Impact Report 2020 - Z Zurich Foundation
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Impact Report 2020
2020 in numbers Chair Activist in all of us Humanitarian Aid Climate change adaptation Mental wellbeing Social equity Governance Financial statements and auditors’ report
Contents
This document is interactive. Click the contents
below to read each section, and look for links
throughout the document to read more.
2020 in numbers 03
Chair’s message 04
Welcome to the Z Zurich Foundation Photo credit:
Rose Ekol Reklam
Empowering the activist in all of us 05
Acting on the humanitarian aid agenda 07
Annual Report, which focuses on the Leading climate change adaptation 12
impact we had in 2020! Improving mental wellbeing
Enabling social equity
17
20
Governance 23
The Z Zurich Foundation (the Foundation) is a charitable foundation with its Financial statements and auditors’ report 24
registered office in Zurich, Switzerland. Established by Zurich Insurance
Company Ltd and Zurich Life Insurance Company Ltd in accordance with
Swiss law, it is the main vehicle by which Zurich Insurance Group (Zurich) Photo credit:
Pro Mente Sana
delivers on its global community investment strategy. Together with Zurich
and its stakeholders, with governments and NGOs, the Foundation’s role is
to create a brighter future for vulnerable people.
Front cover
In Hong Kong, the Z Zurich Foundation collaborated with Zurich Hong1
Kong , Pok Oi Hospital and HandsOn Hong Kong to supply laptops,
tablets and SIM cards to more than 1,500 underprivileged and special
needs primary and secondary school students. This equipped them with
the essential resources to participate in online learning during the
suspension of face-to-face classes and school closures and helped
close the continuous learning gap.
Photo credit:
Variety NZ
1
Zurich Services (Hong Kong) Ltd
2020 in numbers Chair Activist in all of us Humanitarian Aid Climate change adaptation Mental wellbeing Social equity Governance Financial statements and auditors’ report
2020 in numbers 3,200,000 lives 4 external awards
positively impacted: and recognition
CHF 31.7m 2,400,000 lives as part of our COVID-19
response, through donations to 220
for our programs in Australia and
invested in community grants Spain and for the Zurich Flood
in 2020, up 136% compared to charities in 35 countries. Resilience Alliance’s work from
2019, and CHF 32m worth of 600,000 lives through matching of the World Economic Forum.
new and extended multi-year Zurich2 employee donations (CHF 1.3m+
grants were approved. of Zurich employee donations doubled,
up 98% compared to 2019), volunteering
and other grants matching programs
Nearly 10% of
Zurich’s employee base
(CHF 0.5+ in volunteer matching and
volunteered3, in addition to
other matching grants approved, in line
providing other innovative
with prior year 3)
forms of engagement during
100,000+ lives with the Zurich Flood this exceptional year. Employee
Resilience Alliance, that also further fundraising increased by 8.6%
reached 215,000+ people indirectly compared to 2019.
100,000+ lives through our local 18 Community Hero Awards
grant programs4 presented to recognize Zurich
employees, who are going
above and beyond to support
their communities. 2
Zurich Insurance Group Ltd and its subsidiaries (Zurich).
Influenced 3
Excluded are employees of the Farmers Exchanges. Zurich
USD 321.7m
Insurance Group has no ownership interest in the Farmers
Exchanges. Farmers Group, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the
Zurich Insurance Group, provides certain non-claims services and
ancillary services to the Farmers Exchanges as attorney-in-fact and
in committed flood resilience receives fees for its services.
4
Positively impacted & transformed numbers from local grants
financing together with the (including support to SBP Inc.) reporting 2020 in January 2021. 2020
beneficiary impact of grants reporting on an academic year cycle will
Zurich Flood Resilience Alliance. be accounted as part of the 2021 impact report.
2020 in numbers Chair Activist in all of us Humanitarian Aid Climate change adaptation Mental wellbeing Social equity Governance Financial statements and auditors’ report
Chair’s message
A year ago, in the last annual We have certainly seen a remarkable Increased funding from Zurich Insurance have been both inspirational and increasingly
commitment from individuals and communities Group, as part of the Foundation’s strategy active in engaging with society’s challenges.
financial statements, I said that in every country to support the vulnerable review that took place in 2019, has allowed us Our Community Hero Awards recognize
I hoped we would see 2020 around them. The response has been anything to continue to expand our main programs and wonderful and passionate role models and I
but uniform though, with dramatically increased to reprioritize our work to take immediate am delighted to be able to celebrate them and
as a turning point in the mental health issues and increasing disparity action during the pandemic. many others.
commitment to support the between different parts of the population.
The Zurich Flood Resilience Alliance’s impact Gregory Renand became Head of the Z Zurich
vulnerable in our society as Over the last year, I have been extremely proud in helping communities become more resilient Foundation in July 2020. Gregory’s
of how the Z Zurich Foundation, Zurich’s and prepared is increasingly recognized by combination of deep policy expertise within
COVID-19 took a further toll on people and the charities we work with have external peers. Devastating floods in Mexico’s Zurich and his commitment to the role of the
people across the planet. At stepped up again to make a real difference at Tabasco state in 2020 proved the value once Foundation in society is already strongly
this time of need, despite personal challenges. again of the prevention work undertaken with evident and I would like to thank Gregory and
that stage, I did not expect the
communities beforehand. At the Z Zurich all the Foundation team for their drive in this
pandemic to still be surging as 2.4 million people were positively impacted by
Foundation, we are now developing the same year of change.
