Luanda – Angola’s International Business Bank (BNI) recently became the newest member of the United Nations Global Compact, the world's largest corporate sustainability initiative that aims to align companies strategies with the Ten Universal Principles and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
With this achievement, the banking institution joins the more than 16,000 companies from 160 countries that have signed up to the Pact, launched in 2000 by the then secretary-general of the United Nations (UN), Kofi Annan.
ANGOP learnt that, according to BNI's management in a press release, the bank's adherence to the UN initiative is of crucial importance, as it constitutes an ethical business benchmark that allows the private sector to reinforce essential human values, in close articulation with the SDGs, creating a collective framework for all of humanity.
The bank also adds that this is a particularly important moment, because innovation and respect for the environment and communities are part of its priority pillars now and in the near future, always bearing in mind the achievement of sustainable development.
BNI also emphasises that its inclusion in the Pact increases its reputation and highlights its added value in the national market, particularly regarding the development of the economy and the social well-being of the community.
It says that this impact is felt through the design and implementation of products and services that bring national banking closer to its users, anywhere, at any time of day.
Due to the face of geopolitical uncertainties and other global instabilities, the United Nations Global Compact ensures a safer and more sustainable world.
The United Nations Global Compact is a platform for companies to align their strategies and operations with the Ten Universal Principles in the areas of human rights, labour, the environment and anti-corruption, developing actions that contribute to meeting society's challenges.
Meanwhile, the initiative's objectives include encouraging dialogue between companies, governments, civil society and other stakeholders, as well as seeking a fairer, more inclusive and sustainable global market.
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