Reflecting on the past year, one event stands out vividly: the Social Enterprises World Forum (SEWF) in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. This global assembly brought together more than 1,500 entrepreneurs from 82 countries dedicated to societal and environmental missions. These enterprises prioritize people and the planet, reinvesting their profits to advance their respective causes. The energy and innovation in Amsterdam served as a powerful reminder of why SAP has emphasized social entrepreneurship for the second consecutive year.
Empowering Change through Pro Bono Consulting
In 2023, 676 SAP colleagues participated in the company’s pro bono consulting programs, offering their expertise to visionary social entrepreneurs. This collaboration proved mutually beneficial, with 74% of employees reporting a positive, lasting impact on their careers. Additionally, 96% of the supported organizations and 77% of their beneficiaries saw significant improvements. These numbers underscore the shared value of SAP’s engagement.
Launching the Social Enterprise Verification
The 2023 SEWF marked the beginning of another significant milestone for SAP. The company announced its investment in the Social Enterprise People and Planet First Verification with Good Market and SEWF. This initiative aims to set a global standard for recognizing organizations prioritizing social and environmental impacts. Social enterprises can now identify themselves on SAP Business Network, the world’s largest B2B commerce platform. This breakthrough facilitates new business-to-business opportunities for these enterprises while helping SAP customers achieve their goals of being more environmentally and socially responsible.
SAP’s Commitment to Equitable Opportunities and Education
SAP is committed to powering equitable access to economic opportunity, education, and employment, as well as promoting the circular economy. The company’s collaboration with SEWF exemplifies the belief in collective action for driving systemic change. This principle is central to SAP’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy.
Educate to Employ: Making a Real Difference
SAP’s collaboration with UNICEF and Generation Unlimited highlights the company’s dedication to working together to drive impact. In 2023, the fourth year of this partnership, SAP focused on developing the skills of young people and finding them jobs within the SAP ecosystem. The launch of the SAP Educate to Employ program marked a significant step in this direction. This initiative aims to help 25 young people secure jobs with SAP in each pilot country—Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, and the Philippines. For these young individuals, the program offers a gateway to sustainable livelihoods, career building, financial stability, and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to their communities and the broader world.
By the end of the year, the program yielded impressive results. Over 2,500 young people had passed the aptitude test, more than 1,000 in Africa completed the “Boost Your Career with SAP Skills” course, and over 500 progressed through the first major part of their training.
The Power of Volunteering and Collaboration
In 2023, over 20,000 SAP colleagues volunteered more than 140,000 hours. SAP’s initiatives reached over 2.8 million young people—almost half of them girls—and supported over 41,000 teachers. The company’s partner network impacted 1 billion people in over 140 countries, demonstrating SAP’s extensive reach and impact through collaborative efforts.
Signature Partnerships: Africa Code Week and Latin Code Week
Signature partnerships, including Africa Code Week, Meet and Code, and Latin Code Week, have been central to SAP’s achievements. In 2023, SAP handed over these initiatives and took the opportunity to reflect on their outcomes. Africa Code Week, for example, empowered 14.6 million participants with the education, knowledge, and ICT skills needed to participate in the digital future. Common Good Marketplace estimates that Africa Code Week generated up to US$1 billion in social value for participants between 2015 and 2022 based on future increased income.
Looking Ahead
As SAP closes the chapter on 2023 and looks ahead, the company’s journey in corporate social responsibility is a testament to the power of collective action and a shared vision. The stories, numbers, and outcomes detailed in SAP’s eBook reflect the company’s commitment to making a meaningful difference. The eBook offers an in-depth look at how SAP continues to drive positive change through its initiatives and partnerships, working towards a more equitable and sustainable future.
Source: SAP CSR’s eBook Celebrates a Year of Global Impact