Why is sustainability important for APS Bank?
Sustainability lies at the heart of the Bank's values, underpins its business strategy and is a core pillar of its Corporate Social Responsibility Programme. The Bank and its subsidiaries aspire to play a leading role as a sustainable Group, that takes responsibility for its actions and engagements, as a member of society with its own impact on the planet and on people, but also as a provider of financial services with an indirect impact through the activities of its customers and investments. This prominent position is only achievable by fully incorporating sustainability into the Bank's culture and investment decisions, and by reinforcing the Bank's sustainability risk management.
This is the third edition of MSF. Why is a Bank taking it upon itself to organise such an event?
Given that banks finance the bulk of economic activity, they play a crucial role in the transition to a more sustainable future. As the oldest bank in Malta and with the values of our founders at the core of our mission, we have a special duty of care and concern for our customers, our community. Since we are the community Bank, this places a responsibility on us to ensure that our lending and banking activities are sustainable. Our concern with sustainable development must be expressed in every way possible. It is natural that we also take the lead to educate, inform, and raise awareness.
Can you explain why the overarching theme for MSF was chosen?
We decided on the overarching theme 'Sustain Tomorrow Today', as it highlights the need to take concrete action today to have a sustainable world tomorrow, not only for us but also for the generations to come. This ties in with the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development goals, to meet the urgent environmental, political, and economic challenges facing our world.
What has changed from the previous editions of MSF?
The first two events of MSF in 2019 and 2021 were conferences. During this time, local events focusing on sustainability were few and far between. However, interest in sustainability has now gained more traction locally and in response, this year MSF will be delivered as a series of afternoon events, spread throughout the year, online or hybrid as the circumstances permit. Thanks to this new format, we aim to sustain the momentum that has already been built, keep the dialogue alive and incorporate the latest developments happening in the sustainability sphere.
What is the main focus of the first instalment of MSF for this year?
The first event for MSF 2022 titled 'Level Up for Carbon Neutrality' will include a series of distinguished guests including H.E. George Vella, President of Malta who has come onboard once again, giving his message about the importance of this topic. British High Commissioner to Malta, Katherine Ward LVO OBE, will have a clear-eyed look at COP26, being that UK hosted this important event and will assess the outcomes and what actions Malta has agreed to. Prof. Charles Galdies will be giving an insightful presentation on how climate change is impacting Malta, while Prof. Simone Borg, Climate Action Ambassador will elaborate on what is Malta doing to reach its targets. This will be followed by a panel discussion on what are businesses doing to combat climate change and how are they overcoming obstacles, featuring Perit David Xuereb, Past President of the Malta Chamber of Commerce Enterprise and Industry, Ing. Mario Schembri, Founder of AIS Group, Giovanni Bartolotta, Chief Risk Officer & ESG Committee member at APS Bank, Gonca Kara Demir working with EIT Climate and KIC Hub Malta and Suzanne D'Amato Gautam, President of SEAM and Founder & CEO of Eco Market Malta. In the final part of the Forum, there will be three brief presentations on how we can all make more sustainable decisions in our daily life such as fashion and food.
Who should follow MSF?
MSF is designed to be an information rich event, suitable for all audiences to learn from and inspire them to act in different areas of their life. The event will be hosted online and is free of charge to attend, with the scope of making it accessible to everyone.
What do you hope that the audience will take away from the first module of the year?
We want people to understand the sense of urgency to act now to limit their carbon footprint, reducing the emissions of greenhouse gasses, minimising the increase in temperature on earth. Climate change will cause instability in weather patterns which has a devastating effect, especially on small island states like Malta - and the impact is already being felt. Everyone has a crucial role to play, it is not just governments and businesses which need to act, but each and every one of us.