Aligning with Global Initiatives
Our world is currently faced with pressing global challenges. These include environmental issues such as climate change, human rights violations and poverty, to name only a few. To realize the sustainable future that Rakuten envisions, there is an urgent need to collectively address these issues on a multilateral basis.
In line with global frameworks for sustainability, Rakuten strives to reduce any adverse impact on society, the environment and the economy caused by its business activities, and to work hand in hand with its stakeholders to tackle these challenges.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a set of universal goals that aim to create a sustainable world by 2030, were adopted unanimously by the United Nations General Assembly in September 2015. Consisting of 17 goals and 169 targets, the SDGs call for action by people and businesses in every country of the world with the principle of "leaving no one behind.”
Having established its “materiality” as a guide for which issues most urgently need to be addressed, Rakuten is accelerating its sustainability efforts. With this approach, Rakuten is contributing to the achievement of the SDGs, as the company aims to help realize a sustainable society.
Rakuten's materiality and related SDGs are as follows.
| Materiality Sustainable Production and Consumption |
Materiality Diversity, Equity and Inclusion |
Materiality Innovation and Entrepreneurship |
|---|---|---|
（Related targets: 8.7, 8.8, 12.2, 12.5, 12.8)
Advancing sustainability through the provision of responsible platforms and services encompasses key challenges such as the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources, waste reduction and the respect of human rights, notably ensuring safe and secure work environments for all workers supporting our activities. |
(Related targets: 8.10, 10.2, 10.3)
Diversity is one of Rakuten’s core strategies. We do not tolerate discrimination of any kind, and ensure equal opportunities for our diverse workforce to remain engaged and innovative. |
(Related targets: 9.1, 9.a, 9.b)
Rakuten offers services that support fundamental aspects of people’s lives, such as mobile and logistics networks, and aims to deploy infrastructures of the highest quality and reliability. |
| Materiality Climate Change and Energy |
Materiality Overall Partnership and Collaboration |
Rakuten’s Mission Empowerment |
|---|---|---|
(Related targets: 13.1, 13.3) Climate change is one of the most pressing issues facing our society today. Rakuten is committed to tackling this challenge, not only by reducing the negative impacts of its business activities, but also by strengthening its resilience and engaging with stakeholders towards the reduction of societal greenhouse gas emissions. |
(Related targets: 17.17) To empower people and society, Rakuten walks together with partners who share our vision. Though we have grown into a global company, we continue to value our partnerships to realize a sustainable society. |
(Related targets: 8.3) Since founding, the empowerment of business partners has been at the heart of Rakuten’s mission. Our services aim at supporting their growth. |
United Nations Global Compact
The United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) is a global framework for achieving sustainable growth, which was proposed to businesses by Kofi Annan, former Secretary-General of the United Nations, at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, in 1999. It encourages corporations and collectives to act as positive forces in society by demonstrating responsibility and creative leadership. Rakuten upholds the Ten Principles of the UNGC.
Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact
Human Rights
- Principle 1: Businesses should support and respect the protection of internationally proclaimed human rights; and
- Principle 2: make sure that they are not complicit in human rights abuses.
Labor
- Principle 3: Businesses should uphold the freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining;
- Principle 4: the elimination of all forms of forced and compulsory labor;
- Principle 5: the effective abolition of child labor; and
- Principle 6: the elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation.
Environment
- Principle 7: Business should support a precautionary approach to environmental challenges;
- Principle 8: undertake initiatives to promote greater environmental responsibility; and
- Principle 9: encourage the development and diffusion of environmentally friendly technologies.
Anti-Corruption
- Principle 10: Businesses should work against corruption in all its forms, including extortion and bribery.
RE100
In 2019, Rakuten Group, Inc. joined RE100 (Renewable Electricity 100%), an international initiative bringing together the world’s most influential businesses committed to 100% renewable electricity. Please see here for details.
