Chris Infotainment

Kenya Leads Global Effort to Shape Sustainable AI Governance Kenya has made a significant contribution to global environmental policy by securing a landmark agreement at the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) in Nairobi. This agreement marks the first-ever UN resolution focused on ensuring the environmental sustainability of artificial intelligence (AI) systems. The resolution was adopted under the assembly’s theme “Advancing sustainable solutions for a resilient planet,” and it addresses the environmental impact of AI across multiple dimensions. The resolution systematically tackles the environmental footprint of AI, from its high energy and water consumption to its demand for minerals and the resulting electronic waste. At the same time, it highlights the potential of AI as a tool for climate action and biodiversity conservation. For Africa, this represents a strategic breakthrough, allowing the continent to move beyond being a passive consumer of AI technologies and inst...

A Major Cleanup Effort on St Martin’s Island On December 7, volunteers from across Bangladesh joined forces to remove nearly two tonnes of waste from the beaches of St Martin's Island. This initiative, led by Unilever Bangladesh and Kewkradong Bangladesh, was part of the International Coastal Cleanup 2025. The event took place on the ecologically sensitive island, drawing in hundreds of youth and local residents to help protect its fragile coastline. A total of 500 volunteers, including students from universities and members of local communities, participated in the cleanup. Over the course of the event, they collected 1,850 kilograms of waste, which is approximately two tonnes. The waste included a wide range of items such as food wrappers, plastic beverage bottles, bottle caps, plastic bags, utensils, lids, and even abandoned fishing nets. The collected waste was transported to the mainland for safe disposal, according to a press release issued on Sunday. This effort not only ...

Strategic Partnership for a Greener Future Central Retail Corporation Plc (CRC) has taken a significant step towards sustainability by partnering with Bank of Ayudhya (Krungsri) to secure a 2-billion-baht green loan. This initiative is designed to amplify CRC's environmental impact and reinforce its position as a fully green retail and wholesale organization. This collaboration comes on the heels of CRC's successful issuance of its first green bond in the Thai retail-wholesale sector in October, valued at 1 billion baht. The bond received an overwhelming response from institutional investors, highlighting the growing interest in sustainable finance. Panet Mahankanurak, the chief financial officer of CRC, emphasized the company's commitment to achieving its net-zero goal by 2050. He stated that CRC is actively working to be part of the solution to climate change. "The company has continuously strengthened its green finance initiatives to drive positive environmental ...

Borealis's Innovation Hall in Linz, Austria, is a unique space that combines the look of a manufacturing plant with the purpose of a research facility. Inside, a variety of raw materials—some with unusual names like polymers—are combined with additives, antioxidants, or glass fibre to test the production of numerous everyday products. Doris Machl, the Head of the Competence Center at Compounds & Recyclates, explains: “The different products we design could be pipes or bumpers, or of course packaging material to wrap a sweet.” From insulating materials to fully recyclable transparent films, these real-size manufacturing lines allow developers to demonstrate how plastic materials can be given a second life in factory-like conditions. These facilities serve as the Innovation Headquarters for Borealis, one of Europe’s largest chemical groups. The company employs 6,200 people and operates in 120 countries. It claims to be fully committed to transforming plastic waste into innov...

Yantai's Green Development Model: A Blueprint for Sustainable Bay Area Growth Yantai, China – On December 4, the 2025 Shandong Green Low-carbon High-quality Development Conference took place in Yantai, Shandong province. This event coincided with the fifth anniversary of China’s “dual carbon” goals, which aim to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060 and peak carbon emissions by 2030. Yantai, as one of the country’s first pilot cities for carbon peaking and for realizing the value of ecological products, has demonstrated achievements that go beyond local practice. These accomplishments serve as a significant example in the global discourse on sustainable development pathways for bay areas. Bay areas have emerged as critical geographic units driving economic and technological change worldwide. From the precision manufacturing of Tokyo Bay to the financial innovation of New York Bay and the deep integration of the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area, these regions are shaping th...

