26.5 C
Vientiane
Sunday, September 14, 2025
spot_img
Home Blog Page 745

JA Solar with 23 Leading Solar Companies unveils the first Initiative for Global Solar Sustainable Alliance at UNGC’s summit

JAKARTA, Indonesia, May 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On May 25, 2025, at the UN Global Compact (UNGC)’s Inaugural Global Business Summit in Jakarta, a total of 24 global leading solar companies including JA Solar, Jinko Solar, Tongwei, LONGi, GCL Group and other core upstream suppliers, collectively released the initiative for “Global Solar Sustainable Alliance (GSSA)”.

Distinguished leaders across government, industry and academia attended the summit, including United Nations Global Compact Assistant Secretary-General and CEO Sanda Ojiambo, United Nations Resident Coordinator in China Siddharth Chatterjee , Chairman of the National Economic Council of the Republic of Indonesia H.E. Luhut B. Pandjaitan, Founder and co-chairman of Bridgewater Associates Ray Dalio, President of the China Electricity Council Bao’an Xin, Chairman of Xiamen Airlines Dong Zhao, Founder and Chairman of GCL Gongshan Zhu.

At this critical juncture of global energy transition, the solar industry, as a cornerstone of renewable energy, serves as a pivotal solution to combat climate change and achieve carbon neutrality goals. Amid rapid industry growth, leading enterprises have jointly launched this initiative to address social and environmental challenges and advance sustainable development. Committed to delivering clean energy globally, the Initiative aims to strengthen sustainability across the entire value chain — promoting green mineral sourcing from the source, protecting ecosystems and biodiversity, building an equitable society for common good, and driving inclusive growth.

Aligned with the UNGC Ten Principles and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Initiative outlines 9 actionable pathways across three pillars, advancing ESG progress across the solar value chain and promoting its positive impact on the international market.

The GSSA initiative has garnered strong endorsement from the UNGC. Meng Liu, UNGC China Representative, stated: “We commend the global solar industry, particularly Chinese photovoltaic enterprises, for their contributions to advancing the global energy transition, and we welcome the launch of this initiative. Closely aligned with the principles of the United Nations Global Compact, the Initiative underscores corporate responsibilities in environmental protection, human rights safeguards, and sound governance. We look forward to the solar industry setting an exemplary model for global sustainable development through collective action.”

Jing Li, Vice President of Branding and Sustainability Officer of JA Solar, officially launched this GSSA Initiative at the event, and introduced JA Solar’s newly constructed responsible supply chain strategy with the theme of “Together Towards Tomorrow”, which aims to promote the multi-stakeholders along the industry’s value chain to evolve towards a sustainable future.

UNGC encourages more solar companies and supply chain partners to join this initiative and jointly advance the sustainable development of the industry. To truly fulfill the summit’s vision of ‘Better Business, Better World: Accelerating the SDGs’, the first co-signatories pledge to collaboratively develop a concrete action roadmap with stakeholder engagement, to ensure effective implementation of the Initiative.

A few GSSA representatives advocated for strengthening sustainability across the entire value chain at the summit
A few GSSA representatives advocated for strengthening sustainability across the entire value chain at the summit

Appendix : Global Solar Sustainable Alliance (GSSA)

As the backbone of renewable energy, the global solar sector provides consumers, industries, and society with affordable and reliable clean energy. It has made remarkable contributions to advancing global energy transition and promoting sustainable development, with immense potential yet to be realized.

On the other hand, after decades of growth, the social and environmental footprints of the solar industry, particularly the associated risks across its supply chain—have increasingly emerged. These challenges pose significant obstacles to unleashing the industry’s full potential and achieving its own sustainable development.

In light of this, we, as the undersigned photovoltaic enterprises and supply chain participants, guided by the Ten Principles of the United Nations Global Compact and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), hereby launch the Global Solar Sustainable Alliance (GSSA). We call on all companies in the industry and its supply chains to adopt sustainability principles and strategies, and actively undertake the following actions:

I. Just Transition: Safeguarding the green ecosystems and environment

a) Reduce pollution, conserve resources, improve environmental management, implement clean production, and promote a circular economy.

b) Cut energy consumption and carbon emissions, adapt to climate change, establish science-based greenhouse gas reduction targets, and achieve net-zero emissions as soon as possible.

c) Protect biodiversity and ecosystems, promoting green mining from origins of materials, ensuring zero deforestation and no net loss of biodiversity.

