions, creating a smarter, more sustainable logistics ecosystem.

Resilience Through Regionalization

Technology alone won’t build resilient supply chains. Johansen also emphasizes that companies are increasingly regionalizing operations to reduce dependence on long, fragile supply chains. Nearshoring and diversification are becoming standard strategies to mitigate geopolitical and climate-related risks.

DP World is directly supporting this trend with investments in logistics hubs and special economic zones across the Americas. In Mexico, we’ve expanded freight forwarding operations to serve growing nearshoring demand, while in the Dominican Republic, our $760 million ESG-driven Special Economic Zone has potential to create up to 50,000 jobs and serve as a regional hub for sustainable manufacturing and trade.

Sustainability as the Backbone of Resilience

The future of resilient supply chains is also the future of sustainable supply chains. As global trade is set to double by 2050, ports and logistics providers must minimize their environmental footprint. DP World is investing in hydrogen-powered cranes, electrified truck fleets, and shore power facilities to slash emissions at ports worldwide. These innovations not only help us meet our net-zero targets but also give our partners confidence that their supply chains align with global ESG goals.

Looking Ahead

Johansen’s article makes it clear: AI, automation, and emerging technologies are no longer “nice-to-haves.” They are mission-critical for supply chain leaders looking to thrive in an uncertain world.

At DP World, we’re not waiting for the future – we’re building it. By combining cutting-edge digital tools with sustainable infrastructure investments, we’re helping businesses worldwide turn disruption into opportunity.

Explore further insights and read Johansen’s full article here. 

 

MADRID, September 29, 2025 /3BL/ – The average Fairtrade Minimum Price for bananas has increased by 6% at Ex Works level and by 4.6% at FOB level, with variations by origin, reflecting Fairtrade’s work to support banana farmers and workers to earn a decent livelihood. About 37,111 farmers and workers will be supported by these prices,19 percent of whom are women.

Fairtrade is pleased to announce these new Minimum Prices for bananas at Fruit Attraction 2025 in Madrid.

The new Minimum Prices for banana will be valid for contracts with farmers beginning on January 1, 2026.

Certified farmers and workers also receive the Fairtrade Premium, an extra sum of money paid on top of the minimum price that they can invest in their communities or business projects of their choice.

“Bananas are often the cheapest fruit on the shelf, but that low price doesn’t reflect the true cost of sustainable production. For the average North American shopper, it’s only roughly $5 more per year for Fairtrade bananas, an affordable switch that supports farming communities, helps increase adoption of sustainable agriculture practices, and builds more resilient supply chains,” said Rob Desson, Sr. Business Partnerships Manager for Fresh Produce, Fairtrade America.

“There is an industry misconception that consumers are tied to that low price, but a 2025 Globescan study shows many Americans think they pay far more for bananas than they actually do. We recently witnessed this when a well-known U.S. retailer increased their banana pricing without any major consumer backlash – meaning a small price increase to a Fairtrade program is unlikely to deter shoppers. 

“Retailers should feel confident that shoppers will embrace options that are better for people and the planet. We encourage North American retailers to be a part of a solution that champions shared responsibility and partnership while maintaining profitability throughout the value chain.”

Fairtrade is also publishing the first Fairtrade Minimum Price in Côte d’Ivoire, the largest banana exporter in Africa. Côte d’Ivoire joins Cameroon, Ghana, Nicaragua, Panama, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, and Peru (organic bananas only) with updated Fairtrade Minimum Prices. For the third year in a row, Fairtrade is publishing prices for main inputs and services needed for banana production for each producing country. These prices are used to reflect in the Fairtrade Minimum prices critical cost changes and fluctuations

A holistic approach is needed to drive change in the banana sector. Fairtrade’s Sustainable Banana Offer brings together actors across the supply chain- consumers, commercial partners, farmers and workers – to play their part in improving livelihoods and achieving a sustainable banana production and trade. Fairtrade banana sales, supported by fair prices, provide the means for workers to benefit from better wages and farmers to improve their income.

Core to Fairtrade’s Banana Offer is the Sustainable Banana Program, developed by the Latin American and Caribbean Network of Fairtrade Farmers and Workers (CLAC). This program seeks to improve farming practices through soil health management, efficient water use, and building climate resilience. The program has demonstrated tangible results in improving yields and reducing environmental costs. Commercial partners are invited to learn more about the Sustainable Banana Program at Booth 12c11 in Hall 12 during the Fruit Attraction fair.

