SDG News | March 2025
- Chris Herbert
- Mar 21
- 11 min read
SDG News March 2025 features hand picked content read and summarized for people interested and involved in learning, getting involved and implementing the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals and 169 targets. Read, watch and listen to our SDG Series.
Week of Mar 21
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BSC and Thrive Renewables Launch £40M Community Energy Fund
Better Society Capital (BSC) and Thrive Renewables have partnered to invest £40M in UK community-owned wind, solar, and hydro projects. The Community Energy Catalyst initiative offers funding between £500K and £30M for late-stage developments, helping local groups own renewable energy assets. With 3.2M UK households in fuel poverty, this project aims to reduce energy costs and drive local economic benefits.
Actionable Insight: Entrepreneurs in renewable energy should explore community-backed funding models to scale impact-driven projects. | Read more
Auchan Romania Named Among CNBC’s Top 50 SDG Leaders
Auchan Romania has been recognized as the only retailer in Southeastern Europe on CNBC’s 50 SDG Leaders list for its sustainability innovations. The company was highlighted for initiatives like reducing food waste, promoting eco-friendly packaging, and supporting local producers. Auchan’s inclusion reflects its commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), setting a benchmark for sustainable retail practices in the region.
Actionable Insight: Retailers should integrate SDG-driven strategies, such as waste reduction and sustainable sourcing, to enhance brand reputation and customer loyalty. | Read more
How ESG is Transforming the Healthcare Sector
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors are reshaping healthcare, driving sustainability, patient care improvements, and ethical business practices. Companies are focusing on reducing carbon footprints, ensuring equitable access to healthcare, and enhancing transparency. Investors increasingly favor ESG-compliant firms, pushing the industry toward greener operations and better governance. Regulatory pressure and consumer demand further accelerate this shift.
Actionable Insight: Healthcare businesses should integrate ESG strategies to attract investment, enhance reputation, and meet regulatory expectations. | Read more
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Just Climate Secures $175M from CalSTRS, Microsoft for Climate Investments
Sustainable investment firm Just Climate has raised $175M from anchor investors, including CalSTRS and Microsoft’s Climate Innovation Fund. The capital will support high-impact climate solutions, particularly in scaling decarbonization technologies. This funding reflects growing institutional interest in climate-focused investments, with Just Climate targeting sectors like renewable energy and industrial emissions reduction.
Actionable Insight: Investors and businesses should align with institutional-backed climate funds to accelerate sustainable innovation and access growth capital. | Read more
Arcmont’s Impact Lending Strategy Secures $475M from APG and TIAA
Private debt firm Arcmont has raised $475M for its impact lending strategy, with major backing from Dutch pension fund APG and U.S. financial giant TIAA. The fund focuses on financing businesses that drive social and environmental change, targeting sectors like clean energy, healthcare, and education. This reflects a growing institutional shift toward impact-driven investments.
Actionable Insight: Businesses seeking growth capital should explore impact lending as a viable funding source, especially in sustainability-focused sectors. | Read more
COFIDES-Managed Fund Backs Social Impact Investments in Spanish SMEs
A COFIDES-managed fund is supporting a new social impact investment vehicle aimed at Spanish SMEs. The initiative focuses on businesses tackling social and environmental challenges, providing them with growth capital to scale their impact. By directing funds into sustainable and socially responsible enterprises, the program seeks to strengthen Spain’s SME sector while promoting economic and social development.
Actionable Insight: SMEs with strong social impact initiatives should explore specialized funding opportunities to scale operations and enhance sustainability. | Read more
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West of England Appoints Manager for £20M Green Growth Fund
The West of England Combined Authority has selected a fund manager to oversee its £20M Green Growth Fund, aimed at accelerating local sustainability projects. The fund will provide financing to businesses developing green technologies, renewable energy, and low-carbon solutions. This initiative aligns with regional net-zero goals and supports economic growth through sustainable innovation.
Actionable Insight: Green businesses in the West of England should explore this fund as a potential financing source for scaling climate-friendly solutions. | Read more
Rethinking Private Capital for Development at FF4D
The Finance for Development (FF4D) forum emphasized the need to restructure private capital to better address global development challenges. Experts highlighted barriers such as risk aversion, inefficient capital allocation, and misaligned incentives in impact investing. Discussions called for innovative financial structures, stronger public-private partnerships, and outcome-driven investment strategies to maximize social and environmental impact.
