The recent report on global happiness has delivered a sobering revelation: the United States, once a fixture in the top 20, now finds itself at 23rd place, with young adults under 30 ranking a disheartening 62nd worldwide. This stark contrast in happiness levels prompts a critical question: what factors underpin such divergence? The report identifies a myriad of well-being indicators contributing to this contrast, including income disparities, unequal access to education and healthcare, social exclusion, …

Nigeria has unveiled a new online giving platform that it hopes will bring in donors to support and invest in sustainable agriculture, renewable energy transitions and the startup sector.  Announced at this year’s African Diaspora Investment Symposium held at Silicon Valley, the ‘i philanthropy’ platform is part of a push by Nigerian president Bola Tinubu in bringing expertise from the African diaspora in a bid to make one million jobs in the next four years.  …

Impact investors have united to voice concerns about the European Union’s Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR), saying the regulation doesn’t recognise the difference between positive impact investment and investments in sustainable practices. The SFDR was created to enhance transparency around sustainability-related investment claims, prevent greenwashing and to channel capital flows toward sustainable economic activities. But it needs more clarity, according to our survey of 21 impact fund managers. Late in 2023, along with the Global Steering …

UBS Optimus Foundation Hong Kong has launched a joint partnership with non-profit social enterprise Project Melo.  As its seed funder, the partnership involves a competition aimed at tackling the some of the most pressing environmental issues facing Hong Kong, Greater China and the wider region, as well as educational challenges for young people.   Small teams of young people will work directly with company CEOs and climate experts to come up with new solutions.   Their concepts …