“Banana producers across main exporting countries are echoing the need of sustainable farming practices, and fair pricing for securing economic viability of banana production,” said Silvia Campos, Senior Advisor, Banana, at Fairtrade International. “Achieving sustainable livelihoods for farmers and workers is at the core of Fairtrade’s mission. Fairtrade’s Sustainable Banana Offer provides all actors in the supply chain a holistic approach to do their part.”

Fairtrade continues to call on all actors in the supply chain to do their part to make sustainable livelihoods a reality and help build a viable future for the banana industry. To learn more about Fairtrade’s work to make banana production more sustainable, click here.

Fruit Attraction 2025 is the meeting point for fruit and vegetable professionals from all over the world. Organized by IFEMA MADRID and FEPEX, it runs from September 30- October 2, 2025. Fairtrade’s stand can be found in Hall 12, Booth 12c11.

###

About Fairtrade America

Fairtrade America works to rebalance trade, making it a system rooted in partnership and mutual respect rather than exploitation. It’s about businesses, shoppers, farmers and workers all working together so we can all experience the benefits of trade. Fairtrade America is the U.S. branch of Fairtrade International, the original and global leader in fair trade certification with more than 30 years of experience working for fair trading practices in more than 30 countries across the globe. A non-profit 501(c)3 organization, Fairtrade America is part of the world’s largest and most recognized fair trade certification program —part of a global movement for change. Learn more at fairtrade.net, and by connecting with Fairtrade America on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Press Contact:

Liz Davis, ldavis@fairtradeamerica.org

MetLife

NEW YORK, September 29, 2025 /3BL/ – At the 2025 Global Citizen Festival, MetLife, a leading financial services company providing insurance and employee benefits, proudly announced becoming a major partner with Global Citizen, the world’s largest movement to end extreme poverty, with a new three-year partnership.

This new partnership leverages MetLife’s strengths and long history of enabling economic security, access to resources and resilience to thrive to further Global Citizen’s mission and address urgent challenges facing communities around the world. As a major partner of Global Citizen, MetLife will provide financial support, employee volunteerism and global reach to drive transformative initiatives in education and economic empowerment.

Additionally, MetLife Foundation is committing $9 million as a founding donor of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. The Fund aims to raise $100 million to provide access to quality education and sport for children around the world. Since its founding nearly 50 years ago, educational support has been one of MetLife Foundation’s cornerstones. Today, financial education, STEM learning, mentoring and skills training are part of the Foundation’s giving to prepare students worldwide for brighter futures.

“At MetLife, we believe in being there for people and communities in the moments that matter, guided by our clear purpose of building more confident futures for all,” said Michel Khalaf, president and CEO of MetLife. “Our partnership with Global Citizen will drive positive change by promoting financial health, advancing educational opportunities and fostering strong and confident communities. Together with MetLife Foundation, we’re excited to partner with Global Citizen, and this partnership builds on MetLife Foundation’s legacy of more than $1 billion in giving since 1976.”

MetLife will also play a key role in supporting Global Citizen campaigns around the world, including the landmark Global Citizen Festival, which took place in New York’s Central Park today, bringing together artists, advocates and world leaders to drive action on the world’s most urgent challenges, as well as the Global Citizen NOW action summits.

“We believe wholeheartedly in the power of partnership to tackle the most complex issues our world is facing,” said Hugh Evans, Co-Founder and CEO of Global Citizen. “This new partnership between MetLife, MetLife Foundation and Global Citizen will be instrumental in growing our impact and serve as a critical catalyst in our shared vision to accelerate progress toward a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”

Partners, leaders and global citizens everywhere are invited to join the movement here and take action.

About Global Citizen

Global Citizen is the world’s largest movement to end extreme poverty. Powered by a worldwide community of everyday advocates raising their voices and taking action, the movement is amplified by campaigns and events that convene leaders in music, entertainment, public policy, media, philanthropy and the corporate sector. Since the movement began, $49 billion in commitments announced on Global Citizen platforms has been deployed, impacting 1.3 billion lives. Established in Australia in 2008, Global Citizen’s team operates from New York, Washington DC, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Berlin, Geneva, Melbourne, Toronto, Johannesburg, Lagos and beyond. Join the movement at globalcitizen.org, download the Global Citizen app, and follow Global Citizen on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, X and LinkedIn.

About MetLife

MetLife, Inc. (NYSE: MET), through its subsidiaries and affiliates (“MetLife”), is one of the world’s leading financial services companies, providing insurance, annuities, employee benefits and asset management to help individual and institutional customers build a more confident future. Founded in 1868, MetLife has operations in more than 40 markets globally and holds leading positions in the United States, Asia, Latin America, Europe and the Middle East. For more information, visit metlife.com.

