Curia renforce ses capacités de production à Glasgow et consolide sa plateforme de développement de lignées cellulaires

ALBANY, New York, 19 mars 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Curia, acteur majeur de la recherche, du développement et de la fabrication sous contrat (CDMO), annonce ce jour la progression de l’extension de son site de production pharmaceutique stérile de Glasgow, au Royaume-Uni, ainsi que la consolidation de sa plateforme propriétaire dédiée au développement de lignées cellulaires.

Le site de Glasgow, au Royaume-Uni, est réputé dans tout le secteur pour son expertise de plus de 25 ans en formulation, en développement de procédés de lyophilisation, ainsi qu’en opérations de remplissage aseptique et de finition stérile, en particulier pour les conjugués anticorps-médicament (CAM) et d’autres produits hautement actifs. L’extension en cours devrait être finalisée au début de l’année 2027. Cet investissement prévoit l’intégration d’une ligne de remplissage de flacons sous isolateur conforme aux exigences de l’Annexe 1, ainsi que d’un lyophilisateur. À l’issue des travaux, le site de Glasgow disposera d’une capacité de remplissage pouvant atteindre 20 000 flacons par lot et sera -en mesure de soutenir de futures opérations de remplissage commercial à petite -échelle.

« Cette extension du site de Glasgow s’inscrit dans un contexte où Curia finalise parallèlement une importante extension de son site d’Albuquerque, au Nouveau-Mexique, dédié à la fabrication commerciale de médicaments », a indiqué Ron Aungst, vice-président, opérations de la division Produits pharmaceutiques. « Curia a d’ores et déjà sécurisé les équipements critiques à long délai d’approvisionnement nécessaires à la bonne exécution du projet d’extension de Glasgow, sans qu’aucune perturbation des opérations en cours ne soit anticipée durant la phase de déploiement. »

Curia a également consolidé ses capacités de développement de substances médicamenteuses à usage clinique grâce à l’optimisation de sa plateforme de développement de lignées cellulaires (CLD). Sur son site de Hopkinton, dans le Massachusetts, l’offre CLD a été enrichie par l’intégration d’une technologie d’intégration semi-ciblée, libre de droits de propriété intellectuelle, permettant d’atteindre des titres jusqu’à 6 fois supérieurs à ceux obtenus avec les approches d’intégration aléatoire. La plateforme stable de Curia, CHO-GSN®, repose sur la même lignée cellulaire parentale que sa plateforme transitoire, TunaCHO®, offrant ainsi aux partenaires une transition plus efficiente entre les phases de découverte et la production conforme aux BPF.

« Notre division des produits biologiques a toujours proposé des capacités intégrées de bout en bout, et nous nous réjouissons de mettre à la disposition de nos partenaires une lignée cellulaire leur permettant d’accélérer leur progression vers la fabrication clinique en phase précoce, tout en réduisant les coûts », a déclaré Jamie Grabowski, président, Recherche et Développement. « Grâce à des modalités de licence adaptées aux entreprises de biotechnologie, cette lignée cellulaire repensée constituera un levier essentiel pour accompagner efficacement nos partenaires jusqu’aux étapes de commercialisation. »

À propos de Curia
Curia est une organisation de recherche, de développement et de fabrication sous contrat (ou CDMO pour Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization) forte de plus de 30 ans d’expérience à son actif. Elle exploite un réseau intégré de plus de 20 sites à travers le monde et emploie quelque 3 100 collaborateurs travaillant en partenariat avec des clients biopharmaceutiques pour mettre sur le marché des traitements qui changent véritablement la vie des gens. Nos offres en matière de petites molécules, d’API génériques et de produits biologiques couvrent le cycle complet, de la découverte à la commercialisation, et intègrent des capacités réglementaires, analytiques et de remplissage et finition stérile. Nos scientifiques, nos experts en processus ainsi que nos installations conformes aux réglementations applicables apportent une expérience de premier ordre dans la fabrication de substances et de produits pharmaceutiques. De la curiosité au traitement, nous exécutons toutes les étapes pour accélérer vos recherches et améliorer la vie des patients. Consultez notre site à l’adresse curiaglobal.com.

Contact de l’entreprise :
Viana Bhagan
Curia
+1 518 512 2111
[email protected]


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 9675601)

Curia erweitert seine Produktionskapazitäten in Glasgow und verbessert seine Plattform zur Entwicklung von Zelllinien

ALBANY, New York, March 19, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Curia, ein führendes Auftragsforschungs-, Entwicklungs- und Produktionsunternehmen (CDMO), gab heute Fortschritte bei der Erweiterung seiner Anlage für sterile Arzneimittel in Glasgow (Vereinigtes Königreich) sowie Verbesserungen an seiner firmeneigenen Plattform für die Zelllinienentwicklung bekannt.

–Der Standort in Glasgow, Vereinigtes Königreich, ist in der gesamten Branche für seine mehr als 25-jährige Erfahrung in den Bereichen Formulierung, Entwicklung von Gefriertrocknungsverfahren und sterile Abfüll- und Konfektionierungsverfahren bekannt, einschließlich ADCs und anderer hochwirksamer Produkte. Die derzeitige Erweiterung wird voraussichtlich bis Anfang 2027 abgeschlossen sein. Die Investition umfasst eine Annex 1-konforme Isolator-basierte Abfüllanlage für Fläschchen sowie ein Gefriertrockner nach Anhang 1. Nach Fertigstellung wird Glasgow in der Lage sein, Chargen von bis zu 20.000 Fläschchen abzufüllen, und ist damit gut aufgestellt, um künftige kommerzielle Abfüllungen in kleinem Maßstab durchzuführen.