actions that we took to help communities
we near the midpoint of 2021. during the pandemic. Our decision to reinforce
approach for multi-perils and developed
There have also been several changes
markets that have seen significant flood impact.
support to the charities we work with at this amongst the Board of Trustees and I would like
difficult time allowed them to focus as much Tackle Your Feelings ground-breaking to thank all the Trustees for their commitment
as possible on the vulnerable who needed Gregory Renand, Head of the
approach -addressing the stigma of mental and guidance. In particular, Chris Gillies stood
their help. Z Zurich Foundation:
health and helping people act before issues down in 2020 after more than 10 years. Chris’
become extreme – continued to work despite wisdom, conviction and humility have been I’m excited to have joined the Z Zurich
However, we have not forgotten the future and
the pandemic and we expect to increase the crucial in setting the tone for the Foundation Foundation and to participate in this
continued to expand our mainstream programs
number of countries involved in 2021. Overall, through these years and it has been a privilege incredible human adventure. We have
around climate resilience, mental well-being,
we are now running 34 programs in countries to work with him. built a strong team to ensure we were
and social equity. If anything, the societal
and helped 3,200,000 people in 2020, quite well equipped to provide more support
challenges here have become starker. For
apart from the pandemic, more than double to causes submitted by Zurich business
example, the World Health Organization
the number just three years ago. units, manage the growing level of
reported that countries spend on average just
two percent of health budgets on mental The one area where we have seen some activity within the Foundation’s pillars,
health and the pandemic dramatically reduction has been volunteering. Lockdowns and respond to significantly increased
impacted these. This is despite the fact that for and restrictions have certainly had an impact Gary Shaughnessy governance and impact requirements. I
every USD 1 invested in scaled-up treatment here, although skills-based volunteering has Chair of the Board of Trustees, look forward to collaborating with you.
for common mental disorders such as remained stronger and our investment in 2021 Z Zurich Foundation Acting together we create so much
depression and anxiety, there is a return of in systems to support volunteering is a crucial more impact!
USD 5 in improved health and productivity5. initiative. Once again, though, Zurich people
5
World Health Organization, 2020, World Mental Health Day: an opportunity to kick-start a massive scale-up in investment in mental health
2020 in numbers Chair Activist in all of us Humanitarian Aid Climate change adaptation Mental wellbeing Social equity Governance Financial statements and auditors’ report
Empowering the activist in all of us
At the Z Zurich Foundation, we believe the key to Our focus
creating a fairer, more open and sustainable
society is by forging connections.
Adapting to climate
We collaborate actively with Zurich offices and employees around the change
globe with the ambition to create a brighter future for vulnerable people. Focus on adaptation
We understand that impact is a measure of change, and that change
cannot happen if people – from volunteers to governments to those of us
most in need of help – do not engage and act.
We are redefining what a foundation can be by empowering the activist in
all of us so that together, we can support the most vulnerable to adapt to
climate change, manage their stress and anxiety to improve their mental
wellbeing, and access equal opportunities to reach their full potential.
Improving mental
We align our work with Zurich’s purpose, values and sustainability agenda.
Zurich aspires to be one of the most responsible and impactful businesses wellbeing
in the world. The Z Zurich Foundation is at the heart of this ambition. With
Focus on prevention
Zurich employee’s commitment and passion, the Foundation can increase
its reach and impact across the globe. The Foundation contributes to
Zurich’s overall performance in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index’s (DJSI)
Corporate Citizenship and Philanthropy category. In the 2020 assessment,
Zurich achieved second place in the insurance industry for this category
(ranked 7th in 2019).
To deliver our strategy, we focus our efforts on the three major global
challenges shown on the right, building strategic partnerships, funding
grant programs in collaboration with Zurich’s business units and charities Enabling
worldwide and developing initiatives to engage Zurich’s employees and social equity
other stakeholders in our work.
Focus on youth
2020 in numbers Chair Activist in all of us Humanitarian Aid Climate change adaptation Mental wellbeing Social equity Governance Financial statements and auditors’ report
In 2020, we divided our wellbeing and Our ambition – by 2024 our Strategy enablers multiply the impact we would have on our vulnerable people, charities, Zurich
inclusion pillar into two distinctive pillars own many times over. We aim to engage employees and corporate philanthropy in
as they address very different issues. ambition is to: In 2020, in support of our overall strategy others stakeholder groups, such as Zurich’s general. We are putting impact and people
In addition, we have further developed and the actions we undertook through our customers and business partners, by at the heart of everything we do. This
pillars, we strengthened three other
our strategies within each of our pillars, Create transformative change in enablers of our work.
conducting several pilots. means also renaming this annual report
leveraging our unique approach, the “Z Zurich Foundation’s 2020 impact report.”
‘Z Zurich Foundation Way’: the lives of more than one million Measuring our impact is crucial. As part of
A first materialization of the framework
Our Foundation could not exist without the our impact measurement framework, we
> starting with research vulnerable people and positively passion and commitment of Zurich have defined a set of metrics and targets,
implementation is reflected in the first
section of this report ‘2020 in numbers.’
> conducting pilots to validate our
impact the lives of 10 million others employees and other stakeholders. What and beneficiary impact personas for each
we all have in common is our willingness of our community grants, together with In parallel, we have evolved our brand and
direction to turn belief into positive action and Zurich offices and charitable organizations communications strategy and approach.