About MetLife Foundation

At MetLife Foundation, we are committed to driving inclusive economic mobility. We collaborate with nonprofit organizations and provide grants aligned to three strategic focus areas – economic inclusion, financial health and resilient communities – while engaging MetLife employee volunteers to help drive impact. MetLife Foundation was established in 1976 to continue MetLife’s long tradition of corporate contributions and community involvement. Since its inception, MetLife Foundation has contributed over $1 billion to strengthen communities where MetLife has a presence. To learn more about MetLife Foundation, visit www.metlife.org.

Global Citizen:
media@globalcitizen.org

MetLife: Peggy Carlton
peggy.f.carlton@metlife.com

Gen Blog | Impact

By Kimberly Bishop, Corporate Responsibility

Last year, more than 67% of our team members participated in our volunteering and giving programs, logging 8,300 hours globally for the causes that matter to them. This showcases just how much Team Gen values giving in our communities. As we challenge ourselves to expand our programs, we listened to employee feedback to make community service easier and more personal to local needs.

We’re excited to introduce Passion to Purpose, the newest addition to our suite of volunteering and giving opportunities. This program allows employees all over the world to apply for Gen grants, which go to a nonprofit of their choice, and organize volunteer projects using the company’s reach and resources.

Together with our ongoing mentorship programs, which help employees put their skills and expertise to use in service to others; Passion to Purpose helps employees lead with heart, take bold action and drive lasting impact.

Passion to purpose drives global impact

In its first few weeks, Passion to Purpose has inspired employees to organize projects based on local needs. At our office in Chennai, India, our team members partnered with GiftAbled to host a workshop on creating an inclusive environment for people with disabilities. More than 30 employees attended the session, which also included an Indian Sign Language training.

Additionally, our MoneyLion office in Kuala Lumpur planned a hands-on volunteer experience to support indigenous communities and other community members in Peninsular Malaysia. The team partnered with local organization EPIC (Extraordinary People Impacting Communities), bringing together 70 employees for a two-day interactive workshop called The Good Builder.

Guided by experts, the MoneyLion team were trained to use various hand and power tools. This training enabled them to assemble 32 chairs, 32 tables, and six bookshelves for students at the Subang Bestari 2 National School, fulfilling a critical need for safe, sturdy classroom furniture. The training also certifies MoneyLion volunteers for future builds with EPIC Homes, a program that provides indigenous communities in Malaysia with safe homes that can be built in just three days.

Gen supported both events through grant funding and paid time off for team members to volunteer.

Cyber skills for the next generation

Through Passion to Purpose, Gen team members are also taking advantage of multiple opportunities to use their skills to volunteer, often in the form of mentorship programs to support students and emerging tech professionals.

Through our partnership with HBCU Heroes, Gen volunteers meet quarterly with students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) that are about to enter the workforce. The most recent session focused on mapping out students’ desired career journeys, and the final session will include mock interviews and prep for job hunting as students embark on their professional lives.

In addition, we hosted a reverse mentoring session with GirlBoss New Zealand. Gen provided full scholarships to 31 students, allowing them to attend the organization’s 10-day school holiday program. Through the program, young women were provided with a mentor and growth opportunities to build their confidence and leadership skills. We have also teamed up with #LatinaGeeks for workshops during National Hispanic Heritage Month to help Latinas build confidence and sharpen their professional communication and public speaking skills.

These efforts complement our signature partnerships with Women4Cyber and Czechitas to close the cybersecurity talent gap. Through a year-round mentorship program with Women4Cyber and a six-month studying and mentorship intensive with Czechitas, Gen employees work directly with women in Europe, providing them with the tools needed to enter the IT industry.

For more on how Gen team members make a difference in their communities, visit our 2025 Social Impact Report.

These grants were awarded from the Gen Foundation, a corporate advised fund of Silicon Valley Community Foundation.

September 30, 2025 /3BL/ – Sofidel has been awarded the Platinum Medal by EcoVadis – one of the main international ESG rating standards – for its commitment to sustainability.

This is the highest recognition in the EcoVadis rating, placing Sofidel in the top 1% of companies with the highest scores in the global EcoVadis database, confirming its work in the areas of Environment, Labor & Human Rights, Ethics, and Sustainable Procurement.

EcoVadis is a global provider of corporate sustainability ratings, with a network of over 150,000 companies assessed worldwide. Its methodology is based on international sustainability standards, including the Global Reporting Initiative, the United Nations Global Compact, and ISO 26000.

Thank you to everyone whose hard work helped achieve this important result.

Verizon

Need to know:

• The Bronx Writing Academy launched a Verizon Innovative Learning (VIL) Lab, equipping students with technology like 3D printers, VR gear, AI, and robotics.
• This new lab is the 183rd VIL Lab nationwide and the sixth in New York City, part of a national commitment to provide 10 million students with digital skills training by 2030.

