**Spain**: BBVA’s Sustainable Suppliers Training Program sees record participation, with 5,200 SME suppliers engaging in sustainability training across 72 countries. The initiative aims to address challenges faced by SMEs and promote adherence to sustainability regulations through comprehensive online training resources.
BBVA is continuing its commitment to sustainability education for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), having provided training for 466 SME suppliers in 13 countries as part of the Sustainable Suppliers Training Program. This figure represents an 11 percent increase from 2024, which saw 418 companies participating. The program, which is designed to last for five months, will see a total of 593 participants, marking a 7 percent rise from the previous year’s engagement of 552 individuals.
Targeting specific barriers faced by SMEs in their pursuit of sustainability, the programme addresses significant challenges such as knowledge gaps and a lack of tools and training resources. Eligible SMEs, defined as having between 10 and 300 employees, can enroll in the program that comprises four training modules focused on sustainability principles, the Sustainable Development Goals, and the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact.
Training is delivered online and at no cost via a dedicated multilingual platform available in Spanish, English, and Portuguese. This accessibility aims to facilitate participation from international suppliers, providing them with comprehensive resources including recorded sessions, guides, case studies, and a range of downloadable materials such as templates and best practice lists.
The initiative’s overarching goal is to enhance understanding of sustainability across the supply chains associated with large Spanish companies that are partners in this initiative. It also aims to equip SME suppliers with the necessary knowledge and resources to comply with relevant national, European, and international sustainability regulations.
The third edition of the Sustainable Suppliers Training Program has set a new participation record, with 5,200 SME suppliers from large companies signing up—an impressive 55 percent increase when compared to the 2024 figure. This surge reflects a heightened interest among SMEs worldwide in adopting more sustainable business practices.
This year’s programme marks a significant expansion of its international reach, now involving SMEs from 72 different countries, thereby amplifying its global influence. These SMEs are suppliers to 48 large Spanish companies that have partnered with the UN Global Compact Spain, an increase of 11 companies from the previous iteration. The new participating firms include key players from critical sectors such as energy, banking, construction, and industry.
BBVA’s robust training initiatives for suppliers, customers, and employees underline the bank’s strong commitment to facilitating a transition towards a more sustainable society and highlight the vital role that financial institutions can play in advancing sustainability goals.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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