I am excited to share Edelman’s 2024 Global Citizenship Report, Engaging Partnerships, Empowering Impact. This year’s report underscores how partnerships—within our agency, with our clients, and across our communities—drive us toward our ambitious sustainability and societal goals. These efforts define a citizenship program that has now entered its 15th year.
Our report highlights how partnerships impact every part of Edelman’s culture, turning individual initiatives into cohesive, integrated programs that, as the title suggests, empower enduring change.
Expanding Wellbeing through LiveWell and Sustainability Initiatives
Through partnerships, we provide programs that engage our employees including climate, AI training, wellbeing initiatives and volunteer opportunities. Our purpose-driven collaborations with clients and communities address pressing issues like animal protection, overcoming literacy barriers, and empowering young women in the workforce, while generating meaningful societal and environmental benefits. We’re also taking a regional approach, empowering each region to create initiatives that resonate locally.
Our Path to Net-Zero
The Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has approved Edelman’s near-term and long-term emissions reduction goals, marking our commitment to reaching net-zero by 2040. Our specific targets include reducing Scope 1 & 2 GHG emissions by 80% by 2030 (from a 2019 baseline) and reducing Scope 3 emissions by 55% by 2030. We’re proud to have achieved the Carbon Trust Standard Certification and EcoVadis Gold, placing us among the top 5% of rated EcoVadis companies. Climate scenario analysis and models are guiding our strategies to mitigate and adapt to climate impacts, highlighted during our third annual Earth Week centered on “Rethinking Waste.”
Looking Ahead: Emerging Challenges
We know challenges lie ahead, and this year’s report emphasizes growing focus areas like biodiversity, environmental and social justice, and the role of AI in sustainability. We believe these are crucial to fostering a sustainable and equitable future.
We invite you to explore this report and learn more about how we’re committed to positive change, risk mitigation, and creating a meaningful, lasting impact.
John is the Managing Director of Global Citizenship and Corporate Responsibility.