Through its investments, activities and strategic focus, AXA is a responsible actor and attentive to its environment.

United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

AXA is dedicated to help vulnerable populations hit by accidents, illness, or natural disasters, preventing them from falling into poverty. During the 2023 AXA Week for Good, our employees joined forces to create sanitary kits for vulnerable women. AXA provides crucial support to those in need, including refugees from Ukraine and individuals affected by earthquakes in Türkiye, Syria and Morocco. We are also developing insurance products specifically tailored for populations without access to traditional insurance. Simpler, more flexible and more than just micro-insurance policies, these products form a safety net against poverty for these low-income populations.

No poverty

In line with the social commitment that AXA has been pursuing since its creation, AXA is mobilizing an envelope of <a href="https://www.axa.com/en/news/axa-and-its-teams-will-strengthen-their-support-for-food-aid-associations-in-france" target="_blank">five million euros over the next three years (2023-2026)</a> to support the main associations working on emergency food aid in France with Les Restos du Coeur, Banques Alimentaires and Actions contre la Faim. Moreover, stable agricultural productivity and income are essential to protect small-scale food producers in many vulnerable regions of the world. Therefore, AXA provides parametric insurance coverage to farmers against the effects of climate change. We also exclude soft commodity derivatives, accused of artificially inflating the price of basic food commodities, from our investments.

Zero hunger

AXA goes one step further in its global health and well-being offering for its employees by announcing the launch of its <a href="https://www.axa.com/en/press/press-releases/axa-launches-we-care-program-for-all-employees-worldwide" target="_blank">‘We Care’ program</a>, designed to provide support to AXA’s workforce at different life stages and during moments that matter. In addition, AXA’s health initiatives are strongly focused on the prevention of non-communicable diseases. In 2023, AXA continued to facilitate access to healthcare for underserved populations in emerging and mature markets, following the €300 million commitment to finance a Global Health investment strategy in 2021.

Good health and well-being

<a href="https://www.axa.com/en/commitments/philanthropy-inclusive-protection" target="_blank">AXA supports Pierre Claver Association’s</a> training and integration project for refugees, providing ten scholarships annually since 2015. The program offers comprehensive, personalized, and sustainable assistance to enhance the professional prospects of each student. Moreover, the AXA Research Fund supports access to the best scientific knowledge by funding innovative academic research and helping share the outcomes for the benefit of all. The AXA Research Fund provides researchers with the means and freedom to explore new paths. It helps selected scientists disseminate their knowledge to reach a broader audience. Dissemination activities like masterclasses, webinars and publications help educate on the challenges of our times.

Quality education

For years, the AXA Group has actively pursued an inclusive diversity policy, aiming to eradicate discrimination against women and ensure their equal participation in management roles. The “Women in Insurance” initiative is the business component of this program, offering women tailored financial protection solutions. In 2023, AXA introduced <a href="https://www.axa.com/fr/presse/publications/it-s-a-woman-s-world-fr" target="_blank">“It’s a Woman World” Report</a>, a guide that highlights key risks faced by women and presents AXA’s role as an insurer, investor, and company in addressing these challenges. Aligned with the new brand promise, “Why should the future be a risk?”, AXA launched a dedicated campaign reinforcing the idea that “Being a woman should not be a risk” and empowering women to take care of their health and businesses.

Gender equality

According to the World Bank data, 800 million of people have no access to safe water. AXA is deeply committed to advancing Clean Water and Sanitation, a critical cause for global well-being. In support of this commitment, AXA collaborates with various partners and organizations dedicated to water and sanitation initiatives. Our global efforts are aimed at making a tangible difference in the lives of those facing water-related challenges. Together, we strive to create a world where clean water and proper sanitation are fundamental rights for everyone, contributing to a sustainable and healthier future.

Clean Water and Sanitation

To support the development of renewable energy, in 2023, the AXA Group signed a Virtual Power Purchase Agreement, aiming to significantly increase global renewable energy by 2030, and committed to reach 100% renewable electricity by 2025. Moreover, AXA is also strengthening its offers and services to “insure” the transition by <a href="https://www.axa.com/fr/engagements/strategie-net-zero-axa" target="_blank">increasing its support for renewable energy installations and infrastructure</a>.

Affordable and clean energy

Open communication and social dialogue are integral to AXA’s stability and business development strategy. Regular engagement between each AXA entity and its workforce or representatives fosters effective labor-management relations. The establishment of a European Works Council (EWC) further facilitates ongoing dialogue in AXA’s major European entities. The Group has the same expectations for its supply partners and asks them to comply with international principles of Human Rights, including the Principles of the UN Global Compact (UN-GC) and the International Labour Organization (ILO).