Exploring Ethics in Technology Through an African Lens The EthicsLab at the University of Cape Town (UCT) is offering a unique opportunity for scholars, artists, and practitioners to engage with the ethical dimensions of emerging health technologies from an African perspective. This initiative, supported by the Wellcome Trust, fosters a vibrant community of inquiry that encourages critical, creative, and collaborative exploration of technology and ethics. A Hub for Cross-Disciplinary Inquiry Over the past two years, the EthicsLab has become a central hub for interdisciplinary research into the ethical, socio-political, and philosophical aspects of technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), neuroscience, and genomics. The program brings together individuals from diverse backgrounds to examine how African humanities can contribute to global conversations about technology and ethics. This approach emphasizes the importance of local knowledge and perspectives in shaping the futu...

The Significance of Sustainable Industrialisation in Kenya This year’s Africa Industrialisation Day, observed on November 20, focuses on the themes of Sustainable Industrialisation, Regional Integration, and Innovation. For Kenya, this day presents an opportunity to reflect on how the strategic implementation of sustainable practices can drive sustainable industrial growth. At a critical juncture, sustainable industrialisation is no longer just an aspiration—it is essential for maintaining global competitiveness. A crucial factor in achieving industrial growth is the development of sustainable energy infrastructure. According to the Energy and Petroleum Statistics Report for the Financial Year ending June 30, 2025, issued by the Energy & Petroleum Regulation Authority (Epra), renewable power accounted for 80.17% of total power generated that year. This breakdown includes: Geothermal energy at 39.51% Hydropower at 24.21% Wind power at 13.18% Utility-scale solar installations ...

Phuket's Vision for Sustainable Tourism Phuket, a renowned tourist destination in Thailand, is striving to become a model of sustainable tourism. However, there are still several areas that require improvement, according to Bhummikitti Ruktaengam, president of the Sustainable Tourism Development Foundation. Mr. Bhummikitti highlighted that Phuket is set to host two significant global events in 2026: the Global Sustainable Tourism Summit in April and the Global Wellness Summit in November. These events present an opportunity for Phuket to solidify its position as Asia’s hub for sustainable health and wellness, thereby contributing to the nation’s global wellness economy. The island has been a major tourist attraction for over four decades. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant decline in tourism, but the Phuket Sandbox scheme played a crucial role in accelerating its recovery by quickly bringing back visitors, he said. Despite these efforts, Mr. Bhummikitti ou...

Innovating Thailand's Circular Economy with Sustainable Packaging Thailand is making significant strides in its transition toward a circular economy, driven by innovative partnerships between global and local companies. One such collaboration involves Dow (NYSE: DOW), Copeland, and MMP Corporation, which have introduced a groundbreaking pallet-wrapping film made with 30% post-consumer recycled (PCR) content. This initiative marks a major step forward in sustainable packaging solutions and highlights the potential of circular materials in industrial applications. The new stretch-film is produced using REVOLOOPS Recycled Plastics Resins developed by Dow Thailand. These resins are designed to deliver high performance while significantly reducing environmental impact. According to a product carbon footprint study, the film has 52.5% lower cradle-to-gate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions compared to the global average for virgin linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) production. This ac...

The Push for Sustainable Cocoa in West Africa The European Union and its French development partners are urging Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire to speed up reforms within the cocoa sector. According to new research, the industry must adopt stricter sustainability standards to stay competitive and protect the livelihoods of farmers. At a two-day feedback workshop in Accra this week, researchers shared findings from the EU and AFD-funded Cocoa4Future project. This initiative ran in both Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire and explored agroforestry models, disease control, and the socioeconomic dynamics of cocoa farming. Organizers highlighted that the work offers practical pathways for scaling sustainable practices that could help producers meet tightening European market requirements on deforestation, traceability, and labor standards. “The cocoa sector is the backbone of Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire,” said Professor Félix Asante, the University of Ghana’s pro-vice-chancellor for research, innovation, and de...

