EBC Financial Group (EBC) joined world leaders and changemakers at "We The Peoples", hosted by the United Nations Foundation. Held on 21 November 2024, in New York City, this prestigious event honoured individuals and organisations driving transformative action towards a fairer, healthier, and more sustainable world. Representing EBC at the event were David Barrett, CEO of EBC Financial Group (UK) Ltd, and Samuel Hertz, APAC Director of Operations at EBC Financial Group.
Celebrating Leadership at "We The Peoples"
"We The Peoples", hosted annually by the United Nations Foundation, honours individuals and organisations that exemplify extraordinary leadership in advancing the United Nations' vision of a more peaceful, equitable, and sustainable world. Named after the opening words of the UN Charter, the event celebrates those who embody its founding principles: to save future generations from the scourge of war, reaffirm faith in human rights and equal rights, ensure justice and international law, and promote social progress and freedom. This year's gathering brought together global leaders, innovators, and changemakers to highlight the critical actions needed to address humanity's greatest challenges.
As one of the few financial services organisations present, EBC's participation reflected a commitment to engaging with issues that extend beyond financial markets. The event served as an opportunity to reflect on the shared responsibility of addressing challenges that shape a more equitable and sustainable future.
The 2024 honourees represented diverse fields and causes, including Rt Hon Dame Jacinda Ardern, former Prime Minister of New Zealand, recognised for her empathetic leadership and advocacy for women's rights; Angelique Kidjo, Grammy-winning artist and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, celebrated for her lifelong commitment to children's rights; Jessica Sibley, CEO of TIME, honoured for innovative global partnerships; and Amanda Gorman, poet and activist, whose inspiring words earned her the inaugural Unite Our Strength Award; Louise Mabulo, Founder of the Cacao Project, recognised for her innovative efforts in sustainable agriculture; and the UN Emergency First Responders, honoured for their extraordinary compassion, courage, and determination in crisis response. Together, they represent the collective power of action in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and creating a brighter future for all.
"At EBC, we believe that before we do big, we must do good—to use our global platform to address the pressing challenges facing our world today," said Hertz. "Our partnership with United to Beat Malaria, a campaign of the United Nations Foundation, demonstrates this philosophy in action, showcasing how meaningful collaborations can transform lives and mobilise communities toward progress. Being a witness of the amazing work that the honourees are doing at the 'We The Peoples' reaffirms what we hope to accomplish and our commitment to actively engage in initiatives that improve lives, reduce systemic inequities, and leave a lasting, positive impact on the world."
Strengthening the Fight Against Malaria
EBC's partnership with the United to Beat Malaria campaign began in April 2024, driven by a shared vision to protect the world's most vulnerable children and families from malaria—a preventable and treatable disease that claims over 600,000 lives annually, 78% of which were children under five. EBC believes that every child should have the chance to reach their potential, and this significant undertaking reflects EBC's core values of integrity, respect, and a deep responsibility to the communities it serves.
Since the partnership's inception, EBC has contributed financial resources to support malaria prevention and essential health services in malaria-endemic regions. Malaria disproportionately affects communities in poverty-stricken regions, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where 94% of cases are reported annually. EBC's contributions have provided critical malaria prevention tools, including insecticide-treated nets and diagnostic kits, to underserved communities. EBC employees have also actively participated in advocacy and awareness-raising initiatives, including:
- Attending the 2024 United to Beat Malaria Leadership Summit in Washington, DC, where Barrett and Hertz joined global advocates to discuss strategies and lobbied Congress to increase funding to combat malaria and support sustainable development.
- Participating in the Move Against Malaria 5K, a worldwide run that brought together communities to raise funds and awareness for malaria prevention.
"We are deeply privileged to support United to Beat Malaria, a campaign that embodies the spirit of the SDGs," said Barrett. "At EBC, we believe that our work as a financial institution must extend beyond markets and profits to address critical global challenges like malaria. Being part of this effort shows how deeply we value the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to causes that create real, lasting change in the world."
Through the efforts of its honourees, the event showed the impact of joining forces to address challenges and make the world more just and sustainable. For EBC, it presented an opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to global progress and collaboration. "This evening reminded us of the extraordinary impact we can achieve when organisations and individuals unite for a common purpose," said Barrett.
As EBC continues to expand its presence across financial hubs worldwide, it remains steadfast in its mission to balance business excellence with a genuine commitment to creating a better world.