II. People-Centric Development: Building an Equitable Society for Common Good

a) Respect and protect workers’ fundamental rights, create gender-responsive, diverse, inclusive, safe, and healthy workplaces, and enhance employees’ skills and development potential.

b) Advance responsible procurement and marketing practices, implement human rights due diligence in supply chains, improve value chain transparency, traceability, and collaborative mechanisms, and strengthen supply chain resilience.

c) Plan PV projects in alignment with local conditions, respect the rights of communities and residents, and leverage industry expertise to support community and social development.

III. Governance Enhancement: Driving Inclusive Growth

a) Optimize corporate governance structures, enhance professionalism and diversity in governance mechanisms, improve investor relations management, and protect the rights of minority shareholders.

b) Operate with integrity and compliance, oppose all forms of unfair competition practices, proactively uphold a sound market order, and foster the healthy development of the industry.

c) Strengthen internal and external oversight systems, conduct standardized information disclosure and regular tracking of progress and targets, and establish multi-channel stakeholder engagement and dialogue mechanisms.

Building on the above consensus, we will pool wisdom and resources, engage in full collaboration, and establish a concrete action roadmap with the participation and support of multi-stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of the GSSA Initiative.

GAC’s “Eco-system Globalization” Lands in Brazil, Marking Strategic Milestone in Latin America’s Footprint.

SÃO PAULO, May 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On May 23, GAC held the Brazil Brand Launch and New Models Unveiling Event at Distrito Anhembi in São Paulo, Brazil, officially unveiling its “Brazil Action Plan” – the first substantive implementation of “One GAC 2.0” global strategy in Latin America. Through a series of long-term investment initiatives, in Brazil, for Brazil, integrating into Brazil, serving Brazil, and contributing to Brazil, GAC presented Brazilian consumers with a future mobility vision and ushered in a new chapter for GAC in both Brazil and the Latin American market.

Brazilian and Chinese government officials, business leaders and representatives gathered to witness this historic moment of China-Brazil automotive industry cooperation. At the event, GAC officially signed a comprehensive strategic cooperation agreement with Instituto Nacional de Metrologia, Qualidade e Tecnologia (Inmetro) to enhance Brazil’s automotive industry competitiveness.

The “Brazil Action Plan” focuses on four long-term directions: full industry chain deployment, energy ecosystems, talent development, and cultural integration. GAC will actively integrate local supply chain development, build a nationwide energy supply network across Brazil, and develop a talent system through university partnerships. Additionally, GAC adheres to the ESG philosophy, integrates into the local community, and is committed to being an outstanding corporate citizen in Brazil.

GAC will implement the “Brazil Action Plan” comprehensively to accelerate integration into, service for, and contributions to the local community. At the product portfolio level, GAC will uphold its core strengths of “Top-tier Quality”, and “Pioneering Technology”, continuously introducing all energy types’ models, fully addressing the diverse mobility needs of Brazilian consumers. In terms of service systems, GAC will adhere to its philosophy of “Service First”, “Customer First”, and expedite the full implementation of the GAC Sales Service Way (GSSW), offering reliable customer service.

GAC introduced five models for Brazilian consumers: AION V, AION Y, HYPTEC HT, GS4 HEV, and AION ES at the Brazil Brand Launch and New Models Unveiling Event, which comprehensively addressing diverse mobility scenarios including family transportation, urban commuting, and shared mobility. These models embody GAC’s core strengths of “Top-tier Quality” and “Pioneering Technology”, reflecting GAC’s precise insight into the Brazilian market’s needs.

GAC Launched Localization Initiative in Brazil, Debuts Five Core Models in the Brazilian Market.

SÃO PAULO, May 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On May 23, GAC held the Brazil Brand Launch and New Models Unveiling Event at Distrito Anhembi in São Paulo, Brazil, officially unveiling its “Brazil Action Plan” – the first substantive implementation of “One GAC 2.0” global strategy in Latin America. Through a series of long-term investment initiatives, in Brazil, for Brazil, GAC presented Brazilian consumers with a future mobility vision and ushered in a new chapter for GAC in both Brazil and the Latin American market.

