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Nan Fung Group Advances SEWIT Sustainability Framework as Business Strategy, Delivering Greater Impact to Tenants and Corporate Partners

Targeting HK$100 Million in Cumulative Social Value by 2030

SEWell Workplace Wellness Framework Implemented to Foster Employee Health and Holistic Well-being

AIRSIDE Established as the City‘s First Culture-tainment Hub

Over 40 IP-focused Campaigns Drove 35% Increase in Foot Traffic and 25% Growth in Sales Revenue

HONG KONG, Nov. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Nan Fung Group (the “Group”) has long championed the vision of building sustainable and resilient communities. First introduced three years ago, the Group’s proprietary SEWIT sustainability framework has been embedded at the core of its operations and corporate culture, serving as a key driver of business growth. The Group is pleased to announce the strategic evolution of SEWIT into a new business model — “SEWIT-as-a-Service” — extending its sustainability expertise and advisory services to tenants and corporate partners. The Group also continued fostering deeper collaboration with tenants and community stakeholders locally and globally through its pioneering tenant engagement initiative, Net Positive Lease, to co-create a more inclusive and sustainable future. The Group further announced that it generated approximately HK$52.2 million in social value for the 2024/25 fiscal year and is on track to achieve HK$100 million in cumulative social value by 2030 — becoming the first property developer in Hong Kong to publicly commit to such a forward-looking milestone.

Billy Hui, Executive Director of Hong Kong Property Division, Nan Fung Group, announced that the leasing transaction rate for AIRSIDE office space is close to 80%, with multiple multinational companies leasing a total of nearly 960,000 square feet. The leasing performance of the AIRSIDE shopping mall has also seen growth, supported by the group's diversified and innovative business strategies, with the current mall occupancy rate reaching 98%.
Billy Hui, Executive Director of Hong Kong Property Division, Nan Fung Group, announced that the leasing transaction rate for AIRSIDE office space is close to 80%, with multiple multinational companies leasing a total of nearly 960,000 square feet. The leasing performance of the AIRSIDE shopping mall has also seen growth, supported by the group’s diversified and innovative business strategies, with the current mall occupancy rate reaching 98%.

Please download the high-res images here: https://bit.ly/47ZFjwn 

Driving Innovation through Collaboration: “SEWIT-as-a-Service” Business Model and Global Expansion of the Net Positive Lease

In 2022, the Group introduced the SEWIT framework, built upon five strategic pillars — Social Cohesion, Environment, Wellness, Innovation, and Technology — with the aim of creating shared value and delivering positive impact across every facet of its business, and now woven into the Group’s corporate culture and operational approach. This year marks a significant milestone as SEWIT evolves into a new business strategy: “SEWIT-as-a-Service.” The Group is actively integrating this model into its product and service innovation processes, continuously exploring opportunities, deploying resources strategically, and reinforcing its commitment to sustainable growth. Through this transformation, Nan Fung Group aims to drive business momentum, optimise resources, and enhance operational efficiency — all while staying true to its core belief that innovation is a catalyst for business growth.

“SEWIT-as-a-Service” provides a wide range of consultancy services, including social impact assessment and advisory, community programme curation, carbon and AI-powered waste audits, workplace wellness initiative curation, and staff training. The new business model is designed to extend the reach and impact of the Group’s SEWIT sustainability strategy by supporting tenants’ and business collaborators’ sustainability goals. To date, more than 60 organisations — including listed companies, startups, non-profit organisations, social enterprises, and schools — have adopted “SEWIT-as-a-Service.”

Billy Hui, Executive Director of Hong Kong Property Division, Nan Fung Group, stated, “Inspired by the motto of our founder Dr. Chen Din Hwa – ‘Care for others as well as you would care for yourself,we remain steadfast in advancing our business holistically through SEWIT. Since its inception three years ago, SEWIT has evolved from a sustainability blueprint into an integral part of our corporate culture. Through ‘SEWIT-as-a-Service’, it has now become a powerful driving force behind our business growth. This reaffirms our belief that when sustainability is woven into business strategy, it not only unlocks meaningful synergies but also better positions the Group for long-term success.”

Committed to sustainable business practices, the Group launched a pioneering tenant engagement initiative — Net Positive Lease — in 2023, with the aim of fostering tenant-landlord partnerships that deliver positive environmental and social outcomes. The programme adopts a fourfold collaboration model where we join forces with tenants, employees, and community partners to co-create and work towards shared sustainability goals. To date, Net Positive Lease has secured commitments from 45% of tenants across the Group’s major properties in Hong Kong, and 67% of its global tenant portfolio.