Actionable Insight: Investors should adopt flexible, impact-focused financial models to unlock capital for sustainable development. | Read more
Impact Investors Fund Soil Microbiome Intelligence for Sustainable Agriculture
Impact investors are backing advancements in soil microbiome intelligence to enhance sustainable farming practices. These technologies analyze soil health at a microbial level, improving crop yields, reducing chemical dependence, and promoting regenerative agriculture. With climate resilience and food security in focus, this investment reflects a growing shift toward nature-based solutions in agritech.
Actionable Insight: Agribusinesses should explore soil microbiome innovations to boost sustainability, increase productivity, and attract impact-driven investment. | Read more
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Inclusive Policy-Making: The Need for Diverse Voices in Decision-Making
The UNDP emphasizes the importance of inclusive governance, advocating for diverse participation in policy-making to drive equitable and effective solutions. The blog highlights challenges such as social exclusion and lack of representation, particularly among marginalized communities. Collaborative approaches, data-driven insights, and stakeholder engagement are key to fostering policies that reflect societal needs.
Actionable Insight: Businesses and policymakers should prioritize inclusive decision-making frameworks to enhance social impact and drive sustainable development. | Read more
The Importance of SDG Localization for Effective Implementation
SDG localization adapts global sustainability goals to national and subnational contexts, ensuring relevance and practical impact. The JICA Ogata Research Institute highlights successful localization efforts in Japan, China, Norway, and Sweden, emphasizing localized indicators for better policy planning. Challenges include data availability and governance disparities, but network analysis helps prioritize key indicators. Future research will explore SDG localization’s role in shaping post-2030 development goals.
Actionable Insight: Policymakers and businesses should tailor SDG strategies to local contexts for more effective sustainability initiatives. | Read more
Balancing SDG Trade-Offs: Strategies for Sustainable Development
Bangladesh faces significant trade-offs between economic growth, social equity, and environmental sustainability while pursuing the SDGs. Key conflicts include industrialization vs. climate action, food security vs. biodiversity, and infrastructure expansion vs. social inclusion. Solutions include cleaner technologies, sustainable agriculture, participatory urban planning, and decentralized renewable energy projects. A holistic, data-driven policy approach is essential to balance these priorities and ensure resilient, inclusive growth.
Actionable Insight: Governments and businesses should integrate AI, policy coherence, and green innovation to mitigate SDG trade-offs effectively. | Read more
Week of Mar 14
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Youth Climate Action Fund Opens Second Round of Grants
The Youth Climate Action Fund (YCAF) is now accepting Round 2 applications, with $100,000 USD available for youth-led climate initiatives. Microgrants ranging from $1,500 to $7,000 CAD will support projects in education, climate adaptation, and local governance across Southern Georgian Bay and Grey County. Applications, requiring a sponsoring organization, are due by March 31, 2025, with results announced on April 22.
Actionable Insight: Young entrepreneurs should leverage these grants to launch impactful sustainability projects, collaborating with eligible organizations for support. | Read more
Housing Coalition Unveils Plan to Combat Trade War’s Impact on Housing Crisis
In response to the U.S.-Canada trade war, a coalition of Canadian housing organizations has launched Housing Canada: A Sovereign Plan, outlining 10 key strategies to protect renters, strengthen supply chains, and accelerate homebuilding. With tariffs threatening affordability, the plan prioritizes tax reforms, streamlined building processes, and Indigenous housing expansion.
Actionable Insight: Entrepreneurs in real estate and construction should leverage policy changes and funding opportunities to navigate supply chain challenges and invest in affordable housing solutions. | Read more
Areim Secures €450M to Expand Sustainable Data Center Investments
Swedish investment firm Areim has raised an additional €450M for its sustainable data center fund, bringing total commitments to €824M. The fund focuses on energy-efficient infrastructure, aligning with Europe's push for greener digital solutions. Areim’s strategy includes repurposing old industrial sites and integrating renewable energy sources to reduce environmental impact.
Actionable Insight: Investors and tech entrepreneurs should explore sustainable data infrastructure as a high-growth sector, leveraging green energy innovations to meet rising data demands. | Read more
NextEnergy Surpasses Target, Closes Solar Fund at $733M
NextEnergy Capital has closed its latest solar fund at $733M—50% above its initial target—highlighting strong investor confidence in renewable energy. The fund will focus on developing utility-scale solar projects in OECD countries, aiming to accelerate the transition to clean energy. With rising demand for sustainable investments, NextEnergy plans to expand its solar infrastructure portfolio significantly.
