Civil Society Groups Urge Gov’t to Keep High Ambition in Plastics Treaty Talks

by | Nov 14, 2024 | Business

November 14; Manila, Philippines— A coalition of the nation’s largest environmental networks and organizations today urged the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to remain committed to its ambitious stance in the upcoming plastic treaty talks in Busan, Korea.

In a letter addressed to DENR Secretary Toni Yulo-Loyzaga, the groups expressed support for the Philippines’ position on developing a strong and effective treaty that includes reduction in primary plastic polymer production, elimination of chemicals of concern in plastics, binding global requirements on product design, and accessible financing for implementation. 

However, in the same letter, the groups also warned of potential attempts by polluters and powerful interests to weaken the government’s position. “While we support the Philippine delegation in championing an ambitious treaty, we are also prepared to expose and oppose any reversal or weakening of positions that would infringe on  the rights of Filipinos to health and to a balanced and healthful ecology,“ the groups cautioned.

“We hope the  Philippine government will not succumb to these pressures or backslide from  its previously stated positions. We will support our country’s delegation but will also not hesitate to expose backsliding in the service of polluters,” said Von Hernandez of Break Free From Plastic.

In earlier rounds of negotiations, the Philippines has been touted as one of the progressive advocates for a strong, high ambition, science-based plastics treaty. The Philippine delegation has been one of the most vocal supporters of a treaty that includes global reduction of primary plastic polymers and in addressing pollution across the full life cycle of plastics. This also aligns with the findings of a survey conducted by Greenpeace and Censuswide earlier this year, which found that 94% of Filipinos support an ambitious global plastics treaty that would mandate cuts in global plastic production. 

Nine (9)  out of ten (10) Filipinos also support  bans on single use plastics  according to the same poll.  90% of greenhouse gas emissions from plastics are released during  production processes including the extraction of fossil fuels used in making plastics and the widespread use of single use plastics (SUPs). Taken together,  the unabated global production and use of plastics present financial risks to governments, threaten human health, degrade ecosystems, and aggravate the climate crisis. 

This national position has been supported by the environmental groups who also wanted the government to intensify support for prioritizing upstream measures such as reuse-and-refill models and safer product design, while opposing greenwashing technologies and systems. The groups also asked the Philippine delegation to support just transition to ensure that waste workers, women and youth, indigenous peoples, workers, and other vulnerable sectors do not bear the burden of a transition away from plastics. 

“The final round of the Global Plastics Treaty negotiations is a critical juncture for the Philippines and nations on the frontlines of plastic pollution,” said Marian Ledesma, Zero Waste Campaigner of Greenpeace Philippines. “A strong treaty is not just a necessity; it’s a lifeline to protect the people and the planet. A weak treaty—without measures to reduce plastic production and phase out harmful plastics and chemicals of concern — leaves Filipinos facing greater harm. People need a treaty that drives ambition, robust policies and concrete actions across the plastic lifecycle, as this is our once-in-a-generation chance to finally end plastic pollution on a global scale.”

Jam Lorenzo, Research and Policy Development Head of group BAN Toxics also calls on the Philippine government to continue its stand as a progressive voice in the negotiations for the Global Plastics Treaty. “In previous INC meetings, the Philippines has advocated for the protection of human health and the environment. With the fifth INC meeting happening in a few weeks, it is important that the country remains firm with its positions on supporting production reduction, just transition, and the adoption of global transparency requirements — critical components to ensure that the GPT becomes effective.”

“It is high time for the Government to address the country’s looming plastic pollution that adversely affects our people’s health and the environment,” said Aileen Lucero, National Coordinator, EcoWaste Coalition. “We need a stronger country position that will prioritize health, justice, and sustainability over the business as usual norms. Prevent plastic pollution at source, impose a cap on plastic production, ban single-use plastics, and invest in reuse and refill solutions.”

The negotiations for a plastics treaty has reached a crucial point where countries race against time with the deadline looming. From November 25 to December 1, 2024, the Philippines, along with other U.N. member-states will gather in Busan, South Korea for the fifth — and supposedly last — round of meetings of the International Negotiating Committee (INC-5) for a global plastics treaty. 

