ESRM Ghana

completed

Seeking to address the identified key constraints to the uptake of E&S standards by Financial Institutions (FIs), the program objectives are implemented through the following components: Component 1: Creating an Enabling Environment. This will be done by working with government and industry associations to enhance E&S regulatory frameworks and standards for FIs. Specifically, this will involve: 1. Engaging with regulators and policy setting bodies to support the adoption and application of minimum E&S standards for the banking sector in the market . 2. Supporting the development of policy frameworks and guidelines. 3. Capacity building support for the regulators involved in developing policy frameworks and guidelines. Component 2: Building Market Capacity to support the implementation of E&S standards and best practices by FIs. Specifically, this will involve: 1. Provision of training to local consultants and training institutions to ensure that they are equipped with the knowledge and tools to support FIs. This will be done through a training of trainers (TOT) workshop series. 2. Establishment of long-term strategic partnerships with local capacity building organizations who will be responsible for delivering E&S training programs to FIs and other stakeholders on a commercial basis. Component 3: Awareness Raising and Information Dissemination among FIs and stakeholders. Specifically, this will involve: 1. Organization of a series of awareness raising seminars to disseminate information and best practices on sustainability related topics and for cross-regional knowledge sharing among key practioners and stakeholders. 2. Establishment and development of country specific sub-portals of the FIRST for Sustainability website (www.firstforsustainability.org) including all locally relevant materials and information tailored to the country specific needs and demands. Component 4: Engagement with local FIs to support their implementation of E&S Management Systems (ESMS). Specifically, this will involve: 1. Assessment of ESRM practices and development of improvement plans for the FIs. 2. Training on ESRM practices, and tools. 3. Advisory on E&S unit including functions, and personnel development. 4. Support with reporting procedures. This component will complement the programs component 2, and will aim to utilize the local consultants trained to implement the firm level engagement.