Ghana’s largest privately-owned bank, Fidelity Bank Ghana, has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to championing sustainability, environmental stewardship and social responsibility.
This commitment was showcased through the organisation of a groundbreaking sustainability conference held at the Kempinski Gold Coast Hotel, Accra, on Friday, September 29, 2023. The Fidelity Sustainability Conference, held under the theme ‘Sustaining our world, collaborating for a greener future’, marked the grand finale of a month-long sustainability drive.
Throughout the month, Fidelity Bank Ghana engaged its staff, customers and other stakeholders in a variety of activities aimed at raising awareness and fostering a culture of sustainability-consciousness among the Ghanaian populace and key stakeholders in government, the corporate sector and business arena.
The inaugural Fidelity Sustainability Conference brought together a diverse array of experts, advocates and thought-leaders to engage in discussions on a wide range of sustainability-related topics.
The event saw significant attendance from government officials, civil society representatives, academia, media and the general public, underscoring its broad-reaching impact. The conference format included presentations, panel discussions and breakout sessions – facilitating in-depth exploration of specific subjects, idea exchange, experience sharing and collaborative brainstorming for potential solutions.
In his welcoming address, Atta Yeboah Gyan, Deputy Managing Director-Fidelity Bank Ghana, emphasised the global importance of integrating sustainability-focused habits and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) practices into daily activities, particularly within the corporate and business spheres.
He called on all stakeholders present to unite in pursuit of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), stating: “The challenges before us are great, but so too is our capacity for invention, teamwork and constructive change. Together, we possess the potential and willpower to set a trajectory that balances economic development with environmental stewardship, promoting peace among people and preserving our shared abode, the Earth”.
At the conference’s heart was a keynote address by Dr. Charles Abani, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Ghana who delivered a compelling speech titled ‘Sustainability as a Catalyst for Transforming the Ghanaian Economy.
Dr. Abani outlined six key focus areas, including: decent jobs, education transformation, food systems, climate change, energy transition and digital transformation – stressing the private sector’s vital role in driving innovation and financing solutions.
He highlighted the necessity for a robust private sector partnership to accelerate development and progress toward the SDGs, noting active collaborations between UN agencies and the private sector to mobilise capital and support innovation.
The sustainability conference served as the crowning event for Fidelity Bank’s Sustainability Month – a month-long initiative that aimed to cultivate a culture of sustainability. Activities included educational webinars in collaboration with sustainability organisations and experts; and significant Employee Volunteer Programmes led by the bank’s staff – such as beach clean-ups, blood donation drives and youth empowerment initiatives.
Nana Yaa Afriyie Ofori-Koree, Head-Partnerships, Sustainability and CSR, Fidelity Bank, explained the rationale behind dedicating September as Fidelity’s Sustainability Month, stating: “At Fidelity we are not just talking about change, we are actively driving it. Sustainability is not just a word but a commitment that runs deep within the heart of Fidelity Bank.
“We understand that our actions today shape the world of tomorrow, and this understanding fuels our unwavering dedication to this agenda. That is why we deem it necessary to dedicate a whole month within the year to actively propelling the Sustainability agenda in partnership with key stakeholders. Together, we can join forces to make a lasting impact on our environment and our communities.”
Fidelity Bank Ghana, in addition to maintaining its status as an innovation leader and inclusivity advocate within the banking sector, has emerged as a prominent leader in the campaign to secure a greener future. The bank continues to collaborate with like-minded organisations to promote sustainability, environmental responsibility and economic development.