SEWIT’s comprehensive and systematic approach is underscored by the Group’s unwavering commitment to a sustainable future, demonstrated through the promotion of sustainable practices and decarbonisation, as well as impactful tenant collaborations.  As of September 2025, 49% of Nan Fung Group’s current bond and loan facilities are from green and sustainability-linked loan financing. These include arrangements with key financial institutions such as OCBC (Hong Kong) and the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, furthering the Group’s vision for perpetual sustainability and a resilient society.

Targeting HK$100 Million Social Value by 2030 — Delivering Measurable Social Value

Nan Fung Group today released its SEWIT Report 2024–25, offering a comprehensive overview of the Group’s sustainability strategies and tangible outcomes across key focus areas. Within the reporting period, the Group actively implemented a wide range of community initiatives to address the diverse needs of stakeholders. In FY2024/25 alone, these efforts generated approximately HK$52.2 million in social value, benefitting employees, tenants, partners, and broader community stakeholders — a clear demonstration of the Group’s significant progress in fostering social cohesion and sustainable development.

The Group firmly believes that long-term sustainability requires a proactive response to evolving societal expectations, underpinned by a data-driven approach and clearly defined, measurable goals. To this end, the Group continues to invest in the development of a systematic assessment model for transparently measuring and comparing social value, setting a bold target of generating HKD 100 million in cumulative social value by 2030 — making it the first property developer in Hong Kong to publicly commit to such a goal.

The Group’s sustainability efforts have garnered international recognition, with Nan Fung Group recognised as a Global Sector Leader and awarded the highest five-star rating in the 2025 Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB). The Group also became the first Hong Kong-based company to join the Global Social Value Taskforce, collaborating with global industry leaders to explore and advance best practices in social value measurement and implementation. Further exemplifying its innovation and impact in shared value creation, the Group was honored with the Global Excellence in Social Value Award – Highly Commended at the Social Value Awards 2025, after winning the Making Core Award in the previous year. Net Positive Lease also won Shared Value Program of the Year at the 2024 Shared Value Awards, the first Hong Kong-based winner in this category. These milestones reflect the Group’s holistic commitment to sustainability and reaffirm its leadership position in the real estate sector.

Workplace Wellness and Wellbeing: Establishing SEWell Framework Across Six Core Pillars

Nan Fung Group firmly believes that employee wellbeing is the foundation of corporate resilience. In 2024, the Group formally established the SEWell Workplace Wellness Framework, which encompasses six core pillars: physical, mental, social, occupational, financial, and community, with defined metrics to assess, evaluate and improve wellness-related initiatives for both its employees and the broader office community. It also extends to tenants and corporate partners, fostering a healthier and more vibrant workplace ecosystem. AIRSIDE — home to Nan Fung’s corporate headquarters and standing as a living expression of SEWIT — serves as a model for workplace wellness, offering an environment that promotes both mental and physical health for employees and tenants alike.

According to the 2025 SEWell Survey, people working at AIRSIDE recorded an average of 164 minutes of exercise per week, exceeding the World Health Organisation’s recommended 150 minutes, and outperforming the general working population in Hong Kong in terms of exercise compliance rates. In terms of mental wellbeing, the average stress score among the AIRSIDE workplace community was 6.4 out of 10, significantly lower than the Hong Kong average of 6.86. This indicates that AIRSIDE’s human-centric design — including green areas and relaxation spaces, safe and clean environments, and access to healthy food options — has been effective in addressing the physical and emotional needs of office workers and reducing stress experienced in the workplace. In parallel, the Group regularly organises SEWell programmes for both employees and tenants, ranging from fitness classes and wellness talks to interactive workshops. This year, over 80 wellness-related sessions were conducted, further demonstrating Nan Fung Group’s ongoing commitment to workplace wellness and holistic wellbeing.

“In Time Of” Promotes Mental Resilience and Community Wellbeing

Since its establishment in 2021, Nan Fung Group’s community initiative “In Time Of” has focused on curating experiences rooted in sustainability and cultural creativity. Fusing together arts, community design, and social innovation as key themes, the platform engages the public to co-create a more resilient urban environment. Over the past two years, mental and emotional wellbeing have become a core focus of the initiative. Emo Café, one of its most popular offerings, mimics the experience of dining out by offering curated “emotional menus.” These menus are essentially a blend of interactive game kits and creative workshops, enabling participants to explore emotional health topics in a relatable, engaging, and imaginative manner. Emo Café also offers customised experiences tailored for specific audiences; it has attracted over 25,000 participants to date, collaborating with cross-sector partners, including schools, NGOs, and corporations.

