By 
A partnership aimed at promoting collaboration on sustainable finance and advancement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Zambia has been signed between Standard Chartered Bank and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in Lusaka on Friday would promote among other areas of mutual interest the advancement of the SDGs.
Standard Chartered Bank Zambia chief Executive Officer Sonny Zulu said the SDGs offered an immense opportunity for the private sector participation.
Zulu said it was important for the private sector to play a bigger role to meet the 2030 SDGs goals.
“Locally, we also want to be part of the solution in financing projects that promote the SDGs where it matters the most. Some of the ways we are doing this in Zambia include: the launch of sustainable deposit, which are dedicated to financing sustainable assets in developing countries aligned to the SDGs,” he said.
This programme at the global level said, Zulu said the bank had been able to raise US$3 billion in sustainable deposits.
“It is our ambition to promote economic growth but at the same time it has to be done in a sustainable way,” Zulu said.
Speaking at the same event, UNDP Resident Representative, Lionel Laurens said the agreement signified an important milestone in enhancing the effectiveness of its development agenda.
Laurens said this also crystalise mutual intentions to strengthen the two institutions collaboration on a number of areas of mutual interest anchored on advancing SDGs in Zambia including through SDG financing and partnerships.
He committed UNDP to the implementation of the agreement for the betterment of the population of Zambia, leaving no one behind to meet the objectives of agenda 2030.
“We are proud and honoured to be gathered here today with standard Chartered bank for the signature of this MoU as it marks a significant milestone towards enhancing our coordinated and cohesive partnerships to achieve agenda 2030.
“The agreement also represents a step in the right direction and believes that these mutual interest areas will contribute to an effective and comprehensive partnership for achieving the SDGs,” Mr Laurens said.
Meanwhile, Global Sector Development Organisations Karby Leggett emphasised the need of blended finance to fulfil the SDGs.
Leggett said the organisation was currently in talks with UNDP on how to deepen focus on blended finance for SDGs.
WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.
Comments