> scaling opportunities and impact that
Have more than 50 percent of impact. As a result, we are evolving our running these programs. Our impact This is intended to reinforce our purpose
also include system-level Zurich employees actively engagement approach by empowering measurement approach aims to give a and bring consistency in everything we do
transformative change. those who see themselves as part of a clear indication of our progress towards in order to emotionally engage with, inform
engaged in community programs greater whole, to become activists for the our 2024 ambition and our overall impact. and motivate our stakeholders to join our
Our work continues to align with the UN and activities good of all. Our activism strategy also goes This framework provides a more efforts, so that together we can create a
Sustainable Development goals (SDGs) beyond Zurich employees. By mobilizing comprehensive, modern and innovative broader positive impact on society.
and especially: SDGs 3, 4, 8, 11 and 13. our wider stakeholder network, we can view by taking into account our impact on
Have 100 percent of Zurich
employees feeling proud of the
work of the Z Zurich Foundation
Have more than 90 percent of the
charities we work with see us as a
more than a mere financial partner
and recommend working with us
2020 in numbers Chair Activist in all of us Humanitarian Aid Climate change adaptation Mental wellbeing Social equity Governance Financial statements and auditors’ report
Acting on the humanitarian aid agenda
in light of the COVID-19 crisis
An extraordinary context requires an Our COVID-19 related impact As part of our COVID-19 response, we have
provided support to the organizations we already
extraordinary response 2,400,000 people work with, and to the charities Zurich’s business
units globally have been working with for many
supported worldwide years, to enable them to continue providing
At the end of 2020, over 79 million services to those who were severely affected by
COVID-19 cases were reported and over Donations made to 220 the pandemic. I can distinctly remember being kept awake
1.7 million people had passed away due charities in 35 countries In addition, we have been funding local disaster by the fact that we did not have enough food
to this virus6 across the globe. The relief initiatives that Zurich’s business units
identified. Here, the focus was on urgent medical
to respond to unprecedented demand for
pandemic continues to ravage countries CHF 14.2m spent on support while also addressing food shortages or food relief. And in one of those beautiful
worldwide. Its scars and economic, donations in light of the mental health needs. This included helping to moments, the Universe spoke to us and we
address domestic violence and providing
psychological and social impacts will be COVID-19 crisis technology for homeschooling. had a call come in from Z Zurich Foundation.
with us for a long time. It reinforces the Bringing people together, in a safe way, to Brianna Casey, Foodbank, Australia
role corporate foundations can play to support those most in need has been a crucial
feature of our efforts since the outbreak of the
help the most vulnerable people of our pandemic. We have been working with Zurich’s
society face these exceptional times. business units and employees in fundraising
campaigns, donating over CHF 1.3 million for
Zurich employees’ fundraising efforts to support
local charities. This, together with the volunteering
matching and other matching grants approved of
CHF 577,500, has positively impacted over
600,000 people. We also organized several
initiatives to provide opportunities for Zurich
employees to support their local charities.
Watch Z Zurich Foundation’s
COVID-19 response video. It’s only together we
can make the change.
Fayyad Assali, Mentor, Sweden
6
World Health Organization, Weekly
epidemiological update – 29 December 2020 Photo credit: Foodbank Australia
2020 in numbers Chair Activist in all of us Humanitarian Aid Climate change adaptation Mental wellbeing Social equity Governance Financial statements and auditors’ report
Hong Kong caption
Across the globe, we have also seen a Zurich employees in New Zealand
number of remarkable examples of the wrapped Christmas present for
generosity and the spirit of hundreds of underprivileged children
commitment of Zurich employees to supported by their long-term partner
continue volunteer activities, in creative Variety, the Children’s Charity, to give
and innovative ways to overcome the children living in poverty a special
challenges brought by the pandemic. Christmas, despite the pandemic.
An additional donation from the
To name just a few examples: Zurich
Foundation to the Kiwi charity
Santander 7 employees in Brazil
contributed to 3,292 families receiving
organized online financial education
groceries for a festive meal, helping to
and investment sessions for young The Beyond Rugby Program is create happy memories after a
people. Still in Brazil, Zurich employees supported by the Family Centre, the challenging year.
shared their homeschooling charitable organization we collaborate
experiences, which resulted in the with as part of our local grant program. Unfortunately, the effects of the
production of three e-books to help pandemic will stay with us for a long
parents, teenagers and kids of their In Canada, 19 Zurich employees time. The stark reality is that while the
supported charities to go through the teamed up with United Way Greater nature of the impact is starting to
challenges brought by the unexpected Toronto to connect with 19 seniors who change in some areas, the scars of the
need for homeschooling. For every were even more isolated due to the pandemic run very deep. While our
story shared by its employees, Zurich lockdown. They also shared their skills ongoing response is focusing on five
Brazil8 supported the purchase of with 24 individuals who are key areas – domestic violence, food
school supplies for vulnerable families experiencing a lack of economic security, mental health, medical
who experience a drop of income after security arising from the pandemic by equipment and education to provide
losing their job due to the pandemic, providing mentoring and conducting emergency relief where needed, we are
resulting in difficulties to buy mock interviews. also addressing the long-term effects
necessary supplies for their children In Hong Kong, Zurich volunteers of the pandemic.
to start the new school year. prepared thousands of ‘cheer-up’ aid
In Bermuda, employees of Zurich packs, including masks, health supplies,
Bermuda9 helped Beyond Rugby toys, healthy snacks and learning
Program youth gain interview skills equipment to boost their energy and
by participating in virtual practice remind people of the long-term
interviews to help them prepare for importance of a healthy lifestyle.
the world of work.