Decent work and Economic Growth

AXA invests in vital infrastructure projects for water, energy, and transport. For instance, the advocacy of AXA UK led to the government accepting our recommendation to mandate sustainable drainage systems for new developments. This proactive step reduces flooding risks, enhances biodiversity, and future-proofs the build environment. AXA is dedicated to sustainable building practices for a resilient and insurable future.

Industry, innovation and infrastructure

As a responsible and inclusive employer, AXA Group is committed to ensure a living wage to all its employees worldwide by engaging with the Fair Wage Network and has signed the B4IG pledge as part of the UN Global Compact “Forward Faster” initiative. AXA Group philanthropy partnerships and AXA Hearts in Action activities contribute to the reduction of inequalities. AXA collaborates notably with UNICEF to combat childhood obesity, support COVID-19 vaccine distribution, and it partners with ALIMA for pandemic response in Africa. Furthermore, the AXA Research Fund has supported over 20 projects with a total of €3.4 M funding to reduce the gender gap, improving women health and their socio-economic conditions. This includes two major initiatives aimed at improving gender equality in business and decision making: the Chair for Women in Business at Science Po Paris and the Gender Lab at Bocconi University.

Reduced Inequalities

AXA promotes innovation in environmentally friendly building construction and design. The AXA Group has implemented policies to reduce its carbon footprint and encourage employees to reduce energy consumption at work and at home. Also, from now until 2026, AXA will be engaging with our top 200 largest commercial clients globally, to increase their knowledge about climate impacts, transition efforts and associated risks as well as sources of emissions, solutions, and the benefits of disclosure. We are conscious that commercial clients are not all facing the same challenges with global climate transition efforts, and one role of AXA is to help by engaging to understand their unique risks and needs with regards to the climate transition.

Sustainable cities and communities

AXA emphasizes responsible consumption and production through its internal policies and partnerships. The company's buyers adhere to a Code of Ethics that promotes fairness, neutrality, confidentiality, and transparency. AXA encourages suppliers to be socially and environmentally responsible and evaluates supplier performance using the EcoVadis assessment. Furthermore, <a href="https://www-axa-com.cdn.axa-contento-118412.eu/www-axa-com/eee5c850-77f2-46d3-aa24-d94f4fdd9d63_AXA_Green_Business_Report_EN.pdf" target="_blank">Direct Assurance launched an initiative</a> in 2021 that uses recycled car parts instead of new ones for repairs. This helps to reduce the environmental impact of producing and shipping new parts. Recycled parts are cheaper, extend the car's economic life, and comply with safety standards. This initiative is growing and is well developed in the US, where it accounts for 20% of repairs.

Responsible consumption and production

In 2023, AXA Group announced new decarbonization targets on investment and insurance, to reinforce its commitment as leader of the climate transition. As a risk expert, AXA Group is active in improving education, awareness, and individual and institutional capacities regarding climate change adaptation, mitigation, and early warning systems. Also, 100% of AXA’s employees have access to the challenges of climate change thanks to the AXA Climate Academy.

Climate action

AXA is a board member of ORRAA, an initiative that brings together finance and insurance sectors with governments and NGOs to address marine risks and opportunities. By adhering to the UNEP FI-Oceana Insurance Industry Statement and the Poseidon Principles for Marine Insurance (PPMI), AXA Group also contributes to effectively regulate fishing, put an end to overfishing and illegal fishing. In 2023 and 2024, AXA Group and AXA Group Operations support the <a href="https://www.axa.com/en/news/axa-partners-with-tara-ocean-for-research-on-coastal-ecosystems" target="_blank">TARA Ocean Foundation</a> on its expedition “Tara Europa”. This mission is an innovative research program aiming at understanding the impact of human activities on the biodiversity of European coastal ecosystems. The stopovers during the expedition will give opportunities to raise awareness and educate about the preservation of the ocean with exchanges between the public, schoolchildren, the scientific community, and political decision-makers.

Life below water

As forests will be the hosts for biodiversity, AXA Group initiated in 2022 the “<a href="https://www.axa.com/en/press/press-releases/axa-strengthens-its-support-for-forest-ecosystems-by-launching-the-axa-forests-for-good-programme" target="_blank">AXA Forests for Good</a>” project, a 3-year program deployed on 600 of the 15,000 hectares of forest owned by AXA France and managed by AXA Investment Managers (AXA IM). This initiative aims at restoring damaged forests’ ecosystems to make them more resilient to climate change and better hosts for biodiversity. Moreover, AXA IM is a founding member of Nature Action 100, a global investor engagement initiative to address nature and biodiversity loss, as well as of other collaborative initiatives such as FAIRR and ChemSec. <a href="https://www.axa.com/en/press/press-releases/axa-announces-new-decarbonization-targets-and-publishes-its-climate-and-biodiversity-report" target="_blank">The Biodiversity action</a> plan has been reinforced in 2020, 2021 and 2022 strengthening AXA Group’s contribution to SDG 15, notably through a €1.5 billion investment in Forests.

