From the National Network for Children, we are talking to Adelina Peeva, Manager of “Sponsorships and Events” at UniCredit Bulbank and a member of the Board of Directors of the Bulgarian Donors Forum. The company has been our corporate partner for over five years and with a series of initiatives, it demonstrates its commitment to the well-being of children and families in our country. UniCredit Bulbank holds the “Child-Friendly Company” certificate, and the National Network for Children is part of the jury for two of their major initiatives related to child policies – Call for Europe: Supporting Childhood and Call for Education – Bulgaria & Romania. Read our interview with Adelina Peeva to find out about the role of business in the future of children.
Why should the topic of corporate social responsibility become increasingly important and relevant today?
The topic of corporate social responsibility is part of a company’s sustainable business model. The economic challenges we face further emphasize the role of companies in enabling communities, people, and families to have a fair future in the long run. As a bank, we have a tremendous responsibility to support our clients in their own business transformation and to direct financing in the right direction. Our role is to help our clients and communities make significant progress towards a more sustainable, inclusive, and just society. Social responsibility is an important part of our strategy, and some of our strategic topics that we have focused on are:
Promoting financial inclusion and the health of vulnerable groups of people and businesses. We have developed products such as student loans, “Golden Age” loans, and “Equal Opportunity” microloans. Ensuring sustainable progress in communities, with a focus on youth and education. In 2022, the UniCredit Group announced its global partnership with Teach for all, whose goal is to combat early school dropout. At the local level, UniCredit Bulbank is developing a partnership with the “Together in Class” Foundation, which is part of the international organisation Teach for all. UniCredit Bulbank is also one of the banks that participate in the “Manager for a Day” initiative by Junior Achievements Bulgaria every year. For 2022, we have more than 20 initiatives and have reached over 7,000 participants with projects such as Financial Education, ESG Awareness, and others. In the middle of July this year, the UniCredit Foundation officially announced its partnership with Junior Achievements for the next three years. Providing a more equitable and inclusive working environment and care for employees. For several consecutive years, UniCredit Bulbank has been awarded the title of the best employer by the Amsterdam-based institute Top Employer. Some of the additional benefits for each employee on a labour contract include additional health insurance, extra paid leave days, gift vouchers for birthdays and Christmas, etc. Since the beginning of 2023, colleagues also receive meal vouchers.
How does corporate social responsibility towards children and families positively impact your employees and customers?
Social and corporate responsibility towards children and families contributes positively to the working environment and makes employees more motivated. For us, it is essential to lead by example, which earns the trust of our clients and partners. More and more young people choose their employer based on their Corporate and Social Policy.
UniCredit is recognised as a leader in the field of corporate social responsibility in Europe. What motivates you to continue changing the environment we live in?
As a leading bank in Europe, we want to set an example for building a fairer and more inclusive society by identifying, financing, and promoting people and companies that have a positive impact on society. This is a long process, and our motivation comes from clear goals and the results we achieve.
The slogan of the “Child-friendly Company” certificate is “What is good for children is good for business” – what is the role of business in the future of children?
At UniCredit, we believe that our role is to create opportunities for growth for both our clients and children. Only with an educated generation can we achieve a better future for all of us.
The “Child-friendly Company” certificate is an evaluation of your efforts in the field of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance). Why are ESG policies so important for the future?
Sustainable transformation is something that we all need to do now, but the benefits will be for our common future. By conducting our business with minimal carbon footprint, fairness, and equality, with the necessary regulations and responsibilities, we are actually changing the environment in which we live and work. But this is a process, or often referred to as a journey, because it is essential to start today, but our ultimate goal is forward in time.
Children’s rights are not a topic that is as popular in Bulgaria. What is UniCredit doing to ensure that the voice of children is heard more and more?
The bank has a clear strategy for social, environmental, and governance factors, and part of that strategy is support for women and families with children.
It is important for the bank to create a supportive environment where colleagues have the opportunity to balance their professional responsibilities with their personal lives. Therefore, there are several privileges that facilitate the care of children and provide peace of mind to their parents.
For three years now, the UniCredit Foundation has been implementing a program to support children – Call for Europe, which is successfully applied in Bulgaria and has supported 15 projects with a total value of 95,000 euros. Since 2020, the employee donation program of the UniCredit Foundation, Gift Matching Programme, where the donations from employees are doubled, has focused precisely on supporting children. In early 2023, the “Call for Education – Bulgaria & Romania” program was launched, which supported half a million euros worth of educational projects in both countries, aimed at addressing educational inequalities.
UniCredit follows the United Nations Global Compact, which also underpins the “Child-friendly Company” certificate. In which of all the 10 categories in Bulgaria is there the greatest need for systematic efforts?
Education is definitely the key priority. Studies in this direction show a very low level of education in the generation that is expected to lead Europe in the near future. This is one of the main priorities of UniCredit – supporting children from vulnerable groups and combating early school dropout rates. With programs like Call for Education, Call for Europe, and the Gift Matching Program of the UniCredit Foundation, organizations working to improve literacy and enhance professional skills are supported in Bulgaria every year.
What awards related to corporate social responsibility were you nominated for in 2022?
Support for parents, families, and children – Award from the Women in Business Council in Bulgaria. Social Commitment Prize – Award from the German Economy. Contribution to the awareness of ESG in Bulgaria – ESGnews.bg. Corporate Leader in Sustainable Development – PwC ESG Awards. Green Bank of the Year – B2B, Greenest Companies in Bulgaria.