„Diese Erweiterung in Glasgow erfolgt zu einem Zeitpunkt, an dem Curia kurz vor dem Abschluss der umfangreichen Erweiterung unserer Produktionsstätte für Arzneimittel in Albuquerque, New Mexico, steht“, sagte Ron Aungst, VP, Drug Product Business Unit Operations. „Curia hat bereits entscheidende, mit langen Lieferzeiten verbundene Anlagen gesichert, um den Ausbau in Glasgow im Zeitplan zu halten, und wir rechnen während der Erweiterung nicht mit Beeinträchtigungen des laufenden Betriebs.“

Die Kompetenzen von Curia im Bereich der klinischen Wirkstoffentwicklung wurden zudem durch Verbesserungen an der firmeneigenen Plattform zur Zelllinienentwicklung (CLD) erweitert. Das CLD-Angebot am Standort Hopkinton, Massachusetts, von Curia wurde erweitert und umfasst nun eine IP-freie, halbgerichtete Integrationstechnologie, die im Vergleich zur Technologie der zufälligen Integration zu einem sechsmal höheren Titer führt. Die stabile Plattform von Curia, CHO-GSN®, wurde aus derselben Elternzelllinie entwickelt wie die transiente Plattform TunaCHO®, sodass Partner den Prozess von der Forschung bis zur GMP-Konformität effizient skalieren können.

„Unser Geschäftsbereich Biologika verfügt seit jeher über umfassende Kompetenzen, und wir freuen uns, eine Zelllinie anbieten zu können, die es unseren Partnern ermöglicht, die klinische Herstellung in der Frühphase kostengünstiger und schneller voranzutreiben“, sagte Jamie Grabowski, President, Research & Development. „Dank biotechnologiefreundlicher Lizenzbedingungen wird die neu entwickelte Zelllinie eine entscheidende Rolle dabei spielen, unsere Partner erfolgreich auf ihrem Weg zur Markteinführung zu begleiten.“

Über Curia
Curia ist ein Auftragsforschungs-, Entwicklungs- und Produktionsunternehmen (CDMO) mit über 30 Jahren Erfahrung, einem integrierten Netzwerk von über 20 Standorten weltweit und 3.100 Mitarbeitern, die mit biopharmazeutischen Kunden zusammenarbeiten, um lebensverändernde Therapien auf den Markt zu bringen. Unser Angebot an niedermolekularen, generischen Wirkstoffen und Biologika reicht von der Entdeckung bis zur Vermarktung und umfasst integrierte regulatorische, analytische und sterile Abfüll- und Veredelungskapazitäten. Unsere wissenschaftlichen und technischen Experten bieten zusammen mit unseren regulatorisch konformen Einrichtungen erstklassige Erfahrung in der Herstellung von Arzneimitteln und Produkten. Von der Neugier bis zur Heilung – wir unterstützen Sie bei jedem Schritt, um Ihre Forschung zu beschleunigen und das Leben von Patienten zu verbessern. Besuchen Sie uns unter curiaglobal.com.

Unternehmenskontakt:
Viana Bhagan
Curia
+1 518 512 2111
[email protected]


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 9675601)

Curia Expande Capacidade de Fabricação de Glasgow e Aprimora Plataforma de Desenvolvimento de Linhagem Celular

ALBANY, N.Y., March 19, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — A Curia, uma organização líder em pesquisa, desenvolvimento e fabricação por contrato (CDMO), anunciou hoje o progresso na expansão da sua unidade de produtos farmacêuticos estéreis em Glasgow, no Reino Unido, bem como aprimoramentos da sua plataforma proprietária para o desenvolvimento de linhagens celulares.

O local de Glasgow, Reino Unido, é bem conhecido em toda a indústria pelos seus mais de 25 anos de experiência com formulação, desenvolvimento de liofilização e capacidade de acabamento de enchimento estéril, incluindo ADCs e outros produtos altamente potentes. A expansão atual deve ser concluída no início de 2027. O investimento adicionará uma linha de enchimento de frascos baseada em isolador compatível com o Anexo 1 e um liofilizador. Após a expansão, Glasgow terá a capacidade de enchimento de lotes de até 20.000 frascos e estará bem posicionado para dar suporte a futuros enchimentos comerciais em pequena escala.

“Esta expansão de Glasgow ocorre no momento em que a Curia se aproxima da conclusão da significativa expansão da nossa unidade comercial de produtos farmacêuticos em Albuquerque, NM”, disse Ron Aungst, Vice-Presidente de Operações da Unidade de Negócios de Produtos Farmacêuticos. “A Curia já adquiriu equipamentos cruciais com longos prazos de entrega para ajudar a manter o projeto de expansão em Glasgow dentro do cronograma, e não prevemos qualquer interrupção nas operações atuais durante a expansão.”

A capacidade de desenvolvimento clínico de substâncias farmacêuticas da Curia também foi aprimorada com melhorias na plataforma de desenvolvimento de linhagens celulares (CLD) da empresa. A oferta de CLD na unidade da Curia em Hopkinton, MA, foi aprimorada para incorporar uma tecnologia de integração semialvo e sem propriedade intelectual, resultando em títulos seis vezes superiores em comparação à tecnologia de integração aleatória. A CHO-GSN®, a plataforma estável da Curia, foi derivada da mesma linhagem celular parental da sua plataforma transiente, a TunaCHO®, viabilizando que os parceiros realizem o scale-up de forma eficiente, desde a fase de descoberta até a produção em conformidade com as BPF.

