Annual Report - BNP Paribas

Philanthropy and
Sustainable Development
Conference by
BNP Paribas
Banque Privée
For the fi rst time in 2007,
BNP Paribas Banque Privée
invited 100 of its biggest
clients from around the
world to a conference in
Paris on Philanthropy and
Sustainable Development.
This event featured
top-notch speakers, each
with a unique perspective
on the issue: Professor
Amartya Sen, Nobel
Laureate in Economics,
Yann Arthus-Bertrand of
GoodPlanet, Alice Dautry
of the Pasteur Institute, and
Franck Riboud, Chairman
and CEO of Danone. The
BNP Paribas Philanthropy
Award was created during
this conference and will
be given annually to an
individual or family-owned
group that has demonstrated
an outstanding commitment
to philanthropy.
Excellence and success with the French Chess Federation. Since 2006,
BNP Paribas has been the offi cial sponsor of the French Chess Federation,
assisting in the promotion of chess among licensed players, the general public
and school goers. In 2007, Projet Banlieues launched an introduction to chess
initiative in Clichy-sous-Bois, enabling residents to take a basic course in the
discipline during the school holidays.
A BNP Paribas London team renovates a Bulgarian orphanage. In 2007,
66 employees from BNP Paribas London’s Loan Syndications and Trading
team spent a day renovating a Bulgarian orphanage for physically and mentally
handicapped children in the town of Mezdra. They painted walls, laid paving
stones, set up a playground, and improved access to the orphanage. The team
provided the orphanage with medicine, toys and building materials. This initiative
came in addition to the corporate social responsibility projects carried out
by the Sofi a offi ce.
Renewed commitment in New Orleans. After Hurricane Katrina hit Louisiana
in 2005, BNP Paribas’ employees showed that they wanted to be personally
involved in the reconstruction effort by setting up the BNP Paribas New Orleans
Aid Brigade. BNP Paribas Structured Finance and Corporate Coverage in the
United States recently organised an in-house event in support of the initiatives
of this brigade. In April 2007, 85 employees from the United States and France
helped to rebuild a number of playgrounds that had been destroyed. In March
2007, BNP Paribas also funded the New Orleans Business Continuity Program
which backs a number of projects to rebuild the city. The Group received
the “Corporate Social and Environmental Responsibility” award in the United
States in recognition of employees’ commitment to reconstruction projects in
New Orleans.
The Telethon in France and Italy. BNP Paribas has been the offi cial bank for
the French Telethon since its creation, handling cheques sent by donors and
delivering the tax receipts for donations made. A large number of employees
participate in the Telethon – devising and organising sports, musical and gastronomic
events, and community initiatives. In 2007, over 500 initiatives were
organised in France and French overseas departments and territories by
2,000 employees, in addition to 300 tennis tournaments for the Tennis Telethon.
In Italy, BNL also offers considerable support to this fundraising campaign,
bringing in almost half the amount raised. During the Telethon, hidden cameras
are set up in BNL branches to take candid footage of Italian actors, who play
the role of BNL advisors collecting donations. Many Italian employees take part
in this fundraiser.