The global strategic model AION V, the urban intelligent pure electric SUV AION Y, the luxe-tech pure electric SUV HYPTEC HT, the value benchmark hybrid SUV GS4 HEV, and the high-quality pure electric sedan AION ES were officially unveiled. Brazil’s legendary musician Gilberto Gil became the first GAC vehicle owner in Brazil. At the event, GAC officially signed a comprehensive strategic cooperation agreement with Instituto Nacional de Metrologia, Qualidade e Tecnologia (Inmetro) to enhance Brazil’s automotive industry competitiveness. Brazilian and Chinese government officials, business leaders and representatives gathered to witness this historic moment of China-Brazil automotive industry cooperation.

GAC introduced five models for Brazilian consumers: AION V, AION Y, HYPTEC HT, GS4 HEV, and AION ES at the Brazil Brand Launch and New Models Unveiling Event. Guided by “One GAC 2.0” global strategy, GAC has deployed its three major product lineups—GAC, AION, and HYPTEC—in Brazil, comprehensively addressing diverse mobility scenarios including family transportation, urban commuting, and shared mobility to meet Brazil’s diverse consumer needs and green transition trends.

AION V, AION Y, and HYPTEC HT stand out with their stylish designs, premium quality, high-tech and long-range capabilities, will become an intelligent, safe, and reliable green mobility option for Brazilian consumers in the future. The GS4 HEV delivers robust power, smooth handling, and a combined range of over 1,000 km, striking a balance between performance and practicality. Meanwhile, the AION ES is GAC’s flagship model tailored for shared mobility. Moving forward, GAC will collaborate with mobility platforms to offer Brazilians reliable and comfortable transportation experiences.

These five new models embody GAC’s core strengths of “Top-tier Quality” and “Pioneering Technology”, reflecting the company’s precise insight into the Brazilian market’s needs, and creating a better mobility experience for Brazilian consumers.

BLUETTI Previews Its EOFY 2025 Sale with Massive Savings and Giveaways

SYDNEY, May 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As the end of the financial year (EOFY) draws near, BLUETTI, a technology pioneer in clean energy, is gearing up to launch its EOFY 2025 Sale in Australia. From June 1 to June 30, BLUETTI is providing generous discounts on its popular portable power products, along with enticing giveaways and special online activities.

Countdown to BLUETTI EOFY Sale
Countdown to BLUETTI EOFY Sale

What to Expect from the BLUETTI EOFY 2025 Sale

Australian shoppers can enjoy massive savings on best-selling BLUETTI power stations, with discounts of up to 43% off and limited-time flash sales on select models. But that’s not all. To make the EOFY Sale even more rewarding, BLUETTI is offering:

  • Lucky Draws: Sign up on the BLUETTI website for a chance to win exciting prizes.
  • Bulk Deals: Extra discounts available on selected products when purchasing multiple units — perfect for families, businesses, or group buyers.
  • Social giveaways: Snag fantastic rewards by participating in social media campaigns.
  • Additional savings: Spend above certain thresholds and get up to an additional 7% off.

Highlights of BLUETTI EOFY 2025 Sale

Most of BLUETTI products will join this shopping spree, with the Elite 200 V2, AC300+B300K, and AC180 being the standouts. Marking its second anniversary, the star product AC180 has won the hearts of over 4,500 Aussies since its launch. Many praise its capability of powering 1,800W high-wattage appliances while remaining portable at only 16 kg. So versatile, the AC180 can be ‘a better option than a second battery in your 4WD’, or function as a lifesaver to power TVs for a full game of rugby during power outages. 

Get Ready for BLUETTI EOFY 2025 Sale

Keen to score the best deals early? Head over to the BLUETTI websitenow—early EOFY Sale deals have already started from May 26!

About BLUETTI

As a technology pioneer in clean energy, BLUETTI is committed to a sustainable future by providing affordable green energy storage solutions for both indoor and outdoor use. Through initiatives like the LAAF (Lighting An African Family) program, BLUETTI is dedicated to bringing power to 1 million African families in off-grid areas. With a strong focus on innovation and customer needs, BLUETTI has established itself as a trusted industry leader in over 110 countries and regions.