“Nossa divisão de produtos biológicos sempre teve total capacidade, e estamos entusiasmados em oferecer uma linhagem celular que torna mais eficiente, em termos de custo e rapidez, o avanço dos nossos parceiros pelas etapas iniciais da fabricação clínica”, disse Jamie Grabowski, Presidente de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento. “Com termos de licenciamento favoráveis à biotecnologia, a linhagem celular reengenheirada será um componente crítico para orientar com sucesso os parceiros no seu rumo à comercialização.”

Sobre a Curia
A Curia é uma Organização de Desenvolvimento e Fabricação por Contratos (CDMO) com mais de 30 anos de experiência, uma rede integrada de mais de 20 locais em todo o mundo e 3.100 funcionários em parcerias com clientes biofarmacêuticos para lançamento no mercado terapias que mudam a vida. Nossas ofertas de pequenas moléculas, APIs genéricos e produtos biológicos resultam em descobertas através da comercialização, com integridade regulatória, de capacidade analítica e processamento final estéril. Nossos especialistas científicos e de processos, juntamente com nossas instalações em conformidade regulatórias, oferecem a melhor experiência em fabricação de medicamentos e produtos farmacêuticos. Da curiosidade à cura, proporcionamos todas as etapas necessárias para acelerar sua pesquisa e melhorar a vida dos pacientes. Visite-nos em curiaglobal.com.

Contato Corporativo:
Viana Bhagan
Curia
+1 518 512 2111
[email protected]


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 9675601)

Curia Expands Glasgow Manufacturing Capacity and Enhances Cell Line Development Platform

ALBANY, N.Y., March 19, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Curia, a leading contract research, development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), today announced progress on the expansion at its Glasgow, UK sterile drug product facility as well as enhancements to its proprietary platform for cell line development.

The Glasgow, UK, site is well known throughout the industry for its more than 25 years of experience with formulation, lyophilization development and sterile fill-finish capabilities, including ADCs and other highly potent products. The current expansion is expected to be completed by early 2027. The investment will add an Annex 1 compliant isolator-based vial filling line and lyophilizer. Once complete, Glasgow will be able to fill batches up to 20,000 vials and will be well‑positioned to support future small‑scale commercial fills.

“This expansion in Glasgow comes as Curia is nearing completion of our significant expansion in our commercial drug product facility in Albuquerque, NM,” said Ron Aungst, VP, Drug Product Business Unit Operations. “Curia has already secured crucial equipment with long lead times to help the Glasgow expansion project stay on track, and we do not anticipate any disruption to current operations during the expansion.”

Curia’s clinical drug substance development capabilities have also been enhanced with improvements to the company’s cell line development (CLD) platform. The CLD offering at Curia’s Hopkinton, MA facility has been enhanced to incorporate IP-free semi-targeted integration technology that results in 6-fold higher titers compared to random integration technology. Curia’s stable platform, CHO-GSN®, was derived from the same parental cell line as its transient platform, TunaCHO®, allowing partners to efficiently scale-up from discovery to GMP.

“Our biologics division has always had end-to-end capabilities, and we are excited to offer a cell line that makes it more cost-efficient and faster to advance partners through early-stage clinical manufacturing,” said Jamie Grabowski, President, Research & Development. “With biotech-friendly licensing terms, reengineered cell line will be a critical component of successfully guiding partners on their path to commercialization.”

About Curia
Curia is a contract research, development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) with over 30 years of experience, an integrated network of 20+ global sites and 3,100 employees partnering with biopharmaceutical customers to bring life-changing therapies to market. Our offerings in small molecule, generic APIs and biologics span discovery through commercialization, with integrated regulatory, analytical and sterile fill-finish capabilities. Our scientific and process experts, along with our regulatory compliant facilities, provide a best-in-class experience across drug substance and drug product manufacturing. From curiosity to cure, we deliver every step to accelerate your research and improve patients’ lives. Visit us at curiaglobal.com.

Corporate Contact:
Viana Bhagan
Curia
+1 518 512 2111
[email protected]


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 9674771)

Hong Kong Mega 8 Brings World-Class Sports to the Events Capital of Asia

HONG KONG, March 19, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Hong Kong is gearing up for an extraordinary season of world-class mega-events this March and April. As part of the Hong Kong Mega 8 campaign, visitors can experience an exhilarating blend of eight sports, arts and culture events that showcase vibrant energy and global appeal in the Events Capital of Asia. 

In the exciting event line-up, four major international sporting fixtures – Hong Kong Sevens, Hong Kong Derby, Champions Day, and 2026 UCI Track World Cup, Hong Kong, China – will bring elite athletes, passionate fans and unforgettable entertainment throughout the city. Together, these events capture the spirit of Hong Kong — fast-paced, dynamic and unmistakably international. 

Rugby icons and party anthems take centre stage at the Hong Kong Sevens 2026 
17–19 April 2026 | Kai Tak Stadium

One of the world’s most iconic annual sporting spectacles returns in spectacular fashion in 2026 as Hong Kong Sevens celebrates its 50th anniversary. For its second edition at the state-of-the-art Kai Tak Stadium, the tournament promises three days of 72 thrilling rugby games between 30 world top teams – including Hong Kong China Men and Women’s 7s stars who will defend their Melrose Claymores titles, live entertainment and a festival atmosphere unlike anywhere else.

Fans attending the milestone edition can expect celebrations both on and off the pitch. Rugby legends Waisale Serevi, DJ Forbes and Tyla King will appear as official ambassadors across the weekend, meeting fans in the vibrant Fan Village alongside much-loved mascot Wei Bai.

