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Saudi Awwal Bank has obtained the ISO 20400 for sustainable procurement, becoming the first bank in the MEA region and the 42nd entity globally to receive this international recognition from BSI. Encompassing every stage from strategic vision to operational delivery, this achievement reflects SAB’s alignment with international standards in integrating sustainability into its procurement practices.
Developed by the International Organization for Standardization, ISO 20400 provides a globally recognized framework for integrating sustainability across procurement functions. This standard focuses on governance, labor practices, human rights, environmental impact and ethical business conduct throughout the supply chain.
The alignment assessment was conducted in collaboration with British Standards Institution, the business improvement and standards company, and a founding member of ISO. This process involved a comprehensive review of SAB’s procurement frameworks, strategies, and implementation mechanisms to evaluate the integration of sustainability into the bank’s operations.
As a result of this assessment, SAB has strengthened its sustainability integration in procurement decision-making. The bank has enhanced supplier engagement practices and implemented more robust approaches to ethical sourcing, ensuring consistency with its broader environmental, social, and governance objectives. These enhancements support the advancement of SAB’s long-term ESG agenda through responsible operations and transparent supply chain management.
Ghada Al-Jarbou, chief operating officer at SAB, said: “The adoption of ISO 20400 represents a significant milestone in institutionalizing sustainability across our procurement activities. It reflects our commitment to responsible sourcing and enhances our ability to engage suppliers in line with SAB’s ESG priorities and Vision 2030.”
Ilias Karampoikis, META sales and commercial director at BSI, said: “There is a significant opportunity for banks and other financial organizations to influence sustainability through their lending, investment, and governance practices. It’s great to see Saudi Awwal Bank leading the way with this achievement of the sustainable procurement standard (ISO 20400), which demonstrates that the organization is making conscious choices around its environmental, social, and economic impact, helping to accelerate progress toward a sustainable world. Congratulations to the team for this achievement.”

51Talk, ��������’s leading one-on-one online English education platform, illuminated the iconic Kingdom Tower in Riyadh with the bold message “Your Confidence Starts with your Language,” marking the official launch of its back-to-school campaign.

The lighting of the Kingdom Tower was the highlight of a series of milestone initiatives by 51Talk in the Kingdom, including the unveiling of three-city outdoor advertising campaigns, the opening of its flagship learning center at Park Avenue, activations in Panorama Mall, and participation in the upcoming Education Expo. 

This integrated campaign emphasizes 51Talk’s growing commitment to the Saudi market and its mission to empower students and families to build confidence through English proficiency.

On July 20, 51Talk officially established its Middle East headquarters in Riyadh, underscoring its long-term commitment to the region. Earlier in July, brand ambassador Dr. Yasser Al-Hazimi visited 51Talk’s international R&D headquarters in Beijing, further strengthening ties and affirming the company’s dedication to serving Saudi learners.

Commenting on the launch, Jack Huang, founder and CEO of 51Talk, said: “We believe that your confidence starts with your language, and English learning is a vital bridge to building opportunities for the future. �������� is one of the fastest-growing markets for digital learning, and 51Talk is proud to be the No. 1 platform in the Kingdom for one-on-one online English education. Our back-to-school campaign reflects our mission to support students, youth, and families as they ‘Start it Right’ this academic season.”

Al-Hazimi, education expert, consultant, and 51Talk’s brand ambassador in the Kingdom, said: “51Talk is not merely a language-learning platform; it is an opportunity to empower the new generation with the skills of the future. This mission is closely aligned with the Kingdom’s focus on education and youth empowerment. I am proud to support this vision and look forward to the positive impact it will have on our students and children.”

With more than 40 million learners worldwide and a growing base in the Middle East, 51Talk is committed to supporting ��������’s Vision 2030 education goals. By combining iconic visibility on the Kingdom Tower, strategic outdoor campaigns, flagship openings, and educational activations, 51Talk is reaffirming its role as ��������’s leading one-on-one online English learning platform and a committed partner in the Kingdom’s education transformation journey.