EDAN Highlights Commitment to Global Health at GHF 2025 Satellite Symposium, a Side Event of the World Health Assembly

GENEVA, May 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Edan Instruments, Inc. (300206.SZ), a leading global medical device company, participated in the Geneva Health Forum (GHF) 2025 Satellite Symposium, held as a side event of the World Health Assembly (WHA). Titled “China’s Medical Technology Innovation and Its Implementation for Global Health,” the event took place on May 20 in Geneva and was co-organized by Tsinghua University and the Université de Genève. It brought together innovators, policymakers, and development partners to explore how Chinese medical technology is advancing equitable healthcare, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Panelists at the Satellite Symposium on China’s Medical Technology Innovation and Its Implementation for Global Health, held during a World Health Assembly side event in Geneva, May 2025. From left to right: Min Yang, Senior Program Officer, Gates Foundation (Facilitator); Mitoha Ondo’o Ayekaba, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Equatorial Guinea; Ira Ovesen, Deputy Representative, UNFPA China; Ye Xu, Senior Health Advisor, Asian Development Bank; and Xicheng Xie, Co-Founder, Edan Instruments, Inc.
Panelists at the Satellite Symposium on China’s Medical Technology Innovation and Its Implementation for Global Health, held during a World Health Assembly side event in Geneva, May 2025. From left to right: Min Yang, Senior Program Officer, Gates Foundation (Facilitator); Mitoha Ondo’o Ayekaba, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Equatorial Guinea; Ira Ovesen, Deputy Representative, UNFPA China; Ye Xu, Senior Health Advisor, Asian Development Bank; and Xicheng Xie, Co-Founder, Edan Instruments, Inc.

Representing EDAN, Co-Founder Mr. Xicheng Xie delivered a keynote sharing the company’s experience in delivering accessible innovation to underserved communities. “Real innovation isn’t just about cutting-edge technology — it’s about bringing the right solutions to the people who need them the most,” said Mr. Xie, reflecting on the company’s three-decade journey and the evolving meaning of innovation.

In that spirit, Mr. Xie highlighted EDAN’s efforts to develop medical technologies that are accessible, practical, and impactful in real-world settings. He shared detailed of an ongoing initiative using EDAN’s Nano Series handheld diagnostic ultrasound system to support basic prenatal care in resource-limited environments. The project focuses on equipping primary healthcare workers with tools for early screening and timely referral for at-risk pregnancies. He also noted other impactful technologies, including palm-sized fetal dopplers, EDAN’s IQ intelligent algorithm, and its smart ECG web platform — each designed to bridge infrastructure gaps and reduce reliance on scarce medical personnel.

With a long-standing presence across both high-end and resource-limited markets, EDAN has built a truly global footprint – from Europe to Africa. To strengthen local engagement and ensure more responsive service, it has established 22 subsidiaries worldwide. This localized support, combined with a commitment to frontline feedback, drives continuous product improvement and meaningful impact.

EDAN is also actively involved in a range of meaningful projects across LMICs, working alongside NGOs, public health agencies, and development partners. These include maternal health and women’s care initiatives in South Africa, portable diagnostic deployments in West Africa, and ultrasound screening programs in Latin America. Each year, nearly 1,000 ultrasound devices are deployed globally through NGO-led programs. These partnerships not only expand access to essential care but also help build local capacity through training and support.

“At EDAN, we believe in bringing innovation and value together to improve the human condition,” Xie concluded. “That mission is at the core of everything we do — from product design to global partnerships.”

As EDAN celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2025, the company remains steadfast in its mission to deliver innovation that matters — especially for those who need it most.

About Edan Instruments, Inc.
EDAN is dedicated to improving the human condition around the world by delivering value-driven, innovative, and high-quality medical products and services, pioneering a comprehensive line of medical solutions that address a broad range of healthcare practices including Patient MonitoringDiagnostic ECG, OB/GYNUltrasound Imaging,  Point-of-Care TestingIn-Vitro Diagnostics, and Animal Care

Mindray Debuts Next-Generation BeneVision V Series Patient Monitoring System at Euroanaesthesia 2025

SHENZHEN, China, May 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Mindray (SZSE: 300760), a leading global developer of healthcare technologies, launched its BeneVision V Series patient monitoring solution at Euroanaesthesia 2025 in Lisbon. Powered by a robust new hardware platform, this advanced system provides industry-first innovations in ultrasound-integrated hemodynamic assessment and cable-lite patient monitoring workflow, redefining the bedside monitor as a dynamic hub of precision medicine.

Mindray BeneVision V Series with Ultrasound Integration
Mindray BeneVision V Series with Ultrasound Integration

Ralph Zhao, General Manager of Sales & Marketing, Mindray Patient Monitoring & Life Support, shared: “Our new patient monitoring system future-proofs standards of care to help clinicians see patient status as a whole, making better use of multi-modal data from different devices for actionable insights.”

