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ROSEN, RECOGNIZED INVESTOR COUNSEL, Encourages DigitalOcean Holdings, Inc. Investors with Losses in Excess of $100K to Secure Counsel Before Important Deadline in Securities Class Action – DOCN

NEW YORK, Sept. 29, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of securities of DigitalOcean Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: DOCN) between February 16, 2023 and August 25, 2023, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important November 13, 2023 lead plaintiff deadline.

SO WHAT: If you purchased DigitalOcean securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.

WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the DigitalOcean class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit–form/?case_id=18119 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll–free at 866–767–3653 or email pkim@rosenlegal.com or cases@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than November 13, 2023. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.

WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually handle securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.

DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, throughout the Class Period, defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) defendants lacked the skills and experience to assess complicated tax matters and therefore did not design or maintain effective controls over DigitalOcean's accounting for income taxes; and (2) as a result of the foregoing, defendants' financial statements during the Class Period were inaccurate and materially misleading. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.

To join the DigitalOcean class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit–form/?case_id=18119 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll–free at 866–767–3653 or email pkim@rosenlegal.com or cases@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action.

No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the–rosen–law–firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

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Contact Information:

Laurence Rosen, Esq.
Phillip Kim, Esq.
The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.
275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor
New York, NY 10016
Tel: (212) 686–1060
Toll Free: (866) 767–3653
Fax: (212) 202–3827
lrosen@rosenlegal.com
pkim@rosenlegal.com
cases@rosenlegal.com
www.rosenlegal.com

GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 8931200)

ROSEN, TRUSTED INVESTOR COUNSEL, Encourages Enviva Inc. Investors with Losses in Excess of $100K to Secure Counsel Before Important Deadline in Securities Class Action – EVA

NEW YORK, Sept. 29, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of common stock of Enviva Inc. (NYSE: EVA) between November 3, 2022 and May 3, 2023, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important November 13, 2023 lead plaintiff deadline.

SO WHAT: If you purchased Enviva common stock during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.

WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Enviva class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit–form/?case_id=19071 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll–free at 866–767–3653 or email pkim@rosenlegal.com or cases@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than November 13, 2023. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.

WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually handle securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.

DETAILS OF THE CASE: The lawsuit alleges that defendants throughout the Class Period made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose material information about the financial condition of Enviva, including its earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization and net loss forecasts, liquidity position, capital allocations, operation costs, productivity, and the impact of these metrics on Enviva's ability to continue paying dividends in 2023. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.

To join the Enviva class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit–form/?case_id=19071 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll–free at 866–767–3653 or email pkim@rosenlegal.com or cases@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the–rosen–law–firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

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Contact Information:

GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 8931194)

ROSEN, A LONGSTANDING LAW FIRM, Encourages CS Disco, Inc. Investors with Losses in Excess of $100K to Secure Counsel Before Important Deadline in Securities Class Action – LAW

NEW YORK, Sept. 29, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of common stock of CS Disco, Inc. (NYSE: LAW) between July 21, 2021 and August 11, 2022, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important November 20, 2023 lead plaintiff deadline.

SO WHAT: If you purchased CS Disco common stock during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.

WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the CS Disco class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit–form/?case_id=19221 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll–free at 866–767–3653 or email pkim@rosenlegal.com or cases@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than November 20, 2023. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.

WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.

DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, throughout the Class Period, "CS Disco repeatedly touted strong growth in its revenues attributable to customer usage of its cloud–based electronic discovery platform and asserted that it had good advance visibility into changes in the demand from individual customers over time." The lawsuit also alleges that "[w]hile the Company also acknowledged that its rapid revenue growth was "usage driven' and may be subject to volatility, it did not inform investors during the Class Period that it had any indication of significant headwinds to its growth." When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.

To join the CS Disco class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit–form/?case_id=19221 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll–free at 866–767–3653 or email pkim@rosenlegal.com or cases@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the–rosen–law–firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

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GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 8931190)

ROSEN, A TOP RANKED LAW FIRM, Encourages Discover Financial Services Investors with Losses in Excess of $100K to Secure Counsel Before Important Deadline in Securities Class Action – DFS

NEW YORK, Sept. 29, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of common stock of Discover Financial Services (NYSE: DFS) between February 21, 2019 and August 14, 2023, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period") of the important October 31, 2023 lead plaintiff deadline.

SO WHAT: If you purchased Discover Financial common stock during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.

WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Discover Financial class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit–form/?case_id=7773 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll–free at 866–767–3653 or email pkim@rosenlegal.com or cases@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than October 31, 2023. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.

WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.

DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, defendants throughout the Class Period made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Discover Financial maintained deficient risk management and compliance procedures; (2) as a result of the foregoing deficiencies, Discover Financial had, among other things, failed to comply with applicable student loan servicing standards, misclassified certain credit card accounts, overcharged customers, and failed to stem its ballooning credit card delinquency rate; (3) the foregoing issues, when they became known, would subject Discover Financial to significant financial exposure, regulatory scrutiny, and reputational harm; and (4) as a result, Discover Financial's public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.

To join the Discover Financial class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit–form/?case_id=7773 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll–free at 866–767–3653 or email pkim@rosenlegal.com or cases@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the–rosen–law–firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

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GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 8931184)

ROSEN, NATIONAL TRIAL LAWYERS, Encourages Archer Aviation Inc. Investors with Losses in Excess of $100K to Secure Counsel Before Important Deadline in Securities Class Action – ACHR

NEW YORK, Sept. 29, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of securities of Archer Aviation Inc. (NYSE: ACHR) between September 17, 2021 and August 15, 2023, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important November 20, 2023 lead plaintiff deadline.

SO WHAT: If you purchased Archer Aviation securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.

WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Archer Aviation class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit–form/?case_id=18433 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll–free at 866–767–3653 or email pkim@rosenlegal.com or cases@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than November 20, 2023. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.

WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.

DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Archer Aviation relied on heavily edited videos of earlier flights to exaggerate the amount of flight testing it had actually performed and the sophistication of its electric vertical takeoff and landing ("eVTOL") aircraft; (2) Archer Aviation had misrepresented the nature and profitability of its business partnerships; (3) Archer Aviation was unlikely to secure Federal Aviation Administration ("FAA") certification in the timeframe it had represented to investors, thereby delaying the start of mass production of its aircraft for commercial sales; (4) accordingly, Archer Aviation had overstated its financial position and/or prospects; (5) all of the foregoing, once revealed, was likely to subject Archer Aviation to significant financial and/or reputational harm; and (6) as a result, Archer Aviation's public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.

To join the Archer Aviation class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit–form/?case_id=18433 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll–free at 866–767–3653 or email pkim@rosenlegal.com or cases@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the–rosen–law–firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

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Contact Information:

GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 8931110)

Innovative Business Models, Critical for African Governments to Unlock Carbon Markets

Carbon credits in Africa can be generated by projects that curb emissions with a major focus on switching to renewable sources such as solar energy. Nasho solar power plant in Eastern Rwanda. Credit: Aimable Twahirwa/IPS

By Aimable Twahirwa
NAIROBI, Sep 29 2023 – With current efforts to boost Africa’s carbon credit production by 2030, experts believe the commitments will require Governments to switch from a voluntary to a compliance market by generating renewable energy for a portion of national and regional electricity supplies.

The compliance market in Africa, according to experts, is critical for countries to establish a carbon price through regulations to control the supply of allowances that are then distributed by national and regional regimes.

“It is all about getting the business model right (…) the capability of African Governments is there very central to having the right kind of information and investing in local business models,” Mahua Acharya, the Chief Executive Officer of C-Quest Capital (CQC), one of the world-leading carbon finance company told IPS.

Currently, African leaders are pushing market-based financing instruments, such as carbon credits which can be generated by projects that curb emissions with a major focus on switching to renewable energy sources.

Carbon market initiative allows polluters to offset their greenhouse gas emissions by investing in development or initiatives such as tree-planting or renewable energies. Nevertheless, experts point out that they are still cheaper to purchase in Africa due to poor regulations and weak policies.

Renewable energy was at the heart of discussions at the 2023 Africa Climate Summit (ACS) in Nairobi, Kenya, and shifting away from centralized fossil fuel energy towards people-centred green energy sources is now seen as the single most effective way to expand the continent’s participation in voluntary carbon markets.

The African initiative’s goal is to produce 300 million new carbon credits annually by 2030, comparable to the number of credits issued globally in voluntary carbon offset markets in 2021.

Mahua Acharya, the Chief Executive Officer of C-Quest Capital (CQC) recommends Innovative business models for African Governments to unlock carbon markets. Credit: C-Quest Capital

Mahua Acharya, the Chief Executive Officer of C-Quest Capital, recommends Innovative business models for African Governments to unlock carbon markets.

