Tag: 3BL

Created to provide local youth the skills needed for financial empowerment, the initiative is supported by a $100,000 Webster grant 

Webster has invested $2.5M in finance lab programs across footprint

PROVIDENCE, RI., July 22, 2025 /3BL/ – Webster Bank, together with Boys & Girls Clubs of Providence, has opened the new Webster Bank Finance Lab, a program created to provide local teens and children the skills needed for financial empowerment and future financial well-being. Funded by a $100,000 grant from Webster, the program is the first collaboration in Rhode Island. To date, Webster has invested nearly $2.5 million in nine Finance Labs throughout its footprint.

The Webster Finance Lab program is a signature initiative designed to help nonprofit partners improve financial literacy and expand financial empowerment for youth in their communities. Through financial education tools, learning experiences, and interactive workshops, the program helps youth and families avoid common financial pitfalls and strengthen their financial confidence, an essential part of improving socioeconomic mobility.

“We are proud to partner with Boys & Girls Clubs of Providence to open the first Finance Lab in Rhode Island,” said Marissa Weidner, Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer at Webster Bank. “Webster continues to invest in programs that broaden financial empowerment opportunities and strengthen our commitment to creating economic vitality in the neighborhoods where we live and work.”

Program participants will engage in hands-on learning opportunities at eight Boys & Girls Clubs of Providence locations, including financial literacy workshops and career panels with volunteers from Webster Bank.

“Financial literacy is one of the most powerful tools we can give young people to help them build a stable, successful future,” said Nicole Dufresne, CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of Providence. “Through our partnership with Webster Bank, we’re equipping our members with the knowledge and confidence to make smart financial decisions that will impact their lives for years to come. This collaboration is a meaningful investment in our children—and in the long-term strength of our community.”

Boys & Girls Clubs of Providence participants, leaders and Ranika Reyes, the Financial Education & Constituent Affairs Director for Rhode Island Treasurer James A. Diossa, joined Webster leaders to officially open the program at the Fox Point Club on Ives Street, which is also home to the Fox Point Senior Center and the Fox Point Community Library.

In April 2025, Webster celebrated the opening of a Finance Lab in Dorchester, Massachusetts. Other Finance Lab partners are in Hartford, Bridgeport and Waterbury, Connecticut; Taunton and Dorchester, Massachusetts; Metro New York, Long Island and Yonkers, New York.

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About Webster
Webster Bank (“Webster”) is a leading commercial bank in the Northeast that provides a wide range of digital and traditional financial solutions across three differentiated lines of business: Commercial Banking, Consumer Banking and Healthcare Financial Services, one of the country’s largest providers of employee benefits and administration of medical insurance claim settlements solutions. Headquartered in Stamford, CT, Webster is a values-driven organization with $80 billion in assets. Its core footprint spans the northeastern U.S. from New York to Massachusetts, with certain businesses operating in extended geographies. Webster Bank is a member of the FDIC and an equal housing lender. For more information about Webster, including past press releases and the latest annual report, visit the Webster website at www.websterbank.com.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Providence works to enable and inspire children and youth, especially those from diverse or difficult circumstances, to reach their full potential as productive, responsible, and healthy members of their community. At more than 150 years old, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Providence is the oldest continuously operating Boys & Girls Club in the country. They operate 8 sites across Providence. For more, visit www.bgcprov.org.

Media Contact:
Janette Baxter, 203-232-5112
jbaxter@websterbank.com

Investor Contact:
Emlen Harmon, 212-309-7646
eharmon@websterbank.com

DP World has released its comprehensive Community Resilience Report, highlighting ten years (2014-2024) of transformative impact through sustainable development initiatives worldwide. Anchored in their core belief that global trade should deliver inclusive growth and resilience, DP World’s approach has evolved significantly, shifting from traditional philanthropy to initiatives that empower communities and foster lasting change.

Over the past decade, DP World has positively impacted nearly 4.5 million people globally, driven by $99 million in community investments and nearly 200,000 hours volunteered by more than 45,000 dedicated employees. The company’s “Our World, Our Future” sustainability strategy spans critical areas including education, health, environment, and emergency relief, directly aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Protecting Water: The Lifeblood of Global Trade

Recognizing the critical role water plays in sustaining global trade and community wellbeing, DP World has significantly invested in Water Access, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) initiatives. Through strategic partnerships, notably with WaterAid, DP World has enhanced clean water access and hygiene standards for thousands of people. 

