FITC Unveils Sustainability & ESG Institute with Groundbreaking Summit

The Financial Institutions Training Centre (FITC) is set to launch its Sustainability & ESG Institute summit, at the inaugural summit designed to address pressing sustainability and ESG issues. ESG stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance. This pivotal event is set to take place on July 31st, 2024, bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to explore the future of sustainability in Africa’s financial sector.

In a chat with newsmen in Lagos, Managing Director/CEO of FITC, Chizor Malize, said the FITC Sustainability & ESG Institute has been established with a clear mandate to drive impactful change within the financial services sector and beyond. She said, “With over 43 years of experience in equipping Africa’s financial sector through innovative training programs, advisory services, and comprehensive research, FITC continues to lead in shaping a sustainable future. This new initiative reflects our commitment to aligning with global sustainability standards and supporting the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) sustainability goals.

“The FITC Sustainability & ESG institute’s establishment follows the Nigerian Bankers Committee’s launch of the Nigerian Sustainability Banking Principles (NSBP) in 2012, marking a significant advancement in aligning Nigeria’s financial sector with global sustainability standards. This initiative supports the Central Bank of Nigeria’s goals and addresses critical sustainability challenges identified by the regulator. It also aligns with international ESG trends, showcasing FITC’s dedication to global impact and local relevance.

“The FITC Sustainability & ESG Institute aims to foster a culture of sustainability within Africa’s financial services sector by: Providing cutting-edge knowledge solutions through workshops, training, and conferences. Facilitating policy development and strategic advisory to enhance ESG integration. Supporting both operators and regulators in achieving their sustainability objectives. Contributing to the broader societal goal of sustainable development and responsible business practices.”

She added that ESG integration enhances business sustainability, risk management, and investor appeal while fostering societal benefits like environmental preservation and social equity. It’s crucial for organizations to adopt ESG principles to stay competitive, innovative, and compliant with regulations.

“The summit will feature an impressive lineup of speakers, including distinguished figures from regulatory bodies, financial institutions, and sustainability thought leaders. Attendees will gain invaluable insights into the latest global ESG trends, practical strategies for implementation, and innovative approaches to achieving sustainability goals, business practices and regulatory compliance, “she said.