ING Elected as New Chair of Equator Principles Association Steering Committee
We are very pleased to announce that the Equator Principles (EP) Association Steering Committee has elected a new Chair for the 2012/13 mandate. ING is honoured to accept the appointment and assumes the position of Chair on 1 May 2012. One of the first tasks in the Chair role is leading the EP III Stakeholder Consultation and Public Comment process. ING looks forward to continuing this important leadership role, held by Citi for the last 2 years, particularly during this crucial period. ING believes that a robust consultation and public comment process is a fundamental requirement for incorporating the input from stakeholders and ensuring transparency.
Important Update on the Progress and Timeline of the EP III Update Process
The EP Association is continuing internal discussions with its members on the first draft of EP III and as a result the overall timeline for the EP III Update process has been extended again.
Please see below a summary of the new timeline*:
- EP Association consultation period and initial drafting of the EP III (September 2011 - May 2012).
- Formal 60 day (minimum) Stakeholder Consultation and Public Comment Process (May - July 2012).
- Finalisation and launch of the EP III framework (July - October 2012).
*The timeline might be subject to further extension if deemed necessary.
The EP Association would like re-emphasise that it is committed to carrying out a robust and consultative process therefore appreciates the patience of stakeholders and look forwards sharing the first draft of EP III with stakeholders in the coming months.
The EP Association will aim to be open and transparent during the EP III Update process, and we welcome feedback and comments from any interested party on both process and substance. If you have not already joined the EP Association mailing list you can register your interest here.
Banco do Brasil to host Biodiversity for Banks workshop in São Paulo
20 January 2012
Banco do Brasil will host the second Biodiversity for Banks (B4B) workshop on 22 and 23 March 2012. The Equator Principles Association, World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the Business and Biodiversity Offsets Program launched the pioneering training program in late October 2011 to help banks incorporate the value of nature into their lending decisions. More than 20 banks from 15 countries met in late October at the WWF headquarters in Washington D.C. as part of an inaugural training workshop. Now the B4B program hits the road with the next stop being São Paulo, Brazil.