7
Zurich Santander Insurance America, S.L.
8
Zurich Brasil Seguros S.A.
9
Zurich Insurance Company Ltd, Bermuda Branch with Zurich Investment Services Ltd
2020 in numbers Chair Activist in all of us Humanitarian Aid Climate change adaptation Mental wellbeing Social equity Governance Financial statements and auditors’ report
Examples of local Malaysia
disaster relief initiatives Leaving no one behind has been even
more crucial since the start of the
pandemic in 2020. Together with Zurich
Argentina Malaysia11 , we collaborated with Epic
Society12 to support the Orang Asli
#SeamosUno was a unique initiative population in Peninsular Malaysia, where
launched to address an urgent need some 50,000 families were significantly
resulting from the first outbreak of the affected by restrictions of movement. The
COVID-19 pandemic. It sought to alleviate Foundation’s donation enabled much
food shortages in the city of Buenos Aires needed immediate relief. It also helped
and the suburbs during the contagion create long-term impact, such as digital Training sessions on health and hygiene.
Photo credit: Epic Society
peak. This initiative was supported by learning for kids, employment through a
many organizations from various sectors, matching program, farming training and
including the Z Zurich Foundation. The even the start of local chicken farms “The indigenous Orang Asli
Foundation, together with Zurich which are creating ongoing food security communities are often marginalized
Argentina10 and Zurich Santander in in times of restricted mobility and supply and at the bottom of the chain when
Argentina, decided to join forces to chain disruptions. it comes to support and aid. There
provide one million food and necessary Pictured are Anthony Ireland are also thousands of families living
hygiene product boxes to people who
Brennan, CEO, Zurich In total, the COVID-19 Collective
Ireland; Deirdre Mortell, Rethink Ireland is the country’s national organization supporting innovative in unsafe housing conditions too.
found themselves in a vulnerable situation. for Orang Asli initiative positively
CEO, Rethink Ireland; Dr.
charities, social enterprises and community organizations. Its ‘Innovate When we heard about the impact of
At the end of September 2020, Fiona O’Reilly, General
impacted approximately 5,500 families
Together Fund’ aims to support social innovation projects that address the the pandemic on these communities,
#SeamosUno reached its goal of Manager, Safetynet Primary in 82 villages. Discover the various
current and long-term social, economic and environmental challenges we wanted to see what we could do
delivering those one million food and Care; Emma Coughlan, actions implemented in Epic Society’s
Clinical Nurse Manager of arising from the COVID-19 crisis. With support from corporates and to provide them with immediate
hygiene packages, helping more than impact report.
the COVID-19 Mobile foundations, including the Z Zurich Foundation, the Innovate Together Fund relief as well as long-term support.
4,000,000 Argentinian people. Health and Screening Unit, In collaboration with Epic Society,
Safetynet Primary Care; Ian
has provided support to more than 70 projects nationwide in the community
“Seeing so many organizations collaborating and social enterprise sector, as part of their innovative response to we were able to provide them with
Power, CEO, SpunOut and
was truly incredible. From collecting Marie Slevin, Clinical COVID-19. Combined, these projects will benefit thousands of people. Distribution of food essentials such as food and medication, educational
donations to managing logistics effectively Developmental cooking oil, rice and sugar. support, as well as training and
Psychologist at the Organizations supported include those who work across the following Photo credit: Epic Society support for the creation of farming
and transparently, #SeamosUno
Department of Neonatology, categories: Sustainable Ireland, online education, food security, mental and enterprises. And we couldn’t have
successfully managed to gather people with The National Maternity physical health, reskilling the workforce, community outreach, economic done it without the great support
a common objective: helping those in Hospital, Holles Street.
recovery and other cross-cutting issues. from Z Zurich Foundation.”
greatest need. I thank the Z Zurich Photo credit: Marc
Foundation for supporting us in this project. O’Sullivan “The innovation displayed by the projects awarded funding shows once Stephen Clark, Country Head of
We can be proud of what we have again the positive attitude and incredible resilience that community and Zurich Malaysia.
accomplished all together.” social enterprises in Ireland have demonstrated throughout the COVID-19
Carlos Gonzalez Nogueira, Regional Head crisis. With thanks to the Z Zurich Foundation, we are delighted to support
of Sustainability for Zurich Santander. the Innovate Together Fund and to promote a more equitable and
sustainable society as part of our global community investment strategy.”
Zurich Argentina Compañía de Seguros S.A.,
10
Anthony Brennan, CEO of Zurich Ireland.
Zurich International Life Limited Sucursal Argentina,
Zurich Aseguradora Argentina S.A. anteriormente 11
Zurich Life Insurance Malaysia Berhad
denominada QBE Seguros La Buenos Aires S.A. en 12
Epic Collective SDN BHD
proceso de cambio de denominación
2020 in numbers Chair Activist in all of us Humanitarian Aid Climate change adaptation Mental wellbeing Social equity Governance Financial statements and auditors’ report
South Africa “The Z Zurich Foundation recognizes that the COVID-19 pandemic is making
it harder for charities and organizations like MSF to deliver on their mission.
