Insights

Xi Jinping and Donald Trump held their first face-to-face talks in six years, with Trump expressing optimism about the meeting and the prospect of lowered tariffs on Chinese imports in exchange for better access to rare earths. China's response was cautious, emphasizing ongoing collaboration while reaffirming its commitment to self-reliance amidst a challenging economic landscape. Following recent economic pressures, including a property market crash and a declining growth rate affected by trade tensions, China plans to enhance domestic consumption and establish itself as a leader in AI and technology by 2035, despite facing significant US tech restrictions.
Trump-Xi talks will not have changed the priorities of the Chinese government
The healthcare industry significantly contributes to global carbon emissions, primarily through medical technology products. The EU's new ecodesign regulation aims to promote sustainability by ensuring products are durable, repairable, and recyclable. Despite concerns over patient safety, integrating environmental considerations into the "do no harm" ethic is essential. Advocates for sustainability in medtech highlight the potential for reduced waste and resource use through innovative sterilization methods and smarter procurement policies. Leading companies, such as Medtronic and Johnson & Johnson, are already implementing sustainable practices, signaling a shift towards an eco-conscious healthcare sector that harmonizes patient safety with environmental stewardship.
Health
Why healthcare’s ‘do no harm’ ethic must include the planet
Consumers have significant power in influencing environmental outcomes through their financial choices, particularly in banking. Everyday deposits can support harmful industries like coal and oil, rather than sustainable alternatives. Experts emphasize that banks’ lending decisions are crucial during the climate crisis, as investments in renewable energy support low-carbon infrastructure. However, loyalty to banks often hinders consumers from making more sustainable choices. Additionally, the insurance industry faces challenges due to increasing weather-related claims, necessitating the adoption of climate-adjusted risk models to mitigate financial risks.
Financial services
How to green your money
Green finance, while promoted as a solution to environmental challenges post-2008 crisis, often fails to deliver genuine sustainability. The lack of consensus on what constitutes "green" products and the effectiveness of current ESG frameworks raises concerns over greenwashing. Financial entities are motivated more by reporting costs and reputational pressures than genuine commitment to planetary health. This system can exacerbate inequality, with vulnerable communities facing higher costs and adverse impacts. Transformative change requires addressing deeper socio-political issues and implementing robust public regulations to ensure green finance benefits all, rather than just the wealthy.
Health, Financial services
Why ‘green’ finance isn’t always as sustainable as it seems
Local iterative innovation is proving effective in delivering tangible improvements in energy and water access, particularly for vulnerable communities. Organizations like BASE Foundation and Stattus4 exemplify this approach, offering solutions that prioritize practicality over high-cost technologies. BASE Foundation's cooling model addresses significant post-harvest losses, while Stattus4’s AI technology helps water utilities efficiently reduce water loss. Both organizations, finalists for the Zayed Sustainability Prize, highlight the potential of scalable, local innovations to create meaningful change. Fostering such initiatives requires adaptable funding and cross-sector partnerships to drive further progress in sustainability.
Africa, Latin America | Financial services, ICT, Health, Education
Beyond hyperbole: Local iterative innovation is making real change in energy and water
The AI market, particularly in cybersecurity, is facing a potential correction as reliance on a few key firms raises concerns of a bubble. Warnings from financial leaders indicate inflated AI valuations may soon decline, prompting a shift towards digital resilience and diversified cybersecurity infrastructure. This correction offers opportunities for security leaders to emphasize sovereign resilience, psychological defense, and foundational security practices. Governments are promoting supply-chain diversification and self-reliance in AI, creating space for regional providers. The most pressing AI threats are emerging in cognitive manipulation rather than traditional software vulnerabilities, necessitating a redefined approach to cybersecurity strategies that extend beyond conventional measures.
Financial services, Education
Is the AI-cyber bubble about to burst?
Quantum technologies are poised to revolutionize manufacturing and supply chains by enhancing efficiency, security, and resilience. Companies like IBM and Boeing are already implementing quantum computing to develop corrosion-resistant materials, while Ford Otosan optimized vehicle production scheduling, reducing time by 50%. Quantum diamond sensors improve the quality assurance of 3D semiconductors, and the Port of Rotterdam has piloted a quantum-secured communications network to protect sensitive operations. As supply chain disruptions rise, adopting these technologies can provide a strategic edge for leaders in the manufacturing sector.
