By Juliet ETEFE
Managing Director of Fidelity Bank Ghana, Julian Opuni has underscored the urgency for bold action and purposeful collaboration for environmental and economic sustainability.
He stressed that the journey towards sustainability cannot be undertaken alone urging collaboration across industries, sectors, and communities.
“Building a greener future requires that we bring together diverse voices and perspectives across industries, sectors, and communities. Whether through public-private partnerships, engaging with NGOs, or co-creating with innovators, we must recognise that our collective efforts are the key to success.
“It is our mandate to be part of that rejuvenation process and to ensure that the next generation, your children, your grandchildren are happy that you contributed to a worthwhile future they had the resources and policies in place to give them the future they deserve,” he emphasised at the 2024 Sustainability Summit.
The event, held under the theme “Ensuring Environmental and Economic Sustainability: Collaborating for a Greener Future,” brought together a diverse audience, including members of the diplomatic community, government agencies, non-profit leaders and sustainability experts.
In his address, Mr. Opuni emphasised the need for unwavering commitment to a sustainable future, while underpinning the urgent need for action in the face of climate change and environmental degradation.
“We are at a pivotal moment in history where our decisions will shape not just the future of our businesses but the future of our planet. The impacts of climate change, resource depletion, and environmental and biodiversity degradation are no longer distant threats—they are here, affecting lives and livelihoods. It is our responsibility, as stewards of this generation, to address these issues with the urgency and resolve they demand,” he charged.
This came at the time when the issue of climate change has become a major global concern with its effects reverberating across various sectors including agriculture, health, and infrastructure. In Africa, where the agricultural sector is a cornerstone of the economy, the impact of climate change is particularly pronounced. Extreme weather events, shifting ecosystems and unpredictable rainfall patterns are threatening food security, livelihoods and economic stability.
Fidelity’s role
Mr. Opuni highlighted the significant strides Fidelity Bank has made in integrating sustainability into its operations as part of effort to change the narrative.
“A year ago, we embarked on a mission to make meaningful strides towards a greener future. Today, I am proud to say that Fidelity Bank has taken significant steps forward, proving that growth and sustainability are not mutually exclusive but can—and indeed must—go hand in hand,” he stated.
He emphasised the bank’s commitment to sustainability through Sustainable Finance, Sustainable Operations, and impactful community initiatives, saying these pillars have been instrumental in embedding environmental stewardship into every aspect of Fidelity Bank’s work.
He also mentioned the Fidelity Bank GreenTech Innovation Challenge, a pivotal initiative under the Fidelity Young Entrepreneurship Fund. The challenge has allocated over GHȼ1million in grant funding to support innovative solutions addressing environmental challenges in Ghana.
“Through this initiative, we are fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration that aligns perfectly with this year’s conference theme,” Mr. Opuni explained.
Young entrepreneurs
The MD also lauded the innovative solutions developed by young entrepreneurs in Ghana, particularly those focusing on urban farming and supporting smallholder farmers.
As such, stressed the importance of equipping these young minds with the necessary funding and technical assistance to safeguard the country’s agricultural future through technology.
“By empowering start-ups and entrepreneurs with the resources they need to develop green technologies, we are ensuring both environmental resilience and economic progress,” he said.
2024 Sustainability Summit
The 2024 Sustainability Summit powered by the business and Financial Times and the Fidelity Bank served as a platform to drive real change, set actionable goals, and build a future where economic growth and environmental protection coexist harmoniously.
The summit’s timing, just months before COP29, demonstrates the urgency of addressing climate change and its impact on food systems. As global leaders prepare to convene at the COP29 summit, anticipated discussions at the 2024 Sustainability Summit are envisaged to provide critical insights and recommendations that could inform broader policy debates.