The Philippine delegation to INC-5, headed by the DENR, includes representatives from various government agencies and experts from civil society.

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Note to the editor:   

The letter to the DENR may be accessed through this link

ASUENE Establishes Thai Subsidiary ‘ASUENE (THAILAND) Ltd.’ and Provides “ASUENE” to “Thai Bridgestone”

by | Nov 14, 2024 | Business

ASUENE will establish “ASUENE (THAILAND) Ltd.” in Thailand, country with ambitious CO2 emissions reduction targets, to accelerate support to Thailand based companies in their efforts towards decarbonization and sustainable management through providing “ASUENE”, a leading carbon accounting platform in Asia.

Background of the Establishment of ASUENE THAILAND

ASUENE is a climate-tech startup with the mission of “Changing the world for the next generation”. Asuene provides the following services: Asuene, a cloud-based climate platform for measuring, reporting and reducing carbon emissions ; Asuene ESG, a cloud service for ESG evaluation of supply chain procurement; and Carbon EX, a carbon credit exchange market for Net Zero. We support net zero and ESG management and contribute to the creation of a sustainable society. ASUENE’s strength lies in delivering comprehensive one-stop solutions for decarbonization, supporting companies in advancing their decarbonization management.

Thailand has set ambitious targets to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2065. To reach these decarbonization goals, the country is actively advancing national policies, including mandating sustainability reporting for publicly listed companies, amending the “Climate Change Act,” and planning to introduce a carbon tax by 2025.

Thailand is also home to extensive manufacturing supply chains, particularly in the automotive industry. As large manufacturers worldwide increasingly require suppliers to reduce emissions, corporate transparency and reliable reporting on decarbonization efforts are expected to become even more critical in the coming years.

Future Developments and Implementation for Thai Bridgestone 

Asuene established a local subsidiary in central Bangkok, aiming to become a leading player in advancing decarbonization in Thailand. We launched our carbon accounting platform, “ASUENE,” and our ESG assessment cloud service, “ASUENE ESG,” for all companies based in Thailand. Alongside this launch, we are appointing a country manager to quickly expand businesses and operations in Thailand and will be actively recruiting for roles in sales and customer success to support our expansion.

“ASUENE” is already provided to over hundreds of major tire manufacturing sites. Like many others,  the industry is required by its suppliers to visualize and reduce CO2 emissions. The decision to implement  “ASUENE” was driven by its No.1 position as the leading solution in the manufacturing industry in Asia.

“ASUENE” is already provided services to Bridgestone’s Thai subsidiary, Thai Bridgestone, like many others,  the industry is required by its suppliers to visualize and reduce CO2 emissions. The decision to implement  “ASUENE” was driven by its No.1 position as the leading solution in the manufacturing industry in Asia.

About THAI BRIDGESTONE Ltd.

Bridgestone is a global leader in tires and rubber building on its expertise to provide solutions for safe and sustainable mobility. In Thailand, Thai Bridgestone Co., Ltd. is a leading manufacturer in the Thai automotive industry. Bridgestone is a brand trusted by its customers, dealers and business partners. We offer a diverse product portfolio of premium tires for Bridgestone, Firestone and Dayton brands and advanced solutions backed by innovative technologies, improving the way people around the world move, live, work and play.

・Company Name：THAI BRIDGESTONE CO., LTD.
・Managing Director：Mr. Akihito Ishii
・Founded：June 22, 1967
・Location：(Head office) Abdulrahim Place, 16th Fl., 990, Rama 4 Rd., Silom, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500
・Website：http://www.bridgestone.co.th

About ASUENE (THAILAND) Ltd. 

・Company name：ASUENE (THAILAND) Ltd. 
・Services：Asuene, a carbon accounting platform ; Asuene ESG, a cloud service for ESG evaluation of supply chain procurement; and Carbon EX, a carbon credit exchange market for Net Zero.
・Address : Unit 2901-2904, Level 29 388, Exchange Tower, Sukhumvit Rd, Khwaeng Khlong Toei, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
・URL：https://asuene.com/th

Kohei Nishiwada, Co-Founder & CEO of Asuene Inc., comments:

“As Thailand stands as a central market in Asia’s manufacturing supply chain, we recognize the efforts for decarbonization as a crucial issue in achieving net zero by 2050. With this in mind, we have made the decision to establish our presence in Thailand. Following our expansion into Singapore and the United States, we aim to maximize the network effects stemming from our global business. Representing Japan, we are committed to becoming the Global No. 1 Climate Tech company that will help shape the future.”