“This is a very ambitious target and a fantastic opportunity for Africa to set the course,” Mahua said in an exclusive interview.

Article 6 of the Paris Agreement’s rulebook governing carbon markets gives countries a right to emit carbon dioxide at an agreed price per tonne, but one of the major challenges facing most African countries is the lack of appropriate strategies to earn money on these carbon markets.

The latest report on carbon markets and climate finance by the Eastern Africa Alliance shows that Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda are currently scaling up carbon credit production via voluntary carbon market activation plans.

Under the new move, internationally traded credits between governments and private sector players are acceptable under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.

For example, Rwanda, as one of the few countries that expressed willingness to begin trading in voluntary carbon markets, is currently exploring key strategic sectors in which projects that reduce carbon emissions can be designed to sell credits on the carbon market. Officials emphasize that the major focus will be on renewable energy, the country leveraging on the carbon market as the source of climate finance.

However, some experts point out that such projects and programs need to be “authorized” to avoid the same carbon credit being sold twice.

“Voluntary approach is vulnerable to the decisions of corporate entities to meet their net zero goals – which is fine, but shaky if you think that countries should be basing economic planning decisions around this,” Acharya said.

Carbon finance – the revenue from the sale of carbon emission reduction linked with mitigation activities – is a green growth opportunity for many developing and emerging economy countries.

On the sidelines of the Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi earlier this month, some activists rejected carbon markets, describing them as “false solutions and narratives that undermine African communities’ rights, interests and sovereignty.”

The Executive Director of the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA), Mithika Mwenda, told IPS that he was disappointed that the principle of shared responsibility was a missing point.

“The initiative [of carbon market] seems to be promoted by powerful interests who benefit from maintaining the status quo of fossil fuel dependence,” he said.

While Mithika is convinced that, in most cases, these carbon market investments do not serve the climate justice imperatives for Africa, Acharya points out that different African countries are at different stages of preparedness and clarity towards putting carbon markets to work.

“These carbon finance transactions are very precious to many African countries because they are forex-based and provide a good degree of risk mitigation,” Acharya said.

The latest Africa Environment Outlook for Business by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) shows that Africa could become a trailblazer in renewable energy solutions, with abundant solar, wind, hydro, biomass, and geothermal resources that may contribute to a 6.4 per cent increase in GDP from 2021 to 2050.

Businesses in the energy efficiency sector can provide products and services, such as lighting systems, smart buildings, and efficient industrial processes on the continent, it said.

While Carbon markets are seen as an incredible opportunity to unlock billions for the climate finance needs of African economies while expanding energy access, some carbon credit experts stress the need for the African Union (AU) as a continental body to position itself economically on equal footings with other major economic blocks.

“There are thousands of billions of dollars are being allocated as loans on high-interest terms to poor countries seeking help to cope with climate change impacts,” said Adhel Kaboub, Associate Professor of economics at Denison University in Ohio, USA, and the president of the Global Institute for Sustainable Prosperity.

“Through these schemes, Africa cannot continue to play the role of source of cheap raw materials while serving as a large consumer market for the Global North,” he said.

Rwanda is among the countries planning to use carbon markets to meet their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCS) to the Paris Agreement.

Currently, the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) and Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM) are the two operational mechanisms allowing the country to earn carbon credit units by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

IPS UN Bureau Report

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World’s Biggest Cocktail Festival Unveils Jacob Martin as World’s Best Bartender

SÃO PAULO, Brazil, Sept. 29, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Jacob Martin, from Canada, has been recognised by industry legends as the 2023 World Class Global Bartender of the Year. He shook off competition from over 10,000 other elite bartenders who attempted this year's Everest of bartending.

The competition saw Jacob participate in a series of challenges over four days. From creating classic cocktails and elevating them to a TEN with bartender favourite, Tanqueray No. TEN, Jacob also dared to go one step beyond with Johnnie Walker Black Label's versatility of flavours, as well as creating a Ketel One Garnished with Good cocktail which not only impressed the judges with its flavour creativity but delivered a positive impact in their local community in Canada.

Upon winning, Jacob said: "It's an unbelievable honour to win World Class. Not just because it's the pinnacle of the industry but also because of the giants I've had the privilege of competing with this week. Bartending is an amazing community and this week has constantly reminded me of that. We have all pushed each other, learned from each other and fed off the amazing energy from this fantastic city. The standard of the competition was out of this world, but right now I'm just looking forward to enjoying a cocktail made by someone else!"