Thailand's Initiative to Become a Global Sustainable Gem and Jewelry Hub Thailand is taking significant steps to solidify its position as a leading global hub for sustainable gem and jewelry production. The Gem and Jewelry Institute of Thailand (Public Organization), or GIT, has introduced a new national initiative aimed at enhancing the sustainability practices across the entire supply chain. This program, titled "Thailand Towards a World Sustainable Gem and Jewelry Hub," seeks to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in meeting international standards related to sustainability, governance, and environmental responsibility. The initiative comes at a time when global trade rules are continuously evolving, placing greater emphasis on ethical and environmentally responsible practices. By aligning with these changing expectations, Thailand aims to not only maintain its competitive edge but also lead the way in sustainable production within the industry. Key Componen...

Recognition of Sustainable Retail Leadership Sundry Markets Limited, the owner of the Marketsquare supermarket chain—Nigeria’s largest indigenous grocery retail brand—has been awarded the title of “Most Sustainable Retail Organisation” at the Africa Retail Awards 2025. This prestigious honor acknowledges the company’s long-term dedication to sustainability, ethical business practices, and its positive impact on local communities. The Africa Retail Awards, hosted by the Africa Retail Academy in collaboration with Lagos Business School, Nairametrics, and KPMG, is a platform that celebrates innovation and excellence within the retail sector across Africa. Sundry Markets distinguished itself through its comprehensive approach to sustainability, embedding Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into every aspect of its operations. Mrs Dubem Kekachi, the Sustainability Lead for Sundry Markets Limited, expressed her pride in the recognition. She stated, “This achievement ref...

Overview of the Clean Energy Project A significant clean energy project is currently underway in Andhra Pradesh, India. This initiative is being developed by ReNew Energy Global Plc and has received substantial financial backing from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The project aims to integrate a vast amount of renewable energy capacity, making it one of the largest in the region. Key Details of the Project The project is designed to incorporate 837 megawatts of peak wind and solar power. This impressive capacity is complemented by a 415-megawatt-per-hour battery energy storage system. Together, these components are expected to deliver 300 MW of peak power. This combination ensures that the project can provide consistent and reliable energy, even when wind and solar resources are not at their maximum. In addition to its technical specifications, the project is also anticipated to generate approximately 1,641 GWh of clean energy annually. This output will contribute significantly...

KakaoTalk Revamp and the Debate Over Increased User Engagement Kakao, a leading South Korean tech company, recently announced that the average daily user stay time on KakaoTalk has increased by approximately 2 minutes compared to the third-quarter average following a major platform revamp. This development is seen as a positive step for Kakao, which aimed to boost user engagement. However, the IT industry has raised concerns about whether this growth is truly "healthy." During the third-quarter conference call on the 7th, Kakao CEO Chung Shin-a highlighted the challenges of increasing user stay time on a messaging platform. He mentioned that the stay time rose by over 10% compared to the third-quarter average after the revamp. Before the changes, the daily average stay time was around 24 minutes, but it has now approached 26 minutes. Chung emphasized that the company aims to achieve a 20% increase target. Despite facing criticism from users after the September 23 revamp—w...

A New Era of Creativity and Sustainability in Nigeria Nigeria is preparing to host Africa’s first recycling festival, the Artistic Pulse Festival (APF), which promises to be a vibrant celebration of creativity, culture, and commerce. This event aims to promote environmental responsibility through recycling and sustainability, making it a unique platform for innovation and community engagement. The five-day festival, scheduled from December 3 to 7 at the Remembrance Arcade in Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, will feature a wide array of activities. Attendees can expect showcases of art, music, fashion, food, film, and technology. Additionally, the event will include symposiums, debates, creative workshops, a children's art gallery and play zone, and performances by both local and international artists. With the theme "Footprints of Interconnectivity, Growth and Expansion: Creativity, Culture, Commerce and Innovation," the festival seeks to connect creativity with sustainabi...