From 29-30 November, “In Time Of” will host the Emo Festival at The Mills, featuring a wide range of participatory activities across five key themes: interpersonal relationships, daily life hacks, personal growth, mental and physical wellbeing, and workplace survival. The event will include interactive exhibitions, emotional game zones, immersive music experiences, and a curated marketplace, all designed to enhance public awareness of mental wellness and build community resilience.

AIRSIDE Established as the City’s First “Culture-tainment Hub”
Over 40 IP-focused Campaigns Boost Footfall by 35% and Sales Revenue by 25%

Located in Kai Tak, the Group’s flagship development AIRSIDE is setting a new benchmark as Hong Kong’s first “Culture-tainment Hub” — a landmark destination where sustainability, arts and culture, and entertainment converge. Beyond housing a diverse tenant mix, AIRSIDE actively leverages cultural programmes and IP-driven experiences to foster cross-community engagement. In 2025, AIRSIDE has hosted over 40 international IP-themed events, resulting in a 35% year-on-year increase in footfall and a 25% uplift in sales revenue.

Each event was carefully curated to deliver immersive, emotionally resonant experiences — expanding the potential of the IP economy through a variety of formats, including concert and celebrity pop-ups, fan meet-and-greets, IP-branded collaborations and immersive exhibitions, transforming conceptual creations into offline reality. These activations seamlessly integrated digital content with real-world experiences, tapping into consumers’ desire for emotional value while creating new business and economic opportunities for tenants and the wider Kai Tak community. This has firmly positioned AIRSIDE as a leading destination for cultural- and entertainment-driven retail.

Looking ahead, Nan Fung Group will continue introducing high-profile IP collaborations from across Asia, as well as harness AIRSIDE’s sustainable design and curatorial strengths to create deeper synergy between cultural economy, placemaking, and sustainability, further elevating its unique role as a next-generation Culture-tainment Hub.

About Nan Fung Group

Nan Fung Group is one of the largest privately held conglomerates in Hong Kong with global interests in real estate development and investment, which holds a well-diversified and substantial financial investment portfolio. The Group was founded in 1954 and has a track record spanning more than 50 years with over 170 projects including residential, commercial and industrial buildings. The Group also strategically focuses on first-tier cities in Chinese Mainland and recognises attractive opportunities for development and investment overseas, including New York, Boston and London.

In recent years, the Group has expanded its investment focus to ICE (Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship), exemplified by its signature project, The Mills, a revitalisation of its legacy yarn factories into a hub promoting techstyle (intersection of technology and lifestyle) and an integrated destination housing an experiential shopfloor, a startup incubator, and a cultural museum. The Group has also made significant progress in investments related to life sciences in the US via Pivotal; and in Chinese Mainland via an affiliate, New Frontier, which focuses on healthcare, elderly care, education, and new technology.

About SEWIT

In 2022, the Group established “SEWIT”, a sustainability framework for the entire company that engages all stakeholders around five strategic pillars: Social Cohesion, Environment, Wellness, Innovation and Technology. By developing solid, implementable guidelines, the Group integrates “SEWIT” into its entire value chain from financing and investment allocation, supply chain management and procurement, to organisational structure and talent development. The Group strives to cultivate a sustainable mindset as part of its culture, while consistently incorporating the same philosophy in upcoming projects.

About AIRSIDE

AIRSIDE is a 1.9 million sq. ft. mixed-use commercial development in the Kai Tak area. Situated in Kowloon‘ s Central Business District, the 47-storey development comprises a 32-storey Grade A office, and a 700,000 sq. ft. multi-storey shopping mall interconnected with an underground shopping street. AIRSIDE embraces a new urban lifestyle concept of “Wholeness”, integrating sustainable living with cultural and lifestyle experiences.

America Business Forum Featured the Globe’s Biggest Names in Sports, Business, Culture, and Politics at Inaugural U.S. Event

President Donald J. Trump Spoke as an Honored Guest in the Sold-Out Kaseya Center

The Star-Studded Lineup Included: Jeff Bezos, Lionel Messi, Rafael Nadal, President Javier Milei, Tony Robbins, Serena Williams, Jamie Dimon, Ken Griffin, María Corina Machado, Stefano Domenicali, Gianni Infantino, HRH Ambassador Reema Bandar Al-Saud, Eric Schmidt, Steve Witkoff, Patrick Bet-David, Adam Neumann, and Fahad Alsaif.

MIAMI, Nov. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On November 5–6, America Business Forum: Miami convened the world’s most influential leaders in sports, politics, business, and culture for a historic event in the sold-out Kaseya Center, livestreamed to viewers around the globe.

Under the theme “The World Meets in America,” speakers shared insights that transcended industries and borders, and shaped the future of business, culture, and geopolitics.

