Change For The Climate: An HSBC Climate Change Concert

Change For The Climate: An HSBC Climate Change Concert HSBC, the World's Local Bank, has announced that it is to hold a concert in Beirut as part of a project to continuously raise awareness of the growing problem of climate change. The announcement of the HSBC hosted concert was attended by Minister of the Environment, Dr. Antoine Karam."Climate change is the greatest challenge of the 21st century. The impact of climate change on the region needs to be recognized. Change needs to be embraced not only in Lebanon but across the Middle East. There are positive signs but much needs to be done and HSBC's numerous projects in Beirut and the Middle East will create awareness and provide solutions," said Francois-Pascal de Maricourt, Chief Executive Officer, HSBC Bank Middle East Limited Lebanon.HSBC Beirut will host a concert featuring Magida El Roumi, the renowned Lebanese performer. The celebrity soprano will show her support at the concert as well as perform to raise further awareness of the threat of climate change. Magida El Roumi has gained respect across the region for her humanitarian work as well as being a UN Goodwill ambassador. "The support and work I've done for my country is a demonstration of the love I have for this nation and I believe that every citizen feels the same way. That is why it is important for climate change to be high on the agenda in this region, and HSBC is demonstrating that real results can be derived from direct action individually and at a corporate level. Therefore, I am very happy to be a part of this initiative," explained Magida El Roumi. Francis Sullivan is HSBC Holding's adviser on the environment in the Group's Corporate Sustainability department and will be a guest speaker at the concert. Mr. Sullivan has enjoyed a 20 year career in sustainable development at WWF prior to joining HSBC. He has developed a number of initiatives to reduce the bank's impact on the environment and focuses on raising the importance of climate change and solutions."Through the participation and influence of the Minister of the Environment, our clients, Magida El Roumi and Francis Sullivan we can influence change in corporate social behaviour towards the environment. The concert is an initiative that will not only raise awareness but activate the country's and the region's stakeholders to make decisions that will benefit us all," said Francois-Pascal de Maricourt.

The concert will highlight the "HSBC Climate Partnership" which is a groundbreaking, five-year partnership between HSBC and The Climate Group, Earthwatch Institute, Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute and WWF. HSBC's US$100 million investment - the largest ever corporate donation to each of these four world-class environmental charities - aims to combat the urgent threat of climate change by inspiring action by individuals, businesses and governments worldwide. "The basis for any initiative to protect the environment is intrinsically linked to ensuring the welfare of the people. This global HSBC initiative to create awareness and take action now will positively impact the environment. It is in the interests of all corporations to undertake such initiatives as they are increasingly important players in society," concluded Francois-Pascal de Maricourt.As the world's local bank, HSBC's project highlights their global reach and local presence. Inspired by HSBC's global efforts yet pioneered locally, the concert is part of HSBC Lebanon extensive environmental support. (C) 2009 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)

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