Annual statement on sustainable development

In times of crisis and instability, priorities compete and the case for ‘Sustainability’ may seem less obvious. However, at Siren we believe that sustainable development is not just a moral imperative but also a strategic necessity. Operating in a region that continues to witness the devastating impact of armed conflict, we are reminded daily of the urgent need for principled, resilient, and future-oriented approaches to development and reform. Ethical business leadership anchored in sustainable practices is no longer optional, but rather an essential stabilizing force in an era characterised by geopolitical tension, rising inequalities, eroding trust in international institutions, and an ever-more imposing climate crisis.

Aware of the strong moral imperative for just and transparent business practices, we also recognise that our resilience and success depend on the well-being of the communities that we serve and the health of the environment that we operate in. This is why we have levelled up on our commitment to internationally accepted environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards by expanding and further embedding a comprehensive data-driven ESG framework into our business model. By monitoring, evaluating and reporting on our operations and sustainability efforts, we aim to shed light on the impacts of our work – whether on individuals, communities or the environment – in order to minimise any adverse effects and guide our continuous improvement. Below is a summary of how we approach sustainability across the environmental, social and governance pillars, and the principles that continue to guide our efforts in 2026.

Under the environmental dimension, we monitor performance across key areas including energy consumption, transportation, waste management, water stewardship, biodiversity, and resource efficiency. Over the past year, we have strengthened our environmental reporting by introducing the measurement of Scope 1, 2 and 3 greenhouse gas emissions in line with internationally recognised standards, enabling a more comprehensive understanding of our carbon footprint and informing future reduction targets. Alongside ongoing initiatives to reduce waste, minimise paper consumption, and offset flight emissions through local reforestation initiatives, we continue to support clients in adopting sustainable practices and renewable energy solutions that contribute to wider environmental resilience and scaled impact.

On the social front, we remain committed to respecting human rights, empowering local communities, and fostering a safe, inclusive, and equitable workplace. We recognise that our responsibilities extend not only to our staff, but also to the communities, beneficiaries, partners, and stakeholders affected by our operations. In 2026, our social approach focuses on the further institutionalisation of Occupational Health & Safety measures – through staff training on first aid, mental health and security awareness – as well as on community integration and engagement, including through volunteering and local hiring and sourcing. Guided by our commitment to the Women’s Empowerment Principles and the Disability Confident Employer Scheme, we furthermore reinforce gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI) across internal operations and programmatic delivery, while adopting an intersectional lens in our monitoring and evaluation to ensure that ‘do no harm’ principles are upheld.

The Governance pillar at Siren is rooted in the principles of accountability, transparency, and ethical leadership. As an organisation dedicated to strengthening public institutions and citizen trust, we view good governance as both an internal responsibility and an external objective of our work. In 2026, we are strengthening our internal governance framework through regular policy reviews, audits, cross-departmental coordination, and adherence to international best practice to ensure transparency and ethical conduct. We are equally committed to safeguarding information and maintaining the highest standards of digital governance through robust cybersecurity, data protection, and responsible use of emerging technologies. Our programmatic interventions also continue to integrate governance standards – fostering institutional integrity, efficiency, and inclusive decision-making across the public sector entities we support.

Finally, we recognise that upholding sustainable development principles necessitates transparency, accountability, and a strong commitment to ethical conduct. This is why our pledge to promote a responsible and just future is closely linked to our efforts to combat corruption, both within our organisation and supply chain and among our partners and beneficiaries. A zero-tolerance towards corruption, fraud, aid diversion and any type of financial mismanagement is a fundamental part of Siren’s core values, and something we recently formally sanctioned through adherence to the European Alliance Against Illicit Financial Flows. To ensure that our anti-corruption policy is integrated into our day-to-day operations, we operate a strong governance and reporting framework with clear roles and responsibilities and implement comprehensive third-party due diligence measures. Staff and stakeholders are furthermore encouraged to be vigilant and uphold our commitment to ethical guardianship through thorough onboarding and training.

Ultimately, our anti-corruption efforts serve to guarantee that all funds handled by Siren are devoted to the good of countries, communities, and people – as intended by both the company and its donors.