Financial services, Education, ICT
What every manufacturing and supply chain leader should know about quantum technologies
Japan is advancing a nature-positive future through various public-private initiatives as it aims to meet a global target of conserving at least 30% of land and oceans by 2030. The Ministry of the Environment has implemented strategies, including the 30 by 30 Roadmap and the Transition Strategies toward a Nature Positive Economy, focused on enhancing biodiversity goals and promoting sustainable business practices. Notably, Japanese companies are increasingly adopting nature-related disclosures, with 182 firms committing to biodiversity efforts. Collaborative projects, like those involving satellite technology for biodiversity monitoring, further support these objectives, addressing the economic risks linked to ecosystem degradation.
Japan
How Japan is building a nature-positive future through public-private initiatives
Malnutrition and poor diets are generating a global health and economic crisis, costing trillions annually. AI can address these issues through personalized nutrition, data-driven insights, and scalable innovations while emphasizing ethics, access, and affordability. Traditional methods face limitations in today's fast-changing landscape, making room for AI to provide tailored dietary guidance and real-time data. The AI-powered nutrition market is rapidly expanding, projected to grow significantly by 2028. Successful innovations include apps like Samsung’s Food Plus and Fitterfly's Nutrition 360 Suite. However, prioritizing equity and ethics in AI development is crucial to avoid exacerbating disparities.
How leveraging AI in nutrition can help prevent the next global health crisis
China's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) represents a strategic shift focusing on industrial modernization and innovation that emphasizes practical applications and real-world value. The plan prioritizes sectors like advanced manufacturing and semiconductors while linking economic security with strategic openness. It elevates domestic demand as crucial for growth resilience and advocates for selective regional governance, concentrating on key urban clusters. These changes reflect China's adaptation to global volatility and the need for sustainable growth drivers, reshaping its role in global industrial pathways and innovation networks.
Australia, Burkina Faso, Chad, Colombia, Germany, Indonesia, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Namibia, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, South Africa, Switzerland, Taiwan, China, Thailand, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom | Financial services, ICT, Health, Education
How China’s 15th five-year plan signals a new phase of strategic adaptation
FAIR principles, established in 2016, advocate for data to be Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable, influencing open data management and promoting a unified approach in the open science community. However, with the rise of artificial intelligence, the need for data to be AI-ready has emerged, prompting the development of the FAIR-R Principles and Framework, alongside Frontiers' FAIR² data management platform. While FAIR-R expands conceptual understanding, FAIR² provides operational guidance, highlighting the evolving requirements for data readiness in the AI era.
From FAIR to FAIR-R and FAIR²: Making Data AI-Ready
In 2024, over half the world's population participated in nationwide elections, highlighting significant variations in election quality and challenges such as violence, misinformation, fraud, and exclusion of marginalized groups. Research identifies effective interventions to improve election administration, reduce violence, empower informed voter decisions, and increase political participation. Rigorous experimental and quasi-experimental studies provide evidence-based recommendations for governments, international partners, and NGOs to foster fair, inclusive, and nonviolent elections that support transparent democratic processes and peaceful power transitions.
Evidence on Fostering Fair, Inclusive & Nonviolent Elections: GCCI Evidence Review
At the recent Africa Climate Summit in Addis Ababa, African leaders transitioned from seeking aid to asserting leadership in the climate economy, positioning themselves as innovators and implementers of climate solutions. They emphasized moving from vulnerability to opportunity, showcasing initiatives like Ethiopia’s Green Legacy campaign and Kenya's geothermal projects. The summit focused on actionable plans rather than mere discussions, promoting the Africa Green Industrialisation Initiative to mobilize over $100 billion for sustainable industries. The leaders advocated for data sovereignty, asserting the importance of mapping and measuring carbon and ecosystems as pivotal to economic power. This newfound confidence signals Africa's readiness to engage as proactive partners in the global climate agenda ahead of COP30.
Nigeria, South Africa
Africa steps into the climate void: a promising sign for COP30?
