LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-In a bid to strengthen partnership ties in advancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Paris Agreement, Standard Bank and United Nations Malawi office held eco-sports family day.
The eco-sports family day which attracted over 200 participants at Silver Stadium in the capital Lilongwe over the weekend promoted use of recycled products in conserving the environment.
During the event both Standard Bank and UN Malawi staff members tussled against each other in a number of sports disciplines including football, netball, volleyball, basketball, Bawo and among others.
Participants were also given tree seedlings to plant in their homes.
In remarks, Standard Bank Chief Executive Officer Phillip Madinga said the eco-sports family day enhances strong partnerships between the bank and UN.
“Parallel to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) underway in New York, I am excited that we can host our own form of “Sports UNGA” bringing together various members of the UN family to interact and network with Standard Bank employees and their families in Malawi.
“We are here to exercise and interact through various outdoor sporting activities. Some are physically exerting while some are intellectually stimulating. The goal is to foster social cohesion by creating a fun-filled and playful platform for engagement through gaming.Sports holds the power to unite and inspire.As we gather today, I’m reminded of our bank’s commitment to unifying communities and empower them for growth”, he said.
Madinga adds, “This event mirrors the long-term fruitful partnership that Standard Bank has with the United Nations divisions in Malawi. We have been working closely with the UN on several initiatives at both local and regional level. At the group level, Standard Bank is a signatory to the United Nations Principles for Responsible Banking (UN PRB).
“This ensures that our operating strategy is consistent with and contributes to society’s needs and priorities, as expressed by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), the Paris Agreement, the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and sustainable banking frameworks”.
He observes further, Recently, Standard Bank partnered UN Women for a Climate Smart Agriculture Project in three districts of Lilongwe, Mchinji and Mzimba. Nsalu, Lilongwe West. The project helped empower 10,000 women by boosting their production of groundnuts and helping them find markets.
“This Sports Day builds on our existing partnership and aims to deepen and widen our areas of collaboration.Our partnership with the UN family underscores our commitment to creating a better future for all”.
Madinga assures, “We’re proud to collaborate on initiatives that drive sustainable development, social progress, and economic growth. At Standard Bank, we believe in harnessing the potential of sports to drive social change.
“We’re committed to continue supporting the UN Sports Day over the long-term as part of our contribution towards improving healthy lifestyles, teamwork, and inclusivity.Let us continue to leverage sports as a catalyst for positive change. Let us inspire others to join us in this journey”.
In her remarks, UN representative to Malawi, Rebecca Addah-Dontoh said the event is timely as Malawi is baning use of thin plastics.
She lauded the bank for advancing eco-friendly products in its working force.
Addah-Dontoh therefore encouraged family members to plant donated tree seedlings in their backyards.
