http://www.immediapress.it I comunicati stampa di Immediapress en info@immediapress.it (Informazioni) info@immediapress.it (Info tecniche) Economia e Finanza/Economy and Finance, Sport, terzo settore / Non-profit, http://www.immediapress.it/sito/rss/gira.php?id=61792 global@prnewswire.co.uk (The Ellen MacArthur Foundation)
- Report identifies economic opportunity worth $ 630 billion (€ 487 billion)

- Online briefing: 1430 GMT

The Ellen MacArthur Foundation today launches "Towards the Circular Economy: Economic and business rationale for an accelerated transition", a new report, featuring analysis from McKinsey, that makes the case for a faster adoption of the circular economy, quantifies the economic benefits of circular business models and lays out pathways for action.

Using product case studies and economy-wide analysis, the report details the potential for significant benefits across the EU. It argues that a subset of the EU manufacturing sector could realise net materials cost savings worth up to $ 630 billion p.a. towards 2025 - stimulating economic activity in the areas of product development, remanufacturing and refurbishment.

These numbers are indicative as they only cover "sweet spot" sectors representing a little less than half of GDP contribution of EU manufacturing. They also assume the addition of only one product cycle with today's technologies.

The report focuses particularly on the business opportunity. It examines five product case studies, including one example of cascading material usage, in depth. All cases show a chance for value creation by preserving the embedded labor, energy and material costs in finished products. In mobile phones, for example, 50% of material input costs could be saved by the effective use of remanufacturing.

Considerable environmental savings are also at stake. For instance, the UK economy could save up to $ 1.1 billion (? 850 million) annually-and could reduce yearly greenhouse gas emissions by up to 7.4 million tonnes-by keeping food waste out of British landfills.

The resource intensity of the current industrial model presents economic and environmental risks. Many companies and governments are actively exploring the opportunities of efficiency and new forms of energy, but less thought has been given to systematically designing out material leakage and disposal in the first place. This, the report says, is where the case for a circular economy begins.

Dame Ellen MacArthur is hosting an online briefing, where she will briefly discuss the findings of the report, with the opportunity to ask questions via the online link. 


About the Circular Economy:

The essence of the circular economy lies in designing goods to facilitate disassembly and re-use, and structuring business models so manufacturers can reap rewards from collecting and refurbishing, remanufacturing, or redistributing products they make. http://www.thecirculareconomy.org ]]> Mon, 30 Jan 2012 11:00:00 +0100 http://www.immediapress.it/sito/rss/gira.php?id=61792 Salute e Benessere/Healthcare, Politica e PA/Politics and Public Affairs, Altro/Miscellaneous, terzo settore / Non-profit, http://www.immediapress.it/sito/rss/gira.php?id=61754 global@prnewswire.co.uk (Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation)
"These are tough economic times, but that is no excuse for cutting aid to the world's poorest," said Bill Gates, co-chair of the Gates Foundation. "The Global Fund is one of the most effective ways we invest our money every year."

Providing funding through a promissory note gives the Global Fund the flexibility and authority to distribute funds efficiently based on immediate needs, leading to greater impact.

"By supporting the Global Fund, we can help to change the fortunes of the poorest countries in the world," said Gates. "I can't think of more important work."

Global Fund financing helps developing countries fight against AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. This public-private partnership creates economic opportunity and makes those living in poverty less dependent on aid.

Since 2002, investments in the Global Fund have financed innovative prevention and treatment programs in 150 countries with high burdens of disease. The Global Fund continues to save 100,000 lives a month. The Fund has provided antiretroviral treatment to 3.3 million people, detected and treated 8.2 million people with tuberculosis, and provided 230 million bed nets to families to prevent malaria.

The new commitment is in addition to the $650 million the Gates Foundation has already contributed since the Global Fund was launched 10 years ago at the World Economic Forum, which convenes the world's top business and political leaders.

The foundation commends the recent political and financial commitments to the Global Fund by donor governments. All donors - rich, middle-income and poor countries as well as the private sector - must continue to invest in the lifesaving work of the Global Fund.

On the heels of releasing his fourth annual letter yesterday in London, Gates continued to challenge global leaders to invest in innovations that are accelerating progress against poverty or risk a future where millions needlessly die. While there has been tremendous progress against AIDS, TB and malaria, more must be done. Through unique partnerships and new financing mechanisms, the global community has the opportunity to have an even greater impact and save more lives.

