Institutional commitments

A member since 2003, each year Société Générale Group renews its commitment to the United Nations' Global Compact and publishes a progress report.
The policies and initiatives that comply with the principles provided for by the Pact are indicated by the symbol or by the footnote "as per our commitment under the Global Compact" although the icon bears no legal or regulatory value.
The cross-reference ( download here ) index also provides an overview of the CSR website according to the 10 governing principles of the Global Compact.
The Group has integrated the principles of the Global Compact within the guidelines that it sets for suppliers, has implemented procedures to ensure the respect of human rights in all project financing, and has established rules governing its operations in "sensitive"1 countries. In fact, banking activities may only be developed in sensitive countries if they meet the needs of a local customer base.
Moreover, the Group has no significant impact upon society or environment through its direct investments: the industrial investment portfolio dates back (is historical), is limited and decreasing. None of these investments is related to the arms sector.
Generally-speaking, Société Générale Group is committed to promoting the best social practices possible in each of the countries in which it is established, including in developing countries and/or those countries considered to be sensitive in light of their human rights record. This it achieves via ongoing training, the promotion of local young executives (including female staff), medical insurance that exceeds legal obligations or standard practices at a local level and its global share ownership program, etc.
In 2006, the Group reinforced its commitment to two more specific priorities: the fight against climatic change with the signing and application of the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) to the entire Group and the signing, by SGAM, of the Principles of Responsible Investment.
In 2007, the Group adopted the Equator Principles (EP), the voluntary commitment of a group of banks to comply with international standards regarding the social and environmental impact of project financing. Today, more than 60 banks have now signed up to the EP, representing more than 85% of the project finance business.
Within the Group, Société Générale sets its own corporate and social responsibility policy targets. Each year, it reviews the progress made and updates these targets for the years to come.
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NOTES
  1. At end 2008, Société Générale was present in the following countries listed as “sensitive” by the EIRIS which employ a total 163 000 members of staff.
    Headcount over 100: Algeria (1,200), Cameroon (587), China (217), Ivory Coast (826), Egypt (3,176), Equatorial Guinea (245) , India (797), Lebanon (1,096), Russia (31,378), Chad (155) and Vietnam (442)
    Headcount less than 100: Azerbaijan, Iran, and Uzbekistan.
    EIRIS (Ethical Investment Research Service) is the leading and oldest (1983) social and environmental agency in Europe whose research serves as the basis for the FTSE4Good indexes.