The first-ever Green Finance Education Charter, has been launched by the UK government, the Green Finance Institute, and 12 leading financial professional bodies, including ACCA, ICAEW and ICAS.
The charter is a significant commitment to integrate green finance and sustainability into core syllabuses, new qualifications, and CPD for members.
Green Finance Institute CEO, Dr Rhian-Mari Thomas, explained: “Green is one of the most exciting, creative and fast-growing areas of finance and the skills required to drive the agenda will be increasingly sought after as the global economy shifts to net-zero carbon.”
The charter says accountancy bodies must commit to (by the end of the year) to:
- Engage members on issues related to climate change and environmental issues, with the aim of raising their profile within each profession.
- Curate, develop and promote relevant resources to members on green and sustainable finance.
- Encourage the adoption of relevant global and national standards, frameworks and guidance, including the Principles for Responsible Investment, and the Taskforce on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD).
Helen Brand, ACCA CEO, stressed: “ACCA commits to continuing to ensure green finance is an integral part of our world-class qualification and members’ CPD. After all, it’s through professional education that accountant and their membership bodies like ACCA can support the transition to a low-carbon world.” Meanwhile, ICAEW CEO Michael Izza said this should be a decade of transition for business, and accountants should encourage companies to build sustainability into their business models and help fight climate change