In Mozambique, the company successfully improved water access for over 5,000 individuals. Additionally, in Bauchi State, Nigeria, DP World is constructing solar-powered water systems to provide 15,000 people with essential clean water services by 2026. These efforts emphasize economically empowering women and youth by engaging them in leadership roles and entrepreneurial activities linked to WASH services.

DP World’s commitment to safeguarding water resources extends to marine conservation, adopting a holistic Source-to-Sea approach. This strategy emphasizes sustainability at every stage of the water supply chain, from freshwater resources to marine ecosystems. 

Notable initiatives include Living Seawalls projects, which restore coral reefs, and mangrove planting, crucial for protecting coastlines, sustaining marine biodiversity, and supporting local livelihoods through sustainable fishing practices.

Empowering Women and Protecting Biodiversity

DP World’s strategic community investments emphasize both women’s empowerment and environmental protection. Programs like Barefoot College International’s ‘Solar Mamas’ initiative illustrate the company’s commitment to social and economic empowerment. Through this initiative, DP World has empowered women in rural areas by training them as solar engineers, enabling them to electrify homes, start businesses, and lead sustainable development initiatives within their communities.

Moreover, DP World actively combats illegal wildlife trafficking through strategic collaborations with organizations like United for Wildlife, reinforcing their dedication to biodiversity protection and ethical environmental stewardship. 

Rapid Response in Times of Crisis 

DP World’s extensive global logistics capabilities play a pivotal role in humanitarian crisis response. As a member of the Logistics Emergency Team (LET), the company collaborates closely with global partners to ensure the efficient delivery of essential humanitarian aid. 

Notably, during the Ukraine crisis, DP World established critical supply chain routes through Romania, ensuring swift and reliable aid distribution. Additionally, DP World’s involvement extends beyond logistics, providing training for humanitarian professionals to improve emergency preparedness and response capabilities worldwide. 

Empowering Communities Through Education

DP World places a strong emphasis on education and youth empowerment, understanding that equipping young people with relevant skills is essential for sustainable economic growth. The launch of the Global Education Platform in 2023 significantly enhanced access to e-learning resources focused on sustainability, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), logistics, and green skills. 

Through strategic partnerships, like with Teach For All, DP World has directly impacted thousands of students globally, preparing them with essential skills for future workforce demands in green and digital economies.

Looking Forward

As DP World reflects on ten years of substantial impact, the company remains steadfast in leveraging global trade to catalyze resilient communities. Their vision remains committed to a just, inclusive transition towards a sustainable future, ensuring no community is left behind.

Want to learn more? Download DP World’s full Community Resilience Report here.

PHILADELPHIA, July 22, 2025 /3BL/ – Tork, an Essity brand and the global leader in professional hygiene, announced findings of a global survey of restroom users and cleaning staff that explores attitudes toward hygiene in public restrooms, the hygiene barriers that users encounter, the challenges cleaners face and the consequences of a poor restroom experience. Tork continues to push for inclusive hygiene by exploring the barriers people face in public restrooms and the resulting impact on businesses.

Public restrooms are failing hygiene expectations globally – and it’s costing businesses 

The research, which surveyed 11,500 people across 11 countries, shows there are high expectations for hygiene and cleanliness in the public restroom. 74% expect moderate or high levels of hygiene. Yet, only 20% of restrooms deliver on those expectations¹. 40% of the general population is “very concerned” with hygiene and cleanliness of public spaces and that number jumps to 60% for people with conditions like germaphobia.

• 28% have spent less time at a venue because of the state of the restroom
• 23% have limited how much they eat or drink, in order to avoid needing the restroom – showing a direct impact on business revenue
• 11% have told their friends to avoid the location and 7% have left a poor online review
• 1 in 4 people spent less time at their workplace due to poor restrooms, and 15% worked from home more than they otherwise would – affecting employee satisfaction and productivity

Additionally, in the U.S., younger generations are holding venues to higher standards. 21% of 18–34-year-olds said they would not return to a venue because of the restrooms, compared to 14% of the general population and 16% of 35– 44-year-olds. That number goes down as people get older:

• 12% of 45 – 54-year-olds said they wouldn’t return to a venue because of the restroom
• 10% of 55 – 65-year-olds said they wouldn’t return
• 8% – 9% of 66 – 70+ year olds said they wouldn’t return

Beyond the visible: the real hygiene barriers in public restrooms

Although public facilities provide accommodations for some prevalent physical circumstances and conditions, such as people who use wheelchairs, the research reveals that many needs remain unrecognized in restroom maintenance and design.

