An international group of bankers has pledged to provide financial products to one billion customers who have not had access to traditional banking services. The Global Alliance for Banking on Values, a network of 11 sustainable banks, made this commitment at the end of a conference in Dhaka. Fazle Hasan Abed, founder-chairperson of BRAC and co-founder of the GABV, announced the pledge during a press conference, stating that this initiative could have a significant impact on global efforts to address climate change. Representatives from banks across Asia and Latin America gathered for a three-day seminar aimed at shaping a sustainable future for the financial industry. The GABV, established in March 2009, utilizes financial resources to provide sustainable development tools for underserved individuals, communities, and the environment. It represents approximately seven million clients across 20 countries, with a total capital of more than $14 billion. The organization has committed to raising $250 million in new capital over a three-year period to support a $2 billion increase in lending for eco-friendly projects and underserved communities globally. This funding is anticipated to come from various investors, including current customers, institutions, and new investors. The alliance believes that expanding the network's membership and establishing new member banks will enable them to serve more customers, as stated in the announcement. The members of the network are planning to promote and demonstrate the impact of business models that focus on addressing the world's most critical social and environmental issues. Peter Blom, the chair and co-founder of the GABV, emphasized the need to raise more funds and invest in sustainable bankers to maximize the potential of finance. Blom, who is also the CEO of Triodos Bank in the Netherlands, stated that values-led banking can significantly improve the lives of one in six people within a decade. Participants from the member banks noted that in the coming years, increasing this capital significantly will be crucial in achieving the goal of reaching one billion targets.