During 2020 it was crucial for us not to be distracted from the long-term objectives of our bank, and pursuant to the entire RBI Group, for a Sustainable Development of the society and a Responsible Banking in accordance with the global principles for a better world.
Serving this purpose, we supported activities that brought a positive impact regarding the improvement of health conditions in some areas of the country, environmental protection, promotion of education, support for the marginalized groups, enhancement of literacy of different age groups through art, provided support for the projects and practices aimed at improving livelihood in promoting a sustainable society.
Raiffeisen Bank again this year represents one of the companies demonstrating the greatest commitment to corporate social responsibility by supporting 90 projects, 74% of which meet the Sustainable Development Goals set by the United Nations (SDGs).
Environmental protection constitutes one of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SGD) to which Raiffeisen Bank has made a valuable contribution since its beginnings. Raiffeisen Bank promotes and supports the cleaning of coastal areas by enabling that through special and voluntary initiatives to clean 10 km of coastline during this year. Furthermore, thanks to the continuous cooperation with the Municipality of Tirana, we have supported the initiative to increase the green areas in Tirana by enabling the planting of 250 trees. This initiative was extended to several other cities such as Durrës, Kruja and Këlcyra.
Other important projects worth mentioning in various areas that were supported are: supporting innovation through the nationwide technology competition "ICT Awards", promoting sports with the support of the Albanian National Olympic Committee for the preparatory phase of athletes for participation in the Olympic Games in Tokyo 2020, the support provided to the National Museum where Raiffeisen Bank made possible the building of the Smart-Audio Guide application. While for the marginalized groups we highlight the unique project of the "Visium” Center for the digitization of books for the blind, the project "Secret Grandpa" which during the holidays provided gifts for poor children and the initiative "Team of yellow elves", through which 10 families in need were supported voluntarily with food and clothing by the bank staff in the cities of Elbasan, Shkodra, Kruja and Lushnje.
Raiffeisen Bank in Albania considers Corporate Social Responsibility of crucial importance and as such will strengthen the strategic orientation with the aim of becoming a pioneer of the Sustainable Development of society and our country.