Across the 11 countries surveyed, 54% of venue visitors contend with some form of physical or cognitive challenge that can impact their public restroom experience. That number increases to 59% in Canada and 60% in the U.S.

Physical conditions include:

• Skin sensitivities
• Incontinence
• Chronic pain
• Mobility issues

Cognitive conditions include:

• General anxiety
• Discomfort in shared/crowded spaces
• Visual and/or hearing impairment
• Neurodivergence

“Our research reveals this singular truth: when a restroom fails to meet the needs of customers, it directly impacts a business’s reputation and revenue,” said Amy Bellcourt, Vice President, Communications at Essity. “This is one reason why ‘Hygiene for all’ is a core pillar of our Tork brand sustainability strategy. By focusing on inclusive hygiene, we help organizations create better experiences that serve everyone, including the cleaning staff who maintain these vital spaces.”

Where public restrooms fall short

Survey respondents across countries cite that they avoid restrooms because they are “unhygienic” (#1 reason), have unpleasant smells or odors (#2 reason), soap and toilet paper are unavailable (#3 reason) or the restroom provides insufficient privacy (#4 reason).

The survey also asked respondents to identify the types of public locations that most often fail to meet their restroom expectations. Respondents in the United States identified the following venues as the most likely to fall short of restroom expectations:

• Convenience stores – 30% say these rarely or never meet expectations
• Train and bus stations – 25%
• Shopping malls – 25%
• Sports stadiums and arenas – 24%
• Fast food restaurants – 19%

“These findings reinforce the need for more consistent inclusive hygiene standards across high-traffic public venues,” said Katrin Ferge, Regional Segment Manager, Commercial and Public Interest at Essity. “When restrooms fall short, it not only affects individual comfort and dignity – it can also lead to lost business, negative word of mouth and reduced employee satisfaction in the case of a workplace.”

The reality of cleaner burnout

The research also explored the challenges that cleaners face when working within the restroom setting, including:³

• 80% reported mental health issues as a result of their jobs;46% of those individuals say they feel stressed.
• 70% cite inadequate employer support.
• 38% have left a cleaning job as a result of not feeling recognized or due to burnout (unrelated to pay/compensation).

Reduced employee wellbeing and employee turnover can directly impact facility cleanliness, the restroom user experience, and result in costly hiring and onboarding. Meeting the needs of cleaning staff – for example, providing easy to refill high-capacity dispensers – can support inclusive hygiene and boost the bottom line of businesses.

To learn more about how inclusive hygiene can improve your business please visit: https://www.torkglobal.com/us/en/about/inclusive-hygiene

For additional information please contact: FHTork@fleishman.com

¹Tork Insight Survey 2025, conducted in US, UK, Germany, France, Mexico, Canada, Australia, Spain, Sweden, Netherlands and Poland among 11,500 people from the general public and 1,000 cleaning staff.

²Ibid.Respondents reported experiencing, without limitation, diagnosed or self-diagnosed physical/cognitive conditions, e.g. eczema, chronic pain, general anxiety, claustrophobia.

³Tork Insight Survey 2025, conducted among 1,000 cleaning staff in US, UK, Germany, France, Mexico, Canada, Spain, Sweden, Netherlands and Poland.

About Tork
The Tork brand offers professional hygiene products and services to customers worldwide ranging from restaurants and healthcare facilities to offices, schools and industries. Our products include dispensers, paper towels, toilet tissues, soap, napkins and wipers, but also software solutions for data-driven cleaning. Through expertise in hygiene, functional design and sustainability, Tork has become a market leader that supports customers to think ahead so they’re always ready for business. Tork is a global brand of Essity and a committed partner to customers in more than 110 countries. To keep up with the latest Tork news and innovations, please visit www.torkglobal.com/us/en/.

