Zayed Sustainability Prize Partners with BNP Paribas on the 20by2020 Initiative

The UAE-driven humanitarian initiative, 20by2020, has entered into a strategic partnership with BNP Paribas, a leading European bank with presence in 71 markets worldwide, making it the first international private company to support the global initiative.

BNP Paribas has been operating in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region for over 40 years in the fields of corporate and institutional banking and international financial services.

As part of the agreement, BNP Paribas will support the upcoming 20by2020 deployments in Bangladesh, Cost Rica, and Indonesia, which are part of the initiative’s ongoing first phase. The water and energy-related projects are scheduled to be implemented on the ground by the end of December.

Building on the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan by championing the humanitarian values of the UAE’s founding father, 20by2020 donates sustainable technologies and solutions to vulnerable communities in 20 countries. Each solution or technology has already transformed other communities around the world and has been recognised by the Zayed Sustainability Prize as a winner or finalist.

20by2020 is led by the Zayed Sustainability Prize in partnership with several leading UAE-based entities that include Abu Dhabi Global Market, Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, Mubadala Petroleum, the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence and Masdar. Majed Al Futtaim joined in support of two projects in Egypt and Jordan, earlier this year.

H.E Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Director General of the Zayed Sustainability Prize said, “We are pleased to announce the global expansion of the initiative’s support base through our partnership with BNP Paribas. We are always keen on partnering with organizations that share our vision and commitment to building a more sustainable world through localised solutions for vulnerable communities.”

H.E Al Jaber added, “The UAE firmly believes that collaboration is the key to  expanding positive  reach and impact to those in need, as we work towards building a sustainable future for all, in line with the humanitarian vision of our founding father Sheikh Zayed.”

On his part, Mr. Antoine Sire, Head of Company Engagement and a Member of the Group Executive Committee of BNP Paribas commented: “Our participation in the 20by2020 initiative exemplifies the universal values shared between BNP Paribas, the Zayed Sustainability Prize and its partners. We are delighted to contribute to the government of Abu Dhabi’s endeavor to advance the global Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) agenda. Together with the 20by2020 initiative, BNP Paribas will start supporting three international projects which will be monitored and assessed for their positive impact on beneficiary communities in Bangladesh, Costa Rica and Indonesia.”

Mr Sire continued: “We are thankful to the Zayed Sustainability Prize, under the UAE’s leadership, for providing the opportunity for BNP Paribas to be the first international private company to join this inspiring humanitarian initiative. We hope to contribute to the progression of the global ESG agenda from the Gulf region even further. In close alignment with Jacques Michel, Chairman of BNP Paribas Middle East and Africa, we are working diligently to grow sustainability for all in the GCC, be it with our clients or official institutions.”

As part of the initiative’s first phase, a total of six deployments have been rolled out to date, including energy, health, water and food-related solutions in Nepal, Tanzania, Uganda, Jordan, Egypt and Cambodia, with another four deployments scheduled to conclude by December. The second phase of 20by2020 will be announced soon and will include an additional 10 countries.

About Zayed Sustainability Prize

Established by the UAE leadership, in 2008, to honour the legacy of the founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Zayed Sustainability Prize is the UAE’s pioneering global award for recognising sustainability and humanitarian solutions around the world.

The Zayed Sustainability Prize acknowledges and rewards global pioneers and innovators who are committed to accelerating impactful sustainable solutions.

Over the past 12 years, the Prize has awarded 86 winners. Collectively, they have directly and indirectly, positively impacted the lives of over 335 million people around the world. The Zayed Sustainability Prize categories are: Health, Food, Energy, Water and Global High Schools.