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Says Wim Mijs, Chief Executive Officer of the EBF:
“As a compass for the sustainable banking future, the Principles are a solid starting point for any bank that aspires to connect financial goals with societal and environmental benefits. We are proud to see that so many of our members are serious about their responsibility towards society. It is particularly import in a bank-financed economy like the one we have in Europe, with banks funding more than two thirds of the economy.”
European banks are increasingly looking to embrace sustainability as a key element of their business strategy and to contribute to the objectives of the Paris agreement and SDGs.
The European Banking Federation last December was among the first to endorse the initiative for Principles for Responsible Banking and has committed itself to promote this initiative in the banking sector in Europe.
To encourage European banks to adopt the Principles, EBF and UNEP FI, with the participation of the European Commission, organized a well-attended workshop in Brussels in February and educational webinars in May and July. EBF also actively promoted the initiative across European and international fora.
EBF appreciates UNEP FI’s intention to cooperate with experts in the further development of tools, methodologies and approaches to assist banks with the implementation.