About Essity 
Essity is a global, leading hygiene and health company. Every day, our products, solutions and services are used by a billion people around the world. Our purpose is to break barriers to well-being for the benefit of consumers, patients, caregivers, customers and society. Sales are conducted in approximately 150 countries under the leading global brands TENA and Tork, and other strong brands such as Actimove, Cutimed, JOBST, Knix, Leukoplast, Libero, Libresse, Lotus, Modibodi, Nosotras, Saba, Tempo, TOM Organic and Zewa. In 2024, Essity had net sales of approximately SEK 146bn (EUR 13bn) and employed 36,000 people. The company’s headquarters is located in Stockholm, Sweden and Essity is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm. More information at essity.com.

Some of the knuckle-walking, bushy-tailed, ant-slurping giant anteaters of Brazil have another fascinating trait: they’re implanted with Medtronic heart monitors.

For humans, these devices monitor heart rhythms over time and catch issues like irregular heartbeats. Researchers from Medtronic and the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute expanded the technology’s scope beyond human patients and have implanted the monitors in animals around the world to help conserve species.

By continuously tracking animals’ heartbeats as they move about in their daily lives, researchers can better understand their physiology. When do they thrive? What causes them stress? Both are critical questions for a vulnerable animal whose future is intertwined with human activity.

“We are coexisting in the same environment,” said Juliana Magnino, who works for the TamanduaAsas Project in Brazil, an initiative that rescues orphaned anteaters and rehabilitates them for release in the wild, and contributed to this research. “When you save an anteater, we are saving our lives, our home.”

One of the giant anteaters under observation for this project is Helen. She was re-released into the wild with a Medtronic heart monitor, the Reveal LINQ^TM insertable cardiac heart monitor in 2024, and researchers know she’s doing well. In fact, Helen has a boyfriend.

‘Remarkable’ data

On a humid November day at Águas Vivas, a private reserve in Brazil’s southeastern state of Minas Gerais, researchers tracked Helen and captured her.

While the team took her vitals and weighed her, Vice President of Research in Cardiac Ablation Solutions at Medtronic Tim Laske downloaded data from Helen’s heart monitor and analyzed it on a nearby computer.

“Helen’s signal quality is amazing, perfect, the best so far,” he said. “We can take note of that implant location.”

Laske examined the data alongside Dr. Rosana Moraes, a researcher with the Smithsonian. The duo called out instances where Helen’s heart rate ticked up and down.

A glimpse at wildlife

The Reveal LINQ ICM is an insertable cardiac monitor about one-third the size of a AAA battery. It’s placed just under the skin and can denote a host of heart rhythm information about a patient — in this case, a giant anteater — including heart rate variability, which is a means of measuring stress.

There has long been technology that researchers can use to track animal movements. But the Reveal LINQ ICM is unique in that it helps better understand the animals’ well-being – helping uncover stressors that may otherwise go undetected.

“Before we used insertable heart monitors, there were a lot of mysteries around the behavior of wildlife,” said Laske, who leads animal conservation work at Medtronic. “Most of the research was based on tracking their position as they traveled through the world. But we knew virtually nothing about their physiology.”

That’s all changed now. The LINQ^TM monitors give scientists a glimpse into the physiology of animals as they travel through their environment. Although designed for human clinical use, the team at Medtronic has created custom software tailored to monitoring the physiology of wild species.

“When we retrieve the data from these animals, it is similar to opening a present because you get a glimpse into their life over the past several months,” Laske said.

This data can help research increase breeding success rates and help endangered species from going extinct, he said. 

“If we can change some of our actions in terms of conservation, we could provide better wellness to these animals,” Moraes, of the Smithsonian, said.

Good global citizens

True to their name, giant anteaters eat ants and termites, tearing into insect mounds and logs with their large claws. Their claws are so big they must walk on their knuckles to protect them.

Born without teeth, the animals leverage their long tongues and skinny heads to slurp up bugs, eating up to 30,000 every day. Their bristly, bushy tails are used for camouflage, protection from predators like jaguars, and thermoregulation.

Urbanization, vehicles, hunters, fires, and feral dogs are all threats to the creatures.

Medtronic is the largest healthcare technology company in the world, Laske said. Its engineers are equipped with not only a wealth of expertise, but also passion for conservation.

“At Medtronic, we believe, as part of our Mission, that we need to be good global citizens and provide good quality of life, both for our human partners on the planet and the wild species on the planet, as well,” Tim said.

Success story

The heart monitor research conducted in Brazil has proven that rehabilitation centers housing orphaned anteaters benefit the animals, Magnino said.