Negotiators at the UN shipping agency's recent meeting in London failed to finalize landmark rules aimed at reducing carbon emissions in the maritime sector, amidst intense political division and threats, particularly from the US. Although a Net-Zero Framework to transition away from fossil fuels and achieve net-zero emissions by around 2050 was initially approved, the finalization was postponed due to concerns from both developed and developing nations. The shipping industry currently contributes about 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, and advocates plan to address key issues before returning for renewed negotiations next year.
How countries failed to steer shipping to net zero, and where they go next
Asia is actively transforming its maritime sector towards sustainability by advancing technologies and infrastructure for shipping decarbonization. Asian shipowners are investing in alternative fuels and efficiency technologies, while East Asian shipyards are integrating innovative designs into new vessels. Regulatory frameworks from Europe, alongside Asia's rapid industrial deployment and investment, are fostering significant climate progress. The region is also leveraging steel recycling to significantly reduce emissions. SSI's engagement in Singapore aims to promote collaboration, learning, and alignment to accelerate global maritime decarbonization efforts.
Singapore
Asia: Where Maritime Sustainability Moves From Ambition to Action
The wars in Ukraine and Gaza have resulted in significant greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to climate change. Ukraine's conflict has generated approximately 237 million metric tons of emissions, equivalent to the annual emissions of Belgium, Austria, and Ireland combined. The climate damage costs exceed $43 billion, with researchers arguing that Russia should compensate for this harm. The Gaza conflict produced over 32 million tons of emissions, notably increased by post-war reconstruction needs. Both conflicts exacerbate climate issues, as destruction of infrastructure and military activities amplify carbon footprints, impacting global emissions beyond war zones.
F-35s, fires and fixing: Ukraine, Gaza wars threaten climate
About 75% of GDP in Asia and the Pacific is linked to nature, yet it is often overlooked in economic planning. Healthy ecosystems crucially support public health, livelihoods, and fiscal stability. The report emphasizes that investing in nature is key for sustainable development and economic resilience. To scale nature finance, improved governance, policies, and data are essential to integrate nature into decision-making frameworks. The report outlines a 10-year roadmap for countries to embed nature into their economies while fostering regional cooperation and enhancing financial literacy among conservation actors and investors.
Australia, Indonesia, Japan, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Seychelles | Health, Financial services
Asia-Pacific Climate Report 2025: Unlocking Nature for Development
Disability inclusion is crucial for building equitable health systems in Asia and the Pacific as the region ages rapidly, with one in four people projected to be over 60 by 2050. Despite the urgency, barriers such as inaccessible healthcare, discrimination, and fragmented services persist, leaving many with disabilities without adequate care. To address these challenges, key actions include integrating disability inclusion into health policies, strengthening community-based care, and investing in workforce training for healthcare professionals. Engaging people with disabilities in the design and implementation of services is essential for ensuring comprehensive and effective health solutions.
Health
How Asia and the Pacific Can Build Disability-Inclusive Health Systems for All
The book focuses on transforming climate ambition into sustainable resilience in Asia and the Pacific, targeting vulnerable groups like small island states and landlocked countries. It emphasizes the need for innovative climate finance and integrated responses to overcome financial and non-economic barriers. Highlighted strategies include nature-based solutions, renewable energy adoption, and improved water management. Through case studies from the Hindu Kush Himalaya and coastal Bangladesh, it showcases practical solutions. Ultimately, it aims to inspire policymakers and researchers to align climate action with sustainable development goals and enhance resilience in climate-vulnerable regions.
Nigeria | Health
Strategies for Climate Resilience and Equity in Developing Asia and the Pacific
Diversification through investments in renewables, AI, and digital infrastructure is fueling growth in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). A young, skilled workforce and robust education programs support this growth, but inclusivity and sustainability remain critical challenges. Regional governments, especially in the Gulf, are implementing forward-looking strategies, such as Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which includes significant investments in solar, wind, and AI technologies. Despite this progress, disparities exist across the region, with some countries facing instability and infrastructure issues, necessitating broad investment to share opportunities more equitably.
Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Kenya, Mauritania, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, South Africa, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom | Education
How diversification in the Middle East is powering growth

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