Media Release, 24.12.2024

Intesa Sanpaolo Banka and UNDP in a joint project to strengthen the green transition of SMEs 

Sarajevo 24. December 2024, Intesa Sanpaolo Banka and UNDP have signed a protocol on cooperation regarding a joint project intended for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in BiH called "Green Transition," which is a combination of green business and green finance for a sustainable future.  Through this project, companies will be able to encourage their businesses to make changes in terms of reducing carbon emissions (agri-food, metal, textile, tourism, etc.), with the help of a special financial line in Intesa Sanpaolo Banka, and with the advisory services of UNDP, in order to recover from crises, adopt circular and digital business models, reduce their environmental footprint and greenhouse gas emissions, as well as educate their employees, innovate and improve their competitiveness. 

"Cooperation with UNDP is an important step towards creating a sustainable business environment and supporting green initiatives.  By working together on the Green Transition project, we want to inspire and support companies to adopt innovative approaches to resource management.   As a Bank, we recognise the key role of the financial sector in the transition to a sustainable economy and are therefore committed to supporting small and medium-sized enterprises through targeted financing and educational programs.  Together with UNDP, we aim to strengthen awareness of the circular economy, encourage innovation and make it easier for companies to access the resources needed to transform their operations. We believe that this kind of cooperation is the key to the future – one that combines economic development with care for society and the planet", said Michele Castoro, President of the Management Board of Intesa Sanpaolo Banka.

Based on the criteria of the "Green Transition" credit line prepared by Intesa Sanpaolo Bank, UNDP will support the screening of all investment plans of SMEs that will participate in the Green Transition project and recommend priority investments.  Implementation of the project will take approximately six months along with constant monitoring by UNDP during this process. 

After the implementation of internal procedures, detailed information about the credit line and the entire Program will be available to the public through the Bank's website, social networks, and through direct marketing.