The Bronx Writing Academy is officially a new hub for hands-on, high-tech education with the launch of its new Verizon Innovative Learning (VIL) Lab. The new lab will give students access to virtual reality equipment, 3D printing stations, AI and robotics kits, augmented-reality apps and coding and game-design software.

“At Verizon, we are in the business of building networks and fostering connections,” said Vandana Venkatesh, Chief Legal Officer. “But the most powerful network isn’t made of fiber and wires. It’s made of people, ideas, and opportunities.”

With computer-focused jobs projected to grow by 10% by 2034, the new VIL Lab helps close the digital skills gap. The program is made possible via partnerships with Heart of America and the J. Orin Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute at Arizona State University. To date, the Verizon Innovative Learning initiative — which includes the 183 Labs, as well as other programs and efforts in over 660 schools — has reached nearly 9 million students nationwide, with a goal of reaching 10 million students by 2030.

A training ground for teaching emerging technologies

Yoli Stancil, a native New Yorker, Senior Vice President, Wireline Network Field Operations, and board member for Heart of America, highlighted how the new lab will bridge resource gaps and strengthen the community, empowering students to discover their potential both in and out of the classroom.

At the event, Olympic gymnast Hezly Rivera had this message for students, “The same discipline that allows me to stick a landing on the beam is the same discipline you will use to learn robotics.” She described the lab as a gymnasium for ideas to help students chase their own gold medals.

The VIL Lab program also provides teacher training, ongoing support and a curriculum that encourages students to use technology to solve real-world problems.

The United Nations (U.N.) called on member nations to commit “with the utmost urgency” to an ambitious goal of fast-tracking progress in fighting mental health issues and non-communicable diseases (NCDs), particularly high blood pressure—the largest risk factor for premature death in the world.

“We therefore commit, with the utmost urgency, to preventing and scaling up effective treatment of hypertension so that 150 million more people have hypertension under control by 2030,” the U.N. said in its declaration.

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is the leading preventable cause of cardiovascular deaths, including stroke, heart attack, sudden death, heart failure, and end-stage renal disease.¹ And the problem is rapidly worsening. Globally, 1.3 billion adults are living with hypertension, double the number since 1990. And only 1 in 5 (about 260 million) have it under control, according to the U.N.

“Current approaches to hypertension control are not enough,” said Jason Weidman, Senior Vice President and President, Coronary & Renal Denervation, at Medtronic. “But a new and promising field is emerging. One in which technological advancements can be harnessed for the treatment of uncontrolled hypertension, offering new hope to patients managing this global health challenge.”

Weidman joined a U.N. panel discussion focused on the need for action and how recently developed medical technology might help reach the U.N. goals.

For decades, medication and lifestyle changes were the only treatments for high blood pressure. But in November of 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first-ever medical device procedures to treat high blood pressure. The Medtronic therapy is know as the Symplicity Spyral™ renal denervation procedure. See how it works.

“Medications and lifestyle changes were an effective approach for many but left a significant number of patients at elevated risk due to challenges with long-term medication adherence,” Dr. Taisei Kobayashi, Interventional Cardiologist at the University of Pennsylvania, told the U.N. panel. “The Symplicity Spyral renal denervation system — a one-time, minimally invasive procedure — can help patients with uncontrolled hypertension reduce their blood pressure.”*

The Medtronic Symplicity Spyral™ renal denervation procedure delivers radio frequency energy to nerves near the kidneys that can become overactive and contribute to high blood pressure. It’s now approved for commercial use in more than 75 countries around the world. See how the Symplicity blood pressure procedure helped Paul Griffin.

“We stand ready to integrate our renal denervation technology into both public and private healthcare systems,” Weidman said. “We’re prepared to partner at every level of care. Let us seize this opportunity to transform the landscape of NCDs, harness the power of innovation, and improve the health of generations to come.”

The U.N. declaration came at the Fourth High-level Meeting of the UN General Assembly on the prevention and control of NCDs and the promotion of mental health and well-being on Sept. 25. In addition to high blood pressure, the declaration also set worldwide goals of making access to mental health care available to 150 million more people by 2030, and reducing the number of people using tobacco, also by 150 million before 2030.

*Any views expressed by Dr. Kobayashi solely reflect personal opinion and do not reflect the views or opinions held by the University of Pennsylvania.

Important safety information about the Symplicity Spyral™ procedure can be found at BeyondHBP.com.

¹ WHO. Hypertension fact sheet. September 13, 2019. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hypertension . Accessed February 15, 2022.