View the letter at http://www.gatesfoundation.org/annualletter

For a multimedia news package go to http://www.gatesfoundation.org/press-room/Pages/news-market.aspx

http://www.gatesfoundation.org/]]> Thu, 26 Jan 2012 10:15:00 +0100 http://www.immediapress.it/sito/rss/gira.php?id=61754 Salute e Benessere/Healthcare, Politica e PA/Politics and Public Affairs, terzo settore / Non-profit, http://www.immediapress.it/sito/rss/gira.php?id=61730 global@prnewswire.co.uk (Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation)
http://www.gatesfoundation.org/leadership/Pages/bill-gates.aspx, co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, challenged global leaders today in his fourth annual letter to invest in innovations that are accelerating progress against poverty, or risk a future in which millions needlessly starve.

The letter describes remarkable progress in the developing world and makes the case to continue investing in efforts that have made a difference for millions of the world's poorest people. Over the past 50 years, for example, the percentage of the population living in poverty has fallen from 40 percent to 15 percent, or about 1 billion people. Gates believes it is possible to continue the progress, but only with innovative investments in areas like helping small farmers grow more food, which is the best way to fight hunger and poverty among the poor.

"The world faces a choice. By spending a relatively little amount of money on proven solutions, we can help poor farmers feed themselves and their families and continue writing the story of a steadily more equitable world," Gates writes in the letter. "Or we can decide to tolerate a very different world in which one in seven people needlessly lives on the edge of starvation."

Gates argues that whether it's fighting plant disease, treating people with AIDS, or getting a polio vaccine to a child in a remote area, modest investments make a huge difference.

"Our guiding principles for those investments are the same as for agriculture: innovation is the means, and equity is the end goal," said Gates drawing on a number of successes to illustrate progress.Difficult economic times are causing leaders and publics around the world to question their aid commitments, but Gates believes it's more important than ever that we stick to those commitments so we can help people build self-sufficiency and overcome the need for aid.

In line with his report delivered at the G20 Summit in Cannes, France last November, Gates underscores the importance of new resources and expertise that rapidly growing countries like Brazil, China, and India bring to development. He reflects on the expanding role of the private sector in improving the lives of the poor, and the importance of smart partnerships that can help poor countries move beyond aid.

The letter outlines other key priorities for the foundation in 2012, including helping to eradicate polio, supporting the fight against AIDS, improving education in the United States, and improving the health of mothers and children through family planning.

Gates also announced the first Gates Vaccine Innovation Award recipient in his letter, praising the innovative work of health official Dr. Asm Amjad Hossain, for his success in increasing immunization rates in two Bangladesh districts by registering pregnant women. "While it may seem like a small innovation, it shows how looking at old problems in new ways can make a profound difference," says Gates.

He cited the success of India, which just this month marked one year without identifying a single case of wild poliovirus. It was only three years ago that India had more polio cases than any nation. This is a major milestone for global polio eradication and for children's health worldwide.

Gates unveiled his letter in South London at a meeting with students at a high school, where he thanked its students and hundreds of others from around the globe for submitting their own letters. He went on to discuss its content with a gathering of international development students at the London School of Economics, hosted by the Global Poverty Project at the launch of their new UK global poverty ambassadors program.    

To view the letter click here: http://www.gatesfoundation.org/annualletter

http://www.gatesfoundation.org/

Guided by the belief that every life has equal value, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation works to help all people lead healthy, productive lives. In developing countries, it focuses on improving people's health and giving them the chance to lift themselves out of hunger and extreme poverty. In the United States, it seeks to ensure that all people-especially those with the fewest resources-have access to the opportunities they need to succeed in school and life. Based in Seattle, Washington, the foundation is led by CEO Jeff Raikes and Co-chair William H. Gates Sr., under the direction of Bill and Melinda Gates and Warren Buffett. ]]> Wed, 25 Jan 2012 02:15:00 +0100 http://www.immediapress.it/sito/rss/gira.php?id=61730 ICT / ICT, Altro/Miscellaneous, terzo settore / Non-profit, http://www.immediapress.it/sito/rss/gira.php?id=61698 global@prnewswire.co.uk (National Cyber Security Alliance)
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110504/DC95016LOGO )

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120123/DC39623LOGO )

Facebook Live viewers can sign up in advance to attend the event at http://on.fb.me/privacyday2012 or tune in on January 26th at 2:30 p.m. GMT at http://on.fb.me/dctalkslive.

