Working Group on Sustainability Communication
The financial sector must be transparent about how it is becoming more sustainable and about the dilemmas it faces. This will help the sector gain public confidence and promote greening in the financial sector. That is the aim of the Working Group on Communication Sustainability.
The financial sector is developing more and more initiatives aimed at increasing sustainability. There are two challenges in communicating about this. The general public is unaware of the role of the financial sector in increasing sustainability. Also, trust in the financial sector is not very high. As a result, public support for financial institutions' sustainability initiatives cannot be taken for granted. In addition, non-governmental organisations and the media keeping a watchful eye.
Objective
The working group’s objective is for the financial sector to how it increases sustainability and be open about the dilemmas and considerations involved. This will help the sector gain public confidence and promote greening in the financial sector. Accordingly, the working group focuses on two aspects:
- offering a platform for communication professionals in the financial sector
- advising the Platform for Sustainable Finance’ other working groups on communication as an active tool to achieve their sustainability goals or increase their impact.
Seminars and meetings
In 2023, the working group organised an online meeting on the Social factor (the S in ESG) and a live meeting on greenwashing with contributions from Stichting Reclame Code (the self-regulatory organisation of advertising in the Netherlands) and Follow the Money. It also organised a company visit to Schiphol Airport.
In 2022 the working group hosted a meeting in which MVO Netherlands shared its views on the role of financial institutions in sustainability (and communication about it) and Motivaction showed, based on research, how consumers view (communication about) sustainability.
About the working group
The Working Group on Sustainability Communication includes communication experts from the financial sector who advise on communication in relation to sustainability. Its members are representatives of a.s.r., NN Group, TKP Pensioen, ABN AMRO, ING, BlackRock and DNB. It is chaired by Gitte Wouters (ABN AMRO).
The information and publications on this page reflect the considerations and efforts of the Platform for Sustainable Finance. As a member, DNB supports the platform’s efforts, but the content does not necessarily represent DNB's official position.