Entertainment will play a major part in the anniversary festivities. This year’s Hong Kong Sevens will feature the tournament’s first-ever K-pop party, with performances by girl group Primrose and singer-songwriter Gwyn Dorado, while club favourite DJ Hanna delivers high-energy sets blending K-pop, K-hip-hop and house music. The celebrations continue with a performance by Europe’s premier party act, The Vengaboys, ensuring the atmosphere stays electric throughout the tournament.

Between matches, fans can head to the expansive 10,700-square-metre Fan Village, where more than 20 DJs, bands and dance troupes will perform across the weekend — creating the lively festival environment that has become synonymous with the Hong Kong Sevens. 

Hong Kong Derby: A defining race in the city’s sporting calendar 
22 March 2026 | Sha Tin Racecourse 

Photo credit: Hong Kong Jockey Club

Horse racing has long been one of Hong Kong’s most cherished sporting traditions, and the Hong Kong Derby stands as the city’s most coveted prize since 1873.

As the finale of the Four-Year-Old Classic Series after the Hong Kong Classic Mile and Hong Kong Classic Cup, the Hong Kong Derby is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for rising champion horses to compete for racing glory. With a total prize pool of HK$52 million over the series, the Derby will set the stage for a must-see showdown between the city’s most promising thoroughbreds and witness the coronation of future racing champion.

Elite cyclists compete for Global Ranking points at the 2026 UCI Track World Cup, Hong Kong, China 
17–19 April 2026 | Hong Kong Velodrome 

Cycling fans can witness world-class competition at the 2026 UCI Track World Cup in Hong Kong, the second round of the prestigious international track cycling series.  

Held at the Hong Kong Velodrome, the event will bring together elite national teams competing across Olympic track cycling disciplines. As one of the most important events on the international cycling calendar — alongside the World Championships and Olympic Games — the competition offers riders valuable World Ranking points. The Hong Kong round is expected to attract nearly 400 professional cyclists from around 40 countries and regions, promising a thrilling showcase of speed, strategy and endurance.

Champions Day brings world-class racing to Sha Tin 
26 April 2026 | Sha Tin Racecourse 

Another standout moment in Hong Kong’s racing calendar is Champions Day, a major international meet that attracts top contenders from across the globe.  

The event features three elite Group 1 races, bringing together world-class horses and jockeys to compete against Hong Kong’s finest thoroughbreds. For racing fans, it offers a rare chance to see hometown champions — including Romantic Warrior, Voyage Bubble, and Ka Ying Rising — defend their reputations against global challengers on home turf. The combination of elite racing and a charged race-day atmosphere makes Champions Day a can’t-miss spectacle for visitors and locals alike. 

Discover the full Hong Kong Mega 8 event line-up and plan your visit at: 
https://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/events/hong-kong-mega-8.html

Media can download photos at the following link:
https://assetlibrary.hktb.com/assetbank-hktb/action/browseItems?categoryId=2390&categoryTypeId=2&cachedCriteria=1

For media enquiries, please contact:

Mr Cameron Tong Tel: 2807 6367                      Email: [email protected]
Ms Elisa Luk Tel: 2807 6236                      Email: [email protected]
   

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0ac220a4-b3d5-4be6-85e6-c429cbbdf597
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3909a8c8-3c85-492c-9403-c2b07f72c1d7
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e5672475-a26c-42e8-9c5d-4a8ff7fcfea7


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 9675252)

Meltwater Named to G2’s 2026 Best Software Awards

SAN FRANCISCO, March 19, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Meltwater, a global leader in media, social, and consumer intelligence, today announced it has been named to G2’s 2026 Best Software Awards. Presented annually by G2, the world’s largest and most trusted software marketplace reaching more than 100 million buyers each year, the awards recognize the top 50 software companies and products based on verified, authentic user reviews.

In addition to the Best Software Awards, Meltwater has held the #1 ranking in G2’s seasonal review reports for the past several years in media monitoring, PR analytics, and media & influencer targeting.

G2 Acknowledgement Signals Market Leadership in Media Intelligence

G2’s Best Software Awards rank software vendors using a proprietary algorithm based on verified user reviews and publicly available market presence data. Meltwater’s recognition reflects consistent customer satisfaction and measurable performance across core product categories. As software discovery increasingly relies on peer validation and AI-driven search, verified customer feedback plays a critical role in purchasing decisions. With more than 100 million annual buyers, G2 serves as a trusted source for evaluating performance and credibility.

Meltwater’s G2 Recognition Validates Customer Impact

“Recognition from G2 carries particular significance because it comes directly from the voices of our customers,” said John Box, Chief Executive Officer at Meltwater. “Earning a spot on G2’s Best Software Awards, and continuing to lead in the categories that matter most to PR, comms and marketing teams, reinforces that we’re helping our customers cut through complexity, prove ROI, and make smarter decisions every day.”

“As buyers increasingly shift to AI-driven research to discover software solutions, being recommended in the ‘answer moment’ must be earned with credible proof,” said Godard Abel, co-founder and CEO at G2. “Our Best Software Awards are grounded in trusted data from authentic customer reviews. They not only give buyers an objective, reliable guide to the products that help teams do their best work, but they’re also the proof AI search platforms rely on when sourcing answers. Congratulations to this year’s winners, including Meltwater. Earning a spot on these lists signals real customer impact.”

For more information, please contact:
Stacy Slayden
Communications Manager
[email protected]

About Meltwater
Meltwater empowers companies with a suite of solutions that spans media, social and consumer intelligence. By analyzing ~1 billion pieces of content each day and transforming them into vital insights, Meltwater unlocks the competitive edge needed to drive results. With 27,000 global customers, 50 offices across six continents, and 2,200 employees, Meltwater is the industry partner of choice for global brands making an impact. Learn more at meltwater.com.

