July 2021

The Saudi British Bank sponsored a major sustainable investment forum organized by the Saudi British Joint Business Council (SBJBC) in London, held in a hybrid format at Mansion House on 13 July.

The forum brought together senior ministers and government officials, business leaders and investors from both the United Kingdom and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for a series of keynote speeches and interactive panels discussing the financial sector's role in supporting sustainable development, joint investment opportunities, and activating cooperation between the public and private sectors.

The discussion focused on exploring the best ways to support the transition to a more sustainable economy, and ways in which the UK and KSA can constructively collaborate towards their sustainability goals in advance 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 strategy, is fully committed to achieving sustainable development in line with the Kingdom's Vision 2030, and supporting its customers, and international 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 ESG in the Kingdom and the region, leading the transformation through its commitments and actions; we stand ready to support our existing, and new customers, the Saudi Vision2030 agenda, and our international 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.