YEREVAN, Armenia, Nov. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The 17th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP17) is underway in Yerevan, Armenia — the first global stocktake of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework since its adoption. At the China Pavilion side event “Cross-Border Symbiosis: Diverse Narratives Inspire Biodiversity Action,” hosted by the Center for Environmental Education and Communications of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment (CEEC) on October 29 (local time), the Series of Reports on Biodiversity Conservation by Chinese Enterprises* was officially released, together with Coexistence of All Life – Shanghai Chapter: State Grid’s Biodiversity Conservation Practices in a Megacity*. With State Grid Corporation of China (“State Grid”) as a case study, the reports present a Chinese solution for power grids and nature thriving side by side.

The reports spotlight State Grid’s matrix of three public welfare brands. “Migratory Bird Lifeline” now covers 24 Chinese provinces and over 40 key migratory bird habitats. “Life Nests” has extended standardized management of artificial bird nests to plateau grasslands across six provincial-level regions. “Green Ark” delivers zero-carbon power to remote habitats through wind-solar-storage microgrids and has reached 17 national nature reserves across nine provinces. By embedding biodiversity requirements throughout grid construction and operation, and harnessing nature-based solutions to engage stakeholders, State Grid offers the world a replicable Chinese model for the long-term coexistence of infrastructure and biodiversity.

Case studies shared at the event revealed full-scenario coverage spanning plateaus, wetlands, coastal waters and megacities. In Anhui, “Migratory Bird Lifeline” created a flexible “prevent, protect, guide, renovate” approach, with a three-tier rescue channel that saved and released over 100 Oriental storks. In the Sanjiangyuan region of Qinghai Province, “Life Nests” has installed 6,053 artificial nests, recording more than 3,100 successful nestings and raising the number of bird species in the reserve from 61 to 111. In Jiangsu, “Green Ark” built a dual flagship spanning “land and water,” using zero-carbon power to monitor Yancheng’s milu deer and Zhenjiang’s Yangtze finless porpoise without disturbing them. In Shanghai, the Company wove biodiversity into every stage of megacity grid operations, building a multi-stakeholder network spanning government, research institutions, NGOs and the public — proof that urban energy security and life in all its forms can go hand in hand.

Experts hailed the practices. Tu Ruihe, Vice Chairman of the All-China Environment Federation and former UNEP Representative in China, called the report “high-caliber” — “a success story of turning bird deterrence into bird protection,” delivering production, development and conservation all at once. Li Penghui of the CEEC described the brands as “an innovative exploration of multi-stakeholder biodiversity governance.” Penildon Silva Filho, Vice President of the Federal University of Bahia and member of the Central Committee of Brazil’s Workers’ Party, said the practices show how developing countries can pair economic growth with nature. Michael Crook, founder and honorary chairman of the Jane Goodall Environmental and Cultural Exchange Center, called the three brands “far-reaching in value” and encouraged deeper cooperation among businesses, institutions and experts.

About State Grid Corporation of China

State Grid Corporation of China is a state-owned enterprise that builds and operates power grids, delivering safe, reliable and clean electricity while championing biodiversity conservation.

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SOURCE State Grid Corporation of China

Proposed bank to support institutional clients with regional and international banking needs

MANAMA, Bahrain, Nov. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company (Mumtalakat), the sovereign wealth fund of the Kingdom of Bahrain, and ARP Group have partnered to establish an AI-native and blockchain enabled wholesale bank headquartered in Bahrain. ARP Group is the holding company of ARP Global Capital and ARP Digital, the latter co-founded by Yusuf Alireza alongside Abdulla and Abdulaziz Kanoo. The venture has received in-principle approval from the Central Bank of Bahrain and will commence regulated activities only after obtaining final authorisation.

The partnership combines Mumtalakat’s long-term investment approach with ARP’s experience in institutional finance and digital financial infrastructure.

The proposed bank is intended to serve regulated financial institutions, payment companies and businesses with cross-border operations. It aims to simplify banking for clients whose needs span multiple markets and currencies, using technology to reduce the complexity and cost of serving them.

The bank is being designed to use artificial intelligence across its operations and offer programmable services that connect directly with clients’ systems through APIs, supported by appropriate human oversight, governance and risk controls. Products and services would be introduced in phases, informed by engagement with prospective clients.

His Excellency Shaikh Abdulla bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Chief Executive Officer of Mumtalakat, said: “Financial services have long been a cornerstone of Bahrain’s economy, and as the sovereign wealth fund of the Kingdom, our role is to invest in opportunities that strengthen the sector’s competitiveness and support its continued evolution. Through this partnership, we are bringing together an experienced institutional team with Bahrain’s well-established regulatory and business environment, further reinforcing the Kingdom’s position as a leading regional financial hub.

