In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, our current focus is understandably on how we can best supply healthcare organisations in low-and middle-income countries with the right supplies during this pandemic, whether for the fight against COVID-19, or other diseases. But while doing so, we are also keeping in mind how the lessons learned during this crisis can strengthen our society and healthcare systems in a sustainable way, as it will enable the world to deal with future crises. 

IDA Foundation joined the UN Global Compact in 2018. By joining, IDA commits to upholding the 10 principles of the Global Compact, which cover respecting human rights, complying with internationally established labour standards, protecting the environment and fighting corruption. In creating this first Communication on Engagement (CoE), we gathered information and data to create a first ‘status report’ on IDA Foundation’s sustainability efforts. This has allowed us to determine where we are doing well, and also identify specific gaps.

As a social enterprise which aims to bridge the gap in access to medicines, joining the UN Global Compact is something which is already closely aligned with our work. Many aspects of the UN Global Compact are already embedded in our Code of Conduct, which is binding for all our employees, agents, distributors and partners. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are also included in this process, and we always look at ways we can align our work with the SDGs most relevant to IDA, to ensure we contribute to a sustainable future.

While writing this first CoE, we are glad to see that much of IDA Foundation’s activities are already sustainable and in line with the UN Global Compact principles and the SDGs that we are collectively working towards. But it has also revealed areas where we can improve, and has allowed us to set targets we can work towards in the coming years.

We hope you enjoy reading our Communication on Engagement.

Should you have feedback on it, or if you see opportunities for us to collaborate, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.