The pandemic has impacted countries in We are proud to stand alongside MSF Southern Africa and support them in
different ways, requiring a comprehensive their time of need,” says Amanda Crook, Zurich South Africa and Z Zurich
community-centered approach from local Foundation local champion.
organizations on the ground, such as
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). To “During South Africa’s second wave of COVID-19 infections our teams worked
support its rapid responses to South in 7 hospitals in three provinces, as well as facilities in Lesotho. During this
Africa’s pandemic emergency, Z Zurich truly terrible time for southern African hospitals, mortality rates at some
Foundation contributed to MSF’s South hospitals ranged between 45 – 50% during the peak period when our teams
Africa COVID-19 Crisis Fund, while Zurich offered support. From our experiences we’ve seen how simple measures can
Services Company Pty Ltd (Zurich South have a direct positive impact and help prepare for a coming third wave: have a
Africa) invited their peers to join MSF’s rapidly deployable pool of medical staff and clinical management
efforts to tackle the crisis. All the funds professionals experienced in treating COVID-19; invest in sufficient oxygen
raised went directly toward procuring capacity, as well as improving basic care by hiring entry level health staff to
medical equipment, supplies for testing relieve the pressure on nursing staff who should focus on specific clinical
and supporting field teams in their care. From our experience, these interventions may save more lives than
COVID-19 interventions across South ventilators and high care. We are incredibly grateful for the ongoing support of
African communities. Z Zurich Foundation,” says Dr Colin Pfaff, MSF COVID-19 project medical.
Photo credit: Human and Hope Association
In addition to supporting MSF,
and as part of our volunteering
One Young World COVID-19 Young Leaders Fund matching program, Zurich South
Our donation to the One Young World COVID-19 COVID-19 Young Leaders Fund has funded 39 Africa employees used their
Young Leaders Fund has helped 18 outstanding projects, impacting more than 630,000 people donation entitlement to respond
leaders, operating in 17 countries. They around the world. to food emergencies by
supported the mental wellbeing of at-risk supporting local soup kitchens
Kate Robertson and David Jones, co-founders of and providing food parcels to
people, communities under greater pressure –
‘One Young World’ said: “We are so grateful to over 5,000 people in need.
including survivors of domestic abuse –
Z Zurich Foundation for their support of young
together with a variety of other solutions to the
leaders around the world during the pandemic. Discover patient and
challenges of the pandemic.
Young leaders are shouldering tremendous staff stories here.
One of the projects supported was the Human responsibility, but are often underfunded and
and Hope Association in Cambodia. With this marginalized. We were so honored to receive this
donation, 1,794 children were provided with generous donation from Z Zurich Foundation which
COVID-19 support and awareness sessions in has been channeled straight to the front line where
the first week, 3,588 face-masks and 3,588 bars it is most needed. Thanks to this support, young South Africa COVID-19 Activities: MSF
of soap have been distributed to date to leaders have been saving lives and protecting field worker Xolani Mlotshwa sprays a
students and teachers in six schools. communities from COVID-19 and the economic man’s hands with sanitizer spray during
impacts of the pandemic.” a COVID-19 intervention working with
Overall, with support from other organizations vulnerable populations in
such as United Way, the Bill & Melinda Gates Read more in One Young World’s Johannesburg, South Africa.
Foundation and the IKEA Foundation, the Photo credit: Tadeu Andre/MSF
Annual Impact Report 20202020 in numbers Chair Activist in all of us Humanitarian Aid Climate change adaptation Mental wellbeing Social equity Governance Financial statements and auditors’ report
Beyond Sport Foundation’s Sport Alongside the COVID-19 pandemic,
for Good Response Fund the world faced other disasters,
which required humanitarian support.
The coronavirus pandemic forced foundations, has enabled the
thousands of sport for development Beyond Sport Foundation to assist over
organizations to stop their activities, 30 organizations across 19 countries.
resulting in the halt of delivering
“In the Spring of 2020, we knew we had
therapeutic, educational and/or social
to act quickly to not only support sport
Lebanon Emergency Appeal
service programming and support that
many communities have come to rely for development organisations to After the devastating explosions in Beirut, Lebanon in
on. The ‘Sport for Good Response weather the immediate storm, but we August, the Z Zurich Foundation launched a global emergency
Fund’ was launched in Spring 2020 to have a smart way of approaching the appeal to provide relief to the people affected. Contributions
support organizations using sport as a future. As we emerge from this situation, came from Zurich’s employees and other stakeholders. The
tool for development during the sport is going to be vitally important in Z Zurich Foundation matched contributions, resulting in a
COVID-19 crisis. Its aim was to ensure the way we heal. We want to give the donation of more than CHF 145,000 to the Lebanese Red
programs could continue in times of incredible organizations in our network Cross. The funds provided helped transport and treat
crisis and to support organizations to the tools to be able to impact the victims, provide food parcels and hygiene kits and enable
adapt so they emerge from this communities in which they serve — cash grants to support those most in need. In total, the
challenging situation with more now and for years to come,” says Lebanese Red Cross has looked after 10,000 individuals
resilience. Z Zurich Foundation’s Nick Keller, Beyond Sport Founder and households, providing immediate and long-term
donation, alongside support from other and President. assistance to respond the needs of the most affected.
corporate organizations and
Discover some impactful stories
in Sport for Good Response
Fund’s impact report.
