Fitch Learning has announced that it is partnering with Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF) to present its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) learning solutions as part of the BIBF’s Sustainable Development Academy. 

 

This initiative is seen as key to helping the kingdom achieve its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and realising Bahrain Economic Vision 2030.

 

The Sustainable Development Academy will offer a comprehensive ESG learning solution, including digital certifications, live virtual workshops and industry accreditations. Each step of the journey has been carefully designed to offer a dynamic blended-learning experience for participants including Fitch Learning’s Fundamentals of ESG Certificate and the CFA Institute Certificate in ESG Investing.

 

Andreas Karaiskos, CEO of Fitch Learning, said: “I am pleased to establish this flagship Sustainable Development Academy in The Kingdom of Bahrain together with BIBF to offer participants the opportunity to gain qualifications in this growing field within the financial services industry. Our expert teams have worked closely alongside BIBF’s stakeholders to create a learning experience that match’s BIBF’s ambitions and objectives.”

 

Dr Ahmed Al-Shaikh, Director of BIBF, commented: “We are delighted to partner with Fitch Learning to deliver the Sustainable Development Academy. At the BIBF, we strive towards leading excellence in developing human capital, and as thought leaders, we continue to align ourselves with the global trends that will shape the future. The Kingdom of Bahrain is a successful example of such a notion, as it continues to ensure that national frameworks integrating sustainability and the SDGs capture government priorities. Several regulations have been put into motion to meet SDG targets relevant to Bahrain. As such, Bahrain continues to establish a variety of agencies and committees to mould policies and strategies that will achieve the guiding principles of Bahrain Economic Vision 2030. It is only natural for the BIBF to step up and play its role in developing human capital in this field to complement these national initiatives.”

 

Zeeba Askar, CFA, Head of Banking and Finance at BIBF, said: “We are now in a transformative world, that is challenged by a number of disruptions that will inevitably result in a structural shift in the way we live our lives and the way economies and businesses function. Most investors now recognise that ESG factors have material impacts on business performance.

 

"Therefore, ESG integration in the business process, to complement, not substitute traditional fundamental analysis, is important to establish a more comprehensive understanding of the underlying business risks and returns. Many businesses now recognise the “why” of sustainable development, but don’t know the “how” to implement. This is the skill gap that inspired the formation of the BIBF’s Sustainable Development Academy to ensure reskilling and upskilling human capital.” -- TradeArabia News Service