Systematically assessing and managing environmental and social risks

With the launch of the "E-Learning Platform on Sustainability and Corporate Governance", KfW and DEG are now making their collective experience in managing sustainability risks available online. Employees of financial institutions can learn in interactive courses how to identify, avoid and manage the risks and impacts of their financing in accordance with international standards.

For many financial institutions in developing and transition countries, systematic handling of sustainability risks is comparatively new. With the help of the new e-learning offer on environmental and social risks as well as corporate governance (ESG), KfW and DEG want to support other institutions in implementing these key topics more systematically. Practical examples are used to illustrate how an environmental and social management system can be developed and what investment managers should look for during an environmental and social due diligence or when visiting a client.

Considering all aspects of sustainability

It is more important than ever for financial institutions to consider and meaningfully manage sustainability risks in their processes alongside financial appraisal. The risk landscape in partner countries is often very diverse and ranges from issues of occupational safety and waste management to the selection of project locations.

Broad target group

After DEG set up the learning platform in 2020 and had already been using it successfully for a year, it has now been redesigned and further courses have been developed together with KfW Development Bank.

The platform is aimed at employees of financial institutions who work with KfW or DEG, are active in credit risk management or in the areas of sustainability and corporate governance. In addition, the courses are also open to students or other interested parties. So far, twelve courses are available in English and five in Spanish. It is planned to continuously expand the training offer and further courses are already being designed and developed.

The modules on corporate governance and sustainability reporting can also be used by manufacturing companies or for infrastructure projects. Learning with the online platform motivates participants to actively deal with sustainability and risk management issues, it is cost-efficient, has a modern didactic approach and helps to implement international environmental and social standards. A further advantage for the participants: Upon completion of each module, learners receive a certificate.

E-Learning Platform on Sustainability and Corporate Governance