As part of the competition, So Paulo has seen world–renowned bartenders including Monica Berg (from London's Tayer + Elementary), Giacomo Giannotti (from the World's Best Bar, Paradiso in Barcelona) and Ago Perrone (from London's The Connaught Bar) descend on the city to judge the event and host special "World Class' experiences in some of the city's most iconic nightlife venues.

The competition also signals the beginning of the World Class Cocktail Festival, with amazing bar collaborations across the city including Bar Dos Arcos, Tan Tan and Guilhotina Bar.

Overall, The World Class Cocktail Festival extends to over 1,000 venues across Brazil, giving hundreds of thousands of cocktail lovers unique experiences from the likes of Johnnie Walker, Tanqueray No. TEN and Don Julio.

This year's World Class also saw the inclusion of the Industry Forum, a chance to engage, educate and inspire the bartending community with seminars and panel discussions from World Class judges and guests "" highlights included: "From Insta to IRL: trends and how to master them", featuring World Class 2017 winner, Kaitlyn Stewart and Diageo Global Reserve Culture Manager, Giuliana Pe Benito and "Behind the Scenes of the World's Best Bars" with bar owners including Monica Berg, Thiago Benares and Benjamin Padron.

Marissa Johnston, Global Head of Diageo World Class said: "Following last year's World Class in Sydney was always going to be a big ask, but the World Class teams around the world, the Brazil team and, of course, our amazing 54 competitors have all stepped up to the plate and knocked it out the park. The level of energy on the ground here is incredible and after so many months of planning it's been such a thrill to see it all come together like this. It's so exciting to see a city come alive with great drinks and great experiences.

“Jacob has truly taken this competition to the next level "" he excelled across the board and the feedback from the judges has been incredible. Jacob is such a deserving winner and I can't wait to work with him over the next 12 months "" he'll go far."

Since its launch in 2009, Diageo World Class has played a significant role in inspiring better drinking and transforming cocktail culture around the world by supporting over 450,000 bartenders worldwide through training and education.

For more information on World Class and to keep up to date with the latest drinks, trends and training, visit www.diageobaracademy.com/en_zz/world–class–/ and follow @WorldClass on Instagram.

Contact:
Sarah Deller
Worldclass@smarts.agency

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/77f78a75–50a6–4616–a676–43fa1257b526

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/56d1fd1e–04e1–4884–b53a–414e4ae79329

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ea082a38–ded1–4024–b1c3–6e62f04cf551

GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 8930946)

Wrecked by Climate Change, Farmers in Kashmir Shift to Lavender Cultivation

Creating resilience is crucial to climate change justice. In Bijbehara, a hamlet south of Kashmir’s capital, Srinagar, lavender farming has meant farmers grappling with unseasonal rains, prolonged heat waves, and severe water scarcity have found a new means of survival.

The Commonwealth of Dominica offers South African viable growth opportunities

Roseau, Sept. 29, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The South African business landscape has become difficult with numerous economic and regulatory challenges that startups and business owners face, driving them to seek opportunities abroad. Many more South African businesspersons are exploring citizenship by investment (CBI) programmes. The Commonwealth of Dominica offers a Programme for South African businesspersons to grow and succeed.

South African entrepreneur Athi Rwexu's journey from local startup founder to global success story highlights the challenges faced by small businesses in South Africa. While her mathematics application, Beta–SigmaX, aimed to make math accessible to children worldwide, Rwexu found it more promising to seek support and investment in the United Kingdom than in her home country.

This trend of South African startups seeking opportunities abroad due to unfavourable conditions has caught the attention of the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD).

Mofalefa Mohoto, the acting deputy director–general of DSBD, acknowledged that many startups, especially in the tech sector, were moving overseas because of issues such as funding limitations and regulatory hurdles.

South Africa's tax policies and business regulations often hinder the growth of startups, pushing them to explore more conducive environments abroad.

The Southern African Venture Capital and Private Equity Association (Savca) reported a decrease in venture capital investment in South Africa in 2021, reflecting the challenges faced by startups seeking capital in the country.

One key issue is that South African financial institutions typically require a proven track record of returns before investing, a barrier that many startups cannot overcome. To address these challenges, DSBD has initiated a “start–up act movement” to tackle the regulatory issues constraining startups' growth and create an environment conducive to their success.

The goal is to foster high–tech startups that can eventually become major players, similar to the success stories in Silicon Valley and other innovation hubs.

