Businesses in Bahrain, Egypt, Oman, Qatar, and the UAE that want to improve their approach to environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues are encouraged to register for the Living Business programme. The programme, organised by Globally, Get in the Ring and HSBC, 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. Todd Wilcox, HSBC Egypt Deputy Chairperson and CEO, said, "Our latest Navigator Report told us that 96% of companies in Egypt see multiple opportunities for improving their environmental and ethical sustainability." He added, "This highlights that businesses are in line with Egypt's Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Strategy which requires active participation and commitment from all businesses." Wilcox noted that HSBC is committed to helping its customers make the transition to a low-carbon future, not only by providing green and sustainable finance, but also by sharing its knowledge and expertise. "Bringing the Living Business programme to Egypt will further enhance this commitment," he added. 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. These include: ·Reducing the business's, or industry's, environmental footprint; · Enhancing the social capital of the business through initiatives, such as improving the health, safety, wellbeing or skills of its staff or the wellbeing of its customers; · Creating a sustainable governance framework, including engagement, reporting and transparency. Keith Bradley, Managing Partner at Globally, said, "After the success of the first edition in the UAE last year, we are thrilled to expand the programme to four other markets in the region." "Despite a challenging year, sustainability has really been on the forefront of companies' agendas," he added, "We would like to support them in making their businesses even more successful through real tangible change." Last October, HSBC set out an ambitious plan to prioritise 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.
