The Banking Executive Magazine - July Issue 2021

SAAB SABB IS FULLY PREPARED TO SUPPORT SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES IN THE KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA The Saudi British Bank (SAAB) spon- sored a major sustainable investment forum organized by the Saudi British Joint Business Council (SBJBC) in London, held in a hybrid format at Mansion House. The forum brought together senior ministers and government officials, business leaders and investors from both the United Kingdom (UK) and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) for a series of keynote speeches and interactive panels discussing the fi- nancial sector's role in supporting sustainable development, joint in- vestment opportunities, and activat- ing cooperation between the public and private sectors. The discussion focused on exploring the best ways to support the transi- tion to a more sustainable economy, and ways in which the UK and KSA can constructively collaborate to- wards their sustainability goals in ad- vance of COP 26, to be held in Glasgow in November. “We strongly believe now is the time to speak and act on sustainability, in both the public and private sectors, and as individual global citizens,” Ms. Lubna Al-Olayan, SABB Chair, stated during her opening remarks for the event. SABB, who completed its historic merger with Alawwal Bank and has recently announced its 5-year strat- egy, is fully committed to achieving sustainable development in line with the Kingdom's Vision 2030, and sup- porting its customers, and interna- tional partners with their transformation plans for a sustainable future. Ms. Olayan added: “Sustainability is at the core of our newly announced 5-year strategy, and SABB will work tirelessly to be a pioneer of Environ- ment, Social and Governance (ESG) in the Kingdom and the region, lead- ing the transformation through its commitments and actions; we stand ready to support our existing, and new customers, the Saudi Vi- sion2030 agenda, and our interna- tional partners, on their sustainability journey.” The forum was held following the launch of the Saudi Green initiative, which aims at making Saudi Arabia a major center for green hydrogen and renewable energy development, reflecting a shared commitment to developing groundbreaking green technologies and reducing carbon emissions. the BANKING EXECUTIVE 22 ISSUE 151 JULY 2021 Ms. Lubna Al-Olayan, SABB Chair