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Our contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals

In 2015, the United Nations Member States defined 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This is a universal call for action by all countries to tackle climate change, end poverty and build a more sustainable and inclusive world by 2030. Responsibility lies with Member States and citizens but also companies. Since digital technology has been identified as a key solution for achieving SDGs, and to support our own ambitious CSR commitments, we have identified the SDGs where we feel we can have the greatest impact. We have correlated these with our purpose to see where our contributions can add clear value.

Together, let’s work to build a more responsible, equal world.
Together, let’s work to enhance global cooperation for peace, justice and inclusion.

 

Orange and the SDGs:
a story in pictures

 

At Orange, we have identified 6 SDGs

We've identified 6 SDGs that resonate deeply with our purpose and strategy. These are key areas where we can make the most positive contribution and where we will report on our progress.

 

Goal 9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

 

Inclusive and sustainable industrialisation, together with innovation and infrastructure, can unleash dynamic and competitive economic forces that generate employment and income. They play a key role in introducing and promoting new technologies, facilitating international trade and enabling the efficient use of resources.

For Orange, SDG 9 is core to our business as it applies to everything from coverage to R&D investments, service continuity and opportunities to innovate and enable social and regional development.

  • The 4G network, on average, covers nearly 99% of the population in eight European countries where Orange operates
  • 17 countries in Africa and the Middle East have commercial 4G coverage
  • 5G rolled out in 7 European countries and in 1 African country
  • 29.1 million active Orange Money customers
  • 64.9 million homes connectable to fiber (FTTH)
  • 9,800 patents and patent applications in our portfolio

Goal 10 reduced inequalities

Reducing inequalities and ensuring no one is left behind are integral to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and we promote these values with regard to our employees and all of our stakeholders.

For Orange, SDG 10 represents how we empower people to take an active role in their society and economy and also promote digital inclusion, equal opportunities and gender equality and diversity in the workplace.

  • 23 countries offering affordable smartphones with internet access
  • Member of the Valuable 500 initiative and the ILO Global Business and Disability Network (GBDN)
  • Employees with a disability make up 6.5% of Orange SA
  • Hello Women program to promote a gender-balanced workplace
  • Signature of a 6th intergenerational agreement, covering the period from 2022 to 2024
  • 1 million participants in the digital workshops and training courses we ran between 2021 and 2022
  • 18 Orange Digital Centers including 10 opened in 2022

Goal 12 responsible consumption and production

Sustainable consumption and production is about doing more and better with less. It is also about decoupling economic growth from environmental degradation, increasing resource efficiency and promoting sustainable lifestyles.

For Orange, SDG 12 also means using digital technology to contribute to poverty alleviation and the transition towards low-carbon and green economies.

  • Goal of ensuring all products sold under the Orange brand will be developed in line with an eco-design approach by 2025
  • Orange Sustainable and Circular Ambition for Recertification (OSCAR) program to increase the use of refurbished IT and network equipment
  • Campaigns to share eco-friendly tips
  • 23.1% collection rate of unwanted mobiles by Europe
  • 1.9% of total mobile sales coming from refurbished devices in Europe

Goal 13 climate action

Climate change is affecting every country on every continent. It is disrupting national economies and affecting lives. We all have the responsibility to take urgent action to help combat the climate crisis and its repercussions.

For Orange, SDG 12 and 13 affirm our environmental commitment, which is focused on energy and transport efficiency programmes, switching to renewable energy and integrating the circular economy into our operations from eco-design to mobile recycling and waste recovery, promoting responsible uses and ensuring transparent environmental reporting.

  • 37.8% of the Group’s electricity comes from renewable sources, 19.4% of which through our initiatives
  • The Green ITN program to reduce energy consumption across our networks and IT systems
  • Development of a catalog of eco-friendly solutions for business customers
  • A - 20.8% decrease in CO2 emissions (across scopes 1 and 2) since 2015

Goal 16 peace, justice and strong institution

Conflict, insecurity, weak institutions and limited access to justice remain a great threat to sustainable development. To fight against this, we want to promote the emergence of peaceful and inclusive societies.

For Orange, SDG 16 reinforces our respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms as well as data protection and privacy, and underlines the choices we make in terms of responsible technological developments. It illustrates our ethical code of conduct in terms of our responsible purchasing and anti corruption policies.

  • Member of the Global Network Initiative
  • International Charter for Inclusive Artificial Intelligence launched with the Arborus endowment fund; holder of the GEEIS-AI label
  • 45,000 malicious websites blocked every year by Orange Cyberdefense
  • 87,800 UN-Orange anti-corruption certificates issued to employees
  • 96% of suppliers committed to complying with the Code of Conduct (ESG)

Goal 17 partnerships for the goals

Strong international cooperation is needed now more than ever to ensure that countries have the means to recover from the pandemic, build back better and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

For Orange, SDG 17 testifies to our belief in the major benefit provided by partnerships. It draws on all of our joint activities with other large groups and institutions, public and private sector players and employees. Finally, it is central to how we support the socio-economic development of our countries and territories thanks to digital technology, start-ups and innovative SMEs.

  • 549 corrective action plans carried out after CSR audits conducted under the JAC
  • Partnership agreement with the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria in four African countries
  • 71 active research contracts signed between 2020 and 2022 ; 5 research chairs funded
  • €350 m m allocated to Orange Ventures, with €30 m earmarked for start-ups positively impacting the environment, inclusion or care through the Orange Ventures Impact fund.

 

 

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