HSBC launches Living Business 2021 to enhance ESG agenda in the Middle East
“Living Business 2021”, organised by Globally, Get in the Ring and HSBC, is inviting businesses in Bahrain, Egypt, Oman, Qatar and the UAE that want to improve their approach to environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues to register for the second edition of the programme. The programme aims to improve the sustainability of businesses by helping them deliver a significant ESG enhancement initiative.
Participants will be provided with one-on-one coaching with ESG experts to help them achieve their goals. The companies that show the most promise will present their initiatives at the UK pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, with winners invited to attend a course at the Institute for Sustainability Leadership at The University of Cambridge.
Daniel Howlett, HSBC’s Head of Commercial Banking in the Middle East, North Africa and Turkey, said: “If the world hopes to achieve its climate targets, business has to become more sustainable. Our latest Navigator Report told us that 98% of companies in the Middle East see multiple opportunities for improving their environmental and ethical sustainability, so we do feel optimistic. HSBC is committed to helping our customers make the transition to a low-carbon future, not only by providing green and sustainable finance but also by sharing our knowledge and expertise.”
Applications are open to all active businesses in Bahrain, Egypt, Oman, Qatar and the UAE who are prepared to implement a project that will have a significant ESG impact such as reducing environmental footprint, enhancing social capital through initiatives such as improving the health, safety, wellbeing or skills of its staff or the wellbeing of its customers and creating a sustainable governance framework, including engagement, reporting and transparency.
Last October, HSBC set out an ambitious plan to prioritize financing and investment that supports the transition to a net-zero global economy – and helps to build a thriving, resilient future for society and businesses. At the heart of the plan is a pledge to reduce financed emissions from HSBC's portfolio of customers to net-zero by 2050 or sooner, in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement.
