Browsing by Subject "Investments"

Now showing 1 - 3 of 3
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    Open Access
    Assessing the health impact of transnational corporations: its importance and a framework
    (2016) Baum, Frances E; Sanders, David M; Fisher, Matt; Anaf, Julia; Freudenberg, Nicholas; Friel, Sharon; Labonté, Ronald; London, Leslie; Monteiro, Carlos; Scott-Samuel, Alex; Sen, Amit
    Abstract Background The adverse health and equity impacts of transnational corporations’ (TNCs) practices have become central public health concerns as TNCs increasingly dominate global trade and investment and shape national economies. Despite this, methodologies have been lacking with which to study the health equity impacts of individual corporations and thus to inform actions to mitigate or reverse negative and increase positive impacts. Methods This paper reports on a framework designed to conduct corporate health impact assessment (CHIA), developed at a meeting held at the Rockefeller Foundation Bellagio Center in May 2015. Results On the basis of the deliberations at the meeting it was recommended that the CHIA should be based on ex post assessment and follow the standard HIA steps of screening, scoping, identification, assessment, decision-making and recommendations. A framework to conduct the CHIA was developed and designed to be applied to a TNC’s practices internationally, and within countries to enable comparison of practices and health impacts in different settings. The meeting participants proposed that impacts should be assessed according to the TNC’s global and national operating context; its organisational structure, political and business practices (including the type, distribution and marketing of its products); and workforce and working conditions, social factors, the environment, consumption patterns, and economic conditions within countries. Conclusion We anticipate that the results of the CHIA will be used by civil society for capacity building and advocacy purposes, by governments to inform regulatory decision-making, and by TNCs to lessen their negative health impacts on health and fulfil commitments made to corporate social responsibility.
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    National development banks' investments in climate resilient infrastructure: challenges and prospects
    (2025) Ramathuba, Vivian; Alhassan, Abdul Latif
    This thesis explores the challenges faced by National Development Banks (NDBs) in facilitating investments toward low-carbon and climate-resilient sustainable infrastructure in South Africa. It emphasises their critical role in addressing substantial financing gaps essential for meeting the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) commitments under the Paris Agreement. As global priorities increasingly shift toward sustainable development goals, NDBs are undergoing significant transformation, transitioning from their traditional roles as financiers to becoming proactive mobilisers of investment. This pivotal shift is examined in this study within the broader context of a renewed interest in these banks, recognising them as essential policy tools for spearheading rapid and sustainable development initiatives. Through qualitative interviews with 12 experts in climate finance and related fields, the study illustrates how NDBs utilise financial instruments such as concessional loans, blended finance, and long-term financing to mitigate perceived high risks and attract private capital, particularly in sectors prone to high risks like water management and climate-resilient transport. Additionally, NDBs can be mandated by the government to channel substantial international funds into national sustainable infrastructure projects effectively. This mission-oriented approach underscores the unique position of NDBs as critical intermediaries and implementers in the national climate strategy. Despite their potential to bridge vast funding gaps and align their focus with the Paris Agreement, NDBs encounter significant challenges, including policy inadequacies, coordination difficulties, financial constraints, and external economic pressures. This study proposes innovative strategies for NDBs, such as expanding blended finance models, implementing risk mitigation mechanisms, and enhancing institutional capacities to support mobilising funding for sustainable and low-carbon infrastructure. The findings highlight NDBs' ability to adapt to market conditions and regulatory environments, highlighting their pivotal role in transforming South Africa's infrastructure financing landscape to achieve its NDC objectives. Furthermore, this research underscores the importance of strategic policy alignment and innovative financing approaches, including using guarantees and partnerships with international climate funds to enhance project bankability and enable significant private sector participation. Ultimately, this study demonstrates that NDBs are crucial in driving the investment towards a climate-resilient infrastructure in South Africa.
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    The foreign direct investments and their impact on Canadian and South African telecommunications industry
    (2008) Bergeron, Caroline; Hudsun, Janisch
    The scope of this paper is to demonstrate that countries should abolish the restrictions on FDI in order to create a successful telecommunications market. FDI can increase competition with amazing consequences for consumers. In Canada, FDI restrictions apply on basic suppliers and are a major burden for companies competing in this market. The illustration of this issue occurred with the take over of one of the incumbent companies, Bell Canada Enterprise (BCE). In South Africa, the telecommunications industry is stagnate and needs the influx of FDI to compete on an international level. FDI restrictions thwart the expansion of the South African telecommunications industry by turning down foreign capital. Countries around the world are benefiting from FDI and it is time for Canada and South Africa to liberalise their telecommunications market and step forward in this new trend.