SDG NEWS | April 2025
- Chris Herbert
- Apr 25
- 6 min read
Updated: Apr 26
SDG News Apriil 2025 features hand picked content read and summarized for people interested and involved in learning, getting involved and implementing the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals and 169 targets. Read, watch and listen to our SDG Series.
Previous Updates: Apr 11
Apr 25 Update
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Escarpment Corridor Alliance Calls for 'Conservation Economy' in South Georgian Bay
In a public letter to federal candidates, the Escarpment Corridor Alliance (ECA) advocates for a “conservation economy” in South Georgian Bay, merging environmental protection with local economic resilience. The ECA urges federal support for ecological corridor initiatives and conservation funding, positioning the region as a model for sustainable tourism, green industries, and local business growth aligned with the 30x30 biodiversity target.
Actionable Insight: Green-aligned businesses and investors should explore partnerships in conservation corridors to capitalize on eco-tourism, federal funding, and local sustainability momentum. | Read more
EIB and Iberdrola Ink €108M Green Energy Deal
The European Investment Bank (EIB) has partnered with Spanish utility giant Iberdrola to provide €108 million in green loans. The funds will support the construction of new solar and wind energy facilities in Spain, expected to supply clean power to 260,000 homes annually. The move aligns with the EU's climate goals and strengthens Iberdrola’s transition strategy.
Actionable Insight: Green financing is increasingly vital—businesses should explore sustainability-linked funding to unlock growth and ESG credibility. | Read more
Arnergy Secures $18M to Scale Off-Grid Solar in Nigeria
Nigerian solar energy provider Arnergy has raised $18 million from investors including the REPP and EDFI ElectriFI to expand its off-grid renewable energy solutions. The funding will support deployment of solar systems to SMEs and underserved communities, aiming to enhance energy access and reduce diesel dependence across Nigeria.
Actionable Insight: Investors are backing scalable, impact-driven clean tech—entrepreneurs should align with underserved market needs and sustainability outcomes to attract similar funding. | Read more
Japan’s Impact Market Grows Amid CEO Pay Scrutiny
Japan’s impact investing sector is expanding rapidly, now exceeding $10 billion, driven by a surge in ESG interest and institutional engagement. However, rising CEO compensation in the impact space has sparked debate over values alignment and transparency. The piece underscores the need for governance frameworks that balance leadership incentives with social mission integrity.
Actionable Insight: Impact-driven firms should establish clear compensation ethics and transparent governance to maintain investor trust and mission focus. | Read more
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ECOSOC Forum Elevates Youth in Sustainable Development Agenda
At the 2024 ECOSOC Youth Forum, global youth leaders were spotlighted as essential agents in achieving the SDGs. The event emphasized youth-led innovation in climate action, education, and digital inclusion, urging stronger institutional support and funding for youth initiatives. UN leaders called for meaningful participation of young people in policy-making and implementation.
Actionable Insight: Businesses and impact investors should partner with youth-led ventures to co-develop scalable, socially-driven solutions and future-proof their innovation pipelines. | Read more
Europe’s Health Goals Lagging: Renewed Push Needed for 2030 Targets
The EU is falling short of SDG Target 3.3 to eliminate HIV, TB, hepatitis, and STIs by 2030, with over 250,000 cases reported in 2023. Despite available prevention tools, access gaps and weak surveillance hinder progress. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) calls for urgent action in prevention, early treatment access, and stronger data systems.
Actionable Insight: Health-focused enterprises and partners should align with EU priorities by offering scalable prevention, diagnostics, or data solutions to close critical care gaps. | Read more
Intesa Sanpaolo Elevates ESG Reporting with First-Ever SDGs Report
In 2024, Intesa Sanpaolo expanded its ESG disclosure by launching its inaugural SDGs Report, complementing its Climate Report and Responsible Banking Progress Statement. The Group showcased strong results: €20.4bn in social lending, €12.6bn in circular economy loans (exceeding targets), and a 16% reduction in financed emissions. Decarbonization targets now cover all high-emission sectors, while 92.8% of energy purchased is renewable.
Actionable Insight: Robust, transparent ESG reporting builds stakeholder trust—businesses should emulate integrated, assured disclosures to stay competitive and investor-ready. | Read more
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Malawi Unveils SDG Investor Map to Attract Impact Capital
The UNDP’s new Malawi SDG Investor Map identifies 15 Investment Opportunity Areas (IOAs) across sectors like agriculture, infrastructure, and healthcare, aligned with national development priorities and the SDGs. The report highlights market needs, enabling policies, and expected returns to guide private capital into high-impact ventures that address systemic challenges while generating profit.