"On 28 January 1981, the Council of Europe adopted Convention 108, the first legally binding international instrument related to privacy and data protection," said Peter Hustinx, European data protection supervisor. "I took part in the first celebration in 2008 and once again offer my full support to this initiative.  I wish the organizers every success in raising awareness of data protection in the United States and around the world."

"As people across the globe continue to integrate the Internet into their daily lives, it becomes increasingly important that everyone understands privacy in the digital age, how to safeguard their data and own their online presence," said Michael Kaiser, executive director, National Cyber Security Alliance.

"At Facebook, we believe that empowering people with control over their information is fundamental to enabling them to connect and share.  That's why we're thrilled at the opportunity to bring this important conversation and celebration of Data Privacy Day to users across the globe," said Erin Egan, chief privacy officer of policy, Facebook.

Data Privacy Day is celebrated worldwide and everyone is encouraged to participate in educating people about online privacy and security. Information on Data Privacy Day can be found at http://www.staysafeonline.org/dpd.  Intel and eBay Inc. are official sponsors of Data Privacy Day 2012.

The National Cyber Security AllianceThe mission of National Cyber Security Alliance, an NGO, is to empower a digital citizenry to use the Internet securely and safely protecting themselves and the digital assets we share. Visit http://www.staysafeonline.org/ and join us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/staysafeonline.]]> Mon, 23 Jan 2012 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.immediapress.it/sito/rss/gira.php?id=61698 Media e Pubblicità/Media and Advertisement, Salute e Benessere/Healthcare, Politica e PA/Politics and Public Affairs, terzo settore / Non-profit, http://www.immediapress.it/sito/rss/gira.php?id=61588 global@prnewswire.co.uk (Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation)


- One year polio-free anniversary underscores success of comprehensive approach to eradication

Health leaders around the world today will acknowledge an important achievement in the fight against polio as India marks one year since the last recorded case of wild poliovirus in the country.

To view the multimedia assets associated with this release, please visit: http://www.multivu.com/mnr/49366-gates-foundation-commends-india-on-one-year-polio-free

This success is the result of the Government of India's hard work and great partnerships with Rotary International, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, WHO and UNICEF as well as millions of volunteers, health workers and community leaders.

Bill Gates, co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, issued the following statement on this occasion:

"This is a major milestone in the global fight against polio. Children in India are now protected against this debilitating, but preventable disease, bringing us one step closer to saving and improving the lives of all children.

"Polio can be stopped when countries combine the right elements - political will, quality immunization campaigns, and an entire nation's determination. We must build on this historic moment and ensure that India's polio program continues to move full-steam ahead until eradication is achieved.

"By continuing to raise the funds needed to run the global campaign, world leaders can ultimately save billions of dollars and help to ensure that no child ever suffers from this crippling disease again.

"I congratulate the Government of India, Prime Minister Singh, Union Health Minister Azad, the Chief Ministers - especially of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal - and the millions of individuals who have contributed to this success. India's story illustrates the possibility of tremendous progress even in the face of difficult economic times, a challenging environment and competing development needs. Partnerships and innovation are key to saving lives and creating economic opportunity for people living in poverty throughout the world."

Note to Editors: High-resolution footage will be available here:
http://www.gatesfoundation.org/press-room/Pages/news-market.aspx.

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Guided by the belief that every life has equal value, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation works to help all people lead healthy, productive lives. In developing countries, it focuses on improving people's health and giving them the chance to lift themselves out of hunger and extreme poverty. In the United States, it seeks to ensure that all people-especially those with the fewest resources-have access to the opportunities they need to succeed in school and life. Based in Seattle, Washington, the foundation is led by CEO Jeff Raikes and Co-chair William H. Gates Sr., under the direction of Bill and Melinda Gates and Warren Buffett. Learn more at http://www.gatesfoundation.org or join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter.]]> Thu, 12 Jan 2012 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.immediapress.it/sito/rss/gira.php?id=61588 Cultura e Tempo Libero/Culture and Leisure, Economia e Finanza/Economy and Finance, Sport, terzo settore / Non-profit, http://www.immediapress.it/sito/rss/gira.php?id=61482 global@prnewswire.co.uk (Bradesco Vida e Previdencia)
For the past seven years, Grupo Bradesco Seguros has been sponsoring the All-Star Game (Jogo das Estrelas). It is an initiative of Zico's, the athlete known internationally for his prowess in Brazil and abroad, particularly in Japan, who brings together athletes and idols of several generations of Brazilian soccer, such as Ronaldo the phenomenon, Junior, Edmundo, Careca, Rai and Biro-Biro. Socrates was the player honored this year.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20111228/SP27705 )

