Bank of Palestine : CSR Report 2021

2021

Our Approach to Sustainability

Corporate Social Responsibility: Part of the Sustainability Approach

Commitment to social responsibility is not merely a slogan adopted by Bank of Palestine, but rather a structured approach towards promoting sustainability in many sectors. Through this approach, and the Bank's mission that was launched since its establishment in 1960, the Bank manifests its commitment to Palestinian society, in line with its vision and role as a leading Palestinian banking institution that is committed to the development of the banking sector, to participate in the promotion of the Palestinian economy and to social empowerment.

Bank of Palestine works with utmost care in cooperation and partnership with all parties concerned, to establish a broad base of sustainable partnerships with various sectors, targeting all segments of society. The Bank also focuses its attention on creating opportunities for empowerment and sustainable impact, adopting the principles of sustainability in its practices and activities, both internal and external.

Partners in Development Serving Society

Bank of Palestine is committed to economic and social development by allocating around 5% of its annual profits in support of social responsibility projects and initiatives. In doing so, the Bank conforms with a value system based on the principles of governance, transparency, and sustainable social and economic impact. During the past years, the Bank provided support to the various sectors in society, including health, education, entrepreneurship, environmental protection, culture, arts and sports. Through its initiatives and continuous support, the Bank targeted all segments, including women, children, youth and persons with disabilities, and ensured the implementation of initiatives across the governorates, to become the first banking institution that is committed to supporting all societal sectors and segments, enabling them to confront challenges and continue along the path of building and development.

Empowering the Health Sector as Part of Community Sustainability

Stemming from its belief in the importance of supporting its people under difficult economic and social conditions, especially during the outbreak of COVID-19, and to enhance the capacities of the Ministry of Health in confronting this crisis, Bank of Palestine donated several vehicles to the said Ministry for the transportation of medical staff across the Palestinian governorates to provide primary healthcare to persons infected with the virus.

The Bank also donated a technically equipped van for the Augusta Victoria Hospital in Jerusalem to transport patients and persons with disabilities from and into the Gaza Strip. The van was a safe and comfortable vehicle that provided free transportation for pa- tients, and formed part of the comprehensive services provided by the hospital, especially in light of the economic hardships confronted by our people in the Gaza Strip.

in Partnership with Juzoor Foundation for Health and Social Development, Bank of Palestine launched a prevention campaign for diabetes in Palestine, which aims to spread awareness about nutrition, health and sports practices and lifestyles that protect against diabetes.

Within the framework of the health sector empowerment initiatives, the Bank donated computer devices to Al Makased Charitable Society in Jerusalem. The Bank also contributed healthcare equipment through the "Palestine in Our Hearts" campaign, in cooperation with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

Caring for the Environment

Bank of Palestine supported the "Heathy and Eco-Friendly Schools" project, which aims to innovate ideas and sustainable projects that promote the concept of health and environmental awareness in schools and society and enhance environmental and health values and practices among students.

Stemming from its efforts to establish green and environmentally friendly spaces, the Bank inaugurated a children's playground, part of Al-Bayyara Project, at the Augusta Victoria Hospital in Jerusalem.

Relief Initiatives are a Priority

Bank of Palestine Group launched a massive campaign under the slogan "Palestine in Our Hearts: together we donate and together we build," to raise support and donations for the relief Palestinians who suffered from the 2021 aggression on the Gaza Strip, and contribute to alleviating material and moral damages inflicted on all aspects of economic and social life.

During the holy month of Ramadan, Bank of Palestine supported the "Share the goodness of the Holy Month of Ramadan" campaign, in cooperation with the Welfare Association (Taawon), to distribute weekly fresh fruits and vegetables baskets and poultry from small local farmers and distribute them among disadvantaged families in the Gaza Strip.

The Bank also provided support for the Palestinian Patients Accommodation Fund through the King Hussein Cancer Foundation.

Our Approach to Sustainability

Contribution to Education

Bank of Palestine provided support for the activities of the mobile library, in partnership with Al-Qattan Foundation. The library aims to expand cultural, artistic and creative prospects among children by promoting the habits of reading and self-learning among them, enhance their appreciation of the arts, and provide an interactive educational environment that contributes to their growth.

Within the same context, Bank of Palestine provided funding for Injaz Palestine Foundation, and donated scholarships for doctorate students at the Arab American University.

Children Are the Future

Bank of Palestine organized a series of entertainment activities for around 150 children through the Cinema Bus and the Mobile Library in the Gaza Strip, in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the Save Youth Future Society and Al-Qattan Center. These activities aimed to relieve the psychological witnessed by children as a result of the recent aggression against the Gaza Strip.

In partnership with Burj Al Laqlaq Society in Jerusalem, the Bank organized entertainment activities for children in Jerusalem hospitals during Eid Al-Fiter

The Bank continued to support the Wajd Program, which was launched to promote access of orphans to adequate standards of living in the Gaza Strip. This is among the most important programs adopted by the Bank, under the umbrella of its social responsibility initiatives.

Innovation and Youth

Stemming from its belief in the importance of supporting the entrepreneurship sector in Palestine, and to encourage entrepreneurs to create innovative ideas and solutions that contribute to the development of the Palestinian economy, and provide youth employment opportunities, Bank of Palestine sponsored the 2021 Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW 2021). This week contributes to introducing local and international companies, organizations and interested persons to the ideas and initiatives of entrepreneurs, shedding light on Palestinian youth capacities in the global entrepreneurship space. The week provides networking opportunities to allow entrepreneurs to benefit from expertise and experiences in the region and the rest of the world, and have access to experts and investors, thus enabling them to launch their entrepreneurial projects at the local and global levels.

The Bank also signed a partnership agreement with Sharek Youth Forum, with an aim to encourage collaborative work and launch youth initiatives.

Women Empowerment

The Bank believes in the importance of empowering women economically, thus it supported several relevant events, among them: Support for TEDx Women, as part of the Bank's strategic plan to contribute to promoting the role of women in Palestinian society.

Within the framework of the National Day for Palestinian Products and stemming from its vision to support women's projects and ensure their sustainability, Bank of Palestine, and for the second time, supported the "Persistence to Continue our Journey" bazaar, which was held in Bethlehem.