Report 2003

Chairman’s Statement

In a year challenged by a harsh operating environment, BNP Paribas achieved outstanding financial results and remained on a profitable growth track. In spite of the challenging economic backdrop and ensuing pressure on business performance, the Group endeavoured to fully meet its social and environmental responsibilities. During the year, BNP Paribas earned wide acclaim for its unwavering commitment. The Group’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) rating was upgraded by the leading social rating agencies and its disclosure policy, corporate governance and contribution to sustainable development were officially recognised by the following awards:

• First Prize in the AGM Awards (1) ;
• Grand Prize winner – Annual Report of the Year (2) ;
• Best Disclosure Policy and Best Corporate Literature (3) ;
• Prize for Human Resources Director of the Year (4) ;
• Special Jury Prize for Corporate Patronage (5) ;
• Ranked No. 1 among French companies for social and environmental reporting, in compliance with the NRE Act (6).

These awards, which recognised the all-round performance of BNP Paribas’ employees during a period of uncertainty and worsening economic conditions, contribute to a high degree of staff pride in the organisation. They further validate the Group’s efforts in adopting rigorous standards for corporate governance and its relations with stakeholders.
This acknowledgement of our contribution to sustainable development obliges us to remain pragmatic in our approach given the multiplicity of public expectations in this area. At the same time, however, it strengthens our resolve to further integrate CSR performance into all of the Group’s businesses in accordance with the objectives of the Executive Committee’s 2004 strategic plan.
As a natural extension to this approach, in 2003, BNP Paribas became a member of Global Compact, a worldwide programme set up by the Secretary General of the United Nations to encourage voluntary cooperation by multinational companies in promoting sustainable development.

• (1) Prize awarded by Le Revenu magazine.
• (2) Prize awarded by Le Figaro Économie and La Vie française.
• (3) Prize awarded by Investor Relations Magazine at the 5th Eurozone Conference.
• (4) Prize awarded by the French consultancy firm Hudson and Le Figaro.
• (5) Organised as part of the Admical Corporate Sponsorship Oscars award.
• (6) Study performed by the French consultancy Utopies and published in Le Figaro Entreprises.

Michel Pébereau