Despite the challenges, there is optimism within the South African startup ecosystem. Rwexu believes that the ongoing discussions on startup support in South Africa are promising, and there is hope for a brighter future in the sector. However, for businesspersons who are struggling in South Africa, there is another potential avenue to consider – citizenship by investment (CBI) programmes in the Caribbean.

Citizenship by Investment Programmes for business start–ups

As South African entrepreneurs face hurdles in their home country, some are exploring alternative options to support their businesses and secure their future. CBI programmes, commonly offered by several Caribbean nations, present an appealing opportunity for South African small business owners seeking stability and growth. A notable destination that offers this CBI programme is the Commonwealth of Dominica.

The benefits of these Caribbean CBI programmes

Foreign Direct Investments

The Government of Dominica is actively promoting and facilitating foreign direct investment (FDI) in the country, with a strong emphasis on industries that generate employment, bring in foreign currency, and positively impact the local population.

To encourage businesses to set up in Dominica, the government has established various investment incentives through the Invest Dominica Authority (IDA). These policies include generous tax incentives, allowing duty–free importation of equipment and materials, exemptions from value–added tax on specific capital investments, as well as waivers on withholding tax for dividends, interest payments, and certain external payments and income.

Additionally, the IDA offers support to approved CBI projects, providing an attractive avenue for certain forms of foreign direct investment.

In 2021, the IDA introduced an Investment Promotion Strategy that targets four key sectors:

1. Organic agri–business.

2. Aquaculture and manufacturing.

3. Renewable energy.

4. Tourism.

These sectors are seen as critical for the country's economic growth. Dominica is also actively exploring opportunities in knowledge services, including business processing operations. Beyond these priorities, the government maintains an open stance toward FDI and continually evaluates other sectors for investment potential.

Importantly, Dominica welcomes foreign investors with open arms and imposes no restrictions on foreign control. Foreign investors enjoy the same rights as local nationals and can own up to 100 per cent of their investment. This approach underscores Dominica's commitment to providing a conducive environment for foreign businesses to thrive.

The IDA plays a crucial role in overseeing proposed investments seeking government incentives. Their evaluation ensures that each project aligns with national laws and serves Dominica's best interests while delivering economic benefits. This review process is transparent and involves a series of steps that investors must follow to secure a business license.

Dominica transforming into a digital economy

As part of the National Reset initiative, the government of Dominica has made a deliberate choice to allocate more budget resources to productive sectors. The aim is to encourage the emergence of new businesses and the growth of existing ones.

This strategy is geared towards generating additional employment, expanding the nation's economy, and contributing to a resilient and sustainable development path for Dominica. Key areas of investment include agriculture, value–added manufacturing, the blue economy, tourism, renewable energy, export–oriented services, the digital economy, and commerce.

Dominica has made significant strides in transitioning towards a digital economy, both in the private and public sectors. Private enterprises have introduced online banking, digital bill payment platforms, and online shopping. Many businesses have fully embraced digital processes.

The government has played a pivotal role in driving this transformation by introducing new digital services for public use each year. To further support the development of the digital economy, the government plans to invest directly in the country's young population.

Grants will be provided to support digital technology initiatives, empowering young people with skills, resources, and tools to excel in the digital era. The application process for these grants will begin in the first quarter of the fiscal year, and young individuals are encouraged to seize these opportunities.

One immediate benefit of the government's investment in the digital economy is the creation of online job opportunities. To date, 181 Dominicans have received training, and 109 have been engaged in online jobs on the global stage. An additional 60 individuals are participating in a 12–week training programme. These efforts reflect the government's commitment to enhancing the capabilities of its citizens and creating improved job prospects for them, aligning with the broader goals of national development.

The Government of Dominica supports businesses in the tourism sector

The Ministry of Commerce, Enterprise, and Small Business Development in Dominica has a clear mission to foster the growth of resilient businesses and promote economic transformation. They aim to create an environment that is supportive of business development, capable of adapting to climate–related challenges, and facilitating recovery from adverse climate events.

To achieve these goals, the government has implemented measures to encourage the organised growth of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which play a significant role in the private sector and contribute substantially to employment.

The government initially allocated funds to support these initiatives, and it has additionally secured more funds to aid MSMEs in developing and restructuring their businesses, enabling them to navigate the current economic challenges effectively.

In response to these efforts, the Cabinet has approved significant changes to the Small Business Support Unit (SBSU) Small Business Enterprise Development Grant application process. Grant assistance amounts now vary. This flexible approach considers factors such as the readiness of entrepreneurs, the level of innovation, expansion plans, export readiness, and the hiring of employees beyond family members.