Under a pavilion at the anteater reserve, researchers finalized Helen’s well-being examination and began piecing together information. Through monitoring, they knew Helen recently spent a significant amount of time with a male giant anteater and had gained weight.

“We have very good news,” she said, clapping her hands, a smile spreading across her face. “We think Helen might be pregnant.”

Watch the video here to see the scientists in action and learn more.

NEW YORK, July 21, 2025 /3BL/ -The cactus ferruginous pygmy-owl is the latest animal in the LG Endangered Species Series campaign, which highlights vulnerable species selected by the community. This threatened bird is now being featured on LG’s 3D anamorphic billboard in Times Square. 

Launched in 2024 by LG Electronics USA in partnership with the National Wildlife Federation (NWF), the LG Endangered Species Series aims to educate K-12 students and raise awareness on biodiversity, wildlife conservation and climate action, while reinforcing LG’s broader commitment to environmental responsibility and its global brand promise, “Life’s Good.”

This series brings to life LG’s partnership with NBC’s The Americas, a 10-part nature documentary series showcasing the wildlife and wild places of North and South America, including the cactus ferruginous pygmy-owl and other vulnerable and endangered species. The series is streaming on Peacock.

Listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act, the cactus ferruginous pygmy-owl stands just six inches tall (about the size of a soda can) and is native to southern Arizona, Texas and parts of Mexico. This small, fierce owl faces growing threats from habitat loss, fragmentation, invasive species and climate change. 

Previous endangered species featured in the campaign include the snow leopard, bald eagle, Galapagos sea lion, red wolf, monarch butterfly and West Indian manatee. The cactus ferruginous pygmy-owl was selected by the public through online and in-person voting conducted earlier this year, reflecting strong community interest in raising awareness for lesser-known species. Additional animals will be revealed throughout 2025.

“At LG, we believe ‘Life’s Good’ means creating a better, more sustainable future for all,” said Jeannie Lee, director of Corporate Marketing at LG Electronics USA. “Through our Endangered Species Series and our partnership with The National Wildlife Federation and NBC’s The Americas, we’re using the power of immersive storytelling to help inspire people to care for and protect the natural world we all share.”

She said, as part of its continued partnership with the NWF, LG Electronics has launched an educational initiative to engage K-12 students in conservation efforts. The program offers interactive content that highlights the importance of at-risk and endangered species in ecosystems, while empowering students with practical steps to protect biodiversity and habitats. These free resources are available online for educators, students and families. 

The NWF has published a blog spotlighting the cactus ferruginous pygmy-owl – featuring unique behavioral insights and the species’ ecological role. Students and nature enthusiasts can also test their knowledge through an interactive quiz designed to foster a deeper understanding of the pygmy-owls and other owls.

LG’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond the classroom through its support of NWF’s EcoSchools U.S. and EcoLeaders programs, which equip students, educators and communities with tools for real-world environmental impact. To help drive these efforts, LG has pledged $170,000 to NWF to inspire the next generation of conservation leaders and advance the protection of wildlife and wild places.

The Americas is now streaming on Peacock. Explore The Americas watch kits from NWF, which features educational activities, amazing animal facts, and actions families can take to help protect wildlife like the cactus ferruginous pygmy-owl and more. 

Visit www.lg.com/us/sustainability to learn more about LG’s commitment to conservationism and environmental stewardship.

###

Contact:

LG Electronics North America 
John I. Taylor 
+1 202 719 3490 
john.taylor@lge.com

THE WOODLANDS, Texas, July 21, 2025 /3BL/ – To provide critical support to our neighboring communities, Entergy Texas is donating $30,000 to the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country to aid recovery efforts following the Central Texas floods. The foundation manages the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund, which helps provide rescue, relief, recovery services and flood assistance to impacted communities.

“We’re heartbroken to see the damage and pain caused by the flooding,” said Eliecer Viamontes, CEO of Entergy Texas. “We believe in being there for our neighbors—not just when the lights are on, but especially in moments of hardship. It’s crucial that all Texans stand together during this time, and we hope this donation provides meaningful support to the affected communities.”

The Kerr County Flood Relief Fund, a public charity based in Kerrville, supports urgent relief and long-term rebuilding after the devastating floods in Central Texas. To donate, please visit the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund donation website.

