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 approach in practice
Pharmaceuticals and the health crisis in emerging markets
Almost 2 billion people lack access to essential medicines. Improving access to medicines could save 10 million lives each year. It is an issue characterised by profound inequality. 15% of the world's population consumes over 90% of the world's pharmaceuticals.
Between 2003-4 The Co-operative Asset Management (TCAM) chaired the Pharmaceutical Shareowners Group (PSG), an international grouping of 14 institutional investors representing £900 billion assets interest in how the sector is addressing the challenges related to the public health crisis in the emerging markets. Following engagement with major global pharmaceutical companies, in 2004, a Best Practice Framework was launched, which sought to promote good management and disclosure within the pharmaceutical sector. The report is attached.
TCAM is now co-convenor of PSG's successor group, The Pharmaceutical Shareowners Forum. See http://www.pharmashareowners.net/