“The inaugural America Business Forum: Miami was an extraordinary gathering that connected global leaders with audiences around the world,” said Francis Suárez, President of the Board of America Business Forum. “We extend our deepest gratitude to our distinguished speakers, sponsors, and every attendee who helped make history with us.”

“America Business Forum: Miami set the agenda for what’s next in sports, business, politics, and culture,” said Ignacio Gonzalez, Founder of America Business Forum. “The energy inside the Kaseya Center was powerful as the Earth’s greatest visionaries shared insights about the future, reflected on their journeys, and offered advice. It was an honor to welcome the world’s greatest leaders to one stage here in Miami.”

The event was hosted by Fox News’ Bret Baier. PIF served as the presenting partner.

Key moments from speakers:

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November 5, 2025
November 6, 2025 

About America Business Forum: America Business Forum is the leading summit for global leaders, gathering the most influential figures on Earth across government, business, and culture. The forum creates a platform for dialogue, inspiration, and action – driving individuals and organizations to create the groundbreaking innovations that will shape the future.

HTCO Announces Initial Closing of $3 Million Strategic Financing to Accelerate Digital Transformation

NEW YORK, Nov. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — HTCO (NASDAQ: HTCO) today announced that it has entered into a financing agreement for an investment of up to US $20 million by an accredited investor, a move designed to accelerate the Company’s strategic development of investment in its AI platform to improve operational efficiency and support related digital transformation initiatives.

Under the terms of the agreement, the financing will be implemented in multiple tranches, with the first tranche of US $3 million having been successfully funded. Notably, the Company emphasized that this facility does not include any warrants, ensuring alignment with the Company’s disciplined capital structure strategy.

Pursuant to the agreement, the investor has committed to a “daily trading volume limit not exceeding 15 percent of total daily trading volume” for any subsequent share transactions related to this financing. This provision is intended to maintain market stability and safeguard the interests of existing and new shareholders.

The listing and trading of the shares issued in connection with the initial US $3 million financing are subject to the Company filing a F-1 registration statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission that must become effective within a 120-day period.

The Company further noted that it has not yet determined whether it will require additional financing beyond the initial US $3 million. Any decisions regarding subsequent closings will be based on the Company’s ongoing capital planning, operational needs and prevailing market conditions.

Chris Nixon Cox, Company Chairman, stated, “This strategic financing reflects strong market confidence in HTCO’s long-term vision for marine digital transformation and the Company’s ability to continue to advance technological innovation and optimize capital efficiency—all to drive sustainable value creation for our shareholders.”

About High-Trend International Group

High-Trend International Group is a global ocean technology company with core businesses in international shipping and marine carbon neutrality.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news contains “forward-looking statements” as defined in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). These forward-looking statements can be identified by terms such as “may,” “might,” “could,” “will,” “aims,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates” and similar expressions.

These forward-looking statements are based on the Company’s current assumptions, expectations and beliefs, but they are accompanied by substantial risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties may cause the Company’s actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. It should be noted that these statements do not constitute guarantees of future performance and are subject to a series of risks. Readers should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, as there is no assurance that the plans, initiatives or expectations underlying these statements will be realized.

A detailed discussion of factors that could lead to such differences and other risks affecting the Company’s business is included in the filings that the Company submits to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) from time to time, including the Company’s most recent report on Form 20-F, particularly under the heading “Risk Factors.”

 

GCash launches Virtual US Account, revolutionizing how Filipinos receive USD payments and remittances

MANILA, Philippines, Nov. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Philippines’ leading finance super app, GCash, has introduced a new game-changing product on November 5, 2025 — the GCash Virtual US Account, which enables Filipinos to receive payments and remittances in US Dollars directly to their GCash e-wallet account, without needing a US-based bank account or incurring additional charges.

GCash Virtual US Account revolutionizes how Filipinos receive USD payments and remittances
GCash Virtual US Account revolutionizes how Filipinos receive USD payments and remittances

The game-changing service also addresses a persistent pain point for Filipino freelancers who often lose a portion of their income to costly fees, reducing their take-home pay and delaying access to funds they rely on for daily expenses.

The GCash Virtual US Account, powered by global payments network Meridian1, promises reduced platform fees and forex costs, allowing gig workers to have bigger take-home pay, and enabling all Filipinos to maximize the remittances they receive. In addition, the GCash Virtual US Account eliminates high withdrawal fees and hidden charges.

“With the GCash Virtual US Account, GCash users can hold US dollars and only convert to Philippine pesos when they need to. This enables them to avoid unnecessary fees and convert their money at their most favorable time,”  GCash General Manager for International Paul Albano said.

Users can instantly receive transfers from the US right into their e-wallet, giving them immediate access to their USD funds, which can then be converted into PHP at competitive exchange rates — all within the GCash app.

