Our commitments in EMEA

We focus our philanthropic efforts in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) on improving educational and employment opportunities for disadvantaged young people. In addition to our financial investments in our partner organizations, our employees use their skills and expertise for good causes.

We recognize that while funding provides a much-needed resource, we must bring more to the partnership if we are to be a catalyst for social change. In addition to financial support through the Credit Suisse EMEA Foundation, we encourage our employees to become active volunteers and donors through opportunities including our Charity of the Year partnerships and various employability and mentoring programs.

Credit Suisse EMEA Foundation

The Credit Suisse EMEA Foundation was established in 2008 with a mission to improve the educational attainment, aspirations and employability of disadvantaged young people across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Central to our ethos is our commitment to funding multi-year partnerships that bring the bank's wealth of knowledge, expertise and network to bear on behalf of charities. This holistic approach is seen as vital to deepening partners' impact and building capacity. Through venture philanthropy we seek to support early-stage organizations and initiatives, helping turn ideas into reality and shape civil society.

Education

Education is the key focus for Corporate Citizenship's charitable partnerships and volunteer initiatives in EMEA. Our programs and initiatives focus on improving the educational attainment, aspirations and employability of young disadvantaged people.

Employee Engagement

To enhance the impact of our financial contributions employees share their time and expertise with partners thereby helping to deepen our partners' impact and build capacity. Employee-led charity committees across divisions and countries help to coordinate these efforts at a local level.

Financial Inclusion

The Financial Inclusion Initiative's projects in the region include, among others, Opportunity International's e-wallet strategy and Next Generation Bankers training in Africa, Swisscontact's microleasing and youth entrepreneurship programs in Eastern and South Africa, as well as product development with Women's World Banking in Jordan, Egypt and Nigeria. In addition to financial support, Credit Suisse provides employee expertise and know-how through its internal Financial Inclusion Advocates Network, the Virtual Volunteering Program and the Global Citizens Program.

Corporate Citizenship. Empowering People.

Together with our employees we work with selected partner organizations to help strengthen our society and to address social issues. Together, we strive to build a more inclusive future where all people can access the resources and develop the financial, entrepreneurial and other skills to thrive in the economy and society. As part of this commitment we set three focus themes: Financial Inclusion, Financial Education and Future Skills.

Our regional teams, foundations and charity committees implement projects – in collaboration with specialized partner organizations – that make a difference to the communities in which we live and work and respond to regional and local challenges.