Speaker Dr Shirin stresses values-based banking for a sustainable future
She inaugurated the 13th summit of the Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV) on Tuesday
Speaker of the Bangladesh Parliament, Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, has called on leaders in the banking sector to uphold values of integrity and conduct responsible financial activities to help build a sustainable and prosperous future for all, according to a press release.
She made the remarks while inaugurating the 13th summit of the Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV) at a hotel in the capital on 8 November.
The values-based concept can become a turning point in Bangladesh's efforts to balance development and equality and combat issues like climate change and poverty to create a stronger society, she said.
She stressed the need for achieving a pro-people, eco-friendly, peaceful, and sustainable Bangladesh where no one is left behind, with a view to balancing the interdependence of development and economic equality.
Growth and income equality are the two most essential elements for a nation's sustainable development, Dr Shirin said, while adding another crucial aspect: creating adequate opportunities for the entire population, particularly the underprivileged and vulnerable. Economic progress must be strengthened and made sustainable rapidly with a focus on equal distribution, she continued.
David Reiling, chair of GABV and CEO of US-based Sunrise Banks, Martin Rohner, executive director of GABV, and Selim RF Hussain, managing director and CEO of Brac Bank Limited, were also present at the inauguration.
More than 50 delegates, particularly chief executives and managing directors of GABV member-banks, are participating in the three-day conference with the theme, 'From Perspectives to Action: Transformational Practice in Action'. This is the second time GABV is holding its annual summit in Bangladesh.
The GABV was founded in 2009 by 10 banks that promote a fairer, greener, and more inclusive financial system. Brac Bank is a founding member and the only bank representing Bangladesh in the global forum.
Values-based banks have the ambition to put people and the planet at the centre of decision-making. With strong diversity in terms of size, business model, cultural contexts or the markets they operate in, they share a common goal: to use finance to meet the diverse needs of communities to create a positive impact.