Fully verified GCash users are eligible for account opening.

This feature is seen to boost inflows of dollars into the country from the US, which is a top remittance source for the Philippines. According to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, about 40% of cash remittances from January to August this year came from the US.

Through GCash Virtual US Account, GCash strengthens its goal of enabling Filipino freelancers by breaking barriers to financial access through faster, more affordable cross-border payments for gig workers.

1GCash Virtual US Accounts are issued and maintained by Meridian Payments US under a “for benefit of” arrangement. These are not bank accounts and do not qualify as deposits; hence, they are not covered by any deposit insurance schemes.

SUPCON Showcases Industrial AI Leadership at ADIPEC, Driving Intelligent Transformation

ABU DHABI, UAE, Nov. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — SUPCON(688777.SH, SUPCON.SW), a global provider of process automation and industrial AI solutions serving over 35,000 customers in more than 50 countries, is presenting its latest full-stack automation and autonomous operations technologies at ADIPEC 2025 in the AI Zone (Booth AI_S5), taking place from November 3 and 6 in Abu Dhabi.

 

SUPCON Showcases Industrial AI Leadership at ADIPEC, Driving Intelligent Transformation

At this year’s ADIPEC, SUPCON is demonstrating how its next-generation Industrial AI portfolio is empowering process and energy industries to operate safely, efficiently, and sustainably. Through practical innovations in software-defined control, intelligent data platforms, and advanced robotics, SUPCON is accelerating the shift from traditional automation toward truly autonomous operations.

SUPCON is reinforcing its leadership in the industry by highlighting measurable customer outcomes, ranging from higher reliability and reduced energy consumption to lower operational costs and faster deployment cycles. The company is also underscoring its long-term commitment to the Middle East, providing local engineering support, training, and co-innovation to help both brownfield and greenfield facilities scale industrial AI adoption.

Among the innovations featured are:

  • UCS (Universal Control System) — a software-defined, cloud-native control system that eliminates traditional DCS cabinets and revolutionizes control system architectures. It simplifies deployment, reduces cabling, and enables secure, reliable and efficient operations through high-availability architecture and AI-powered optimization.
  • TPT2 (Time-Series Pre-Trained Transformer 2) — SUPCON’s advanced Industrial AI engine pre-trained on over 10 trillion industry data points combines time-series forecasting capabilities through a transformer-based architecture with first principles modelling to deliver intelligent simulation and autonomous optimization. Its natural-language interface provides intuitive access for operators and engineers across roles, orchestrating with multiple agents through a Mixture of Experts (MoE) model.
  • supOS (Tier 0 version) — an open, UNS-based IIoT data platform serving as the foundation for real-time, semantically consistent industrial data flows and AI-generated applications.
  • PLANTBOT Robot Solution — an integrated robotic solution for inspection and patrol, covering wheeled, quadruped, and rail robots to improve site safety and operational resilience.
  • PRIDE (Perception of All Readable Instruments, Devices and Equipment) — an AI-based predictive maintenance solution ensuring continuous monitoring and intelligent health diagnostics for end-to-end equipment lifecycle management.

Together, these offerings embody SUPCON’s end-to-end Industrial AI framework, seamlessly connecting field data to enterprise intelligence through a unified, open, and secure architecture. Designed for both process and discrete control applications, the framework features reference designs for brownfield transformation and a clear roadmap toward intelligent autonomous operations. Leveraging a global delivery model that combines worldwide expertise with local engineering support, SUPCON enables rapid deployment, enhances operational efficiency, and accelerates time-to-value, reflecting the company’s ongoing commitment to advancing industrial intelligence and innovation.

About SUPCON

SUPCON (688777.SH, SUPCON.SW) is a global leader in Industrial automation and Industrial AI, offering control systems, digital platforms, robotics, and software solutions that power the world’s process and energy industries. Trusted by more than 250 leading enterprises and 35,000+ customers worldwide, SUPCON is driving the evolution from automation to autonomy—enabling safer, smarter, and more sustainable industrial operations.

For more information, please visit https://global.supcon.com/

Media Contact: Kang Yankangyan@global.supcon.com

 

SUPCON Showcases Industrial AI Leadership at ADIPEC 2025
SUPCON Showcases Industrial AI Leadership at ADIPEC 2025

Gates Foundation Announces New Commitment for Smallholder Farmers on the Frontlines of Extreme Weather

$1.4B investment expands access to evidence-backed tools to help farmers in some of the world’s poorest regions adapt and build more resilience to droughts, floods, heat waves

BELÉM, Brazil, Nov. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Gates Foundation today announced a new commitment to advancing climate adaptation, helping smallholder farmers build resilience to a warming world and protect hard-won gains against poverty.

