China's Shanghai Futures Exchange (SHFE) and Shanghai International Energy Exchange (INE) have recently been officially approved to join the United Nations Sustainable Stock Exchanges (UNSSE) Initiative, becoming the first commodity futures exchanges in the country to participate in this global initiative.
An official from the SHFE said that the institution will further boost the development of technology finance, green finance, inclusive finance, pension finance, and digital finance following its joining the UN initiative.
In addition, the SHFE plans to actively support the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and integrate the best global practices in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria into its operations, the official said.
Meanwhile, the SHFE will actively offer guidance to global derivatives exchanges on how to effectively implement sustainability goals to enhance the international influence of China's futures market, the official added.
Launched in 2009, the UNSSE Initiative aims to foster dialogue and mutual learning among exchanges worldwide, enhance cooperation between exchanges and market participants, and promote best practices in supporting sustainable development.
The initiative also seeks to improve ESG performance and encourage sustainable investment, including financing initiatives that contribute to the achievement of the UN SDGs.
China's exchanges join UN Sustainable Stock Exchanges Initiative
The 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the Ninth Special Olympic Games will conclude on Monday, with a full-dress rehearsal for the closing ceremony held Saturday night at Shenzhen Sports Center.
Lasting approximately 45 minutes, the rehearsal seamlessly integrated artistic performances with core ceremonial elements, including the entrance of sports delegations, flag reception, flag raising, and the singing of national anthem.
The ceremony aims to highlight themes of inclusion and unity, underlining the spirit of perseverance, solidarity, and determination. Messages of harmony between disabled and non-disabled individuals, shared values across the Greater Bay Area, and collective progress were central to the evening's presentation.
A total of 600 performers are participating in the closing ceremony, including about 130 persons with disabilities. Organizers worked to ensure a supportive environment by pairing each visually impaired performer with a non-disabled guide to assist during rehearsals and performances.
Behind the scenes, thoughtful design turns inclusiveness into action. Though visitors will see a simple, elegant stage, hidden modifications make it fully accessible. Traditional stairs have been replaced with ramps on both sides of the stage to accommodate wheelchair users and all performers, and anti-slip carpets have been laid throughout to ensure safety, especially for performers with mobility challenges.
Technical teams are also fine-tuning every detail, including stage visuals and lighting effects.
A total of 7,824 athletes from 34 delegations registered for this year's Games, held for the first time jointly across Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao in the Greater Bay Area. The competition includes 1,876 events in 46 sports, with six winter sports already concluded. Highlights also include 131 events in 11 mass-participation sports and 599 events in nine Special Olympics sports.
Under the slogan "Passionate National Games, Vibrant Greater Bay Area," the Games are also being used to promote innovation in assistive technologies. A range of advanced products will be put into use during competition, helping move technologies from laboratories into real-world testing and market application.
Full-dress rehearsal for National Para Games' closing ceremony held in Shenzhen
