Social inclusion
Companies have the capacity to make a real contribution to major social issues around the world , such as health, education and the provision of basic necessities like food and water.
Our policy on social inclusion is designed to encourage the companies in which we invest to consider the wider social implications of their activities.
Our policy statement on Social Inclusion
We will promote greater access to:
- health services and basic medicines
- education
- basic necessities, e.g. water
Our policy in practice...
Pharmaceuticals and the Health crisis in emerging markets
Treatments exist for many of the diseases that are rampant in the developing world, but often they are too expensive for the people who need them the most. Pharmaceutical companies are being criticised for not responding sufficiently to the crisis, and this has meant that the sector's ability to defend patent protection and premium pricing is under pressure. The Co-operative Insurance chairs (and is a member of) the Pharmaceutical Shareowners Group (PSG), an international grouping of 14 institutional investors. In 2003, a Best Practice Framework was launched, which seeks to promote good management and disclosure within the pharmaceutical sector , in connection with the public health crises in emerging markets.