Announced at COP30 in Belém, Brazil, where leaders are emphasizing locally driven adaptation, the four-year, $1.4 billion investment will expand access to innovations that help farmers across sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia adapt to extreme weather. In these regions, where food security and livelihoods depend on agriculture, smallholder farmers and the communities they feed are among the most exposed to droughts, floods, and rising temperatures. Yet less than 1% of global climate finance targets the growing threats to these vital food systems.

“Smallholder farmers are feeding their communities under the toughest conditions imaginable,” said Bill Gates, chair of the Gates Foundation. “We’re supporting their ingenuity with the tools and resources to help them thrive—because investing in their resilience is one of the smartest, most impactful things we can do for people and the planet.”

The commitment supports Bill Gates’ vision, outlined in his recent COP30 memo, of prioritizing climate investments for maximum human impact and advances the foundation’s goal of lifting millions of people out of poverty by 2045

Addressing a global funding gap

Farmers in low-income countries produce one-third of the world’s food but face mounting climate threats. Without greater adaptation investment, these shocks will continue to drive food insecurity and reverse hard-won gains against poverty.

World Bank research shows that targeted adaptation investments could boost GDP, particularly in small island developing states, by up to 15 percentage points by 2050. The World Resources Institute estimates that every dollar invested in climate adaptation will yield more than $10 in social and economic benefits within a decade.

“Climate adaptation is not just a development issue—it’s an economic and moral imperative,” said Mark Suzman, CEO of the Gates Foundation. “This new commitment builds on our support for farmers in Africa and South Asia who are already innovating to withstand extreme weather. But they can’t do it alone—governments and the private sector must work together to prioritize adaptation alongside mitigation.”

Scaling farmer-led innovation

While climate shocks continue to intensify, the financing needed to help farmers adapt to them is not keeping up. According to the 2025 UN State of Food Security and Nutrition report, Africa was the only region where hunger and malnutrition increased this year. Without urgent adaptation, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warns that agricultural productivity in parts of Africa could drop by up to 20% by 2050.

The foundation’s new investment will scale farmer-led, evidence-backed innovations that strengthen rural livelihoods and food systems amid growing climate threats.

It will expand technologies and approaches already showing results, including:

  • Digital advisory services: Mobile apps, SMS, and other platforms that deliver timely, tailored information to help farmers make informed planting decisions and manage risk, including support for the AIM for Scale initiative, which aims to reach 100 million farmers across Africa, Asia, and Latin America by 2030
  • Climate-resilient crops and livestock: Varieties that withstand drought, heat, and emerging pests while improving yields and nutrition
  • Soil health innovations: Approaches that restore degraded land, enhance productivity, and reduce emissions—supported by a $30 million partnership with the Novo Nordisk Foundation to advance soil science research

Partnerships driving global impact

The new commitment builds on partnerships that were expanded or launched through the foundation’s COP27 pledges and are already reaching millions of farmers. Examples include:

  • AIM for Scale: Launched in 2023, this global partnership delivered AI-powered SMS weather forecasts to nearly 40 million farmers across 13 Indian states during the 2025 monsoon season, helping protect millions of acres of crops.
  • TomorrowNow and KALRO: Together with the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), TomorrowNow is providing hyper-local weather alerts to more than 5 million Kenyan farmers, improving yields and reducing crop losses, with expansion underway in Tanzania, Malawi, and Zambia.

The Gates Foundation is working alongside local researchers, governments, and private-sector partners to scale such efforts—strengthening rural economies and food systems for the long term.

“We’ve seen what’s possible when smallholder farmers have access to the right tools and resources—they adapt faster than anyone,” said Wanjeri Mbugua, CEO of TomorrowNow. “With the right investment and strong partnerships, we can put powerful, data-driven solutions directly in farmers’ hands—so they can make informed decisions and build resilience on their own terms.”

Collaboration at COP30

This investment reflects a shared global commitment—led by African leaders and Brazil’s COP30 presidency—to put food, livelihoods, and health at the center of resilience planning. Brazil’s own experience linking social programs with sustainable agricultural innovation shows how inclusive adaptation can drive equitable growth.

Together with Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, Embrapa, AGRA, AIM for Scale, CGIAR, the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), and the United Arab Emirates, the foundation will co-host the Agricultural Innovation Showcase at COP30. Both a high-level event on November 10 and a physical exhibition, the showcase will highlight affordable, climate-smart solutions designed for and, in many cases, by farmers. More information is available here: https://www.embrapa.br/en/cop30/agrizone

About the Gates Foundation 

Guided by the belief that every life has equal value, the Gates Foundation works to help all people lead healthy, productive lives. In developing countries, we work with partners to create impactful solutions so that people can take charge of their futures and achieve their full potential. In the United States, we aim to ensure that everyone—especially those with the fewest resources—has access to the opportunities needed to succeed in school and life. Based in Seattle, Washington, the foundation is led by CEO Mark Suzman, under the direction of Bill Gates and our governing board. 