The increasing utilisation of point-of-care ultrasound in the ICU has transformed patient assessment and management. The new BeneVision V Series connects with ultrasound systems, including the TE Air handheld ultrasound, to systemically integrate imaging data for more insightful decision-making support. This bedside innovation enables clinicians to get clearer ultrasound images on screen, so they can visualise, analyse and document ultrasound findings both in real-time and through historical trends. The upgraded HemoSight™ tool aligns ultrasound-derived parameters with vital signs for synchronised evaluation, generating a more comprehensive hemodynamic profile for timely decision-making.

The MRV PodTM is another innovative breakthrough that enhances vital signs monitoring in critical care, improving patient mobility and optimising clinical workflows. This industry-first, full-parameter, cable-lite solution transmits vital signs data wirelessly to the BeneVision V Series monitor. This frees patients from bedside cables, allowing unimpeded mobility while streamlining workflow and cable management for nurses. Combined with the widely recognised BeneVision N1 transport monitor, the new solution supports continuous monitoring during patient transport for efficient, integrated care.

In addition, the top-of-the-line VMAX features a 4K UHD capacitive screen in an ultra-slim design. Its 360-degree visible alarm lights ensure critical alerts can be seen from any angle, minimising missed alarms and enhancing safety. The responsive touchscreen interface allows for smooth navigation and easy customisation. Clinicians can personalize displays with a simple drag-and-drop, and adjust waveform amplitude using pinch-to-zoom gestures.

“Through our continued collaborations with hospitals and academic institutions, we strive to empower clinicians to provide more personalised and focused care, enhancing patient attention. We anticipate further collaborative outcomes that will lead to improved data analysis and applications for more efficient workflows,” added Zhao.

For more about Mindray, please visit https://www.mindray.com

Soundcore Liberty 5: Revolutionizing Voice-Canceling with Adaptive ANC 3.0 and Dolby Audio

Top 3 Global Wireless Audio Brand[1] Unveils Next-Gen Travel-Ready Earbuds

SINGAPORE, May 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Soundcore, the premium audio brand under Anker Innovations and ranked third globally in wireless headphone shipments, today launched its groundbreaking product, the Liberty 5 in Singapore. Positioned as its “Best Voice Noise Canceling Earbuds,” this new model combines state-of-the-art Adaptive ANC 3.0 and Dolby audio, offering an immersive listening experience. The slogan “Liberty On, Noise Off” encapsulates its goal of providing a quiet journey for modern travelers.

From Startup to Global Dominance in 8 Years
Since its establishment in 2017, Soundcore has disrupted a market long dominated by decades-old legacy brands. In just eight years, it has ascended to the top 3 globally.

“Soundcore’s top 3 global position is a testament to Anker Innovations’ mission: Ignite possibilities through ultimate innovation,” said Leon Wu, General Manager of Southeast Asia at Anker Innovations.” True leadership means putting users first. Through strategic collaboration across our ecosystem—from Anker Innovations’ charging breakthroughs to eufy’s smart home intelligence—we create technology solutions that adapt to life, not the other way around.”

After the Liberty 4 series received a positive response from Southeast Asian consumers, soundcore launched the Liberty 5, a newly upgraded product that offers optimized audio clarity for commutes and travels.

Enhanced Noise Reduction: Twice the Human Voice Cancellation Power
The Liberty 5’s Adaptive ANC 3.0 algorithm combines a unique acoustic chamber design and advanced processing to deliver twice the voice suppression power of previous models[2]. By targeting the 300Hz–3kHz vocal frequency range, where speech energy is most concentrated, the system selectively reduces voice frequencies while scanning the environment 180 times per minute for real-time adjustments[3]. This ensures a quiet journey on trains and subways. During phone calls, all six microphones are activated to capture clear voice input while filtering out background noise.

Cinematic Sound for Every Adventure
The Liberty 5 delivers a theater-like audio experience, powered by Dolby Audio technology. Users can customize their listening environments through the Soundcore app, choosing from three pre-tuned modes: Music, Movie, and Podcast, to optimize sound profiles according to the content type.

