BNP Paribas Sustainable Development Goals and CSR Policy
In 2016, BNP Paribas was one of the first companies to include a clear reference to the Sustainable Development Goals in its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy.
In 2015, the United Nations identified 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in order to make the world a better place by 2030. SDGs aim at ending poverty, financing inclusive and sustainable economic growth, as well as contributing to energy transition.
A CSR strategy based on the Sustainable Development Goals
The Group’s CSR strategy contributes fully to attaining the SDGs. It covers economic growth priorities, inclusion of vulnerable populations and preserving resources. To further boost its action, the Group measures its contribution to the SDGs and develops new products and services to promote the attainment of these goals.
Our Pillars and Commitments in Line with the Sustainable Development Goals :
The BNP Paribas responsibility policy is structured around 4 pillars and 12 commitments, which reflect the Bank’s Social and Environmental Responsibility (CSR) priorities and specific achievements. In line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), this strategy aims to build a more sustainable world while ensuring the Group’s stability and performance.
Investment and finance solutions
To enable the savings of its individual and institutional clients to contribute to attaining the SDGs, BNP Paribas has developed a range of adapted products. Few examples:
- BNP Paribas Asset Management has a range of themed funds which directly correspond to some of the SDGs: BNP Paribas Aqua contributes to goals 3, 6, 9 and 14.
- In October 2016, BNP Paribas Corporate and Institutional Banking (CIB), obtained the exclusive licence of the Solactive Sustainable Development Goals World index. This new share index enables private and institutional investors to invest in companies identified as making a significant contribution to progress on the SDGs.
- In Vietnam, BNP Paribas Fortis granted a loan of EUR 11.5 million to the Finance Ministry to modernise three pumping stations in the province of Hà Nam. The 138% increase in pumping capacity will enable better drainage of residential and agricultural areas, flooded by polluted rivers.
Being a positive agent for change
The Group aims to improve the outreach of financial products and services, since financial inclusion is an important driver of economic development: microfinance, care in disadvantaged customers, financial education for customers...
A player in combating social exclusion for many years, BNP Paribas works on providing long-term support in the areas of “at risk” communities, in particular in sensitive urban areas with for example the program Projet Banlieues.
BNP Paribas complies with the internationally recognised standards concerning Human rights. The Bank ensures that these rights are respected in all its activities, in all the countries in which it operates and in its relations with its employees, supply chain, customers, and the communities in which it operates.
A learning and responsible company
BNP Paribas is committed to respecting and promoting non-discrimination with respect to every category defined by law (origin, customs, sexual orientation, political opinions, religious beliefs...). BNP Paribas has signed several agreements and conventions in favor of diversity and equal opportunity in business.
Our social responsibility shows our capacity to be a “good place to work” for our employees by providing them with a safe work environment, which maintains their health and a good personal/work life balance, is thus favourable for a long-term relationship with the Company, characterised by responsible employment management.
The climate change, our environmental priority
BNP Paribas decided in 2011 that climate change should be the priority focus of its efforts, given its position in the financing of the global economy, particularly in the energy sector. For example, in 2016, the Group was one of the top three players worldwide in euros in the green bonds market.
The “BNP Paribas Environmental Commitments” which were updated in 2016 reaffirmed this proactive approach while making a formal commitment to extend them to biodiversity, water, air, natural resources and the circular economy.
