Our Pledge of Support
Updated 25 March
The Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV) condemns the Russian regime attack on Ukraine in the strongest possible terms. We are deeply concerned about the war and its appalling impact on the people of Ukraine. We stand in solidarity with the Ukrainian people and the human tragedy inflicted on them.
As a values-based movement, the Global Alliance for Banking on Values upholds human rights and takes a humanitarian view. We strongly condemn any type of violence, fighting or war, under any circumstances wherever it occurs. Lasting conflict resolution can only take place through open dialogue and sincere collaboration as a means to build the trust that underpins peace. Dialogue and collaboration are the foundation for our movement and its work.
We commit and stand in solidarity with everyone working to support the victims of conflict and the pursuit of peace.
We Stand for Human Rights
The Global Alliance for Banking on Values condemns the acts of the Russian regime, and distinguishes them from the Russian people, who themselves are affected by the war either directly through military engagement, by the international community’s economic sanctions or the censorship imposed by their own Government.Beyond Ukraine
The impact of the war in Ukraine is felt not just in the country itself or in Europe, but worldwide. While it brings risks to global security, the Global Alliance for Banking on Values recognises that war is devastating for the communities it affects directly wherever it happens, as it has been in recent years in Palestine, Afghanistan and the Democratic Republic of Congo – all countries which are home to GABV members. We extend our support to all the initiatives that promote peace and help co-workers, families and communities in these places.As a global movement, we support the victims of any armed conflict and their refugees, no matter what race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation or geographical origin.
The Global Alliance for Banking on Values and its member banks work both independently and together to serve the social and economic needs of our communities and improve people’s quality of life, irrespective of where they live.
What our members are doing
GABV members are promoting initiatives to support the Ukrainian people or publishing statements to condemn the violence. Use the Google translation bar to translate these pages into your own language.
Vancity, in Canada, will be donating $50,000 to the Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal and to local Ukrainian organisations in Canada. In collaboration with a number of organisations, they have developed the Vancity’s Ukrainian Banking Program to meet the needs of displaced Ukrainians and support their transition to Canada. The program includes no-fee banking services and products, wrap-around supports through settlement agencies and United Way of the Lower Mainland, transportation services through Modo, and tailored support for entrepreneurs.
GLS Bank, in Germany, has partnered with several organisations to launch a platform for connecting people from Ukraine with hosts who offer accommodation, up to 200,000 beds. The platform is called #UnterkunftUkrain.
Banca Etica, in Italy, has published a public statement refusing any financing for the production and trade of arms and in support of a pacifist and nonviolent culture. Banca Etica has also compiled a number of bottom-up initiatives and aid humanitarian organisations from their network that are asking for donations to help the Ukrainian population. More Info (in Italian). One of these initiatives is called Fairbnb.coop, a responsible tourism cooperative that has opened a free web platform for NGOs and humanitarian organizations to find hosts for refugees.
UmweltBank and Triodos Bank Germany, together with other social organisations and banks in the country, have published a joint declaration to condemn the military attack and call on all players in the financial market to take responsibility and set an example. They appeal to investors to question what their money is financing.
Fundación Triodos (Triodos Bank Spain) promotes donations to help the victims of Ukraine. They inform about the work that some aid humanitarian organisations from their network are doing and provide their donation banking accounts. More Info (in Spanish).
Together with International Amnesty, they have launched a crowdfunding campaign to support the work of this organisation to defend human rights in Ukraine. Support the campaign (in Spanish).
Ecology Building Society, in the UK, supports the British Government’s Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship scheme, which enables homeowners to provide accommodation in their own home to refugees fleeing the conflict. If you are interested in participating in the scheme as a sponsor, you should let your lender; if you have a mortgage, and home insurer know once your application has been accepted. More Info
Organisations you can support
The Ukrainian Red Cross is helping people affected by the conflict as the security situation allows, providing first aid and psychosocial support. Red Cross Societies in surrounding countries, with support from the IFRC, are assisting people leaving Ukraine with shelter, basic aid items and health services. Donate here
UNHCR has stepped up their operations and capacity in Ukraine and neighbouring countries – your support can help ensure that Ukrainians forced to flee their homes are sheltered and safe. 