The earbuds are equipped with a new 9.2mm wool-paper composite driver that minimizes distortion, achieving three times the clarity in mid and high frequencies compared to conventional true wireless systems[4]. Supported by LDAC high-resolution audio (with triple the bitrate of standard codecs) and Hi-Res Wireless Certification, it preserves studio-quality details across all music genres.

Dual bass tube technology enhances low-end resonance by optimizing airflow, producing richer and more natural bass that seamlessly blends with the soundstage.

Designed for Effortless Travel
The Liberty 5’s travel-oriented design features a slimmer, IP55-rated body, ensuring durability in humid climates. With just a ten-minute charge in the case, the earbuds can provide up to five hours of playtime, ensuring they are always ready to go. A quick 10-minute charge provides up to 5 hours of playtime, ensuring you’re always ready on the go. The earbuds offer 12 hours of playtime with ANC off and 8 hours with ANC on, while the fully charged case and earbuds deliver a total of 48 hours (ANC off) or 32 hours (ANC on) of battery life.

The Liberty 5 supports Bluetooth 5.4 for stable 15-meter connectivity and Google Fast Pair, enabling instant device pairing via a half-screen pop-up notification[5]. Its SnapCharge case also offers the convenience of wireless charging.

Pricing and Availability
The new Liberty 5 comes in five colors: Black, White, Blue, Apricot, and Champagne Gold. It will be available starting today on Shopee, Lazada, and Tiktok, and from select retailers at SGD 179. Also, from 25th May to 22th June, the Liberty 5 has a special launch price of SGD 159.

About Soundcore
Soundcore, an Anker Innovations brand, creates audio products that help spark emotions through music. This includes premium noise-cancelling TWS earbuds and headphones, smart wearable audio devices, and Bluetooth speakers. For more information, please visit soundcore.com.

About Anker Innovations
Anker Innovations is a global leader in charging and home energy storage technology and a developer of unique, consumer electronic products that support premium audio, mobile entertainment and the emerging smart home space. This innovation is being led by its key brands: Anker, Anker SOLIX, AnkerWork, eufy, Nebula, and Soundcore. More information on Anker Innovations and its various brands can be found at anker.com.

[1] Source: Euromonitor International (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., 2024 global shipment volume of wireless headphones among audio brands (defined as brands with ≥75% revenue from audio equipment); wireless headphones include devices using Bluetooth or other wireless technologies. Research completed in March 2025. All references to “global top 3” in this article are based on these findings.

[2], [3], [4], [5] Data based on internal lab testing. Results may vary under different conditions.

 

The World Must Respond to Africa’s Forgotten Crises

Education is a humanitarian lifeline for the world’s most vulnerable children. Our investment in their education today is an investment in global security, economic stability and continued growth in the 21st century.

The following content is by Yasmine Sherif, Education Cannot Wait Executive Director

NEW YORK, May 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ –The challenges facing many parts of the African continent today are vast and immense. From the surge in violence in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo to all-out-war in Sudan, years of progress are being obliterated by bombs, killings and other grave violations of international law.

Estimates from UNESCO indicate that, worldwide, there is a US$100 billion funding gap to reach the goal for universal education as outlined in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with US$70 billion of this gap found in sub-Saharan Africa.
Estimates from UNESCO indicate that, worldwide, there is a US$100 billion funding gap to reach the goal for universal education as outlined in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with US$70 billion of this gap found in sub-Saharan Africa.

The single best investment we can make in addressing these multiplying humanitarian crises is an investment in the vast potential and talents of Africa’s younger generations. By investing in their education, we empower them to prevent conflicts, end extreme poverty and ensure economic development, peace and stability. Without investing in education as part of this broader vision, none of these imperatives will be materialized.

The returns on investment are significant. As noted by the World Bank, foundational learning has the potential to double the GDP per capita in sub-Saharan Africa by 2050.

Responding to the education funding gap

Many traditional donor countries have dramatically reduced humanitarian aid in the past year, with recent analysis from UNESCO revealing a concerning drop of 14% in global aid to education. Yet, we all want to see a stable and prosperous Africa – a continent that deserves no less.

Still, Africa is falling even further behind. Estimates from UNESCO indicate that, worldwide, there is a US$100 billion funding gap to reach the goal for universal education as outlined in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with US$70 billion of this gap found in sub-Saharan Africa.

Learning poverty is a concerning global trend. Nowhere is this more pressing than across Africa. Around four out of five African children cannot read or understand a simple text by age 10, according to UNESCO, and many struggle with basic numeracy skills.

