UBL has always strived to consolidate itself as a conscientious and respected corporate citizen. The bank recognizes its obligation to continuously improve its processes, systems, products and services to create value for the communities it operates in. Through a transparent and prudent Sustainability agenda, UBL aims to encourage a positive impact via projects aimed towards the betterment of the environment, consumers, employees, communities and all its stakeholders.
At the heart of UBL’s Sustainability philosophy is the desire to help the less fortunate by supporting causes and empowering communities. As part of its Sustainability Agenda, UBL focuses on the sectors of Education, Healthcare, Literature & Arts, Water Scarcity and Natural Disaster Relief. The Bank works both independently as well as in partnership with specialist organizations, to empower disadvantaged sections of the society through economic regeneration and employment creation.
In 2018, UBL focused its sustainability efforts towards areas of healthcare, education and water conservation.
UBL’s Sustainability agenda is strongly focused on healthcare with the objective of reducing any and every barrier to its access. The bank donates to healthcare facilities across Pakistan in order to ensure that no patient in need of medical treatment is turned away. In 2018, UBL’s Sustainability spend on healthcare projects more than doubled in terms of Rupee value as compared to last year and was almost 50% of the entire donations of 2018. Projects involved donations for purchase of critical medical equipment and emergency vehicles, infrastructural projects for medical institutions and patient welfare.
Beneficiaries in the healthcare sector included Edhi Foundation, Shaukat Khanum Hospital, Shalamar Hospital, Marie Adelaide Leprosy Center and Gwadar District Hospital, among others.
Provision of opportunities for higher education through scholarships and endowment funds remained UBL’s top priority in the education sector. UBL was able to provide higher education opportunities to more than 200 students in 2018. Educational institutions like LUMS, FCC, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Nasra Schools and SOS Children’s Village Pakistan were some of the educational institutions who were recipients of UBL’s donations during the year
In 2018 UBL enhanced its sustainability efforts towards water conservation projects. Water scarcity is reaching alarming levels in Pakistan and is an area which desperately needs attention and investment. UBL worked in association with NGOs like Hisaar Foundation for water sustainability projects. Linking with such specialist institutions and investing Sustainability funds in projects working towards alleviating the shortage will be a strong focus area in the years to come.
2018 saw a substantial enrichment in UBL’s Sustainability activities, with donations to worthy causes increasing by almost 85% from the previous year. Carrying forward the momentum, the Bank begins 2019 with an even stronger affirmation towards enriching lives of and building a brighter future for a diverse and more extensive recipient base.