About G2’s Best Software Awards
G2’s 2026 Best Software Awards feature dozens of award lists, ranking software vendors and products using G2’s proprietary algorithm. The results are based on G2’s verified user reviews and publicly available market presence data. To be eligible for the Best Software Awards, a software company or product must have received at least 10 approved reviews during the 2025 calendar year. Scores reflect only data from reviews submitted during this evaluation period.

About G2
G2 is the world's largest and most trusted software marketplace. More than 100 million people annually — including employees at all Fortune 500 companies — use G2 to make smarter software decisions based on authentic peer reviews. Thousands of software and services companies of all sizes partner with G2 to build their reputation and grow their business — including Salesforce, HubSpot, Zoom, and Adobe. To learn more about where you go for software, visit www.g2.com and follow G2 on LinkedIn.


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 9674863)

80 Percent of Rural Households Without Direct Water Access – World Water Report

Women in Mandera County, Kenya, gather at a lone water source, filling every jerrycan as drought turns basic hydration into a daily struggle. Credit: Charles Kariuki/IPS

Women in Mandera County, Kenya, gather at a lone water source, filling every jerrycan as drought turns basic hydration into a daily struggle. Credit: Charles Kariuki/IPS

By Umar Manzoor Shah
NEW YORK & SRINAGAR, India, Mar 19 2026 (IPS)

A new United Nations report has warned that global water inequality remains one of the most pressing development challenges of the decade, with billions still lacking safe drinking water and sanitation – while women and girls continue to bear the heaviest burden of water insecurity.

The United Nations World Water Development Report 2026, titled Water for All People: Equal Rights and Opportunities, was released today (March 19, 2026) by UNESCO in New York. The report has highlighted how unequal access to water resources intersects with gender inequality, poverty, and climate change. The report argues that achieving water security is inseparable from advancing gender equality and inclusive governance.

According to the report, access to safe water and sanitation remains far from universal. As of 2024, around 2.1 billion people still lack safely managed drinking water services, while 3.4 billion people lack safely managed sanitation and 1.7 billion people lack basic hygiene services at home.

In an exclusive interview with Inter Press Service (IPS

Dr Laura Imburgia, UNESCO WWAP Programme Specialist

Dr Laura Imburgia, UNESCO WWAP Programme Specialist

Dr Laura Imburgia, UNESCO WWAP Programme Specialist, said that safely managed drinking water access calls for water to be delivered as close as feasible to premises; water service for smallholders calls for investments which promote women’s leadership and protect their water rights.

“As the report indicates, the financing gap for the water sector remains vast and requires mobilising nearly USD 7 trillion by 2030. While imperative, mobilising the funding is difficult. While governments are the most important duty-bearers, mobilising nontraditional funding sources for water and sanitation, including the private sector, can help close this gap. Blended finance, which strategically anchors public, philanthropic and private capital around shared goals, can be a powerful driver of investment,” Imburgia told IPS News.

She added that the progressive removal of obstacles to access to water and sanitation, including discrimination, is required to fully realise the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation. According to her, addressing WASH barriers requires responses that go beyond technical fixes, as these challenges are rooted in the complex interplay of politics, economics and culture.

“There is a need to value unpaid water work, care and domestic labour, mostly carried out by women and girls. Disaggregate data by sex and age at the household level and integrate gendered time-use and affordability data into WASH research and policy frameworks. WASH affordability assessments should consider women’s limited control over household finances and their disproportionate responsibility for WASH-related tasks,“ Imburgia said.

As per the report, the consequences extend beyond health. Limited access to water affects education, food security, livelihoods, and economic opportunities, particularly for women and girls who often shoulder the responsibility of collecting water for their households.

The United Nations World Water Development Report 2026, titled Water for All People: Equal Rights and Opportunities says 80 percent of rural households lack direct water access. Credit: UNESCO

The United Nations World Water Development Report 2026, titled Water for All People: Equal Rights and Opportunities, says 80 percent of rural households lack direct water access. Credit: UNESCO

“Access to water is not merely a question of availability or infrastructure. It is, at its core, a question of rights and of power,” said UNESCO Director General Khaled El-Enany in the foreword to the report. “Who has access to water, who pays the price for its scarcity, and who sits at the decision-making table reveals enduring inequalities that run deep through our societies.”

The report estimates that in more than 80 percent of rural households without direct water access, women and girls are responsible for collecting water. Globally this task consumes around 250 million hours every day.

This daily burden limits opportunities for education, employment, and civic participation. It also exposes women and girls to health risks, physical strain, and potential violence during long journeys to water sources.

“Across the world, it is women and girls who most often carry the daily weight of water insecurity,” El-Enany said.

The report stresses that water inequality is not only a humanitarian issue but also a governance problem.

“Women remain under-represented in water management and leadership roles worldwide. Globally, women hold less than 30 percent of management and technical positions in the water sector and fewer than 20 percent of senior leadership roles in many public water institutions,” the report says.

According to the report, this imbalance weakens water governance and reduces the effectiveness of policies designed to address water scarcity and climate impacts.

“Water systems are more effective, inclusive, and sustainable when women participate fully and meaningfully,” El-Enany noted.

The report also examines the broader global water crisis. Renewable freshwater resources worldwide are estimated at roughly 43,000 cubic kilometres per year. However, their availability varies widely by region and season due to climate and geographic factors.

