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Fidelity Bank has signed a partnership deal with the SDGs Advisory Unit of the government to, among other things, fast-track the adoption and integration of sustainability principles across the various sectors of business, commerce and society.
It further goes to underscore the bank’s stated commitment to the establishment of sustainability as a core facet of its strategy for 2023 and beyond.
This forms part of a grand move for the bank to help foster a nationwide culture of sustainability while championing the attainment of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),
The Managing Director of Fidelity Bank, Julian Opuni, signed the agreement on behalf of the bank while the Presidential Advisor on SDGs, Dr Ernest Owusu, initialled for the SDGs Advisory Unit.
Dr Owusu said the partnership between Fidelity and the SDGs Advisory Unit marked a pivotal step in the journey towards attaining a future that was both sustainable and inclusive, contributing to progress within the local community and on the global stage.
He indicated that going forward, Fidelity Bank would play a key role in policy dialogues initiated by the SDGs Advisory Unit, leveraging its financial insights and expertise to influence the formulation of impactful and sustainable development policies at both the local and global levels.
He further added that the partnership would contribute to a greener, more equitable and sustainable world by driving positive change in critical developmental areas such as entrepreneurship, sustainable finance, education, environmental protection, financial inclusion, food security and gender equity.
Mr Opuni, for his part, expressed enthusiasm for the joint efforts, stating, “As a financial institution, we are acutely aware of our critical role in ensuring a sustainable future for our planet, communities and the economy.
In line with this, we have begun integrating environmental, social and governance (ESG) concepts into all aspects of our operations and continue to make significant strides in our sustainability journey.
Mr Opuni said the bank had also ensured that its strategy aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, adding that “We are thus delighted to concretise our partnership with the SDGs Advisory Unit today in our bid to drive widespread adoption of sustainable practices across diverse sectors and groupings in Ghana and beyond.”
Head of Partnerships, Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility at Fidelity Bank, Nana Yaa Ofori-Koree, said, “We are fully convicted that our alliance with the SDGs Advisory Unit will further bolster the inroads we are making with our key sustainability pillars; Sustainable Finance, Sustainable Operations and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
Our sustainable finance pillar will see the bank collaborating with customers and stakeholders to develop financing solutions that drive economic growth while safeguarding the environment and promoting social progress.”
