NIR Programme

Sustainable Bank Management

A well-functioning financial system is essential to achieve a sustainable and inclusive economic development.

Empowering the financial sector

The existence of an efficient and credible financial market contributes to increased savings that can channel into productive investments, thereby improving the efficiency of the existing capital resources. An efficient capital stock generates more production and thus higher incomes. In short, a well-functioning financial market has potential to promote higher standards of living for the population. Hence, the development of financial markets and institutions is key to achieving economic progress in developing countries.

The Sustainable Bank Management Programme provides capacity development for professionals within the financial sector. The programme promotes sustainable and inclusive economic development in countries with potential to increase the level of international economic integration, access to banking, insurance and financial services. The programme is implemented in Cuba since 2017.

Approach

In order to strengthen the financial sector and its capacity to contribute to an integrated and effective financial system, professionals are offered a six-week full-time training. The course curriculum includes an overview of areas that are essential for the overall understanding of international trade and banking and the strategic development of banks, such as macroeconomics, monetary policy, marketing management, strategic analysis and leadership as well as human resource management.

Several educational modules cover subjects such as risk management, international trade, international banking and related systems, credit processes including creditworthiness analysis and credit risk management.

Theoretical classes are illustrated by practical reference cases adapted to local context, exercises, group discussions and workshops. In addition to the theoretical training, comprehensive case studies are developed by the participants. So far, these case studies have resulted in the launch of new lending products and various new processes and strategies, strengthened routines and financial market propositions. The programme is funded by Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida).

Supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals

The Sustainable Bank Management Programme contributes to strengthening the capacity of domestic financial institutions and to encourage and expand access to banking, insurance and financial services for all, which relates to SDG 8:10.

Additional information

For more information, please contact Programme Director Maria Rindeskär, telephone number +46 8 783 82 93.

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This executive summary presents the findings from the study “Workplace Cooperation: Finding Practical Solutions in the Colombian Context,” conducted by the Fundación Ideas para la Paz (FIP). The study evaluates the added value of the Swedish Workplace Programme (SWP) dialogue and cooperation model within the Colombian labor market.

Throughout 2022, FIP dedicated efforts to thoroughly understand the SWP model, including its concept, foundations, implementation process, and contributions to the labor market. In 2023, FIP documented the experiences of three companies—SKF Latin Trade, Securitas, and Epiroc—that implemented the SWP model in practice. The study also included face-to-face workshops to gather feedback from various stakeholders including civil society, businesses, government, academia, and international cooperation. The findings suggest that the SWP model has the potential to strengthen labor relations, contribute to decent work, and resolve workplace conflicts in Colombia.

The case studies highlight the importance of collaboration between employers and workers to promote decent work and sustainable development in Colombia. They demonstrate that social dialogue facilitates worker participation in labor decision-making, enhances their representativeness, and promotes cooperation between employers and employees, thus improving labor relations and contributing to the well-being of both employees and companies.

The SWP model is particularly noted for improving workplace relationships and commitment to jointly finding solutions to challenges faced by workers and the company. It empowers workers, enhances leadership, and helps integrate business policies into daily practices, reducing the initial disconnect between management objectives and the day-to-day realities of workers. The study also highlights the model’s capacity to manage conflicts constructively, transforming the perception of conflict as an opportunity for improvement. Structured dialogues deepen understanding of the underlying causes of conflicts, fostering empathy and facilitating effective resolution. This promotes a culture of collaboration and a democratic approach to decision-making, building trust.

Additionally, the model is recognized for enabling workers to make decisions, identify challenges, and propose solutions that impact their well-being, and bridging gender gaps in the workplace. Its inclusive approach adapts to the unique needs and characteristics of each company, promoting a stronger and more diverse organizational culture. It also drives good work performance and productivity by involving workers in problem identification and resolution, as well as in implementing improvements and efficiently identifying ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) risks for companies.

The document identifies the SWP model’s added value in empowering direct interaction among labor stakeholders in Colombia, overcoming historical or cultural reservations, and contributing to the development of stronger labor relations and improved workplace environments in the country.

Challenges and opportunities of the model are also discussed. The study points out the importance of addressing value chain risks, particularly in a global context where corporate clients demand decent work processes and due diligence. It emphasizes the need to integrate SMEs into this process and use anchor companies as drivers of social dialogue throughout the value chain. The role of the state in social dialogue and the importance of highlighting the benefits of the model for adoption across various business sectors are discussed.

The opportunities of the model include raising awareness of human rights in the workplace in line with the United Nations Guiding Principles (UNGP), to strengthen due diligence, manage risks, promote long-term sustainability, and improve organizational culture. The document also underscores the importance of involving workers in change processes, leveraging their insights for continuous improvement of processes, and fostering innovation opportunities. Lastly, it suggests replicating the model in value chains to address work environment risks and gender biases, involving suppliers and contractors, and integrating the model into corporate policies to strengthen existing programs and transform organizational culture towards resource efficiency and effective participation of employers and workers.

The intervention of the SWP programme had a direct effect at the workplaces, where shop stewards listed several cases where they had managed to intervene and secure results in dialogue with management, avert crises or find solutions based on opportunities and the communication skills obtained during the SWP training. For the Amalgamated Metal Workers Unions in Kenya, the shop stewards pointed to how the training had enabled them to design their own strategies at the workplace in relation to supervisors and staff, and to achieve many concrete results.