Chairman and Chief Executive Officer's Message

“Progress increasingly depends on the efficient operation of companies as economic players. Of these companies, the banks and the financial system are vital to wealth creation and development.
It is because the bank has important responsibilities – as unfortunately the events of 2008 have underlined – that we are doing our utmost to show that Societe Generale’s way of operating is fair for all and that the Group warrants their trust, which is the keystone of our business. Societe Generale Group’s corporate social responsibility is based on five core principles that have already proved their merit and are continually being reinforced:
  • a quality approach focused on the client and a constant concern for their satisfaction
  • a robust system of corporate governance, which is continually being adapted to the demands of society
  • a constantly reinforced system of risk management and internal control processes
  • a comprehensive compliance policy and the application of ethical values, on which long-term performance depends
  • a culture of innovation and a collective innovation program designed to encourage staff to contribute to the Group’s development
I believe that we can only achieve our aim of long-term value creation for all by applying a policy favorable to social development and the environment.
In every business, environmental and social concerns are being integrated into our core strategies, adapted to the different geographical, cultural, social and economic contexts. This enables us both to more effectively manage our risks and to seize the business opportunities offered by new markets.
We see sustainable development as a continuous improvement process, constantly drawing on the best practices of this and other economic sectors, to better identify and better manage our direct and indirect impact on society and the environment.
This approach is notably based on the ten principles of the United Nations’ Global Compact, which we joined in 20031.
It is up to us to turn the current crisis into an exceptional opportunity to develop a more socially-aware, greener economy, in keeping with sustainable development.”
NOTES
  1. For more information see The ten principles of the Global Compact
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