Banks pledge to support Sustainable Development Goals

Financial institutions work with United Nations to create a better balance with their social and environmental impact

In a historic initiative, 130 banks, representing 50 countries, have pledged to the United Nations to balance their social and environmental impact, thereby better aligning with the global Sustainable Development Goals.

Today, representatives signed the new Principles for Responsible Banking initiative between the financial institutions and the United Nations. The banks that have signed on represent about one-third of the world’s banking industry and collectively manage about $47 trillion.

“If the financial industry is going to be fit for financing sustainable development, the banks need to be on board,” Eric Usher, head of the United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative, was quoted as saying by Devex.

The six principles that govern the new initiative include alignment, impact and target-setting, clients and customers, stakeholders, governance and culture, transparency and accountability. They were co-created during an 18-month period by banks, the United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative and various stakeholders, including civil society.

Christian Children’s Fund of Canada works with partners around the world to promote the Sustainable Development Goals, created to make a better future for all by addressing global challenges, such as poverty, inequality and more.  

See how you can partner with youth to foster business opportunities that change lives.

About Children Believe

Children Believe works globally to empower children to dream fearlessly, stand up for what they believe in — and be heard. For 60+ years, we’ve brought together brave young dreamers, caring supporters and partners, and unabashed idealists. Together, we’re driven by a common belief: creating access to education — inside and outside of classrooms — is the most powerful tool children can use to change their world.

About Inspiring Stories

May 2025

Canada’s Opportunity to Lead: Education as a Path ...

As the G7 Summit approaches, Children Believe CEO Fred Witteveen calls on Canada to lead the world in supporting 12 years of quality education for all children—because education is key to global peace and prosperity.

May 2025

Menstrual Hygiene Day 2025

A new government program in Ghana is providing free sanitary pads to help girls stay in school. Learn how Children Believe is supporting this initiative to break down barriers and fight period poverty.

May 2025

From Despair to a New Dawn Varalakshmi’s Story of ...

A moving story of resilience—learn how Varalakshmi overcame poverty, loss and stigma to build a better life for her children with the support of Children Believe and its local partner in India.