USA
“The Z Zurich Foundation stepped up early during the COVID-19 crisis to
support Feeding America’s COVID-19 Respond Fund,” said Casey Marsh,
Feeding America’s Chief Development Officer. “Many people who are
coming in for food assistance are turning to food banks for the very first
time. They are people like a small business owner and mother of two who
had to close her business. She was once a donor to her local food bank
and now receives emergency food boxes.”
Feeding America’s research team estimates food insecurity is rising as
a result of the prolonged economic impact of COVID-19. “This means
that 42 million people – and that includes 13 million children –
may face hunger in 2021,” Casey said.2020 in numbers Chair Activist in all of us Humanitarian Aid Climate change adaptation Mental wellbeing Social equity Governance Financial statements and auditors’ report
Leading climate
change adaptation All members of the Alliance, with the
exception of Zurich Insurance Company Ltd,
are funded by the Z Zurich Foundation.
For humanity to prosper in the Our impact
Our evolved approach Floods affect more people globally flood-tolerant varieties, or even how
face of climate change, we Zurich Flood Resilience Alliance With our ‘Adapting to Climate Change’
than any other type of natural hazard. flood affected communities can find
Together with the Alliance, we are a secondary source of income could
need to think of ourselves as program, we are developing tools and leading the way in helping people help them cope with the water.
100,000+ people positively promoting sustainable behavior for the
having a shared future, one adapt and thrive in the face of this
impacted thousands of communities increasingly significant hazard.
We continue to encourage businesses,
we can draw on our collective affected by natural hazards. What this funding agencies and nations to join
means in practice is talking to people The Alliance approach looks at the forces in tackling the climate emergency,
knowledge and resources to A further 215,000+ people bigger picture and connects people not only by striving for a net-zero
about the particular risks they are
plan for. Climate change is a indirectly reached facing, and then drawing on the with the relevant skills and knowledge future, but also by driving additional
reality. The annual global expertise of our network to determine to gain an understanding of how the investments and resources towards
the right measures to implement in risks facing a wider community adaptation measures that support
temperature in 2019 was Advocacy has contributed to each situation. This innovative and interrelate. It is not about stopping the those already impacted.
already 1.1°C warmer than the increased commitments to integrated approach to climate change next flood, but whether switching to
is built on the ongoing success of the floating rice gardens, or growing
average for 1850-190013. climate change adaptation, risk Zurich Flood Resilience Alliance (the
reduction and resilience funding Alliance), a multi-sector, global alliance
We continue to encourage focused on finding practical ways to
by around USD 346.1 million.
businesses, corporations and help communities strengthen their
resilience to floods globally and
nations to join forces in In the US save lives.
tackling the climate The Alliance brings together
emergency, not only by Supported by the Foundation’s
organizations from the private,
striving for a net-zero future, funding, SBP, Inc. (SBP) ran a international development,
but also by driving additional very successful campaign that humanitarian, and research sectors.
investments and resources reached more than 18 million
towards adaptation to support people and engaged over
those already impacted. 200,000 with their Disaster
Resilience E-Learning platform
Distribution of hygiene kits.
13
World Meteorological Organization, 2020, WMO confirms 2019 as second hottest year on record Photo credit: Philippine Red Cross2020 in numbers Chair Activist in all of us Humanitarian Aid Climate change adaptation Mental wellbeing Social equity Governance Financial statements and auditors’ report
Awards The Zurich Flood Resilience Alliance in 2020 Stories from the field
At the annual meeting of the World The story of 2020 is a story of how The flood resilience program, running Proven effectiveness of prevention – the Mexican story
Economic Forum (WEF) in January Alliance members connected with their through the Zurich Flood Resilience
2020, the WEF put a spotlight on communities as COVID-19 spread Alliance is a long-term effort to In Mexico’s low-lying state of Tabasco, the In November 2020, the Tabasco state faced
over 160 projects it described as across the globe. The purpose of the increase community resilience so that repeated flooding, year after year, has destroyed new severe flooding, testing the Alliance’s
‘multi-stakeholder, transformative Alliance is not to focus on post-event floods have no negative impact on the homes, public property and businesses, and program in a real crisis situation. Using the
and future-focused’ – with the disaster recovery, but as COVID-19 ability of people and businesses to undermined economic well-being, negatively Alliance’s expertise and tools, the trained
idea of encouraging broader use started to impact the communities in thrive. This deliberate decision to work impacting social morale. These communities communities better faced last year’s flooding
of successful approaches. which Alliance members worked, the with communities over a long period were struggling to recover. The Zurich Flood and the negative impact was much less than in
need to operate in a post-disaster gives us the scope to adjust short-term Resilience Alliance, and in particular the Mexican other places that have not received training.
The Zurich Flood Resilience
situation soon became obvious. Our programming without losing sight of Red Cross, has been active in the area since
Alliance’s work was recognized as
response was to support the Alliance the end goals. And in 2020, while 2013, working together with 20 local Read more about the work done
one such Lighthouse Project.
members to adapt their work so that circumstances and programming communities to implement initiatives aiming to in Mexico in Zurich’s 2020
they stayed focused on developing certainly changed, the overall focus prevent flooding and increase inhabitants’ sustainability report – page 50.
Read more here.
flood resilience, but in ways that remained on the vision of building resilience. Actions on both the community and
factored in the pandemic. resilience to floods. the state levels were needed.
How did we adapt? We diverted some
parts of the implementation funding to
Alliance teams meeting with the Las Nieves communities.
immediate needs in communities. Some Photo credit: International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
was used in the form of relief, providing
essentials like food and medicines –
an essential building block of credibility
with community and local authorities
alike. Some funding was used in
projects that have an immediate effect
on the pandemic, but importantly also
strengthen flood resilience in the
longer run.
