The International Conference on Corporate Social Responsibility recognizes the importance of banks in transforming Europe into the first green continent

This event is considered one of the most important annual forums on corporate social responsibility and sustainability. whose main theme in this edition was “Towards the World of ESG”, he presented his latest research and practical implications for business, society, academics and political activism, with the aim of promoting corporate responsibility and achieving a brighter and more sustainable future.

Participate as keynote speakers in this ninth edition Marcel Haag Horizontal Policy Director of the Financial Stability Department, Financial Services and Capital Markets Union of the European Commission; Jaime Perez Renovales, Secretary General and Secretary of the Board of Directors of Banco Santander; Martha Issa Director of Responsible Banking and Sustainability, Santander Spain; Christina‐Roxana Tanasescu, Professor at the Faculty of Economic Sciences of “Lucian Plaga” University in Sibiu, Romania (LBUS), as well as different academics and researchers from different international universities.

Jaime Perez Renovales sign to The transition towards a green economy will only be possible through a joint effort of the public authorities and the private sector. He also explained how banks are adapting their governance to contribute to global sustainability goals, highlighted Grupo Santander’s commitment to society, and also noted the important role banks play in financing the transition of many of their customers towards a green economy, “This will only be possible through a joint effort of the public authorities and the private sector,” he added.

Martha Issa confirmed it “Simple and clear regulatory frameworks are needed to unleash the demand for financing, increase transparency and increase the maturity of environmental and social governance standards, indicators and metrics, in favor of capital flow in favor of sustainability and inclusive transition.” It also strengthened the essential role of the financial sector in advancing sustainable development and sustainable business practices, not only through financing green activity; But also supporting the relocation of others, favoring financial inclusion and being responsible in addressing the social challenges of the communities you work with. Jesus warned about it “Sustainability has to be taken to the next level.”

Marcel Haag Explain that “Investments in clean energy sources and energy efficiency will enhance the EU’s strategic autonomy and reduce our dependence on Russian imports and non-EU fossil fuels, helping to adjust energy prices in the future.” In the same way, he explained that the EU will need additional investments of around 700,000 million euros per year to achieve the goals of the European Green Pact, the RepowerEU and the Net Zero Industry Law. In addition, he pointed out the challenges involved in the green transition, and the need to study well the risks, but also the opportunities available to the European Union, for companies and financial institutions.

The Forum concludes with a call to action for companies in the financial sector to promote sustainable financing and increase transparency on environmental, social and governance (ESG) impacts, risks and opportunities.

Support the green transition

Banco Santander continues to act in the climate emergency with its responsible banking strategy. Its ambition is to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 to support the climate change goals of the Paris Agreement. This ambition is intended both for the Group’s activity, which has been carbon neutral since 2020, and for all its customers’ emissions derived from any of its financing, advisory or investment services.

Sanvi

The Santander Institute of Finance (SANFI) was created in 2012 as the center of the University of Cantabria Foundation for the Study and Research of the Financial Sector (UCEIF). Since 2021, it has also been established as a university institute for banking and finance and has developed its activity through axes of training, research and transfer in the financial sector, which aims to be an international benchmark in this field. More information at: www.sanfi.es