Water stress is increasing in many parts of the world. The report states that around 10 percent of the global population lives in countries facing critical water stress, while roughly four billion people experience severe water shortages at least one month each year.

Climate change is intensifying the challenge. Rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, floods, and droughts are affecting water availability and threatening food production and livelihoods.

“Climate change is posing more threats to human well-being through its impact on water and food security, public health, economic stability and the environment,” the report noted.

Agriculture remains the largest consumer of freshwater globally, accounting for about 72 percent of total water withdrawals. Industry uses roughly 15 percent, while municipal and domestic use accounts for about 13 percent.

These figures vary significantly across countries. Agriculture dominates water use in low-income economies, while more industrialised economies rely less heavily on water-intensive sectors.

The report also highlights the growing competition for water between cities and agriculture, particularly in rapidly expanding urban areas of developing countries.

Another major concern is groundwater depletion. In many regions groundwater serves as a critical alternative to surface water, yet unsustainable extraction has led to long-term declines in aquifers in parts of Asia and North America.

Water quality also poses a serious challenge. Agricultural runoff is now considered the leading cause of freshwater contamination worldwide. Industrial pollution and inadequate wastewater treatment contribute to declining water quality in many countries.

Despite global commitments, progress toward international water targets remains slow. The report states that none of the targets under Sustainable Development Goal 6, which aims to ensure access to water and sanitation for all by 2030, are currently on track.

According to the latest global data, about 26 percent of the world’s population still lacks safely managed drinking water services, while 41 percent lacks safely managed sanitation.

The report warns that closing these gaps requires not only infrastructure investments but also social and institutional reforms.

Technical solutions alone cannot resolve water inequality, the authors argue. Instead, governments must address deeper social and political barriers that prevent equitable access to water.

Imburgia told IPS in an interview that the progress on Sustainable Development Goal 6 has been slow mainly because of weak governance, insufficient funding, and growing pressures like climate change and population growth.

“Many countries lack strong institutions, clear policies, and coordination between sectors. In addition, infrastructure for water and sanitation is expensive and often underfunded. As the World Water Development Report 2026 highlights, inequalities play a critical role, as poorer and rural communities are harder to reach. Together, these structural challenges make implementation slow and uneven,” she said.

“The findings of this report leave no room for doubt. Technical solutions alone cannot solve what are, at their root, social and political challenges,” the report reads.

Experts stress that inclusive governance and reliable data are critical to designing effective policies. The report calls for better monitoring systems, especially the collection of sex-disaggregated data to understand how water access affects different groups.

Another key recommendation is increased investment in water infrastructure and gender-responsive financing.

The report notes that the global water sector faces a massive investment gap estimated in the trillions of dollars. At the same time, many water projects fail to consider the economic value of unpaid labour performed by women in collecting and managing water.

Researchers say recognising this invisible labour is essential for designing fair and effective policies.

The report also points to examples of progress. Since 2020 the UNESCO World Water Assessment Programme has trained more than 1,000 professionals across 35 countries to strengthen gender equality in water management.

International partnerships are also expanding. A global call for action launched in 2021 to accelerate gender equality in water governance has attracted more than 200 participating organisations.

Alvaro Lario, Chair of UN-Water and President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), stressed that gender equality is central to sustainable water management.

“Gender equality and water security are inextricably linked,” Lario wrote in the report. “Advancing gender equality in and through water can strengthen the effectiveness and sustainability of water resources.”

As per the report, addressing water inequality could help reduce poverty, improve health outcomes, enhance food security, and support climate resilience. “Gender equality constitutes an essential path towards fair and just access to, and use of, water,” the report claims.

With less than five years remaining to meet the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, the authors warn that urgent and coordinated global action is needed.

According to El-Enany, gender equality must be a cornerstone of water governance.

“We must ensure that the voices of women are finally heard where decisions are made. Because the right to water must not remain a principle. It must become a reality for all.”

IPS UN Bureau Report

 


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Artel Smashes the SDI-to-IP Barrier with Game-Changing FiberLink™ ST2110-TD Throw-Down Units

Patton®… Let's Connect!

“The Fiberlink ST2110-TD is compact and rugged. Throw it down wherever you need it. It just works.”

Tim Godby
Director, Media Transport Systems
PATTON

HUDSON, Mass. and GAITHERSBURG, Md., March 19, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Artel Video—a brand of Patton® and producer of Media Transport Products—announces the FiberLinkTM ST2110-TD—a rugged, compact “throw-down” gateway that converts between 3G/HD-SDI and SMPTE ST 2110 IP signaling in real time—is now available for pre-order. May delivery expected.

Gateway. Artel’s latest innovation provides interconnection between legacy SDI workflows and modern all-IP broadcast infrastructure. The ST2110-TD supports one or two channels with bidirectional operation.

“Broadcasters shouldn't have to choose between preserving SDI investment or embracing IP communication,” said Tim Godby, Director, Media Transport Systems.

Throw it Down. Drop It Anywhere. The ST2110-TD lives up to its name. This “throw-down” device is compact and portable. Engineers can deploy it almost anywhere. . . a studio floor, remote venue, or production truck. No rack required. Mounting options include DIN-rail, NEMA enclosures, and 1U rack-trays (for permanent installations).

“The FiberLink ST2110-TD offers ‘both-and’”, Godby continued. “Product adopters get a strategic, scalable, flexible, and affordable path to reliably adapt existing SDI workflows to ST2110.