Overall, the Alliance members have now
positively impacted 100,660 people
directly in communities across the
programs, and its work reached a further
215,545 people indirectly. Alliance
members have also started a journey
to look at the depth of impact they are
having with these beneficiaries. In their
next report, scheduled for June 2021,
the Alliance will continue highlighting
the program reach, but will also
introduce how its work is effecting
change for people’s lives.
Brigades and armed forces in action
during floods – Piura, Polvorines.
Photo credit: Practical Action2020 in numbers Chair Activist in all of us Humanitarian Aid Climate change adaptation Mental wellbeing Social equity Governance Financial statements and auditors’ report
Building community-based multi-hazard resilience in Nicaragua Exploring joint benefits: Building community-centered
resilience in times of COVID-19
Plan International Nicaragua These activities covered four aspects:
discovered that the creation and
• Psychosocial support for community
operations of these community
health workers
groups helped to strengthen
relationships between local • Hygiene promotion and distribution
government and communities. of hygiene kits
Community groups were well-placed
to use their newly acquired skills and • Training for community-based
knowledge, and to leverage these volunteer groups
improved relationships to help • Creating joint benefits and building
manage the pandemic when it social cohesion
arrived in their communities.
The work of the Red Cross team of the
Although Plan International Zurich Flood Resilience Alliance in the
Nicaragua’s Alliance work focuses Philippines shows how programs can
on floods, the integral role that be adapted to respond to
community groups took in communities’ acute needs regarding
responding to the pandemic COVID-19, while maintaining the
illustrates that the training and original program focus on flood
participation in the process of Psychological Support Program Session for those on the front line of the Pampano and Sawat resilience. In the Philippines we are
building flood resilience are, in fact, communities in Mangatarem, Pangasinan. Photo credit: Philippines Red Cross
working with 6 communities and have
preparing these groups to act where so far engaged with 5,750 people,
Community groups receiving hygiene kits during the COVID-19 emergency situation, June 2020. there are many interconnected specifically distributing hygiene kits
Photo credit: Félix Rugama (Plan International). hazards. The fact that the situation is The Philippines did not escape the Despite being responsive to the
as part of the COVID-19 response.
being managed by the community crisis that hit the world in 2020 communities’ immediate needs and
– and the groups feel empowered to and had to adapt to the virus, concerns, the team never lost sight of
take the initiative to work with key restrictions on mobility, the programs’ primary focus on flood Read more: IFRC’s blog
Beginning in September 2019, ‘Plan Working with local stakeholders, the
local actors and government to face-to-face engagements, and resilience. Instead, it explored and “Exploring co-benefits: Building
International Nicaragua’ brought Mayor’s Office and the Department
manage risk – is critical for the consequent socio-economic implemented interventions that have community-centered resilience
together community groups to help of Civil Defense, Plan International
strengthening resilience now and impacts of the pandemic. joint benefits for both pandemic in times of COVID-19”.
build resilience and address the lack of Nicaragua organized community
for the future, especially as Recognizing the need to address preparedness and flood resilience.
social organization and leadership for groups – consisting of equal
COVID-19 persists and overlaps these challenges, and to prepare For this, the team leveraged insights
disaster prevention and response. With numbers of men and women–
with other hazards. communities for the pandemic, the gained from the Flood Resilience
the onset of the COVID-19 crisis, the to focus on a number of different
team of the Philippines Red Cross Measurement for Communities
community groups expanded their topics, including search and
So far 1,735 people have benefited and the International Federation of (FRMC). However, due to the clear
mandate beyond the flood resilience rescue, volunteers, and developing
from these interactions. Red Cross and Red Crescent link to pandemic preparedness and
program to address the social, strategic activities around
Societies (IFRC) adapted its response, the team decided to
economic, and health impacts of disaster prevention. Read more: Building
workplan, interventions and implement the activities earlier and
COVID-19. community-based multi-hazard
activities to the crisis. adapt them to feature COVID-19
resilience in Nicaragua specific messages and practices.2020 in numbers Chair Activist in all of us Humanitarian Aid Climate change adaptation Mental wellbeing Social equity Governance Financial statements and auditors’ report
This ability to pivot at short notice is also A key enabling factor is our adaptive More needs to be done confident that the Alliance’s work has
program management approach, with influenced around USD 346.1 million to Total influenced: USD 346,109,673
a direct result of the structure of the an almost complete flexibility around The start of 2020 was billed as the be invested in flood resilience to date
Alliance. The Z Zurich Foundation does how funds are used. Ultimately, our aim start of a decade of climate adaptation – of which USD 13.3 million has been Total committed: USD 332,857,110
is to positively impact people’s lives by action. The aim for influencing spent and USD 332.9 committed. This
not have a standard relationship with building their flood resilience. That goal policymakers and funders this year has is mainly thanks to two main successes.