Elevating Sports Teams with Powerful Guest Speakers

by | Nov 14, 2024 | Business

In the fast-paced world of sports, building a motivated and resilient team requires more than just physical training. Bringing in powerful guest speakers has become a game-changer (this is true), inspiring athletes to reach new heights. These speakers provide fresh perspectives and push boundaries, helping teams thrive. Here’s how guest speakers can elevate any sports team: they drive them toward success. However, it’s important to choose speakers wisely, because the right message can make all the difference. Although some may think physical skills are all that matters, the mental game is just as crucial. But with the right inspiration, teams can unlock their full potential.

The Power of Inspiration in Sports

Athletes always face challenges that test their mental and physical limits. Guest speakers (who are often industry leaders or former athletes) understand these struggles firsthand. They share real stories of perseverance, teamwork and success; this helps motivate athletes to perform at their best. Although these experiences are tough, players gain confidence and the drive to overcome their own obstacles. However, it’s important to remember that every athlete has their own journey.

Building Team Cohesion with Expert Insights

Team unity (it’s essential) for success on the field. Guest speakers can help strengthen relationships within a team by talking about the importance of collaboration and mutual support. Through workshops or interactive sessions, speakers focus on trust, communication and understanding. When players understand these values, they are more likely to support each other. This creates a positive environment that boosts performance. 

Enhancing Mental Resilience Through Storytelling is also important. Mental resilience is critical for sports, where pressure and high stakes are always present. Guest speakers use storytelling to show how mental strength plays a key role in overcoming adversity. Hearing how others have faced setbacks, injuries, or career changes encourages athletes to build a resilient mindset. Although this mental toughness is developed through motivational stories, it enables athletes to rebound faster and tackle challenges with grit. However, building this resilience takes time and effort.

Fostering Leadership Skills Among Players

Every sports team gains from strong leadership (not just from coaches or captains). Guest speakers often lead sessions on leadership, showing players how to take initiative and inspire others. They promote self-discipline, accountability and strategic thinking; this empowers athletes to step up as leaders both on and off the field. Fueling a Winning Mindset Through Strategic Guidance: a winning mindset is what separates champions from the rest. Guest speakers share strategies that elite athletes and teams use to maintain focus and determination. By understanding these tactics, players learn how to set realistic goals, stay disciplined and harness their potential. However, this guidance pushes athletes to aim higher, propelling teams toward greater achievements.

Benefits for Coaches and Team Staff

Guest speakers aren’t just helpful for players; they provide important insights for coaches and team staff. Coaches can learn new strategies for managing their teams effectively (like improving communication and creating a motivating atmosphere). The knowledge shared allows coaches and staff to guide their teams better, resulting in a well-rounded, supportive environment. 

Selecting the Right Guest Speaker for Maximum Impact is crucial. Sports teams benefit the most from speakers who understand their unique challenges. Former athletes, sports psychologists, or leaders from high-performance industries often make great choices. Their relevant experience helps them connect with the team, ensuring their message resonates deeply. 

Final Thoughts: Transforming Teams with Inspiration is possible through the right guidance. However, choosing the right speaker can be challenging. Although it may take time to find someone suitable, this effort is worth it because of the positive impact they can have on the team.

Incorporating guest speakers into a sports team’s (development strategy) can really transform performance and morale. They help build resilience, foster leadership and create cohesion—these speakers bring the tools and inspiration that drive teams to excel. By investing in powerful guest speakers, sports teams are able to create a foundation for sustained success. This pushes each player to unlock their full potential. However, it’s important to choose the right speakers, because not all of them will resonate with every team. Although the impact can be significant, the selection process requires careful consideration.

