Empowering Future Generations Through STEM Education
NEW YORK, Feb. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The fate of humanity is at a critical juncture. As advancements in science and technology accelerate beyond the pace at which many can adapt, it is essential to equip our future leaders and scientists with the knowledge, skills, and analytical abilities necessary to thrive in the evolving landscape of the 21st century.
To achieve these objectives, it is crucial to empower a generation of girls facing crises with access to education, training, and resources in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
Today marks the 10th Anniversary of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, honoring the pioneering contributions of remarkable women scientists throughout history, including Marie Curie, whose research on radioactivity won her two Nobel Prizes in Science.
We also celebrate the tremendous potential of emerging generations of scientists. Visionaries like Somaya Faruqi, the ECW Global Champion who led the Afghan Girls’ Robotics Team in Kabul and ingeniously created a ventilator from car parts, inspire our collective mission.
In partnership with ECW and other strategic allies, such leaders motivate us to ensure that girls receive STEM education from an early age, enabling women to shatter glass ceilings and pursue rightful positions in universities, laboratories, and research facilities globally.
However, the journey is fraught with challenges. For girls in conflict zones, facing climate change, or enduring forced displacements, the very idea of attending school can feel like a distant dream. Currently, nearly a quarter of a billion girls and boys affected by crises are deprived of a quality education that meets 21st-century standards. Among these, girls are especially vulnerable, often confronted with forced child marriages and unplanned pregnancies, precluding them from realizing their full potential.
Fortunately, change is possible. In countries like Chad, ECW, through partnerships with UNICEF, is ensuring that children impacted by crises can access non-formal education in science, math, and mechanics. Similarly, in Moldova, Nadejda, a Ukrainian refugee, is developing her digital skills and learning web development at an ECW-supported EDUTech lab in her new school.
Advancements in technology, artificial intelligence, and scientific breakthroughs possess the power to navigate humanity away from its self-destructive trajectory. We must invest in training both young women and men who will steer us through this technological revolution.
The wisest investment we can make is to ensure that every girl and boy worldwide has access to quality education, empowering them to confront the rapidly evolving world with confidence.
** The press release content is sourced from PR Newswire. Bastille Post played no role in its creation. **
A Brave New World: International Day of Women and Girls in Science Statement by Education Cannot Wait Executive Director Yasmine Sherif
Addressing Global Corruption and Its Impact on Climate Action
BERLIN, Feb. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — According to the 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) released today by Transparency International, global corruption remains at an alarmingly high level. The report reveals that over two-thirds of countries scored below 50 out of 100, with the global average stagnant at 43, highlighting an urgent need for comprehensive action against corruption. Although 32 countries have made notable strides against corruption since 2012, 148 nations have either stagnated or regressed during the same period.
Amid record-breaking global warming and extreme weather, corruption is further complicating the climate crisis. Transparency International’s findings underline how corruption significantly impacts climate-vulnerable nations and critical international climate conferences. Countries essential to global climate diplomacy, including hosts of highly publicized events like COP, are witnessing decreased CPI scores, with corruption obstructing effective climate initiatives.
The CPI also brings attention to the increased risks to billions of dollars in crucial climate financing, particularly in nations that require it most. For instance, South Africa, Vietnam, and Indonesia illustrate how corruption undermines climate initiatives. In South Africa, for example, a former Eskom CEO estimated a loss of approximately USD55 million per month due to corruption, while projects in Somalia and South Sudan suffer setbacks as climate change worsens existing crises.
Maíra Martini, CEO of Transparency International, emphasized the pressing need to integrate anti-corruption strategies into climate efforts: “Governments and multilateral organizations must protect climate funds and restore trust by tackling corruption decisively.”
Additionally, the report calls attention to the malignant influence of fossil fuel lobbyists who frequently shape climate policies to favor their interests. This issue is particularly acute in nations with strong ties to the fossil fuel sector, such as the United States and Brazil. In Azerbaijan, which is set to host COP29, the low CPI rating of 22 further exemplifies the detrimental role of corruption in undermining global climate negotiations.
The 2024 CPI ranks 180 countries and territories, revealing that approximately 85 percent of the global population resides in countries scoring below 50. As corruption continues to impede effective climate action, it becomes increasingly evident that we must implement stronger anti-corruption measures to protect vulnerable populations and achieve meaningful progress on a global scale.
For detailed country scores and a comprehensive analysis, visit Transparency International’s CPI 2024 webpage.
For complete results, full press materials, and methodologies, see Transparency International’s CPI Media Kit.
Media contact: press@transparency.org
** The press release content is sourced from PR Newswire. Bastille Post played no role in its creation. **
2024 Corruption Perceptions Index: Corruption plays a devastating role in the climate crisis
