BBVA delivers training in sustainability to 466 SME suppliers from 13 different countries
For the third year running, BBVA has been busy promoting training in sustainability for 466 of its SME suppliers in 13 countries where it operates, showing an 11 percent improvement on the 2024 figure (418 companies). In total, 593 people will take part in the Sustainable Suppliers Training Program of the UN Global Compact (up 7 percent on the 552 in 2024).
The program, which runs for five months, focuses on breaking down the barriers that SMEs commonly face in their sustainable transformation: knowledge, and a lack of tools and other training resources. SMEs wishing to take part must have between 10 and 300 employees, among other requirements.
The program includes four training modules on sustainability, the Sustainable Development Goals and the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact. The training is offered online and free of charge through a dedicated platform in Spanish, English and Portuguese, providing quick and easy access to courses, recorded sessions, guides and case studies. Thanks to this multilingual platform, international SME suppliers are now able to take part.
The sessions also include a selection of downloadable support material for SMEs (templates, guides, lists best practices, etc.). The aim is to deliver training in the importance of sustainability along the supply chains of large Spanish companies who are partners of the initiative in Spain, to provide knowledge and resources, and to help SME suppliers comply with the national, European and international regulatory framework in the realm of sustainability.
Record enrollment in the program worldwide
The Sustainable Suppliers Training Program is part of the UN Global Compact Spain, the broader UN Global Compact, ICEX and Fundación ICO. Its third edition broke a new record in terms of participation, with a total of 5,200 SME suppliers of large companies signing up, up 55% on the 2024 tally and reflecting the growing interest of small and medium-sized enterprises around the world in embracing more sustainable business practices.
This time around, the program has expanded its international scope, with the involvement of SMEs from 72 countries worldwide, thus consolidating its global impact. These companies are suppliers to 48 large Spanish companies that are partners of the UN Global Compact Spain, 11 more than in the previous edition. The new companies promoting the initiative include leading names from strategic sectors such as energy, banking, construction and industry.
All BBVA’s training efforts, whether for suppliers, customers or employees, demonstrate the bank’s unwavering commitment to supporting society in the transition toward a more sustainable world, as well as the role played by financial institutions in achieving this.