Diamond Trust Bank Signs the UN Principles for Responsible Banking

27 August 2024, Nairobi – Diamond Trust Bank (DTB) has become an official signatory of the UN Principles for Responsible Banking – a single framework for a sustainable banking industry developed through a collaboration between banks worldwide and the United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI). 

The Principles are the leading framework for ensuring that banks’ strategy and practice align with the vision the world has set out for its future in the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Climate Agreement. DTB’s Group franchises in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda have all signed their commitment to the Principles, demonstrating a unified East Africa-wide commitment. This significant milestone is part of DTB’s broader Sustainability Master Plan and aligns with the Group’s unwavering dedication to responsible banking practices.  

Speaking at the signing ceremony, DTB Group CEO and Managing Director, Ms. Nasim Devji, said “Signing the UN Principles for Responsible Banking is a testament to our commitment to sustainability and responsible banking. This commitment reflects our purpose to improve the quality of lives of all our stakeholders in a sustainable and impactful way and underscores our dedication to integrating sustainable practices into every aspect of our business. We are proud to be part of this global initiative and look forward to making meaningful progress towards a sustainable future.”

Under the Principles, DTB will identify and measure the environmental and social impact resulting from their business activities, set and implement targets where they have the most significant impact, and regularly report publicly on their progress.  The Principles provide a framework for banks to systematically understand the risks and seize the opportunities arising from the transition to more sustainable economies.

Signatories to the Principles take on a leadership role, demonstrating how banking products, services and relationships can support and accelerate the changes necessary to achieve shared prosperity for both current and future generations, building a positive future for both people and planet. DTB will also join the world’s largest global banking community focused on sustainable finance, sharing best-practice and working together on practical guidance and pioneering tools of benefit to the entire industry.

This is a journey of unprecedented scale and scope at a time when such ambition is urgently needed to address the major planetary crises of climate change, nature loss, pollution and social issues. Together, these efforts will ensure that profitability goes hand in hand with a sense of purpose.

For more information on the Principles for Responsible Banking, visit www.unepfi.org/responsiblebanking