“This investment reflects our commitment to creating long-term value for Bahrain by supporting strategic sectors, creating high-quality opportunities for Bahraini talent, and generating sustainable returns that contribute to the Kingdom’s economic growth and prosperity.”

Yusuf Alireza, Chairman of ARP Group, said: “Institutional clients with complex cross-border needs still face fragmented banking services. We see an opportunity to combine a regulated bank’s balance sheet and institutional relationships with blockchain enabled technology and AI designed into its operating model from the outset, making these clients more efficient to serve.

“Bahrain’s established financial sector and regulatory experience provide a strong foundation for this venture. Together with Mumtalakat, we aim to build a bank that supports clients across the Gulf and international markets.”

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HELSINKI, Nov. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — UPM-Kymmene Corporation Stock Exchange Release (Other information disclosed according to the rules of the exchange) October 31, 2026 at 9:00 EET

The partial demerger of UPM-Kymmene Corporation has been registered; WISA Group Plc to be listed on Nasdaq Helsinki

The completion of the partial demerger (“Demerger”) of UPM-Kymmene Corporation (“UPM”) has today October 31, 2026, been registered with the Finnish Trade Register. On April 29, 2026, UPM announced the approval of the demerger plan for the Demerger (the “Demerger Plan”). According to the Demerger Plan, all assets and liabilities of UPM relating to the UPM Plywood business area, or mainly serving the UPM Plywood business area, are transferred to WISA Group Plc (“WISA Group”), which will be established in the Demerger. 

In connection with the completion of the Demerger, Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd (“Nasdaq Helsinki”) has approved the listing application for the admission to trading of WISA Group’s shares on the regulated market of Nasdaq Helsinki. Trading in WISA Group’s shares will commence on November 2, 2026, under the trading code “WISA” (ISIN code: FI4000603345). Trading in UPM’s shares will continue on the regulated market of Nasdaq Helsinki. In connection with the completion of the Demerger, the new ISIN code for UPM’s shares will be FI4000603337 and the share trading code will continue to be “UPM”.

The new shares in WISA Group to be issued as demerger consideration will be registered in the book-entry accounts of UPM’s shareholders on or about November 2, 2026. Shareholders of UPM who receive demerger consideration shares can trade in WISA Group’s shares starting from November 2, 2026. The Demerger will have no impact on the number of shares in UPM.

In connection with the completion of the Demerger, the shareholders of UPM will receive as demerger consideration one new share in WISA Group for each share they own in UPM. No demerger consideration will be issued to the treasury shares in UPM’s possession.

UPM, Media relations
Mon-Fri 9:00–16:00 EET
tel. +358 40 588 3284
media@upm.com

UPM
UPM is a material solutions company, renewing products and entire value chains with an extensive portfolio of renewable fibres, advanced materials, decarbonization solutions, and communication papers. Our performance in sustainability has been recognized by third parties, including EcoVadis and the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices. We operate globally and employ approximately 15,100 people worldwide, with annual sales of approximately €9.7 billion. Our shares are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd.
UPM – we renew the everyday
Read more: upm.com 

Follow us on LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram | #UPM #materialsolutions #WeRenewTheEveryday 

Important information
The distribution of this announcement may, in certain jurisdictions, be restricted by law. The information contained herein does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any shares in UPM or WISA in any jurisdiction. Any securities referred to in this announcement have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and may not be offered, sold or delivered, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act. There will be no public offering of securities in the United States. No securities referred to herein have been approved or disapproved by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, any state securities commission or any other regulatory authority in the United States, nor have any of the foregoing authorities passed comment upon, or endorsed the merit of, the partial demerger of UPM or the accuracy or the adequacy of this announcement or the Finnish language demerger and listing prospectus (or the English language translation thereof) dated July 16, 2026 published by UPM, as supplemented on August 17, 2026, September 18, 2026, and October 28, 2026. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offence in the United States.

Forward-looking statements

This announcement includes “forward-looking statements” that are based on present plans, estimates, projections and expectations and are not guarantees of future performance. Words such as “intend”, “assess”, “expect”, “may”, “plan”, “believe”, “estimate” and other expressions entailing indications or predictions of future developments or trends, not based on historical facts, constitute forward-looking information. They are based on certain expectations and assumptions, which, even though they seem to be reasonable at present, may turn out to be incorrect. Shareholders should not rely on these forward-looking statements. Numerous factors may cause the actual results of operations or financial condition of UPM or WISA Group to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Neither UPM, WISA Group, nor any of their affiliates, advisors or representatives or any other person undertakes any obligation to review, confirm or to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect events that occur or circumstances that arise after the date of this release other than as required by applicable laws and regulations.

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