Entergy Texas has a longstanding commitment to strengthening the communities we serve.
While the Central Texas floods did not directly impact our own service area, it is our mission to support the broader region we call home. Whether through disaster response, volunteerism or charitable giving, we are proud to stand with communities across Texas to help build a more resilient future for all.

About Entergy Texas
Entergy Texas, Inc. provides electricity to approximately 524,000 customers in 27 counties. Entergy Texas is a subsidiary of Entergy Corporation. Entergy produces, transmits and distributes electricity to power life for 3 million customers through our operating companies in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. Its customers are connected to the Midcontinent Independent System Operator Inc. power grid, which is a regional transmission organization responsible for administering the transmission systems of member utilities in 15 states stretching across the central region of the United States and Manitoba, Canada. We’re investing for growth and improved reliability and resilience of our energy system while working to keep energy rates affordable for our customers. We’re also investing in cleaner energy generation like modern natural gas, nuclear and renewable energy. A nationally recognized leader in sustainability and corporate citizenship, we deliver more than $100 million in economic benefits each year to the communities we serve through philanthropy, volunteerism and advocacy. Entergy is a Fortune 500 company headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, and has approximately 12,000 employees. Learn more at entergytexas.com and connect with @EntergyTX on social media.

Media Inquiries:
Entergy Texas Media
281-297-2353 (media line)
entergytexasmedia@entergy.com

View original content here.

How Reliance rallied 13,700 teammates — and smashed every CSR benchmark in just 7 weeks

In 2023, metal-solutions leader Reliance, Inc. set out to unify its 75-plus subsidiaries and largely desk-less workforce behind a single giving platform. With only 1.3 full-time CSR staff, the odds looked steep… until the numbers rolled in:

• 83.3 % employee participation (industry avg. ≈ 20 %)
• US $1 million donated in the first six months
• US $115 k for the employee-assistance fund during a 7-week “Reliance Cares” launch, super-charged by a 2 : 1 match

What moved the needle?

• A time-boxed, 7-week Launch Team framed as a leadership-development sprint—not “just another program”
• Strategic partnership with Realized Worth & Benevity, using behavioral-science nudges to convert intent into action
• High-visibility C-suite support, grassroots champions at every site, and gamified incentives that rewarded 100 % participation

The pay-off? New cross-site relationships, a culture of shared pride, and subsidiaries empowered to launch their own local impact projects.

Ready to replicate the playbook?
Grab the Reliance case study for to see the tips and lessons learned that dismantled barriers and ignited a company-wide giving movement.

https://www.realizedworth.com/dismantling-barriers-reliances-roadmap-to-a-company-wide-giving-culture-case-study/

#RelianceCares #CSR #EmployeeGiving #SocialImpact #CaseStudy

G&A has been publishing annual research on trends in corporate sustainability reporting since 2012 and we are currently analyzing 2024 trends for our next report (to be issued later this year). We expect this research to show continued high levels of sustainability reporting for the largest U.S. public companies, with the publication of annual sustainability reports now recognized as a best practice for S&P 500 and Russell 1000 companies.

While reporting levels are expected to remain high, the content of reports is clearly changing in response to anti-ESG backlash. In our Top Stories, we highlight several articles on how companies are adapting the way they communicate about ESG while at the same time not abandoning their underlying sustainability strategies and initiatives.

In an article for Trellis, Peter Lupoff, a fund manager and professor who teaches about impact investing, discusses “How the anti-ESG movement is reshaping corporate sustainability reports.” Lupoff notes that corporate sustainability reporting remains voluntary, with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ending its attempt to introduce mandatory climate disclosure in March. He doesn’t expect sustainability reporting to decrease, but he does say, “Companies are in full-on ‘green-hushing’ mode, maintaining sustainability programs while avoiding explicit ESG language.”

Importantly, Lupoff believes the anti-ESG pushback will have a positive impact on the value of sustainability reporting, saying it is “forcing companies to demonstrate actual value rather than virtue signal.” He says: “Valuable reports now clearly connect environmental and social practices to business outcomes — how water efficiency reduces costs, employee engagement improves productivity or supply chain transparency reduces regulatory risk.”

The shift in how companies communicate about sustainability reflects the underlying trend within companies to focus more on aligning sustainability strategies with long-term business strategies. Joel Makower, co-founder and chairman of Trellis, writes in his article “No, corporate sustainability is not dying,” that he believes corporate sustainability is instead “getting smarter, quieter, more embedded and, in many respects, more effective.” He cites a chief sustainability officer who says, “we’re talking less, but we’re doing more.”

