On Wednesday, 16 October 2024, the Capricorn Group, through joint donations from the Capricorn Foundation and Bank Windhoek, donated a total of N$500 000 to the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism towards Namibia's participation and pavilion at the COP29 conference, which will be held from 11 November 2024 in Baku, Azerbaijan to build on previous successes and pave the way for future ambition to tackle the global challenge of climate change effectively. This is the third year that Capricorn Group, Capricorn Foundation and Bank Windhoek have donated towards Namibia's Pavilion at the annual Conference of Parties (COP).
"Our pivotal sponsorship towards the Namibian Pavilion at COP29 is more than a financial commitment or supporting a climate change event; it is an investment in creating a platform for Namibians to continue to engage with key global stakeholders whilst catalysing a deliberate movement to drive collaborative action between the public and private sectors to forge a path towards a more sustainable and resilient Namibian economy and world. Our continued support and presence at COP29 signify our commitment to playing a critical role in creating a legacy of positive change that will echo through generations," Ruan Bestbier, Capricorn Group Head: Sustainability.
As the first financial institution to list a Green Bond in the Southern Africa Region and later launch a Sustainability Bond in Namibia, Bank Windhoek is proud to solidify its commitment to sustainability. Through this sponsorship, we are ensuring Namibia's active participation in vital global dialogue and policy decisions on climate change," James Chapman, Executive Officer: Retail Banking Services and Specialist Finance.
Capricorn Group, the Capricorn Foundation and Bank Windhoek selected a party of delegates to represent the Group at the 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference or Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC, commonly called COP29. The Group participates in the conference to leverage Capricorn Group as an organisation that supports sustainable practices while providing sustainability financing solutions to benefit its stakeholders and the socio-economic development of its operating regions.
"The Capricorn Foundation, the main driver of Capricorn Group's CSR initiatives, is proud to support Namibia's participation at COP29. The Capricorn Foundation has Sustainability as one of its focus areas. The Foundation cares about protecting our environmental systems and the communities that depend on them. I look forward to being part of the Namibian delegation and representing the Capricorn Foundation at COP29," said Marlize Horn, Executive Officer of the Capricorn Foundation.
This year, the 2024 COP29 will be held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from 11 to 22 November 2024. It would be the 29th annual United Nations Climate Change Conference since the first UN Climate Agreement in 1992. Governments use this conference to agree on policies to limit global temperature rises and adapt to impacts associated with climate change.