Life on land

AXA’s responsible investment strategy includes several sector-level divestments. AXA has developed specific “sector guidelines” and business restrictions, which apply both to investments and insurance. AXA’s current divestments and business restrictions notably cover “controversial weapons” manufacturers that are banned by international conventions.

Peace, justice and strong institutions

AXA is partnering with communities, institutions and NGOs to achieve UN sustainable development goals. The Group is working with emerging countries' institutions by protecting their growth through parametric insurance and investing in their green infrastructure through IFC World Bank fund. The company’s collaborative approach extends beyond climate issues, encompassing diverse initiatives to foster economic resilience, promote social inclusion, and address global challenges.

Partnership for goals

AXA is dedicated to help vulnerable populations hit by accidents, illness, or natural disasters, preventing them from falling into poverty. During the 2023 AXA Week for Good, our employees joined forces to create sanitary kits for vulnerable women. AXA provides crucial support to those in need, including refugees from Ukraine and individuals affected by earthquakes in Türkiye, Syria and Morocco. We are also developing insurance products specifically tailored for populations without access to traditional insurance. Simpler, more flexible and more than just micro-insurance policies, these products form a safety net against poverty for these low-income populations.

In line with the social commitment that AXA has been pursuing since its creation, AXA is mobilizing an envelope of five million euros over the next three years (2023-2026) to support the main associations working on emergency food aid in France with Les Restos du Coeur, Banques Alimentaires and Actions contre la Faim. Moreover, stable agricultural productivity and income are essential to protect small-scale food producers in many vulnerable regions of the world. Therefore, AXA provides parametric insurance coverage to farmers against the effects of climate change. We also exclude soft commodity derivatives, accused of artificially inflating the price of basic food commodities, from our investments. 

AXA goes one step further in its global health and well-being offering for its employees by announcing the launch of its ‘We Care’ program, designed to provide support to AXA’s workforce at different life stages and during moments that matter. In addition, AXA’s health initiatives are strongly focused on the prevention of non-communicable diseases. In 2023, AXA continued to facilitate access to healthcare for underserved populations in emerging and mature markets, following the €300 million commitment to finance a Global Health investment strategy in 2021.

AXA supports Pierre Claver Association’s training and integration project for refugees, providing ten scholarships annually since 2015. The program offers comprehensive, personalized, and sustainable assistance to enhance the professional prospects of each student. Moreover, the AXA Research Fund supports access to the best scientific knowledge by funding innovative academic research and helping share the outcomes for the benefit of all. The AXA Research Fund provides researchers with the means and freedom to explore new paths. It helps selected scientists disseminate their knowledge to reach a broader audience. Dissemination activities like masterclasses, webinars and publications help educate on the challenges of our times.

For years, the AXA Group has actively pursued an inclusive diversity policy, aiming to eradicate discrimination against women and ensure their equal participation in management roles. The “Women in Insurance” initiative is the business component of this program, offering women tailored financial protection solutions. In 2023, AXA introduced “It’s a Woman World” Report, a guide that highlights key risks faced by women and presents AXA’s role as an insurer, investor, and company in addressing these challenges. Aligned with the new brand promise, “Why should the future be a risk?”, AXA launched a dedicated campaign reinforcing the idea that “Being a woman should not be a risk” and empowering women to take care of their health and businesses.

According to the World Bank data, 800 million of people have no access to safe water. AXA is deeply committed to advancing Clean Water and Sanitation, a critical cause for global well-being. In support of this commitment, AXA collaborates with various partners and organizations dedicated to water and sanitation initiatives. Our global efforts are aimed at making a tangible difference in the lives of those facing water-related challenges. Together, we strive to create a world where clean water and proper sanitation are fundamental rights for everyone, contributing to a sustainable and healthier future.  

To support the development of renewable energy, in 2023, the AXA Group signed a Virtual Power Purchase Agreement, aiming to significantly increase global renewable energy by 2030, and committed to reach 100% renewable electricity by 2025. Moreover, AXA is also strengthening its offers and services to “insure” the transition by increasing its support for renewable energy installations and infrastructure.

Open communication and social dialogue are integral to AXA’s stability and business development strategy. Regular engagement between each AXA entity and its workforce or representatives fosters effective labor-management relations. The establishment of a European Works Council (EWC) further facilitates ongoing dialogue in AXA’s major European entities. The Group has the same expectations for its supply partners and asks them to comply with international principles of Human Rights, including the Principles of the UN Global Compact (UN-GC) and the International Labour Organization (ILO).

