Stone Mattered Holdings

The ST environment team sat with Minister Grace Fu to find out more about Singapore's position on a major global climate finance goal to be brokered at the upcoming #COP29 #UN climate summit - also known as the "finance COP". Singapore's stance is to stand by the language of the Paris Agreement when it comes to the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) on Climate Finance - that developed countries are obliged to help developing and climate-vulnerable nations. Classified as a developing country in climate negotiations despite its high GDP per capita, Singapore is not required to, but plans to contribute resources voluntarily while helping to unlock finance through innovative ways. This includes forming the FAST-P blended finance initiative, channeling some carbon credit proceeds to a host country's climate adaptation, and pioneering transition credits to hopefully help the region move away from coal plants faster. How large is the NCQG coffer expected to be, and how might the upcoming US Elections influence climate negotiations in Azerbaijan? More here from the interview with Minister: https://lnkd.in/gMr6-KBH This stance mirrors Singapore's decision on the loss and damage fund at COP28. Separately, Audrey Tan and I worked on an Insight, laying out the various issues to be hammered out at the climate talks, from #mitigation to Article 6: https://lnkd.in/gKJ6gH4q The page comes to life with a brilliant mixed-media illustration by Manny Francisco!   Sidenote, Article 6 and carbon markets are not easy to grasp and explain to the average reader. I deeply appreciate Melissa Low, Axel Michaelowa and Illari Aragon for your patience with my fact checks and questions. Thank you, Minister, for taking the time to do the interview. I'll be in Baku from Nov 16 to 24, and will be covering the first five days of COP29 remotely. Drop me a DM or email if you'll be at the conference! Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment, Singapore National Climate Change Secretariat, Singapore #climatechange #parisagreement #UNFCCC #climatefinance #carboncredits #Article6 #Baku #NCQG

This is a proud moment for our group company, ZERO13, who secured the Fintech for Good award at the 11:FS Awards sponsored by Visa Direct! ZERO13's solutions in climate fintech demonstrate how technology can create a meaningful impact, aligning financial services with the goals of sustainability. This recognition underscores ZERO13's pioneering work in climate fintech, creating transparent, interconnected carbon markets that allow fairer pricing for projects in the Global South. These efforts translate into better local incomes and potential GDP growth at the national level. Representing ZERO13 at the ceremony were Hirander Misra (Chairman & CEO), Karina Abramova (Advisor), and Aleksandr Kopnin (CTO, Digital Assets). This accolade celebrates our collective vision of leveraging financial technology to achieve meaningful climate action. Congratulations to the entire ZERO13 team for this well-deserved recognition! Here’s to more impactful projects and milestones ahead! 🌍✨ #GMEXGroup #ZERO13 #ClimateFintech #FintechForGood #DigitalAssets #SustainableFinance #11FSAwards

Last week I was asked looking ahead 20 years, how do you envision the Asian commodities market transforming in response to technological advancements, climate change, and demographic shifts, and what preparations are necessary today to ensure a prosperous and sustainable future? The future over the next 20 years for Asian commodity markets will be characterised by a dynamic interplay brought about by the contrasts of both the opportunities and challenges that are more pressing than the rest of the world with Asia is set to provide around 60% of global growth for 2024 Former UN Security Council president Kishore Mahbubani called it “The dawn of the Asian century” On one hand, unheralded rapid regional socioeconomic growth, new important positioning in global value chains and the shift to sustainable commodities and climate resilient infrastructure have elevated countries like India, Vietnam and Indonesia. By 2030 India is expected to overtake Germany to become the world’s third largest economy with a projected $7 trillion GDP and China, the world’s second largest economy, continues to redefine global standards and push the boundaries of innovation into electric vehicles, renewable energy, automation and the digital economy. These opportunities have unprecedented challenges where almost 50% of global CO2 emissions are produced in the APAC region who face high inflationary drag because of import costs of fossil fuels. This creates significant motivation for Asia to transform towards renewable energy and maximise its innovative capacity. Societe Generale has called this Asian market transformation for energy transition a commodity ‘supercycle’ for metals such as copper. For this demand to be met at scale far greater investment in greenfield mine development must occur.  Climate change in general, regulatory pressure, increased promotion of sustainability standards and demographic shifts brought on by growth and ultra-ageing are also likely to drive this supercycle demand through specific health commodities and sustainable commodities, such as recyclable metals, and sustainably sourced agricultural products further focusing greater preparation for climate-resilient infrastructure to manage environmental risks. #Fintech, #AI, #Blockchain and automation will streamline transparency, trading, logistics, and supply chains in all commodities markets. All Asian governments and private sectors must invest in these digital infrastructures and have greater appetite for climate innovation inclusive of climate risk assessment and processes to ease market friction and fragmentation. Regulatory change is far too slow to keep up with technological change and the pressing urgencies of climate commodities. Green Bond Corporation Carbon Capital Corporation éthica capital Dr. Luke Kirke Mark Phillips Richard Mukurumbira (PhD, MPhil, MBA, MMgt, BSc.) Adam Klein Financial Times Ashley Wilson ZERO13 Hirander Misra Lincoln T.