Actionable Insight: Entrepreneurs and investors should use investor maps to align ventures with development goals and tap into blended finance and policy-backed investment opportunities. | Read more
UN Tourism & WTA: Leveraging Tourism for Inclusive Development
UN Tourism and the World Tourism Alliance (WTA) are collaborating to position tourism as a key engine for inclusive and sustainable development. Their joint recommendations include empowering local communities, boosting SME capacity, and integrating sustainability into tourism value chains. The focus is on aligning recovery strategies with the SDGs to ensure tourism growth benefits all stakeholders.
Actionable Insight: Tourism-focused businesses should integrate local sourcing, inclusive hiring, and green practices to tap into evolving funding and policy incentives supporting regenerative travel. | Read more
Africa Advances Sustainability Through Science, Tech, and Innovation
A new EU Joint Research Centre report highlights how African nations are leveraging science, technology, and innovation (STI) to tackle sustainability challenges. Key focus areas include climate resilience, food security, and health innovation, supported by cross-border collaboration and growing investment in R&D. The report urges stronger alignment between national STI policies and the SDGs.
Actionable Insight: Businesses operating in or with Africa should align with STI-driven initiatives and SDG priorities to access partnerships, funding, and emerging market opportunities. | Read more
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UNESCO and INEGI Launch Data for Action Project to Power SDG Progress
UNESCO and Mexico’s INEGI have launched the Data for Action project to enhance the use of data in achieving the SDGs. The initiative focuses on building capacity for data-driven policymaking, fostering collaboration between national statistical offices, and improving public access to development data. It aims to turn data into actionable insights for sustainable development.
Actionable Insight: Entrepreneurs and organizations should leverage open development data to identify gaps, measure impact, and craft evidence-based solutions that align with SDG priorities. | Read more
April 11 Update
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Student Innovation Meets Sustainability in Chiba Through SDG-Focused Product Development
High school and university students in Chiba Prefecture are turning local waste into award-winning, sellable products—like seaweed miso soup and pastries made from bakery scraps—while learning about sustainability through the SDGs. These initiatives blend entrepreneurship, education, and community collaboration, providing students with real-world business experience and fostering local revitalization.
Actionable Insight: Businesses and educators can integrate SDG-aligned, hands-on product development to foster innovation, community engagement, and sustainable thinking among future leaders. | Read more
UK Reaffirms Global Leadership on Gender Equality and SDGs at UN Session
At the 58th UN Commission on Population and Development, the UK reiterated its unwavering commitment to gender equality, human rights, and the Sustainable Development Goals. The statement emphasized supporting sexual and reproductive health rights, empowering women and girls, and promoting inclusive development, especially in conflict-affected and marginalized communities.
Actionable Insight: Entrepreneurs and NGOs should align initiatives with global development priorities—particularly gender equity and inclusive growth—to access international support and funding. | Read more
Asian Universities Drive Local Solutions Through SDG-Integrated Community Engagement
Universities in Asia are redefining their societal role by embedding Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into community-focused strategies. From Assam Don Bosco’s rural education and clean water projects to Siam University’s Living Lab tackling social challenges, these institutions model how higher education can catalyze local impact. The University of Central Asia exemplifies regional development through skill-building and research tailored to remote mountain communities.
Actionable Insight: Universities and businesses should co-create SDG-aligned programs with local stakeholders to amplify social and economic outcomes. | Read more
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Africa Pushes for Urgent SDG Action to Drive Jobs and Inclusive Growth
At the 11th Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development, leaders called for bold reforms and local value addition to address lagging SDG progress—only 10 of 144 targets are on track. With a focus on youth-driven innovation and intra-African collaboration, the forum emphasized ending raw material exports, leveraging domestic revenue, and fast-tracking regional trade through AfCFTA.
Actionable Insight: Businesses should align with Africa’s push for local processing, youth employment, and regional value chains to tap emerging opportunities. | Read more
Youth at the Helm of Global Sustainability Efforts at 2025 ECOSOC Forum
The 2025 ECOSOC Youth Forum brings together young leaders and UN officials to co-develop solutions for SDGs under review, including health, gender equality, and economic growth. Emphasizing inclusivity, science-based solutions, and intergenerational equity, the forum positions youth not just as stakeholders but as essential partners in shaping sustainable policy and action.
Actionable Insight: Entrepreneurs and policymakers should actively integrate youth-led innovation into sustainability agendas to foster long-term, community-rooted impact. | Read more
Integrating Older Adults into SDGs: The Critical Role of Geriatric Nursing
As global populations age, the Sustainable Development Goals must better reflect the unique health, economic, and social needs of older people. This blog underscores how geriatric nurses are essential to delivering inclusive healthcare (SDG 3) and combating age-related inequalities (SDG 10). From chronic disease management to social advocacy, nursing professionals are vital agents in ensuring no one is left behind in the SDG agenda.
Actionable Insight: Health sector leaders should prioritize age-inclusive strategies and empower nurses as frontline advocates for equitable aging policies. | Read more
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