By zainab.joaque@awokonewspaper.sl in Washington DC
Washington, USA – The International Monetary Fund (IMF) marked a significant milestone at the onset of the Spring Meetings as it received the ISO 20121 certificate for event sustainability from the British Standards Institution (BSI). This prestigious international standard recognizes the IMF’s dedication to managing the environmental, social, and economic impacts of its meetings, including the Spring and Annual Meetings held at its headquarters in Washington, DC.
Amidst growing concerns over climate change and its implications for global growth and prosperity, the IMF reaffirmed its commitment to supporting its members in addressing climate-related challenges. Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva underscored the Fund’s priority on sustainability, expressing pride in achieving the ISO 20121 standard for its flagship events. She highlighted various initiatives undertaken by the IMF, including offsetting carbon emissions from participants’ travel, eliminating single-use plastics from cafeterias and catering services, and establishing an Environmental Sustainability Council.
Georgieva emphasized that sustainability is integral to the IMF’s operations, and the ISO 20121 certification reflects the institution’s ongoing efforts to enhance its environmental stewardship. The certification process provided the IMF with a robust framework for monitoring and measuring its environmental impact, enabling it to implement necessary measures to mitigate adverse effects over time.
Becky Toal, CEO of Crowberry Consulting – Enabling Sustainable Futures, commended the IMF’s achievement and expressed satisfaction in supporting the institution throughout the certification process. Crowberry Consulting collaborated with internal departments, trained sustainability champions, and facilitated the documentation required for certification. Toal expressed hope that the IMF’s success would inspire other organizations hosting large-scale events to prioritize sustainability and pursue similar certifications.
The IMF’s attainment of the ISO 20121 standard reflects its commitment to sustainability and sets a precedent for responsible event management in the global arena. As the IMF convenes for its Spring Meetings, the certification serves as a testament to the institution’s dedication to fostering a more sustainable future for all. ZIJ/16/4/2024