Compounding challenges like conflict, climate change and forced displacement are derailing development gains and impeding access to life-saving education in humanitarian crises – an investment that is indispensable to achieve peace and economic prosperity. According to the recent global estimates study by Education Cannot Wait (ECW), about half of the world’s 234 million crisis-impacted school-aged children reside in sub-Saharan Africa.

An entire generation is being left behind. “Although 75 million more African children are enrolled in school today compared to 2015, the number of out-of-school children has increased by 13.2 million to over 100 million during the same period,” according to the 2025 Transforming Learning and Skills Development in Africa report. 

You cannot have sustainable economic growth without stability. And you cannot achieve stability without education. Africa is a continent on the move, a continent of forced displacement as a consequence of armed and violent conflicts, as well as climate change. 

“In 2020, 21 million Africans were living in another African country. Since 1990, the number of African migrants living outside of the region has more than doubled, with the growth in Europe most pronounced. In 2020, most African-born migrants living outside the region were residing in Europe (11 million), Asia (nearly 5 million) and North America (around 3 million),” according to the World Migration Report.

Our collective failure to respond to this pressing education crisis will have dire global consequences.

The situation in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo

Just look at the terrifying situation unravelling in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This region has been plagued by violence for decades, but it’s gotten much, much worse in recent months.

In all, there are an estimated 3.5 million forcibly displaced children in DRC today. Millions risk unimaginable violations of their human rights, including killing, maiming, abduction and forced recruitment into armed groups. There are also unconscionable accounts of sexual violence against girls. In eastern DRC, a child is reported raped every half an hour, according to UNICEF.

How can we tolerate the magnitude and depth of young girls and boys being systematically raped and killed? “More than 79 million girls and women – over 1 in 5 – across sub-Saharan Africa have experienced rape or sexual assault before turning 18,” according to UNICEF. Let’s put that number in perspective. That’s more than the total population of Australia and Spain combined. 

For the children living in the midst of this chaos and fear, the options are limited. For girls, it’s a future as a child bride, continued poverty and early pregnancies. For boys, it might look like forced recruitment into terrorist organizations and other armed groups, forced labour or migration. For the world, this means growing forced displacement and migration, deeper and more widespread insecurity across the Global South, unstable markets, unstable populations and unstable futures.

The consequences of the war in Sudan

The situation in Sudan is soul-shattering and must end now. Recent estimates indicate that 30 million people require humanitarian assistance, including 16 million children. More than 12 million people have been displaced inside and outside Sudan since April 2023, straining education systems, budgets and capacity in neighbouring countries.

In all, the conflict and continuing challenges – including forced displacement, climate change, poverty and other factors – have left about 16.5 million children out of school in Sudan.

Education is the solution
As the global fund for education in emergencies and protracted crises in the United Nations, Education Cannot Wait (ECW) and its strategic partners are making a value proposition to increase humanitarian funding for education in Africa and beyond. In doing so, we contribute to joint programming on education, hence the broader goal of peace, stability and economic development.

There is a strong economic argument to be made. Africa is the youngest, fastest growing continent on earth – 6 out of 10 people are under the age of 25.

Within all that youth and energy lies opportunity. According to the World Bank, there is a 10% increase in hourly earnings for every extra year of schooling.

At the same time, taken at a macro-economic level, the opportunity costs are unprecedented. “This generation of students now risks losing a combined total of US$21 trillion in lifetime earnings in present value, or the equivalent of 17% of today’s global GDP – a sharp rise from the 2021 estimate of a US$17 trillion loss.” 

The returns on investment in sub-Saharan Africa may be even more substantial, with some analyses indicating that every US$1 invested in tripling pre-primary education enrolment can generate up to US$33 in returns.

A lasting legacy
Education – as a transformative, immediate, life-saving and long-term investment –breaks cycles of poverty, displacement and conflict. Only then can we achieve peace, stability and economic development.

Deep inside us, we all agree that we can do better as a global community. We all know, instinctively, that the world would be a better place if we reduced global military spending – topping US$2.7 trillion – and instead invested in education, health, governance, infrastructure and livelihoods. We do know that we can be creative and turn vision into practical results. All it takes is investing just 0.02% (US$600 million) of this into education – and similar amounts into other sectors – which, together, provide the transformational power to build stability, spread peace and generate significant economic returns. This is not just logic. This is a legacy worth living.