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Impacts, risks and opportunities
In the “2016 Online Survey regarding Materiality,” internal and external stakeholders ranked our commitment to
society and the environment in second place out of eight possible topics that had previously been characterized
as essential. This illustrates the importance of this issue, and at the same time, stakeholders’ high expectations.
As a member of society, RBI contributes to the common good, beyond its business activities, in all the countries in
which it is present. As a result, in our commitment as a corporate citizen we see opportunities, but no significant risks.
Poverty eradication, integration and solidarity are important goals of our social commitment. We advocate for
social sustainability in terms of reducing poverty, fostering better educational prospects and equal opportunity as
well as a fairer distribution of income, and for treating people with respect, regardless of their origins.
Derived from the cooperative principle and the motto “Help for self-help,” RBI sees its contribution in upholding
positive social values. Its commitment in this area is visible in, among other things, support for all kinds of cultural
projects. Furthermore, RBI is not only a regional economic multiplier, but also takes numerous measures to
strengthen the regional economic and social structures of the markets in which it operates. The declared goal
of RBI is to establish responsible corporate management and to promote sustainable innovations – including by
strengthening the business locations group-wide. RBI creates and secures jobs in these regions. And, the company
promotes sustainable business via strategically-chosen memberships, and activities in organizations.
Of course, as a financial sector company, RBI thinks that improving knowledge about how to handle money is
very important. It therefore actively supports such initiatives. In doing so, and, for clients and non-clients alike, RBI
seeks to promote individuals’ responsibility for their personal finances. In addition, RBI contributes to society by
initiating corporate volunteering programs, supporting various social projects and entering into partnerships with
NPOs and NGOs.
With these projects, RBI is driving the reduction of inequality and poverty, often with support from many employees.
It thus contributes to securing social peace, which is only possible through the satisfaction of human needs, such
as lifelong learning, employment and prosperity. RBI gets involved through selected memberships and activities in
organizations that promote sustainable business activities as well as the framework conditions required for them.
At the same time, it seeks to raise awareness of environmental issues, to protect those ultimately deprived of their
livelihoods due to the impacts of global climate change.
Raiffeisen Bank International | Sustainability Report 2017