UBS in Society
Driving change that matters
Why we get involved
Driving change in the world needs leadership. As one of the world's largest wealth managers, we have a responsibility to take a leading role in shaping a positive future – for all of us and the generations to come.
Myths and facts
Our climate strategy
What we do
Reshape finance
Innovative financing can be good for society, good for the environment, and give good returns. In fact, we think they all go hand in hand.
Pioneer in philanthropy
We know how to make measurable, scalable and lasting impact.
Support communities
We encourage employees to put their valuable skills to use for entrepreneurship and education.
Manage our actions
We challenge ourselves and our peers to raise the bar, work in sync with each other, and be open about the impact our actions have on society and the environment.
What we have achieved
3.3 million
Children reached by the UBS Optimus Foundation in 20191
38%
Of employees volunteered in 2019. Over 27,000 employees.1
100%
Our goal for share of electricity from renewable sources for 2020. Currently we're at 72%.1
488 billion USD
Core sustainable investments under management (+56%) in 20191
#TOGETHERBAND
Travelling through time
1954
Beginnings of UBS Community Affairs at Wealth Management US
1997
First Socially Responsible Investment (SRI) funds2
1999
First bank to obtain ISO 14001 certification for worldwide environmental management system
2006
Introduction of comprehensive climate strategy and start offsetting all CO2 emissions resulting from business air travel. More
2014
Founding UBS in society, a program to further focus us on sustainable performance
2015
Sustainability Industry leader in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index3
World's first Development Impact Bond (DIB) in education launched by UBS Optimus Foundation with "Educate Girls"4
2016
Launching the UBS Oncology Impact Fund, the largest oncology impact investment to date2
2018
First 100% sustainable cross-asset portfolio for private clients2
Reaching 2.8 million children through the UBS Optimus Foundation
2019
Banning project-level financing on new coal-fired power plants
Find out more
How we support the SDGs
Explore the real life stories of how we contributed to the 2030 UN Goals. Simply use the filter options below.
Read our reports
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