In a world
of rising inequality, deepening poverty and climate change, the case for
sustainable finance is no longer up for debate.
BNP
Paribas’ flagship Sustainable Future Forum (SFF) event for clients in Asia
Pacific this year again brought together an array of leading experts from
around the world, to understand how businesses and investors can help solve the most fundamental challenges of sustainable development
and at the same time ensure their own long-term success.
Achieving
scalable transformations that bring benefits for both the environment and
society was the Forum’s main focus in 2018, with corporates and institutional
investors discussing ways to drive smarter cities and solve Asia’s growing water,
food and energy challenges. Using the example of Amaravati,
a smart city currently being built in India, experts provided insights on the challenging
issues and financing opportunities for today’s business and investments for a
‘better tomorrow’.
There is
undoubtedly increased momentum and a heightened desire to move towards a low
carbon world, however, more needs to be done to accelerate the process. BNP
Paribas’ commitment to sustainability is much more than a slick marketing
slogan. We have integrated the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals, or SDGs,
into our strategic business plan and we have put in place tangible goals and
performance indicators in areas such as renewable energy, diversity and working
with the public sector, recognising that the private sector cannot just be a
bystander.