Media contact: media@gatesfoundation.org

Get Ready for the Holidays as VARON Launches Black Friday Early Access Savings on Oxygen Concentrators

NEW YORK, Nov. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As the holiday season approaches, one essential product that continues to improve lives is the oxygen concentrator. For individuals living with chronic respiratory conditions, having reliable access to supplemental oxygen can make a world of difference—enhancing comfort, mobility, and confidence in daily life.

Just ahead of Black Friday, VARON, a trusted provider of portable oxygen concentrators and home oxygen concentrator machines,  has launched its Black Friday Early Access Sale—offering a 20% sitewide discount and up to 40% off featured products. The early access event is designed to let customers enjoy these savings with guaranteed stock before the holiday rush, ensuring that they can secure the respiratory support they need without delay. Every purchase of an oxygen concentrator machine also includes a $30 gift card for future use on accessories or replacement parts.

Check out VARON Black Friday savings

The Importance of a Reliable Portable Oxygen Concentrator

For people managing respiratory issues such as COPD, sleep apnea, or chronic bronchitis, a reliable portable oxygen concentrator like the VARON VP-8G portable oxygen concentrator is a vital health companion. Unlike traditional oxygen tanks, which require frequent refills, modern concentrators draw in air and filter it to provide a steady flow of medical-grade oxygen—offering both freedom and peace of mind.

VARON’s Early Access Sale aims to make these advanced solutions more affordable, helping users breathe easier through the holidays and beyond.

Exclusive Offer: $30 Gift Card with Every Oxygen Concentrator Machine Purchase

In addition to the sitewide 20% discount, VARON is giving customers a $30 gift card with every oxygen concentrator machine purchase. This bonus can be used toward top oxygen concentrator accessories, such as extra batteries, carrying cases, or replacement filters—items that make oxygen therapy even more convenient.

“Our goal this season is to give our customers not just a discount, but a reason to prioritize their well-being,” said VARON Marketing Director. “We recognize that oxygen therapy is not simply a product—it’s a lifeline. This early Black Friday event helps ensure more people can access dependable respiratory support without financial strain.”

Key Features of VARON’s Oxygen Concentrator Machines

VARON’s oxygen concentrator machines are designed for versatility, combining performance and portability. Compact and lightweight, they’re suitable for use both at home and on the go. The company’s continuous flow models provide uninterrupted oxygen delivery, ensuring stability during rest, activity, or sleep.

Among the highlights of this year’s sale are the VARON VP-8G Portable Oxygen Concentrator, praised for its compact, lightweight design, reliable performance, and versatile power options, and the new Serene 3 Home Oxygen Concentrator, which delivers high-purity oxygen with quiet operation. The New Serene 3 combines performance, mobility, energy efficiency, and ease of use, and is ideal for users seeking a powerful, stationary system for continuous at-home use, providing comfortable and reliable support around the clock.

These features reflect VARON’s long-standing commitment to innovation—integrating user-friendly design with top-notch performance and quality.

The Benefits of Oxygen Concentrators: More Than Just A Device

For many of our customers, oxygen concentrators have become more than just healthcare equipment—they are enablers of daily life. From enjoying walks in the park to staying active at home, these devices make moments that matter possible. With reliable oxygen support from VARON, users gain confidence, independence, and peace of mind, knowing they can focus on living rather than worrying about their therapy.

This Black Friday Early Access is the perfect opportunity to join thousands who have embraced a smoother, more comfortable lifestyle—securing essential respiratory support while taking advantage of the 20% off promotion and a $30 gift card with every concentrator purchase.

Commitment to Accessibility and Customer Care

At the heart of VARON’s mission is making oxygen therapy accessible to everyone who needs it. The company’s Black Friday Early Access event reflects this commitment, ensuring that more individuals can secure reliable respiratory support without delay or high expense.

“Our customers inspire us every day,” said the VARON CEO. “We see how our oxygen concentrators empower people to travel freely, visit loved ones, and fully participate in life—without being held back by their respiratory needs. That’s what drives us: providing products and service that restores independence, confidence, and peace of mind.”

Beyond the quality and innovation of its products, VARON prides itself on exceptional customer care. From responsive support teams to clear guidance on device use and maintenance, the company is dedicated to making every user feel supported and confident. With this combination of affordability, cutting-edge design, and compassionate service, VARON remains a trusted choice for healthcare providers and individuals seeking dependable, life-enhancing respiratory solutions.