To Marco Antonio Rossi, President of Grupo Bradesco Seguros, it has been an honor since 2004 for the insurer to support the All-Star Game, because "wearing the jersey of Brazil, these athletes give a demonstration of social responsibility and an example for future generations, since all the money raised through sponsorship, donations and ticket sales helps a number of charitable institutions supporting the poorest people, with proceeds allocated towards the development of education and athletics in Brazil."

Lucio Flavio de Oliveira, President of Bradesco Vida e Previdencia, emphasizes that, for the first time in seven years, the game was held in Sao Paulo, at Morumbi Stadium, on this 28th day of December, giving the event, which had always occurred previously in Rio de Janeiro, a larger forum. As he sees it, sponsoring this game is a way for the insurer to express its commitment to the future and to social inclusion]]> Thu, 29 Dec 2011 03:20:00 +0100 http://www.immediapress.it/sito/rss/gira.php?id=61482 Cultura e Tempo Libero/Culture and Leisure, Economia e Finanza/Economy and Finance, Sport, Altro/Miscellaneous, terzo settore / Non-profit, http://www.immediapress.it/sito/rss/gira.php?id=61287 global@prnewswire.co.uk (Hamburg Marketing GmbH) Football superstar Didier Drogba will be joining a star-studded team of 30 international players at the "Match against Poverty" on Tuesday, December 13 at Hamburger Sportverein (HSV), one of Germany´s premier football clubs. With this match, the players are campaigning to raise funds for hunger relief programmes in the Horn of Africa.

Ronaldo, Zinédine Zidane and Drogba, who are Goodwill Ambassadors to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), have gathered international stars such as Luís Figo, Pavel Nedved, Serginho and Christian Karembeu for a match against an equally star-studded HSV All-Star team including Zé Roberto, Jörg Albertz, Sergej Barbarez, Mehdi Mahdavikia and Anthony Yeboah. The match will kick off at 19.05pm local time in Hamburg's IMTECH Arena.

"I feel honoured to support people in the Horn of Africa, who are affected by drought and hunger, and I would like to encourage the public to join forces to overcome the crisis," says Drogba, who will be participating for the first time.

The annual "Match against Poverty", now for the ninth time, aims at supporting measures within the UN's Millennium Development Goals: eight internationally acknowledged objectives for defeating extreme poverty by 2015. The match will be aired live by more than 20 national and international television channels. Two thirds of the revenue will go to UN measures to fight the ongoing food crisis; the remaining proceeds will be donated by HSV to local sports, youth and environmental projects.

Joining Ronaldo, Zidane, Drogba & friends are, among others: Dida, Paulo André, Serginho (Brazil) Jens Lehmann (Germany), Fernando Hierro, Michel Salgado (Spain), Gheorghe Popescu and Georghe Hagi (Romania), Luís Figo, Maniche, Fernando Couto (Portugal), Christian Karembeu, Claude Makélélé, Robert Pirès (France), Steve McManaman (England), Pavel Nedved (Czech Republic), Fabio Cannavaro (Italy) and Dwight Yorke (Trinidad/Tobago).

The referee will be legendary Pierluigi Collina, while Marcelo Lippi, Bora Milutinovic and Boris Becker will take on the role of coaches. Tickets are available online at http://www.hsv.de/ticket.]]> Sun, 11 Dec 2011 12:55:00 +0100 http://www.immediapress.it/sito/rss/gira.php?id=61287 Altro/Miscellaneous, terzo settore / Non-profit, http://www.immediapress.it/sito/rss/gira.php?id=61188 global@prnewswire.co.uk (Pissed Off Penguins) Thu, 01 Dec 2011 12:30:00 +0100 http://www.immediapress.it/sito/rss/gira.php?id=61188 ICT / ICT, Altro/Miscellaneous, terzo settore / Non-profit, http://www.immediapress.it/sito/rss/gira.php?id=61073 global@prnewswire.co.uk (M2M Zone)
The M2M Zone Pavilion at CeBIT is expected to double in size for the second year in a row, and has now been moved to the highest-traffic area of the show. In order to capture the greatest possible footprint, the M2M Zone Conference will be held in the CeBIT Life section of the show. Both events will be produced in conjunction with the M2M Alliance, Europe's primary vendor organization in the field.