Really delighted to meet fellow speakers, friends and potential partners at the recent #FT Live Commodities Asia Summit held at #Westin and supported by Enterprise Singapore. Alexis Manuel, Kenneth Lim, Owen Walker and Andrew Hoare, it was great to hear your stories and experiences at the dinner session! Looking forward to Day 2! #Zero13 #GMEX #Carboncredits #MPA #ENGIE #financialtimes #FT #fortescue #iwise #esg #cop29 #sdg #singapore

When iWise Group (IWG) and ZERO13 were invited by Wai Min Kwok of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs to share our experiences at the International Conference on Data and Digital Governance in #Shanghai and #Deqing, #China (https://lnkd.in/gw8P8KMt), it felt like the rewards were significantly more than the efforts volunteered. This is in no small part due to Wai Min Kwok's astute leadership and diplomacy, aided by good support from Yangxin H., Abere Shiferaw and others that have worked hard behind the scene. With delegates from more than 20 different nationalities and mostly from the #GlobalSouth, there are much to learn about the achievements and aspirations of countries like #Bhutan, #Maldives #Mongolia, #PapuaNewGuinea, #Tanzania, #Uganda; just to name a few. Experts like James (Kayliang) Ong, Yamin Xu and Mohamed Shareef, whom I worked with at United Nations ESCAP's (https://lnkd.in/gDcaQDuZ) #digitalsandbox and #cbdc project, gave all of us engaging knowledge and fresh perspectives. The discussed subject of #data and its #governance is an important one. At ZERO13, we are also recognising and building pillars to address #governance issues that will lead to greater data quality, leading data stewardship, securing data and its management in the #sustainability and #carbonmarkets space. Most of all, the foundations are coming up strongly. It was a week where camaraderie was forged and there was an exchange of #data, #information, #knowledge and #wisdom. And we had fun too. 😊 Thank you Wai Min Kwok, United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, #Shanghai, #Deqing and my new found friends.

Delighted to be invited to the opening of UN-GGIM's #UNGEONOW2024 (Geospatial Knowledge and Innovation Week 2024) in #Deqing, #China. #Deqing County is located in northern Zhejiang province, facing Shanghai to the east, connecting Hangzhou to the south. Some locals shared that the beautiful nature of #Deqing would match that of #Hangzhou; especially there are so many hidden gems around Zhejiang. Learned that #Deqing's cultured pearls matches #Mikimoto of Japan. Exquisite handcrafting skills were showcased; silk scarves, sculptures made of flour and so many amazing trades were on display at various exhibition booths in the reception hall.

It was a great panel discussion today about rebuilding trust in carbon markets at the Financial Times Commodities Asia Summit 2024 #FTCommodities with fellow colleagues Tommy Ricketts from BeZero Carbon Duncan van Bergen from Calyx Global Lorna Ritchie from The Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market (ICVCM), moderated by Eleanor Olcott of Financial Times. Many poignant points such as, there is no confusion about what 'high-quality' is - let's put that to bed!! And there needs to be greater harmonisation between moving carbon as a cost to an asset. In addition, I made a point that there must be greater engagement and education between buy and sell sides and democratisation of the markets. This Summit is so important because energy transition will not happen without Asia. The region has the world’s fastest socioeconomic growth, concurrently producing almost 50% of global CO2 emissions and also is the key producer of transition critical goods in the global supply chains for electric vehicles, solar turbines and equipment, grid technology and batteries. Combined with 'inflationary drag' caused by imports of fossil fuels and the subsequent green energy motivational drive - and emissions curbing regulatory pressure it will be a perfect recipe for decarbonisation to accelerate Asia’s energy markets. But confidence by traditional capital markets into carbon and sustainability is key. I was really thankful that at short notice for unforeseen circumstances I was able to be represented 'in person' at the fabulous Speakers Dinner by Enterprise Singapore by my colleague Lincoln T. the Managing Director of ZERO13. Greatly appreciated and I look forward to speaking more with Alexis Manuel Kenneth Lim Owen Walker Andrew Hoare Janet Kong and many more. Tomorrow is crucial day 2 with focus on commodities so please Register and attend to gain real insights. Green Bond Corporation Carbon Capital Corporation ZERO13 Hirander Misra Dr. Luke Kirke Richard Mukurumbira (PhD, MPhil, MBA, MMgt, BSc.) Charles Garanganga Mark Phillips Savannah Adams Ashley Wilson Adam Klein Fortescue ENGIE Global Energy Management & Sales Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA)