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Empowering Women Entrepreneurs Through Expert Talks

by | Nov 13, 2024 | Business

The women’s entrepreneurship landscape has changed a lot over the past few decades, largely because of trailblazers who are making a difference (in various industries) and creating inclusive business environments. Women entrepreneurs today are increasing their influence by starting businesses and sharing their knowledge through expert talks, mentorship, and leadership programs that empower other women to chase their entrepreneurial dreams. This wave of expertise driven by women is inspiring a new generation of entrepreneurs, breaking down barriers, and speeding up economic growth. In this article, we explore how expert talks by women entrepreneurs create significant value, the platforms they use, and how these powerful stories reshape the definition of business success. However, it’s important to recognize that challenges still exist. Although progress has been made, there is still a lot of work to be done.

The Rising Influence of Women Entrepreneurs

As society embraces diversity and gender equality, the rise of women entrepreneurs has become one of the most exciting changes in global entrepreneurship. Women bring unique perspectives (focusing not only on profit but also on sustainable and socially responsible business models). This shift is evident in the success stories of women across various fields: from technology to retail, finance, and healthcare. By becoming thought leaders and mentors, they not only operate successful businesses but also foster environments where other women feel encouraged and supported to pursue entrepreneurship. However, this journey isn’t always simple, although many women are determined to succeed. Because of their hard work, the business world is improving for the better.

Breaking Barriers Through Knowledge Sharing

One of the most empowering parts of women’s entrepreneurship is (knowledge sharing). By sharing their experiences, women leaders give valuable insights into overcoming the challenges of the entrepreneurial journey. These challenges can include funding, scaling a business, managing work-life balance, and navigating gender biases. Knowledge sharing acts as a catalyst for growth; it breaks down traditional barriers and paves the way for aspiring women entrepreneurs to step confidently into their roles. Women entrepreneurs are also playing a key role in promoting financial independence. They discuss financial literacy and strategic planning, which are crucial for women who want to sustain long-term business success. These talks provide actionable advice, covering important topics (like budgeting, securing investments, and managing revenue streams) to promote financial autonomy. However, this journey is not without its obstacles, because many women still face significant hurdles in the business world. Although the landscape is changing, the need for continued support and resources remains vital.

How Expert Talks Empower Women Entrepreneurs

Expert talks (led by experienced women entrepreneurs) have become a popular way to share knowledge and encourage mentorship. These talks act as a platform to discuss practical strategies, share real-life success stories, and inspire other women to chase their dreams without fear. Here’s how these expert talks create a significant impact:

Fostering a Sense of Community and Belonging.

Women entrepreneurs often face unique challenges; however, having a supportive community can change everything. Through expert talks, women tell their stories of resilience, explaining how they overcame specific obstacles, dealt with failures, and celebrated their wins. This sense of community and belonging builds solidarity and mutual support, helping women entrepreneurs gain the confidence they need to succeed.

Providing Real-World Strategies for Success.

Successful women entrepreneurs (who are often really inspiring) offer a lot of real-world knowledge and practical insights during their talks. They give step-by-step guidance on dealing with common business challenges: securing funding and understanding market needs are just a few examples. Effective networking is also key, however, using social media is important too. These insights help budding entrepreneurs implement effective strategies and overcome roadblocks because they can speed up their growth. Although challenges can be difficult, this guidance makes a big difference.

Building Resilience and Confidence

Experts often talk about (emphasize) how crucial resilience is when dealing with challenges. Women entrepreneurs share their personal stories about how they bounced back from setbacks, using their failures as stepping stones. These narratives not only build confidence in new entrepreneurs but also encourage them to keep pushing through tough times. This helps create a mindset of growth and resilience; however, it can be really difficult. Although setbacks are hard, they can lead to greater success, because they teach important lessons.

Encouraging Diversity and Inclusion

Women entrepreneurs are strong supporters of diversity and inclusion. In their talks, they often discuss how important it is to build teams that have different backgrounds and perspectives. By promoting inclusive hiring practices, female entrepreneurs set an example of how diversity can improve innovation, boost team dynamics, and widen market reach (which leads to greater overall success). Platforms where women entrepreneurs share their expertise are very important (they provide opportunities for connection). They use multiple platforms to amplify their voices and reach a larger audience. These platforms offer accessibility and convenience, allowing women from various backgrounds and locations to join in discussions and gain valuable insights. However, many still face challenges in fully using these resources, because of different obstacles. Although there are popular platforms out there, women must keep pushing for more inclusive environments. This effort will help make sure that everyone’s voice is heard.