Click here to explore the VARON Black Friday savings

About VARON

VARON is a global provider of oxygen therapy solutions, offering both portable and stationary oxygen concentrator machines designed to meet diverse respiratory needs. The company’s mission is to enhance the quality of life for people with chronic respiratory conditions through cutting-edge technology and user-centered design.

With a reputation for excellence, VARON is dedicated to making oxygen therapy simpler, safer, and more accessible for everyone.

Media Contact:
VARON Oxygen Solutions
Email: official@varoninc.com
Website:
www.varoninc.com

Giraffe Tools Launches 2025 Black Friday Sale Featuring Exclusive Cleaning Bundles

NEW YORK, Nov. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Giraffe Tools is launching its 2025 Black Friday Sale, offering customers its biggest savings event of the year, running from November 7 through November 30. The sale offers up to 50% off on select products, plus exclusive product bundles, gifts, and special deals, available on both Giraffe Tools’ Official website and Amazon store, providing customers with efficient and value-driven cleaning solutions.

Black Friday Sale Details

The Black Friday sale will run in two phases:

Early Access (Nov 7–17):

  • Up to $250 off select bundles
  • Priority shipping via FedEx, ensuring fast delivery for early shoppers.

Official Black Friday (Nov 18–30):

  • Up to 50% off on selected products, featuring Crazy Deals on garden tools, garage products, and charging equipment.

Key Offers & Benefits

Post-Purchase Lottery: Everyone Has a Chance to Win – Only on Official!

Throughout the promotion period, a special lottery will be held every Wednesday, featuring exciting prizes:

  • $50 gift card – 50 winners in total
  • Retractable Desktop Charging Station ($172.99 value) – 20 winners in total
  • Full order refund – 3 winners in total

30-day Price Protection:

For orders placed during Black Friday, if the same product is found at a lower price on our website within 30 days of purchase, Giraffe Tools will refund the price difference.

Featured Bundles

Giraffe Tools is offering several product bundles designed to make cleaning more efficient and effective, whether it’s for your home, garage, or garden. These bundles are the perfect gift for loved ones or a treat for yourself, all while saving you time and money.

Master Cleaning System

  • Save $250
  • Includes: Grandfalls Retractable Pressure Washer Pro, Grandstorm Retractable Vacuum Cleaner, Retractable Extension Cord Reel
  • Ideal for: Homeowners and DIY enthusiasts who need a complete solution for garage and home upkeep. This bundle delivers efficient cleaning while keeping your workspace organized, ensuring everything is easily accessible for quick tasks.

Ultimate Cleaning Set

  • Save $200
  • Includes: Grandfalls Retractable Pressure Washer Pro, Grandstorm Retractable Vacuum Cleaner, Pressure Washer Cover
  • Ideal for: Homeowners seeking a versatile solution for both outdoor and indoor cleaning. This bundle is designed to tackle everything from heavy-duty exterior cleaning to everyday indoor maintenance, making it the perfect all-in-one cleaning solution for every home.

Enthusiast Cleaning Set

  • Save $150
  • Includes: Grandfalls Retractable Pressure Washer Plus, Grandstorm Retractable Vacuum Cleaner, Pressure Washer Cover
  • Ideal for: Those looking for a compact, efficient solution for everyday cleaning. Whether it’s car maintenance, light outdoor tasks, or quick indoor cleanups, this bundle is designed to simplify regular cleaning chores.

Why Shop at Giraffe Tools?

“At Giraffe Tools, we understand that cleaning and maintenance tasks can be time-consuming. That’s why we’ve designed our retractable tools to simplify these chores, providing reliable, high-performance solutions that save you time, space, and effort,” said Oracle, CEO of Giraffe Tools. “This Black Friday, we’re excited to offer exclusive deals that make home and garage maintenance more efficient for our customers.”

With exclusive bundles, 30-day price protection, and free shipping on select products, Giraffe Tools is the best place to shop this Black Friday. We’re grateful for your support, and we want to make sure you get the best deals available. We’ve designed our offers to meet the needs of homeowners, car enthusiasts, and garden lovers alike.

About Giraffe Tools

Founded in 2004, Giraffe Tools is a global innovator in retractable cleaning and gardening solutions, focused on making everyday tasks simpler through thoughtful, space-saving design. Its product range — from retractable pressure washers and vacuums to hose reels — reflects a balance of functionality, durability, and modern aesthetics. By operating under a direct-to-consumer model, Giraffe Tools continues to make reliable, high-performance tools more accessible to households across the U.S., UK, Australia, and Canada.

Learn more at giraffetools.com