Professor Lisa Wilson, representing the Green Bond Corporation and as Board Advisor to ZERO13, joined the “Rebuilding Trust in Voluntary Carbon Markets” panel at the Commodities Asia Summit by FT Live. Alongside industry leaders like Lorna Ritchie (Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market), Duncan van Bergen (Calyx Global), and Tommy Ricketts (BeZero Carbon), and moderated by Eleanor Olcott from Financial Times, the panel explored key challenges and opportunities for restoring faith in voluntary carbon markets🌱💼. 🔍With concerns over transparency, verification, and the efficacy of carbon offset projects, the discussion highlighted critical areas for improvement. The panel examined questions such as: What standards are needed to ensure integrity in carbon credits? How can we reduce reputational risks for investors prioritising direct abatement strategies? ZERO13 Board Advisor Lincoln T. also attended, engaging in other key sessions, including a keynote with Riham ElGizy, CEO of Voluntary Carbon Market, and a panel on buyer expectations for the carbon market's future. At ZERO13, we value the insights and collaborative discussions of industry experts on relevant topics, as these debates are crucial for advancing the quality, integrity, and impact of carbon markets✨. #ZERO13 #CarbonMarkets #Sustainability #ClimateAction #VoluntaryCarbonMarkets #CommoditiesAsiaSummit Hirander Misra

The UNCTAD Least Developed Countries Report 2024, launched on 4 November, underscores the potential of carbon markets to support sustainable development in the world’s most vulnerable economies. Carbon markets offer LDCs a pathway to mobilize funds for climate action, yet significant challenges remain, including limited financial impact, market concentration, and regulatory hurdles. The report highlights how improved domestic frameworks, stronger partnerships, and targeted capacity-building can help these countries unlock their climate potential and contribute to global net-zero goals🌐💡. At COP29, represented by Hirander Misra (Chairman & CEO), Emmanuel DEVEDEUX (Chief Business Officer), and Lincoln T. (Board Advisor, GMEX’s group company ZERO13, will engage with global leaders to discuss how carbon markets can play a pivotal role in advancing sustainable development in LDCs. At GMEX Group, we support collaborative discussions that address the challenges and unlock opportunities for these markets to truly benefit vulnerable economies 🤝. Read this article for an insightful discussion of the report: https://lnkd.in/djgfdrEW or read the full report here: https://lnkd.in/dH-3dRYK #ZERO13 #COP29 #CarbonMarkets #SustainableDevelopment #UNCTAD #ClimateAction #LDCs

Gordon Clarke of Monetics and iWise Group (IWG) are delighted to be invited by M-DAQ Global for a conversation on M-DAQ Global #FintechFuture: Insights from the road series at the Singapore Fintech Festival #SFF2024. Our dialogue session on: Thursday, 7th November 2024; 12 noon to 1 pm at Hall 5, 5A23 at the Singapore Expo. Special thanks to a good friend Adeline Wong for the kind invitation. Gordon Clarke and I are working on developing an #innovation hub for Maldives Monetary Authority and #CBDC initiative under a United Nations ESCAP's project. We will also be speaking about ZERO13 - the COP28 award winning automated #AI and #blockchain-driven 'Network of Networks' #PaaS ecosystem for carbon credits and #ESG real-world assets #interoperable across multiple APIS and blockchains. Apart from #ESG, topics on #AI, #Blockchain, #Cybersecurity, #carboncredits #DigitalFinance and many more will be discussed.