ST2110 Compliant. The FiberLink ST2110-TD follows the SMPTE ST 2110 standards in every detail:

  • Video according to ST 2110-20 (single or dual channel)
  • Audio according to ST 2110-30 (PCM)
  • Ancillary data according to ST 2110-40
  • PTP synchronization per ST 2110-10 for precise stream alignment

Real World. The ST2110-TD is engineered and manufactured for the demands of real-world broadcasting. Built-in smart features include:

  • Autosensing SDI ports detect HD-SDI and 3G-SDI formats automatically
  • Traffic shaping per ST 2110-21 ensures reliable, on-time video delivery
  • Seamless redundancy via ST 2022-7 protection switching
  • NMOS support for discovery, routing, and audio mapping
  • Software upgradability adapts the unit to future standards

“PLUS. . . it's bidirectional,” Godby added. “The Fiberlink ST2110-TD is compact and rugged. Throw it down wherever you need it. It just works”

Availability. Four ST2110-TD SKUs available for pre-order. Configurations include 1-channel and 2-channel versions for encapsulation (SDI-to-ST2110) and de-encapsulation (ST2110-to-SDI). AC power adapters included. 

Learn more at patton.com/artel/fiberlink-fl-st2110-td

In related newsArtel recently unveiled its new ST2110 Media Gateway with JPEG-XS Compression, the openGear OG-JXS SMART ST2110 A/V-over-IP Gateway.

Photo: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3e30827d-5cf0-4804-81b9-1deed05b9a92


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Bitget organise une campagne de solidarité pour le Ramadan au Pakistan et distribue plus de 600 repas d’Iftar

VICTORIA, Seychelles, 19 mars 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget, première bourse universelle (ou UEX, de l’anglais Universal Exchange) du monde, annonce ce jour la conclusion réussie de sa campagne de distribution d’Iftar au Pakistan, déployée dans deux villes à l’occasion du mois sacré. Dans le cadre de cette initiative, Bitget a distribué plus de 300 coffrets repas à Lahore le 6 mars, suivis d’une seconde phase à Islamabad le 10 mars, totalisant plus de 600 repas offerts.

Cette action repose sur une volonté unique : soutenir les communautés locales qui constituent le cœur du marché pakistanais. Période charnière du calendrier islamique dédiée au jeûne, à la prière et à la réflexion, le Ramadan place la générosité au centre des échanges. En organisant ces distributions au sein des deux pôles urbains majeurs du pays, Bitget a souhaité incarner ces valeurs de solidarité, en permettant à des centaines de citoyens de rompre le jeûne dans la dignité et la convivialité. Ces actions ont rassemblé résidents locaux, bénévoles et membres de l’équipe Bitget, favorisant ainsi de véritables moments de cohésion humaine.

« Chez Bitget, la croissance est intrinsèquement liée au bien-être des communautés dans lesquelles nous opérons. Le Ramadan est un temps de réflexion et de solidarité ; nous tenions à être présents pour la population pakistanaise. L’accueil reçu à Lahore et Islamabad souligne la puissance de l’action collective », a déclaré Gracy Chen, PDG de Bitget.

Le Pakistan constitue l’un des marchés les plus dynamiques du réseau mondial de Bitget. Fort d’une population jeune et « digital native », le pays affiche une accélération de l’adoption de la blockchain et des actifs numériques, se plaçant ainsi au carrefour de l’inclusion financière et de l’innovation technologique.

La distribution d’Iftar au Pakistan renforce la philosophie de Bitget : une bourse universelle doit générer une valeur universelle, tant pour les traders que pour les communautés locales. Cette approche s’inscrit dans la stratégie d’impact global de l’entreprise, illustrée par son partenariat avec l’UNICEF visant à former 1,1 million de personnes à la technologie blockchain d’ici 2027. Des programmes d’éducation financière aux actions humanitaires sur le terrain, Bitget s’engage pour que sa présence sur chaque marché se traduise par des bénéfices tangibles et durables pour les populations locales.

Alors que Bitget consolide sa présence au Pakistan, des initiatives telles que la distribution d’Iftar accompagnent des investissements continus dans l’éducation aux actifs numériques et le développement de l’écosystème local. Bitget réaffirme son engagement à étendre ses actions de proximité dans les mois à venir, avec de nouveaux programmes dédiés à l’autonomisation financière et à l’adoption numérique à l’échelle locale.

À propos de Bitget
Bitget est la première bourse universelle (UEX) du monde, avec plus de 125 millions d’utilisateurs. Cette plateforme donne accès à plus de 2 millions de jetons crypto, ainsi qu’à plus de 100 actions tokenisées, ETF, matières premières, devises et métaux précieux comme l’or. L’écosystème vise à aider les utilisateurs à trader plus intelligemment grâce à son agent IA qui agit en tant que copilote pour l’exécution des ordres. Bitget entend promouvoir l’adoption des cryptomonnaies grâce à des partenariats stratégiques conclus avec LALIGA et MotoGP™. Conformément à sa stratégie d’impact mondial, Bitget s’est associée à l’UNICEF afin de soutenir l’éducation à la blockchain de 1,1 million de personnes à l’horizon 2027. Leader du marché de la finance traditionnelle tokenisée, Bitget propose les frais les plus bas du secteur et la liquidité la plus élevée dans plus de 150 régions à travers le monde.

Pour tout complément d’information, consulter : Site Internet | Twitter | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord

Pour les demandes médias, contacter : [email protected]

Mise en garde sur les risques : les cours des actifs numériques peuvent fluctuer et connaître une forte volatilité. Il est conseillé aux investisseurs de n’engager que les fonds qu’ils peuvent se permettre de perdre. La valeur de votre investissement peut être affectée et il est possible que vous n’atteigniez pas vos objectifs financiers ou que vous ne parveniez pas à récupérer votre investissement principal. Nous vous encourageons à toujours solliciter les conseils d’un spécialiste financier indépendant et à tenir compte de votre expérience et de votre situation financière personnelles. Les performances passées ne constituent pas un indicateur fiable des résultats futurs. Bitget décline toute responsabilité en cas de pertes potentielles encourues. Les informations contenues dans les présentes ne constituent en aucun cas un conseil financier. Pour tout complément d’information, consulter nos Conditions d’utilisation.