Lagos and Eko Atlantic City Partner to Address Coastal Challenges Lagos State Government has partnered with Eko Atlantic City to transform coastal challenges into opportunities for economic growth and sustainability, furthering the state’s efforts to diversify its blue economy. This collaboration highlights a commitment to addressing the pressing issues of climate change and coastal degradation while fostering innovation and development. The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, announced this initiative during a news conference in Lagos. The event took place ahead of the 2025 International Climate Change Summit, which will focus on the theme “Blue Economy, Green Money: Financing Africa’s Coastal Resilience and Ocean Innovation.” The summit is scheduled to take place from November 6 to 7. Wahab emphasized that the summit will prioritize strategies to enhance Lagos’ resilience against climate and coastal challenges. He stated, “Lagos, as a coastal megac...

A Global Gathering in Kigali The Kigali Conference and Exhibition Village has been buzzing with energy. For the first time on African soil, the World Congress on Agroforestry (WCA 2025) has taken place in Rwanda, drawing more than 700 participants from across the globe. From October 20-24, researchers, farmers, policymakers, and development partners exchanged ideas, showcased innovations, and witnessed firsthand how trees can transform landscapes, communities, and lives. This historic Congress isn’t just a meeting of experts; it’s a celebration of solutions, partnerships, and the role Africa plays at the heart of global climate action. What the Congress Means for Rwanda Hosting WCA 2025 is a milestone for Rwanda. It demonstrates the country’s commitment to environmental leadership, sustainable development, and restoring degraded landscapes. Through initiatives like AFR100, Rwanda aims to restore two million hectares of land, positioning agroforestry at the heart of climate-smart sol...

A New Era of Environmental Stewardship in Kenya As the global community shifts its focus towards green jobs, the circular economy, and climate resilience, Kenya is taking significant steps to ensure that environmental conservation remains at the forefront of national priorities. This year’s Mazingira Day, scheduled for 10th October 2025, marks a pivotal moment in the country’s efforts to promote sustainable practices and foster a culture of environmental responsibility. Mazingira Day is an annual event dedicated to celebrating environmental conservation and promoting sustainable practices across the country. It aligns with the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) plan, which aims to nurture a generation of environmentally conscious citizens by instilling sustainable values from an early age. The origins of Mazingira Day can be traced back to the time of Kenya’s second president, Daniel arap Moi, when it was known as Moi Day. Over the years, the event has evol...

Expansion of Green Building Standards The Hong Kong Green Building Council has taken a significant step by issuing its first BEAM Plus global certificate to a complex in Djibouti, an East African country. This move marks the council's expansion into international markets, aiming to support sustainable development and enhance Hong Kong's position as a regional green finance hub. The council, a non-profit organization focused on promoting eco-friendly structures, has extended its Building Environmental Assessment Method (BEAM) Plus certification programme to foreign markets. This initiative is expected to attract more international developers, particularly those involved in the Belt and Road Initiative, to secure funding in Hong Kong for their projects. Importance of the First Global Certificate In June, the council issued its first BEAM Plus global version certificate to a complex in Djibouti, while another structure in Macau is anticipated to receive the same certification ...

The Global Potential of the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy The Sufficiency Economy Philosophy (SEP), developed by the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great, is a concept that can be applied on a global scale, according to Thapana Sirivadhanabhakdi, CEO of ThaiBev. He emphasized that this philosophy could serve as the core of global sustainability efforts. Mr. Thapana made these remarks during the 'SX Launching Forward' session at the closing ceremony of the Sustainability Expo 2025 (SX 2025). This annual event, now in its sixth consecutive year, took place from September 26 to Sunday at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. One of the key highlights of this year's exhibition was the inclusion of Enactus, an international network of university students focused on sustainable business models that address environmental challenges. Enactus also hosted its World Cup 2025 competition during the event. Mr. Thapana noted that while the competition provides a platform f...