"We've made enormous strides in insuring that devices with our modules are secure, but we need for adopters of M2M technology to understand security and work with us to improve it. CeBIT is a major opportunity to do this - ICT executives from most key adopter industries will be there," says Alexander Bufalino, VP of marketing for Telit Wireless Solutions, a leading manufacturer of wireless communications modules based in Italy.

Key M2M adopters include automotive and logistics companies that use GPS, energy providers building out the smart grid, and healthcare providers that wish to monitor patient data remotely. Telit joined high-profile M2M vendors last year like Deutsche Telekom, Telefonica O2, Cinterion, Kore Telematics, and others participating in the M2M Zone at CeBIT.

"This security theme, along with the placement of the pavilion and the conference give M2M a higher status than ever before at CeBIT, which reflects the growth of the industry," says Georg Steimel, chairman of the M2M Alliance.About the M2M Alliance e.V.:

The M2M Alliance is a non-profit organization with members representing the entire M2M value chain. The organization currently publishes the M2M Journal, as well as its own e-mail newsletter and Website (http://www.m2m-alliance.de/). It has more than 30 members in eight countries.About M2M Zone:The M2M Zone manages trade-shows, a Website (http://www.m2mzone.com/), and e-mail newsletters for the M2M industry, and is owned by Horizon House Publications. The privately-held company maintains headquarters in Norwood, MA USA (near Boston) and London.]]> Tue, 22 Nov 2011 10:00:00 +0100 http://www.immediapress.it/sito/rss/gira.php?id=61073 Altro/Miscellaneous, terzo settore / Non-profit, http://www.immediapress.it/sito/rss/gira.php?id=60971 global@prnewswire.co.uk (The Angiogenesis Foundation)
According to the Angiogenesis Foundation, age-related macular degeneration affects approximately 30 million people worldwide, and in 10-15% of cases, abnormal new blood vessels develop beneath the macula in the eye, leaking blood and fluid that causes severe vision impairment.  These cases of wet AMD require regular injections of medications that prevent the destructive growth of new blood vessels, a process called angiogenesis.  The Angiogenesis Foundation is undertaking a global campaign to improve awareness and understanding of wet AMD and its treatments, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis, prompt treatment, and continuing effective therapy in order to prevent blindness and maintain a good quality of life for people affected by wet AMD. The International Expert Summit is intended to achieve consensus on issues related to the campaign, and identify key issues, challenges, and solutions related to the treatment of AMD using a treatment approach known as antiangiogenesis. Wet AMD is a chronic disease requiring lifetime treatment.

"Wet AMD is a silent epidemic of the aging global population," commented Dr. William Li, president of the Angiogenesis Foundation. "Helping the elderly preserve their vision through the effective use of antiangiogenic treatments is an important way to ensure a high quality of life."

At the International Expert Summit, the specialists in wet AMD treatment discussed the desired future state for treating this condition and identified key obstacles that must be overcome, ranging from translational research to improved research allocation within health systems to the development of therapies with a longer duration of benefit. Global issues related to access to care, regional cultural considerations, impact on family, and the need for early diagnosis and effective chronic disease management were discussed.

Based on the International Summit, the Angiogenesis Foundation intends to issue a White Paper describing the issues and making specific recommendations aimed at informing national health services, the clinical and research community, and patient advocates for wet AMD.

The Angiogenesis Foundation (http://www.angio.org/) is a U.S.-based nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve global health through treatments that control angiogenesis, the process used by the body to grow new blood vessels.  Based in Cambridge- Massachusetts but with international programs, the Foundation is helping improve treatments for blindness, cancer, wound healing, and cardiovascular diseases, among other major blood vessel-dependent conditions.]]> Tue, 15 Nov 2011 13:25:00 +0100 http://www.immediapress.it/sito/rss/gira.php?id=60971