05/05/2021 | Press release

Commitment to corporate responsibility and sustainability

Rheinmetall is joining the United Nations Global Compact, or UNGC, a globe-spanning network. As a signatory, the company pledges to uphold the ten principles of the UNGC regarding sustainable and responsible business management and development.

“Moving forward, we’ll be supporting this important, globe-spanning initiative with all our might, something we’re very proud of. Already today, we’re committed to exercising our influence in important areas such as human rights, labour standards, health and safety as well as environmental sustainability and countering corruption. Joining the Global Compact is a visible manifestation of our willingness to take responsibility and our commitment to achieving these lofty goals. From now on, we will be reporting regularly on our contributions in support of UNGC principles”, declares Armin Papperger, chairman of the executive board of Rheinmetall AG.

Even before joining the UNGC, Rheinmetall oriented its sustainability strategy to the Sustainable Develop¬ment Goals (SDG) of the United Nations. For example, the Group aims to be CO2-neutral by 2035. In this context, reduced consumption of energy and water is crucial.

“Transparent reporting on stability is very important to us. By publishing an annual UNCG progress report, we will be systematically pursuing this course in future”, states Ursula Pohen, head of the Corporate Social Responsibility department at Rheinmetall headquarters.

The UN Global Compact is the world’s biggest sustainability initiative. Called into being by the United Nations in 2000, it currently numbers 12,765 companies from 160 countries. All of the signatories are committed to running their businesses in accordance with ten universally acknowledged principles relating to human rights, labour standards, environmental protection and combatting corruption. Furthermore, the signatories are obliged to report annually on their progress regarding implementation. Based on the ten principles and the seventeen SDGs, the United Nations – acting in cooperation with signatories of the UNGC – is working to achieve an inclusive and sustainable global economy that benefits all peoples, communities and markets.

https://www.unglobalcompact.org/