Allianz Group is among the signatories of the Global Compact, an initiative by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan. This document establishes nine principles for businesses, pertaining to human rights, labor standards and the protection of the environment. That makes the Global Compact our system of reference against which we measure the extent to which we meet our entre- preneurial responsibility. 

Under “responsibility,” we subsume four central themes that are of relevance to both our business and to society. 

_ Our entrepreneurial and economic role, which, in particular, relates to demographics and the future of the social security systems dependent thereon, as well as to risk management and to our function as an integrated financial services provider. 

We operate in a business that lends support in all situations in life and creates the prerequisites for independent action. Individuals and companies alike need a minimum of planning security and capital in order to assume business risks, invest, drive innovations and thereby bring about a broad-based wel- fare effect. We protect against the material consequences of unpredictable events that damage or destroy property, health and life. We make provisions for our customers so that they and their families can sustain the desired standard of living in any phase of their life. We cover health risks and offer prod- ucts with which our customers can build assets and increase their wealth. As lenders, we supply our customers with the liquidity they need for their private and business undertak- ings. In addition, we offer corporate customers comprehen- sive know-how in investment banking. 

_ Transparency and efficiency in corporate governance. More information on this topic is provided on pages 10 to 13 of our Annual Report. 

_ Sustainable action and economic activity. In our activities, we are committed to ensuring the respect of ecological and social precepts. An international “sustainability” strategy team advises the business lines and reports directly to the Chairman of the Board of Management of Allianz AG and the heads of its major subsidiaries. This commitment is hon- ored by agencies that evaluate sustainable development: for third time in three years, Allianz has obtained one of the top rankings in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index. More information on this subject is available on the Internet at www.allianzgroup.com/sustainability. 

_ Our corporate citizenship that goes beyond our business ac- tivities and extends to all countries in which we offer our services. One example is the promotion of financial and eco- nomic know-how in China, another the voluntary work our employees do in the slums of São Paulo. Many other projects are supported by the foundations of the Allianz companies. 

