Citibank 2011 Annual Report Download - page 20

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At Citi, we aim to conduct business in a
manner that creates value for our clients,
shareholders, people and communities.
We understand that being a good corporate
citizen starts with operating responsibly.
This philosophy is ingrained in every aspect of Citi’s daily
operations, in our culture and in our decision making.
We think carefully about the impact we have on business
partners, on the financial system and on the world we all
share. We reinforce our commitment to Responsible Finance
and financial inclusion with innovative business endeavors,
with robust philanthropic investments and by recruiting and
supporting a diverse workforce.
Financial Inclusion
As a financial institution, Citi embraces the challenge to help
reach the 2.5 billion people in the world with no access to
financial services. Expanding financial inclusion is part of our
mission, and we have a long record of developing programs
that extend saving-, credit- and asset-building opportunities
to those outside the financial system, providing them
pathways to build more secure futures. At Citi, we integrate
our core businesses, a global perspective, local presence and
cutting-edge technologies to contribute to financial inclusion
with thought leadership, research and initiatives that are
innovative, measurable and replicable.
Through Citi Microfinance, Citi Community Development and
the Citi Foundation, we focus on working across Citi business
lines and with community groups, governments, institutions
and networks to develop initiatives that broaden access for
traditionally underserved communities. By investing capital
and expertise, we work with partners to:
• Make it possible for microentrepreneurs and small business
owners to start and sustain their businesses and to create
livelihoods for their families and neighbors.
• Enable young people to receive advanced educations and
prepare them for productive livelihoods.
• Help consumers build their own financial capability by
pairing financial education with access to appropriate
products and services so they can save, wisely manage
their money and weather setbacks.
• Finance affordable housing and community infrastructure
projects that create a solid foundation for financial mobility.
Environmental Sustainability
Citi’s commitment to environmental sustainability in our
own operations and with our clients is based on three
pillars: managing the environmental footprint of our own
global operations; managing environmental and social
risk associated with projects we finance; and developing
business opportunities with our partners to address critical
environmental issues. In 2011, Citi financed and advised on
nearly 14,000 megawatts of wind and solar power projects
worldwide, pioneered transactions in energy efficiency
finance, and, as chair of the Equator Principles Association,
led the industry in updating standards for environmental
and social risk management practices. In our own operations
and in our work with clients, we are dedicated to supporting
solutions that address climate change, water scarcity, declining
biodiversity, human rights and other important challenges.
A Diverse Modern Workforce
Our work would not be possible without the strength of a
diverse and skilled global workforce. Citi ensures that our
people are equipped with the support systems needed
to realize their professional growth, make meaningful
contributions and develop pride in their work. The distinct
perspectives of our team members all bring added value
to our clients and customers, and Citi’s strong tradition of
employee volunteerism ensures that our collective passion
and talents are put to use outside the workplace as well.
For a more in-depth look at our work in these areas, please
be sure to access Citi’s 2011 Global Citizenship Report at
http://citizenship.citigroup.com.
Corporate Citizenship