AXA invests in vital infrastructure projects for water, energy, and transport. For instance, the advocacy of AXA UK led to the government accepting our recommendation to mandate sustainable drainage systems for new developments. This proactive step reduces flooding risks, enhances biodiversity, and future-proofs the build environment. AXA is dedicated to sustainable building practices for a resilient and insurable future.

As a responsible and inclusive employer, AXA Group is committed to ensure a living wage to all its employees worldwide by engaging with the Fair Wage Network and has signed the B4IG pledge as part of the UN Global Compact “Forward Faster” initiative. AXA Group philanthropy partnerships and AXA Hearts in Action activities contribute to the reduction of inequalities. AXA collaborates notably with UNICEF to combat childhood obesity, support COVID-19 vaccine distribution, and it partners with ALIMA for pandemic response in Africa. Furthermore, the AXA Research Fund has supported over 20 projects with a total of €3.4 M funding to reduce the gender gap, improving women health and their socio-economic conditions. This includes two major initiatives aimed at improving gender equality in business and decision making: the Chair for Women in Business at Science Po Paris and the Gender Lab at Bocconi University. 

AXA promotes innovation in environmentally friendly building construction and design. The AXA Group has implemented policies to reduce its carbon footprint and encourage employees to reduce energy consumption at work and at home. Also, from now until 2026, AXA will be engaging with our top 200 largest commercial clients globally, to increase their knowledge about climate impacts, transition efforts and associated risks as well as sources of emissions, solutions, and the benefits of disclosure. We are conscious that commercial clients are not all facing the same challenges with global climate transition efforts, and one role of AXA is to help by engaging to understand their unique risks and needs with regards to the climate transition.

AXA emphasizes responsible consumption and production through its internal policies and partnerships. The company's buyers adhere to a Code of Ethics that promotes fairness, neutrality, confidentiality, and transparency. AXA encourages suppliers to be socially and environmentally responsible and evaluates supplier performance using the EcoVadis assessment. Furthermore, Direct Assurance launched an initiative in 2021 that uses recycled car parts instead of new ones for repairs. This helps to reduce the environmental impact of producing and shipping new parts. Recycled parts are cheaper, extend the car's economic life, and comply with safety standards. This initiative is growing and is well developed in the US, where it accounts for 20% of repairs.

In 2023, AXA Group announced new decarbonization targets on investment and insurance, to reinforce its commitment as leader of the climate transition. As a risk expert, AXA Group is active in improving education, awareness, and individual and institutional capacities regarding climate change adaptation, mitigation, and early warning systems. Also, 100% of AXA’s employees have access to the challenges of climate change thanks to the AXA Climate Academy. 

AXA is a board member of ORRAA, an initiative that brings together finance and insurance sectors with governments and NGOs to address marine risks and opportunities. By adhering to the UNEP FI-Oceana Insurance Industry Statement and the Poseidon Principles for Marine Insurance (PPMI), AXA Group also contributes to effectively regulate fishing, put an end to overfishing and illegal fishing. In 2023 and 2024, AXA Group and AXA Group Operations support the TARA Ocean Foundation on its expedition “Tara Europa”. This mission is an innovative research program aiming at understanding the impact of human activities on the biodiversity of European coastal ecosystems. The stopovers during the expedition will give opportunities to raise awareness and educate about the preservation of the ocean with exchanges between the public, schoolchildren, the scientific community, and political decision-makers. 

As forests will be the hosts for biodiversity, AXA Group initiated in 2022 the “AXA Forests for Good” project, a 3-year program deployed on 600 of the 15,000 hectares of forest owned by AXA France and managed by AXA Investment Managers (AXA IM). This initiative aims at restoring damaged forests’ ecosystems to make them more resilient to climate change and better hosts for biodiversity. Moreover, AXA IM is a founding member of Nature Action 100, a global investor engagement initiative to address nature and biodiversity loss, as well as of other collaborative initiatives such as FAIRR and ChemSec. The Biodiversity action plan has been reinforced in 2020, 2021 and 2022 strengthening AXA Group’s contribution to SDG 15, notably through a €1.5 billion investment in Forests. 

AXA’s responsible investment strategy includes several sector-level divestments. AXA has developed specific “sector guidelines” and business restrictions, which apply both to investments and insurance. AXA’s current divestments and business restrictions notably cover “controversial weapons” manufacturers that are banned by international conventions.

AXA is partnering with communities, institutions and NGOs to achieve UN sustainable development goals. The Group is working with emerging countries' institutions by protecting their growth through parametric insurance and investing in their green infrastructure through IFC World Bank fund. The company’s collaborative approach extends beyond climate issues, encompassing diverse initiatives to foster economic resilience, promote social inclusion, and address global challenges.