1. Conferences and Business Summits

Conferences and business summits are important places (or platforms) where women entrepreneurs connect with bigger audiences. Events like the Women’s Entrepreneurship Day Summit and TEDx Women attract global audiences. This allows successful women leaders to share their knowledge and network with peers. However, these events create lasting impacts on attendees. Although these events enhance knowledge, they also provide networking opportunities that can be very helpful for aspiring entrepreneurs. Because of this, many women find inspiration and motivation to chase their goals.

2. Podcasts and Online Webinars

Podcasts and online webinars have become popular ways to share expert advice. Shows like How I Built This and She Did It Her Way (showcase) inspiring stories of female entrepreneurs, sharing their journeys, triumphs, and lessons learned. These podcasts offer flexible access, allowing listeners to gain insights while on the go. Webinars, however, provide interactive platforms where attendees can ask questions and engage directly with the speakers, which makes the learning experience even better. Although both mediums are effective, some people may prefer one over the other (because of) their individual needs. This variety is crucial in today’s fast-paced world.

3. Social Media and Online Communities

Social media (especially platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube) has become a powerful space for entrepreneurial mentorship. Successful women entrepreneurs share valuable content there—like short expert talks, tutorials, and Q&A sessions. Online communities found on Facebook and LinkedIn create places for women entrepreneurs to discuss challenges and share resources, which provides mutual support. This creates an accessible ecosystem for knowledge sharing. The role of expert talks in shaping the future of women’s entrepreneurship is significant. The influence of expert talks goes beyond just motivation; it actively shapes the future of women’s entrepreneurship because it drives economic growth, fosters job creation, and promotes diversity. By hearing firsthand accounts from successful women, aspiring entrepreneurs can gain clarity on potential paths and resources available to them. These expert discussions spark innovative ideas, encourage women to take calculated risks, and empower them to challenge traditional norms. However, there is still much work to be done in championing a new generation of entrepreneurs.

The progress so far is promising (1), but it needs continued effort and dedication. As women entrepreneurs share their expertise, they inspire the next generation to see entrepreneurship as a real career option. Through expert talks, young women gain confidence and knowledge to explore innovative ideas, disrupting traditional industries and creating fairer workplaces. Although this generational shift has a big impact on the economy, more women-led businesses also contribute to GDP growth and community development; however, this change is significant because it opens doors for future leaders.

Driving Economic Growth and Job Creation

Female entrepreneurship is very important in the global economy (1). Studies have shown that businesses owned by women contribute a lot to job creation and economic growth. By sharing their experiences, expert women entrepreneurs empower other women to start and scale their businesses, thus driving economic expansion. Additionally, women-led companies often reinvest in their communities, creating a positive ripple effect that benefits society at large. However, the future of women’s empowerment through expert talks is bright. Empowering women entrepreneurs through these talks is more than just a trend; it is a movement that is changing economies, communities, and lives. Although women continue to step forward and share their journeys, they also encourage others to pursue entrepreneurship. This makes the entrepreneurial landscape richer, more inclusive, and more dynamic. These expert talks serve as a beacon of hope, guidance, and inspiration, enabling more women to embrace entrepreneurship with confidence. However, it is important to recognize that challenges still exist. Many women face obstacles because of societal expectations and resource limitations. But with continued support and mentorship, these barriers can be overcome. In conclusion, the rise of female entrepreneurship is essential for sustainable economic growth.

For any woman (who is looking) to become an entrepreneur, using these expert-led resources can provide a solid foundation for starting a successful business. As the influence of women entrepreneurs grows, so does the possibility of a world where businesses are led by diverse voices (and) unique perspectives. However, this change is important (because) it can lead to more innovative ideas and solutions. Although challenges remain, the future appears bright for women in business. But one must remain determined and ready to seize opportunities as they arise.

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