Actionable Insight: Investors should capitalize on the growing momentum in solar energy, leveraging large-scale renewables as a stable and scalable asset class. | Read more
Independent Media: A Key Investment for Sustainable Development
Investing in independent media is crucial for achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), argues Media Development Investment Fund (MDIF) CEO Harlan Mandel. MDIF supports media organizations that promote transparency, democracy, and informed societies, particularly in regions facing press freedom challenges. The fund sees independent journalism as both a social impact driver and a viable investment opportunity.
Actionable Insight: Impact investors should explore media funding as a strategic way to drive social change while ensuring long-term financial returns. | Read more
Balancing Economic Growth and Globalization for SDG Progress
A study analyzing 149 countries (2000–2023) finds that economic growth and globalization positively impact SDG achievement, while rapid urbanization and high ecological footprints hinder progress. Using a club convergence framework, the study identifies five converging country groups and one lagging group. The findings emphasize the need for tailored policies to align economic, social, and environmental goals.
Actionable Insight: Policymakers and investors should foster sustainable economic strategies while mitigating globalization’s negative effects to accelerate SDG progress. | Read more
U.S. Rejects UN Sustainable Development Goals, Exits Climate Damage Fund
The U.S. has formally denounced the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and withdrawn from the global Climate Damage Fund, citing concerns over sovereignty and economic impact. This move, aligned with the Trump administration’s broader skepticism of international climate agreements, raises concerns about global climate financing and cooperation. Critics argue it weakens collective efforts to combat climate change and support vulnerable nations.
Actionable Insight: Businesses should anticipate shifts in climate policy and explore private-sector-led sustainability initiatives to fill funding gaps. | Read more
Fanshawe College Launches Community Engagement Strategy for SDGs
Fanshawe College has introduced a Community Engagement Strategy to drive local impact on the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The initiative focuses on collaboration with businesses, nonprofits, and policymakers to address environmental and social challenges. Key priorities include sustainable innovation, inclusivity, and workforce development.
Actionable Insight: Businesses and entrepreneurs should explore partnerships with educational institutions to align with SDG-driven initiatives and access talent for sustainability projects. | Read more
UN Adopts Tourism Employment Indicator for SDG Progress
The UN has introduced a new Tourism Employment Indicator to measure the sector’s contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This metric will help track job creation, economic impact, and sustainability efforts within tourism, reinforcing its role in global development. The initiative aims to guide policy decisions and improve labor market conditions in the industry.
Actionable Insight: Tourism businesses should align strategies with sustainable employment practices to leverage emerging global benchmarks and attract responsible investments. | Read more
Policy Gaps Slowing SDG Progress, Experts Warn
Experts highlight significant policy gaps as key barriers to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in developing economies. Issues such as weak governance, insufficient funding, and regulatory inefficiencies are stalling progress. Strengthening institutional frameworks, fostering public-private partnerships, and ensuring policy coherence are critical to accelerating SDG implementation.
Actionable Insight: Businesses should engage in policy advocacy and collaborate with governments to drive SDG-aligned reforms, unlocking growth opportunities in sustainable development. | Read more
UN Development Cooperation Forum Enhances SDG Impact
The UN’s Development Cooperation Forum (DCF) plays a key role in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by fostering global partnerships, improving policy coherence, and enhancing financial and technical support for developing nations. The forum emphasizes inclusive, data-driven strategies to strengthen development cooperation and accelerate SDG progress.
Actionable Insight: Organizations should engage with DCF initiatives to access funding, policy guidance, and collaboration opportunities for impactful SDG-driven projects. | Read more
Africa’s Progress on SDGs: Challenges and Opportunities
Africa’s progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) remains uneven, with strides in health and education but setbacks in poverty reduction and climate resilience. Economic growth, governance reforms, and infrastructure investments are driving improvements, yet financing gaps and policy inefficiencies hinder further advancement. The report stresses the need for targeted investments and stronger international partnerships.
Actionable Insight: Investors and policymakers should prioritize SDG-aligned projects in Africa, focusing on sustainable infrastructure, digital innovation, and inclusive economic growth. | Read more
Week of March 7
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India’s SDG Progress: Lagging in Key Areas
India is behind the global average in 9 out of 16 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with uneven progress across states. While some success is seen in health, clean water, energy, and economic growth, major data gaps and missing indicators hinder accurate tracking. Challenges persist in populous states like Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat, slowing national progress.
