Sustainable Investment Awards 2019

ESG Initiative of the Year - UBS #Togetherband (Joint Winner)

The #Togetherband initiative aims to use creativity and culture to raise public awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and inspire action to achieve the goals through fashion, contemporary art, music and film.

It was initiated by sustainable accessories brand Bottletop and Swiss bank UBS is a founding partner of the project. Other partners include the UN Foundation, the World Wildlife Fund, Project Everyone, Eco Age and Global Citizen.

#TOGETHERBANDS#Togetherband was launched on World Earth Day (22 April 2019) and a group of high-profile ambassadors has been appointed to highlight the social, environmental, or economic problem that each goal addresses and examples of how the public can help achieve them.

At the heart of the #Togetherband campaign are 17 sustainably and ethically produced friendship bands in the colours of the 17 SDGs. They are handmade in Nepal from upcycled ocean plastic and generate sustainable employment, skills, and livelihoods for women. The clasp is made from decommissioned illegal firearms. All profits are dedicated to projects aligned with the SDGs, with guidance provided by the UBS Optimus Foundation.

Judges hailed it as a "great campaign" noting that "every aspect has an element of reuse, sustainability and impact".

"Sustainability is a priority for our clients and for us. As the leading global wealth manager, UBS already contributes to setting the standards and collaborates in and beyond our industry," Sergio Ermotti, UBS group chief executive officer, said at the launch of the campaign.