KfW and DEG raise awareness about sustainability with joint e-learning platform

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

For many actors in developing and emerging-market countries, systematic handling of sustainability risks is comparatively new. With the help of its e-learning offer KfW and DEG want to support other institutions in managing environmental and social risks as well as corporate governance more systematically. Practical cases are used for example to illustrate how an environmental and social management system is developed and what investment managers should look for during an environmental and social due diligence or when visiting a customer.

Considering all aspects of sustainability

It is more important than ever for companies and investors to consider sustainability risks in their processes alongside financial appraisal. The risks range from issues of occupational safety and waste management to the selection of project locations. The platform was developed by DEG in 2020 and within its first year, more than 1,200 individual training courses have already been held for international finance specialists. The platform has been redesigned together with KfW Development Bank and further courses are now being offered. Additional modules on corporate governance and sustainability reporting for manufacturing companies or for infrastructure projects are also planned.

The platform is primarily aimed at employees of companies and financial institutions who work with KfW or DEG, who for example are active in credit risk management or in the areas of sustainability and corporate governance. In addition, the courses are also open to other interested parties. So far, twelve courses are available in English and five in Spanish. Further courses – among them a track on human rights – are already being designed and developed.

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. Upon completion of each module, learners receive a certificate.

Click here for more information and access to the platform: E-Learning Platform on Sustainability and Corporate Governance