Actionable Insight: Businesses and policymakers should push for better SDG data collection and targeted interventions in lagging regions. | Read more.
ESG in 2025: New Standards and Tech-Driven Transparency
The ISSB’s IFRS S1 and S2 standards are unifying global sustainability reporting, with over 25 jurisdictions adopting them. Companies must now disclose both environmental impact and climate risks. AI and blockchain are revolutionizing ESG reporting by enhancing accuracy and transparency. Businesses like Tata Motors leverage ESG for innovation, but greenwashing concerns persist.
Actionable Insight: Companies should integrate ISSB standards, leverage AI for ESG reporting, and adopt verifiable frameworks to ensure credibility. | Read more.
Conservation Finance: Unlocking Investments for Biodiversity
Global biodiversity funding falls short, with only $143 billion invested annually against the $824 billion needed. Innovative financing—such as blended finance, biodiversity credits, and debt-for-nature swaps—can bridge this gap. Private sector investment surged from $9.4 billion in 2020 to over $102 billion in 2024. Indigenous communities, managing 50% of global land, require greater financial support.
Actionable Insight: Businesses and investors should explore biodiversity credits, ecosystem services payments, and conservation bonds to drive impact. | Read more.
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Goldman Sachs Launches Biodiversity Bond Fund for SDG Investments
Goldman Sachs Asset Management (GSAM) has introduced the Biodiversity Bond Fund, investing in bonds that support UN SDGs related to biodiversity conservation. The fund targets SDG 6 (Clean Water), SDG 12 (Sustainable Production), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 15 (Life on Land). It includes green, social, and sustainability bonds and unlabelled bonds from biodiversity-aligned companies.
Actionable Insight: Investors can leverage this fund for global fixed-income exposure while supporting biodiversity-positive projects. | Read more.
AI Misinformation Threatens Progress on Sustainability Goals
AI-driven misinformation is eroding trust in digital information, weakening engagement with sustainability efforts. As AI-generated content floods social media, public apathy toward credible sources grows, hindering awareness of climate action and SDG progress. Initiatives like SDGs@UofT SAC aim to combat this by fostering emotional investment in sustainability and promoting critical digital literacy.
Actionable Insight: Businesses and organizations must prioritize transparent AI use, support media literacy programs, and leverage authentic storytelling to engage audiences. | Read more.
IOC Pushes for Sport-Based Investments in Sustainable Development
At the 2025 Finance in Common Summit, the IOC urged collaboration among governments, businesses, and development banks to enhance sport’s role in achieving the SDGs. The FiCS Coalition introduced a roadmap for investing $10 billion in sustainable sports infrastructure, leveraging major events like Milano Cortina 2026. Partnerships with AFD and CAF are driving youth development through sport in Africa, Latin America, and Asia.
Actionable Insight: Businesses and investors should explore sport-based impact investments and public-private partnerships to align with SDG initiatives. | Read more.
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17 Rooms: Advancing Big Ideas for Global Impact by 2030
The 2024 17 Rooms initiative shifted focus to bold, scalable solutions for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Projects include cash transfers to combat infant poverty (SDG 1), AI-driven interspecies funding (SDG 15), and digital IDs for 1 billion people (SDG 9). By fostering cross-sector collaboration, the initiative aims to accelerate transformative solutions.
Actionable Insight: Entrepreneurs and policymakers should engage with multi-stakeholder platforms like 17 Rooms to scale innovative SDG solutions. | Read more.
Circular Economy Drives Responsible Finance and Reduces Default Risk
A new analysis highlights how the circular economy fosters responsible finance by aligning investments with sustainability goals while lowering default risks for financial institutions. Businesses adopting circular models benefit from cost efficiency, regulatory incentives, and increased investor confidence. Financial institutions are recognizing circularity as a risk-mitigating factor, leading to more favorable lending conditions.
Actionable Insight: Companies should integrate circular economy principles to enhance financial stability and attract sustainable investments. | Read more.
The Ancient Art of Grafting and Its Personal Significance
The author reflects on the ancient practice of grafting, a horticultural technique used for centuries to merge plant varieties. Initially indifferent, they grew to appreciate its symbolism of resilience and renewal. The piece explores how grafting mirrors personal growth and interconnectedness, showing how old traditions continue to shape modern perspectives.
Actionable Insight: Entrepreneurs and creatives can draw inspiration from grafting’s fusion of old and new, applying adaptability and innovation in their fields. | Read more.
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