Colleagues collect 100kg of waste at Case Noyale as the Bank celebrates 20 years of Employee Volunteering globally
As Standard Chartered celebrates 20 years since the formal launch of its Employee Volunteering programme globally, colleagues in Mauritius marked the milestone through a beach clean-up initiative in partnership with Mission Verte at the public beach of Case Noyale. The activity brought employees together to support environmental conservation, with volunteers collecting 100 kilograms of waste, including 86.1 kilograms of general waste and 13.9 kilograms of recyclable waste.
The initiative forms part of a wider global celebration of EV20, recognising two decades of Standard Chartered colleagues dedicating their time, skills and expertise to support communities across the Bank’s international footprint. Over the years, Employee Volunteering has become one of the most powerful ways in which colleagues bring the Bank’s Here for Good promise to life — whether through skills-based volunteering, youth empowerment, entrepreneurship support, environmental action or community partnerships.
Through the Employee Volunteering programme, Standard Chartered employees are provided with three days of paid volunteering leave annually, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to causes that matter in the communities where the Bank operates.
In Mauritius, the Case Noyale clean-up provided a meaningful opportunity for colleagues to contribute to this global milestone through practical, local action. Working alongside Mission Verte, volunteers helped remove waste from the coastline while raising awareness of the importance of responsible waste management, recycling and environmental stewardship.
Commenting on the initiative, Abrar Anwar, Chief Executive Officer, Standard Chartered Mauritius, said:
“This year, we celebrate an important global milestone as Standard Chartered marks 20 years of Employee Volunteering. For two decades, colleagues across our network have dedicated their time, skills and expertise to creating positive change in the communities where we operate. Here in Mauritius, we are proud to contribute to this legacy through our partnership with Mission Verte. The Case Noyale beach clean-up reflects both our commitment to environmental stewardship and our belief that together, we can make a meaningful and lasting difference.”
He added:
“Being Here for Good is not simply our brand promise — it is reflected in the actions our colleagues take every day. By giving employees three days of paid volunteering leave each year, we empower our people to support causes they care about and to play an active role in building stronger, more sustainable communities.”
Volunteers who participated in the initiative also reflected on the importance of collective action and individual responsibility in protecting the environment.
Zohaib Syed Nawaz, Head, TB Sales Trade South and Southern Africa cluster and participating volunteer, said:
“The beach clean-up was a great reminder that being Here for Good starts with action. It was rewarding to work together and contribute to something positive for our environment and community.”
Keshow Khulputeea, Chief Technology and Operations Officer and participating volunteer, said:
“Employee Volunteering gives us the opportunity to contribute to causes that have a direct impact on our communities. Taking part in the beach clean-up was a rewarding experience because it allowed us to work together towards a shared goal and make a visible difference in preserving one of Mauritius’ natural assets.”
Carole Letourdi, Associate Principal, Offshore Booking Location and participating volunteer, said:
“Volunteering gives us an opportunity to connect our personal values with meaningful action. As we celebrate 20 years of Employee Volunteering globally, it is inspiring to be part of a programme that continues to make a tangible difference in communities around the world.”
Yasseen Jaffar Head, Client Management and participating volunteer, said:
“Collecting 100 kilograms of waste was a powerful reminder that waste reduction begins long before a clean-up. The choices we make every day around consumption, recycling and proper disposal all contribute to protecting our environment.”
Steven Gomba, Head of HR and participating volunteer, said:
“Mauritius’ beaches are an important part of our natural heritage. Participating in this initiative with colleagues and Mission Verte was an opportunity to contribute to their preservation and demonstrate how collective action can support a cleaner and more sustainable future.”
The clean-up was conducted in collaboration with Mission Verte, an environmental organisation committed to conservation, environmental education and community engagement in Mauritius. Through this partnership, the initiative highlighted the importance of working together to address environmental challenges and promote more sustainable behaviours.
Twenty years on, Employee Volunteering remains a defining part of Standard Chartered’s culture and purpose. Across the Bank’s global footprint, colleagues continue to use their time, energy and professional skills to support communities, strengthen livelihoods and drive positive social and environmental impact. The Case Noyale initiative stands as Mauritius’ contribution to this global movement — a local expression of a worldwide commitment to being Here for Good.