This trend within companies is also highlighted in an article in Economist Impact about the results of a recent survey of chief sustainability officers regarding their budgets. The survey reported that 77% of CSOs expect their budgets for sustainability-linked initiatives to remain stable or increase, despite mounting political sensitivity. In addition, 56% anticipate that sustainability will become a greater strategic priority within their organizations over the next five years.

The results of the survey also reinforced the point that while many companies are dialing down public communications due to political pressure, the work is still going on in earnest. “Over one-third of companies said they have scaled back their sustainability communications, while keeping business strategies unchanged.”

The G&A team is available to help companies navigate today’s challenging landscape for developing, implementing and communicating about your sustainability strategies. We continue to closely monitor trends in sustainability reporting and look forward to bringing you our latest annual research this fall. For more information contact us at: info@ga-institute.com.

This is just the introduction of G&A’s Sustainability Highlights newsletter this week. Click here to view the full issue.

With South Africa’s youth unemployment rate sitting at a staggering 62.4%, finding sustainable job opportunities for young people has become an urgent national priority. While many sectors are stagnating, logistics is booming – fueled by the rise of e-commerce, digital innovation and global trade – creating a new wave of career paths.

“From supply chain analytics and IT systems integration to customer experience and compliance, logistics is evolving into a dynamic, tech-enabled industry that offers diverse professional avenues for South Africa’s youth,” said Gregory Saffy, managing director for Sub-Saharan African Operations at FedEx.

While traditional roles like drivers, packers and sorters will always be essential, they are increasingly supported by technology-driven processes. This shift creates additional opportunities for young people looking for more technology focused roles.

“Logistics isn’t what it used to be,” said Saffy. “The real competitive advantage now lies in digital capability, especially in areas like data analytics and systems thinking. We’re seeing more engineers and analysts in the business than ever before, guiding operations and enabling automation at scale.”

Beyond data analytics and IT roles, compliance and customs clearance are also emerging as key growth areas for job creation. Saffy highlights the development of a formalised customs qualification as a major step forward for the industry.

“We’re seeing progress in the creation of a national customs clearance certification that will give individuals a recognised qualification, including those with practical experience but no matric pass,” said Saffy. “This will create a clear career path and raise the overall standard of compliance across the industry.”

FedEx is already enrolling its customs clerks into newly developed courses in freight forwarding and customs compliance. In addition to formalising technical knowledge, these programmes also focus on future-ready skills like digital literacy, data analysis and critical thinking.

For young people without access to formal education, FedEx offers a clear entry point through its Yes Learnerships. “Our 12-month programme combines training, mentoring and practical work experience,” said Saffy. “Since 2019, we’ve onboarded more than 150 unemployed youth through YES, with more than 60 going on to become permanent employees. It’s a powerful model for bridging the gap between education and employment.”

In parallel, FedEx runs a dedicated learnership programme for youth living with disabilities, offering an NQF Level 4 certificate in business administration. This includes coaching, blended learning and real-world operational experience – helping to build inclusive, work-ready skills pipelines.

FedEx commitment to building inclusive talent pipelines is a powerful example of how private sector investment in skills development can help unlock opportunities and start turning the tide on youth unemployment.

“Logistics is a gateway to global trade,” said Saffy. “It’s no longer just about moving parcels; it’s about managing complexity in a fast-paced, tech-driven environment. With the right support and training, South Africa’s youth can thrive in this space.”

Click here to learn about FedEx Cares, our global community engagement program.

Originally published on philadelphiaunion.com

Bringing the love of the game to every part of greater Philadelphia.

By bringing activities, equipment, and passion for the game of soccer to Philadelphia and the surrounding communities, Subaru and the Union are partnering to provide opportunities for everyone to experience the greatness of soccer.

GEAR FOR GOOD

Every kid deserves the chance to fall in love with the game of soccer. But 1 in 2 families involved in youth sports say they’ve struggled to afford it, according to the Aspen Institute. We believe the cost of gear shouldn’t cost kids the chance to play. That’s why Subaru, its Philadelphia-area retailers, and the Philadelphia Union are getting soccer gear to kids who need it most through Gear for Good.

Continue reading here.