Emirates NBD signs the United Nations Principles for Responsible Banking

2 Min | 11 September 2024

The Principles provide a framework for banks to systematically understand the risks and seize the opportunities arising from the transition to more sustainable economies

Geneva, 11 September 2024: Emirates NBD, a leading banking group in the MENAT (Middle East, North Africa and Türkiye) region, has become an official signatory of the United Nations Principles for Responsible Banking – a single framework for a sustainable banking industry developed by the United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) alongside banks worldwide.

The Principles are the leading framework for ensuring that banks’ strategy and practice align with the vision society has set out for its future in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Climate Agreement. Banks who have signed the Principles commit to be ambitious in their sustainability strategies, working to mainstream and embed sustainability into the heart of their business, while allowing them to remain at the cutting-edge of sustainable finance.

Under the Principles, signatory banks identify and measure the environmental and social impact resulting from their business activities, set and implement targets where they have the most significant impact, and regularly report publicly on their progress. The Principles provide a framework for banks to systematically understand the risks and seize the opportunities arising from the transition to more sustainable economies.

Vijay Bains, Chief Sustainability Officer and Group Head of ESG at Emirates NBD, said: “We are very proud to achieve this significant milestone to commit to the UN Principles for Responsible Banking. At Emirates NBD, we are committed to driving significant change, both in propelling clients’ growth towards more environmentally friendly financial practices, and in shaping a more sustainable world by incorporating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) into our culture and operations. The adoption of this framework is a reflection of our dedication to fostering a future where financial success and environmental stewardship go hand in hand.”

Signatories to the Principles take on a leadership role, demonstrating how banking products, services and relationships can support and accelerate the changes necessary to achieve shared prosperity for both current and future generations, building a positive future for both people and planet. These banks also join the world’s largest global banking community focused on sustainable finance, sharing best-practice and working together on practical guidance and pioneering tools of benefit to the entire industry.

This is a journey of unprecedented scale and scope at a time when such ambition is urgently needed to address the major planetary crises of climate change, nature loss, pollution and social issues. Together, these efforts will ensure that profitability goes hand in hand with a sense of purpose.

As a leading local banking group, sustainability is embedded into Emirates NBD’s culture, operations and strategy. It supports all strategic decision-making across the Group.

Emirates NBD's sustainable and responsible business practices have had a direct, meaningful impact on the communities it serves, and the Group continues to lead the way in building more inclusive and empowered communities. By forging meaningful sustainability and innovation through focused collaborations with other private sector companies and government entities, Emirates NBD Group plays an important role in supporting the transition to climate neutrality across client sectors.

For more information on the Principles for Responsible Banking, please visit: unepfi

more app