Strategy and commitments

Corporate Responsibility Strategy

"Sustainable development" is defined as "development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs" (Brundtland Commission report for the UN, 1987). It therefore involves striking a long-term balance between environmental, social and economic concerns.

"Corporate Responsibility" is the contribution of businesses to sustainable economic development and to the interests of society by taking responsibility for the direct and indirect impact of their activities on various stakeholders, including: customers, suppliers, employees, shareholders, communities and the environment. The "responsible corporation" lies at the crossroads between social development, respect for the environment and economic performance.

With the twin concepts of sustainable development and Corporate Responsibility, society recognizes the essential role of businesses in its own development and expects this economic enabler to be leveraged today for the benefit of future generations as well.

Why does AXA believe sustainability and Corporate Responsibility warrant strategic attention?

• It is our inherent responsibility: as one of the world's largest corporations, we have a role as an international corporate citizen; and as a company whose business is to protect people over the long term, we have a responsibility to help build a more sustainable society.
• It is essential to build the trust of employees (CR is a key driver of employee motivation and engagement, and influences graduates' choice of employers), and the trust of customers, as CR is an increasingly significant driver of brand trust.
• It is a risk / opportunity management imperative: CR enables AXA to cut costs and to limit certain business and operational risks, while maximising market opportunities in emerging or future commercial segments to generate new revenue streams.

AXA's strategy is to place Corporate Responsibility both at the heart of its business as well as its day to day interactions with its stakeholders. It is through adopting a responsible behaviour, as well as through sustainability added-value products and services, that the Group is able to most effectively participate in social, environmental and economic progress.

AXA's CR strategy rests on the six following pillars

Employees

Responsibility in our workplace

AXA strives to be a responsible employer, placing employee engagement at the heart of its business strategy. Achieving this means creating a workplace built on AXA's Values that fosters diversity and equal opportunities for all, promotes employee participation, encourages professional development, and supports employee well-being.
To find out more : Employees

Customers and products

Responsibility in customer relations and in our products

AXA promotes responsible customer relations through clear and transparent communication and marketing of our products, and by managing the claims process responsibly. We offer insurance, savings and investment products and services which also encourage and reward environmentally responsible behaviors, as well as help reduce social exclusion.
To find out more : Customers and products

Shareholders and ESG Risk Management

Responsibility in our Governance model

AXA's responsibility towards our shareholders includes ensuring the long-term viability of the company through sound and transparent corporate governance and a culture of business ethics, supported by AXA's Standards and Code of Ethics. Acknowledging the impact our business has on society at large, we also strive to integrate social and environmental issues into our governance, risk management processes, and investment strategy.
To find out more : Shareholders and ESG Risk Management

Suppliers

Responsibility in supplier selection and relations

As a financial services company, many of our impacts on society are linked not to our own "production" processes, but to our choice of suppliers, from purchasing paper to contracting service providers for insurance claims. In making these choices, we integrate social and environmental criteria in the selection and management of our suppliers.
To find out more : Suppliers

Environment

Responsibility for our environmental footprint

AXA is committed to reducing its direct impact on the environment by actively managing our waste, emissions, and our consumption of natural resources. We are also aware of the role we can play in promoting environmental awareness amongst our stakeholders, contributing to improve the understanding of global environmental risks, and committing to support the fight against climate change and other environmental protection efforts.
To find out more : Environment

Community

Responsibility towards civil society

As a responsible corporate citizen, AXA strives to play a positive role in society, by building a culture that promotes employee volunteering, and through corporate giving to support the communities in which we operate. We are also committed to sharing our business expertise by helping to build better understanding of the risks faced by individuals and society at large.
To find out more : Community