Une photo accompagnant ce communiqué est disponible au : https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9f456f7f-3550-49b1-a637-db2cb774ce9e


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 1001171052)

Bitget Realiza Campanha de Ramadã em todo o Paquistão e Distribui mais de 600 Refeições Iftar

VICTORIA, Seychelles, March 19, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —  Bitget, a maior Universal Exchange (UEX) do mundo, anunciou hoje o sucesso da sua Campanha de Iftar do Ramadã no Paquistão, realizada em duas cidades em celebração ao mês sagrado. Durante a campanha a Bitget distribuiu mais de 300 refeições Iftar para membros da comunidade em Lahore no dia 6 de março, seguida de uma segunda ação em Islamabad no dia 10 de março, elevando o total para mais de 600 refeições nos dois locais.

A campanha estava focada em um único propósito: retribuir às comunidades que formam o coração do Paquistão. O Ramadã é um dos períodos mais significativos do calendário islâmico, definido pelo jejum, oração, reflexão e, acima de tudo, generosidade para com os outros. Com essa campanha Iftar nas duas das cidades mais proeminentes do Paquistão, a Bitget procurou incorporar esses valores diretamente, garantindo que centenas de membros da comunidade pudessem quebrar o jejum com dignidade e acolhimento. A campanha reuniu moradores locais, voluntários e membros da equipe Bitget, criando momentos de genuína conexão humana.

“O crescimento da Bitget está atrelado ao bem-estar das comunidades em que atuamos. O Ramadã é um tempo de reflexão, doação e solidariedade, e quisemos estar presentes juntamente com o povo do Paquistão. A resposta que tivemos, tanto em Lahore quanto em Islamabad, foi um poderoso lembrete de como é uma ação coletiva”, disse Gracy Chen, CEO da Bitget.

O Paquistão é um dos mercados mais dinâmicos e de rápido crescimento do ecossistema global da Bitget. Com uma população jovem e nativa digitalmente, e um apetite crescente pela adoção de blockchain e ativos digitais, o Paquistão situa-se em uma interseção crítica entre a inclusão financeira e o crescimento tecnológico.

A campanha Pakistan Ramadan Iftar Drive reforça a filosofia da Bitget de que uma exchange verdadeiramente universal deve gerar valor universal — para os traders, e também para as comunidades nas quais atua. A campanha está alinhada com a estratégia global de impacto mais ampla da Bitget, que inclui sua parceria com a UNICEF para apoiar a educação em blockchain para 1,1 milhão de pessoas até 2027. Desde programas de alfabetização financeira até esforços humanitários em campo, a Bitget está empenhada em garantir que a sua presença em todos os mercados se traduza em benefícios tangíveis e duradouros para as pessoas da comunidade.

Com o aumento da presença da Bitget no Paquistão, iniciativas como a campanha Ramadan Iftar Drive somam-se ao investimento contínuo da plataforma em educação sobre blockchain e no desenvolvimento do ecossistema local, posicionando o Paquistão como um mercado-essencial para a estratégia de crescimento global da Bitget. A Bitget continua empenhada em expandir seus esforços de engajamento comunitário em todo o país nos próximos meses, com iniciativas adicionais sendo planejadas para apoiar o empoderamento financeiro e a adoção digital pela população.

Sobre a Bitget
A Bitget é a maior Universal Exchange (UEX) do mundo, atendendo a mais de 125 milhões de usuários com acesso a mais de 2 milhões de tokens de criptomoedas, mais de 100 ações tokenizadas, ETFs, commodities, FX e metais preciosos como ouro. O ecossistema está comprometido em ajudar os usuários a negociar de forma mais inteligente com seu agente de IA sendo o copiloto para executar ordens de trade. A Bitget está impulsionando a adoção de criptomoedas por meio de parcerias estratégicas com a LALIGA e a MotoGP™. Alinhada com sua estratégia de impacto global, a Bitget se uniu à UNICEF em apoio ao ensino de blockchain para 1,1 milhão de pessoas até 2027. A Bitget atualmente lidera o mercado de TradFi tokenizado, fornecendo as taxas mais baixas do setor e a maior liquidez em 150 regiões em todo o mundo.

Para mais informação, visite: Website | Twitter | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord

Para perguntas da mídia, contate: [email protected]

Aviso de Risco: Os preços dos ativos digitais estão sujeitos a flutuações e podem ser significantemente voláteis. Os investidores são aconselhados a alocar apenas os fundos que podem perder. O valor de qualquer investimento pode ser afetado, e existe a possibilidade de que os objetivos financeiros não sejam atingidos, nem que o investimento principal recuperado. Aconselhamento financeiro independente deve sempre ser obtido, e a experiência financeira pessoal e a posição devem ser cuidadosamente consideradas. O desempenho passado não é um indicador confiável de resultados futuros. A Bitget não se responsabiliza por quaisquer perdas potenciais incorridas. Nada contido neste documento deve ser interpretado como aconselhamento financeiro. Para mais informações, consulte nossos Termos de Uso.

Foto deste comunicado disponível em: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9f456f7f-3550-49b1-a637-db2cb774ce9e


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 1001171052)