These changes reflect the government's commitment to providing substantial support to small businesses and encouraging their growth and resilience in the face of economic challenges.

This Caribbean nation is not only a beautiful tropical paradise but also an inviting destination for entrepreneurs and investors looking to make a positive impact while enjoying the island's natural beauty and cultural richness.

GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 8930874)

William Ruto, President of Kenya, joins GCA Advisory Board

Nairobi, Kenya, Sept. 29, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Chair of the Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change has accepted an invitation from Ban Ki–moon, 8^th Secretary–General of the United Nations and Chair of the Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) and CEO Professor Patrick Verkooijen, to join the GCA Advisory Board.

During a high–level official meeting which took place today at the State House in Nairobi , Professor Patrick Verkooijen and President Ruto discussed a roadmap to guide the mobilisation of the financial commitments for adaptation which were made at the Africa Climate Summit hosted by the President in Nairobi earlier this month.

The Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program (AAAP) Country Compacts, announced during the Leaders' Dialogue on Adaptation, will drive the doubling down and scaling of adaptation action across the world's most climate–vulnerable continent. The country–led investment roadmaps, initiated by the Government of Kenya, outline adaptation investment priorities, financing needs, and finance mobilization strategies for implementing climate adaptation measures connected to the priorities outlined in National Adaptation Plans and other national strategies.

Recent research from GCA showed Africa may need a nearly tenfold increase in climate adaptation funding to $100 billion a year if it is to buttress its infrastructure, improve climate early warning systems and shield its agriculture from climate change.

On accepting the invitation, William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya said:
"African governments, businesses and communities have paid heavily for climate–related destruction and disruption, and have already invested heavily in adaptation action, but we need stronger international partnerships to support adaptation more than ever before. The Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program , the world's largest adaptation program resulting from collaboration between GCA, the University of Nairobi, African Development Bank and the African Union Commission, is the best vehicle we have to mobilize additional funding. I look forward to working closely with Professor Verkooijen and the Board to build on the US$6.7 billion that the AAAP has already invested in resilient climate projects in 27 countries since 2021. By working together I am confident that we will make great progress in ensuring that international commitments to deliver highly strategic and comprehensive adaptation responses are fulfilled."

Professor Patrick Verkooijen, CEO of GCA and Distinguished Chair of the Wangari Maathai Institute said:
"It is only by adapting to climate change that Africa can reach its potential. Yet promised climate finance""which is necessary to underpin wider development goals""remains critically short of what is needed. President Ruto has played a crucial role in the implementation of the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program across the continent and I commend his leadership in hosting the Africa Climate Summit. I look forward to our continued collaboration to ensure the Summit outcomes are delivered for Africa's march to sustainable economic transformation and green growth."

During the Africa Climate Summit, President Ruto announced Kenya will host regional headquarters for GCA in Nairobi:
"I have had opportunity to interact with the Global Center for Adaptation, an international organisation based in Rotterdam in the Netherlands, whose constitution is an appealing emblem of our aspirations, from the aspirational design of its global headquarters and futuristic regional headquarters in Nairobi, comprising green walls and roof as well as rain gardens, to the collaborative culture of its staff. Unsurprisingly, the Center is intended to inspire the world to thrive with nature instead of pursuing the dangerous course of seeking to thrive at nature's expense."

It is expected the new Africa headquarters will open in Nairobi in January 2025.

Notes to Editors

About the Global Center on Adaptation
The Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) is an international organization that works as a solutions broker to accelerate action and support for adaptation solutions, from the international to the local, in partnership with the public and private sectors. Founded in 2018, GCA operates from the largest floating office in the world, located in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. GCA has a worldwide network of regional offices in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire; Dhaka, Bangladesh, and Beijing, China.

About the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program
The Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program (AAAP) is a joint initiative of the African Development Bank and the Global Center on Adaptation (GCA). It aims to mobilize $25 billion, over five years, to accelerate and scale climate adaptation action across the continent. This ambition is delivered through the AAAP Upstream Financing Facility managed by the Global Center on Adaptation and the African Development Bank's climate action window in the ADF replenishment. AAAP works across four pillars to achieve transformational results: Climate–Smart Digital Technologies for Agriculture and Food Security; African Infrastructure Resilience Accelerator; Youth Empowerment for Entrepreneurship and Job Creation in Climate Adaptation and Resilience and Innovative Financial Initiatives for Africa.

Professor Patrick Verkooijen and President William Ruto

GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 8930853)

September 2023
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