Page 10 - msc_sustainability_report_2016

A WORD FROM OUR PRESIDENT & CEO
WE NOT ONLY
TRANSPORT GOODS,

WE CONNECT PEOPLE
AND CONTINENTS

In 2016, the global container shipping industry has all our stakeholders, as well as to invest in corporate
experienced ongoing overcapacity, while continuing citizenship that goes far beyond charity.
to be affected by a dramatic slowing of the world We not only transport goods, we connect people and
trade growth. This resulted in significant losses for continents, remaining committed and loyal to our
most shipping lines. To face these challenging market customers and partners despite natural disasters,
conditions, during the last few years, MSC has invested political instabilities and wars. We do not simply generate
in several unprecedented cost-saving initiatives, such jobs, we create opportunities and career paths,
as operational strategic alliances, and has further especially in developing and least developed countries,
diversified its business-related activities. This was providing our employees with safe working conditions
necessary to defend our global market share, ensure as well as the means to improve their living standards.
the continuation of a sustainable business and protect Our spirit is to create dignity and pride through the
our main strength: our workforce. Despite unfavourable continuous improvement of our workforce’s profes-
economic trends and shortfalls, we decided not to cut sional skills. We do not just comply with environmental
jobs and not to reduce salaries. Instead, we sought regulations but we genuinely care for the environment
innovative solutions, re-directed investments and and it is a constant priority in our strategic planning.
re-thought our business plans. These measures were As such, our current business plans and practices
taken to guarantee a future to our people, based all consider social and environmental values and the Ten
around the world, who work tirelessly and proudly for Principles of the United Nations already guide us in
our family. all aspects of our activities. Some of the Sustainable
In all our strategies, we have chosen not to compromise Development Goals (SDGs), such as no poverty, decent
our core family values, which are based, above all, on work, quality education, gender equality and those
the respect of human dignity. This is also the main reason related to climate change and marine wildlife protection,
that motivates us, in our day-to-day operations, to constitute the foundations of our strategic vision.
have fair business practices and expect the same from Therefore, we thought that joining the United Nations

10 A WORD FROM OUR PRESIDENT & CEO MSC SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2016 11