The National Coordinator of Chozen Generation Sierra Leone (CGSL), Harry Henry Kargbo and six other members have completed a ten-week virtual training in Sustainable Finance. The course, which is designed by the Oxford Sustainable Finance Group, University of Oxford and delivered in partnership with Apolitical, started in July and ended on Friday 9th September 2022.

Sustainable Finance is the process of taking into account Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations when making investment decisions in the financial sector. It delivers financial returns in the short and long term while generating positive value for society.

The course equipped participants with a foundational understanding of sustainable finance as an emerging field. It attracted public servants and third sector representatives across the world.

The African Development Bank nominated CGSL for this opportunity earlier this year.

Thanks to this nomination, the Oxford Sustainable Finance Group offered seven scholarship slots worth 500 British Pounds each to CGSL. Joel Abdulai Kallon, Adama Benya, Hannah Iye Conteh, Mohamed Yateh, Mohamed Adams Sesay and Umaro Jalloh are the other beneficiaries.

“As an economist who believes in green-economy, the sustainable finance course by Oxford University exposed me to know how sectoral operations (Environment Social and Governance) work as a unit for a better world, Harry Henry Kargbo said. It further armed me with the value-driven Social Responsible Investment strategies that are needed to deliver sustainable projects.”

 

Joel Abdulai Kallon noted that “The training was educative and impactful. It has enabled me to more fully appreciate the link between climate-friendly investment and a sustainable environment and the role that investment portfolio managers, governments, central banks, corporate boards, and civil society can play in shaping the future of our world.

 I am confident that this course will positively influence Chozen Generation’s climate and environment-related advocacy, going forward.”

Adama Benya said “During this training, I have learnt a lot about finance and sustainability as well as the distribution of finance and how financial investments can impact the sustainability of a country. I was also opportuned to learn about global financial institutions and the important role that they play in shaping the global financial sector.”

All seven members received certificates of achievement to mark the successful completion of the course.

CGSL remains committed to empowering young people through relevant training and networking opportunities to build their capacities and contribute to Sierra Leone’s development.