Total spent: USD 13,252,563
Alliance members – we are an active does not change. But the way in which increasingly focused not only on the Firstly the influence the Alliance has
we reach it is not fixed – it needs to need to drive more resources to had, through the London School of
co-creator of the work on the ground. adapt to circumstances. This support people affected by climate Economics and Political Science (LSE)
Over the years, we have developed a philosophy was tested by the change today, but also on how that and Zurich Insurance plc in the United Global spent: USD 52,895
COVID-19 pandemic, but teams across funding should be distributed. Alliance Kingdom, with the United Kingdom
trust-based relationship with members the Alliance passed that test with flying members Concern and Mercy Corps Government’s decision to increase
that allows us to respond to changed colors. They were empowered to adjust led the development of a flagship funding for Flood Defence and Global committed: USD 94,727,414
and build the pandemic into their plans. report – At What Cost – which focused Resilience building, citing our model of
circumstances quickly, without losing on the lack of adaptation funding for resilience in their papers and including
sight of the ultimate aims of the program. The effects of this challenging year the most vulnerable. It also recognized Nature-Based Solutions in the policy National spent: USD 12,643,273
were felt right across the Alliance’s that with governments looking to build
Active engagement and trust mean swift (USD 221 million committed). And
operations. Many Alliance staff were recovery from the pandemic, it was an secondly, our contribution to the Green
discussions can happen and planning confined to home, so were only able to ideal opportunity to address the Climate Fund’s decision to increase National committed: USD 232,500,228
operate in communities remotely. This climate issues at the same time.
can be shifted. did slow the implementation of some
their allocation of adaptation financing
Joining the movement to ensure local towards Least Developed Countries
plans, but with many staff living close
communities have a voice in the (LDCs), Small Island Developing States Sub-national spent: USD 556,395
to projects, much was still achieved.
decisions that most affect them – (SIDS), and African countries from 50%
By contrast, homeworking and virtual At the end of the year the Z Zurich to 69%, amounting to an additional
engagement has offered a number of USD 850 million in adaptation funds Sub-national committed: USD 5,629,469
Foundation, alongside Zurich, signed
additional avenues for developing up to the ‘Principles for Locally Led going to some of the most vulnerable.
advocacy work. While not a Adaptation’ developed by the Global It is also important to recognize several
replacement for face-to-face Commission on Adaptation. The developments at the local level, even if
engagement with individuals, remote Foundation’s programming already the financial amounts are relatively
conferencing and events have enabled meets these principles and this small. For example, the success of
good access for the Alliance to provide provides an ideal opportunity to Mercy Corps and Practical Action in
speakers and build attendance at showcase how we can support our Nepal in using the Alliance experience
online events. call for action on adaptation. and FRMC results to influence three
Influencing others to invest in flood local governments to allocate five
resilience – In terms of progress percent of budgets towards disaster
against the Alliance’s target of risk reduction and climate change
influencing the investment of USD 1 adaptation efforts.
billion from other sources, we are2020 in numbers Chair Activist in all of us Humanitarian Aid Climate change adaptation Mental wellbeing Social equity Governance Financial statements and auditors’ report
What others say about the 2021 and beyond
Alliance’s FRMC approach: The number of natural hazard events across the world is
growing year after year, and their effects are being felt at
In the last quarter of 2020, we ran a peer-review
individual, societal, and planetary levels. With the Alliance,
exercise of the FRMC tools to understand how
we have developed a strong expertise on flood resilience
we could continue to develop our thinking. The
and ready-to-use tools and approaches.
outcome was both encouraging and provided
very valuable learning. In 2020, the Foundation agreed to fund a further expansion
of the Alliance work to more countries and communities,
“In my opinion the FRMC approach
starting in January 2021. The Alliance will expand programs
considering the current state-of-the art in
in 14 countries (to make a total of 24 countries of operation),
resilience measurement is among the most
reaching a further 200 communities (making a total of 275),
creative, innovative, relevant and up to date
and aims to strengthen resilience to flooding for
I would highly recommend adoption beyond
approximatively four million people overall. The program has
the Alliance.” Clement Kalonga, World
also been extended to the end of December 2024, helping
Food Program.
to ensure that existing programs affected by the COVID-19
“In summary, the FRMC framework, tool and pandemic can be completed, while also making sure that
process is exceptional. The learnings from these programs achieve their desired outcomes.
the experience of applying the framework
In addition, our ‘Adapting to Climate Change’ program
will greatly improve flood resilience
intends to make greater use of our preventative approach
understanding.” Dale Sands, President,
to flood resilience, applying it to other natural hazards
MD Sands Consulting Solutions and former
impacting society, such as heatwaves.
Co-Chair ARISE, a private sector advisory to
the UN Disaster Risk Reduction organization. The third focus for the future will be on enhancing
urban resilience by taking the frameworks and tools
developed by the Alliance and building on them in
urban environments, which may feature many
interrelated hazards.
We plan to work with Zurich employees, customers and
other stakeholders, developing local programs based on
the knowledge, expertise and tools developed through
the Alliance’s work. The plans include running pilot projects
in communities where Zurich does business in which an
increasing number of vulnerable people are at risk from
climate change.
Boats serve as transport during
floods, Jonuta, Tabasco, Mexico2020 in numbers Chair Activist in all of us Humanitarian Aid Climate change adaptation Mental wellbeing Social equity Governance Financial statements and auditors’ report
Improving mental Our impact Our approach
Looking after mental wellbeing is fundamental to
What is next?
To further respond to this massively growing issue, we aim to
Enabling people improve
wellbeing their mental wellbeing
living a full, productive and healthy life.
Mental health neither judges nor discriminates –
significantly step up our efforts. Having already reached
hundreds of thousands of people in Ireland and Australia
across 5 countries, with sports ambassadors, we plan to adapt and grow our
it disregards where you are in the world, how much
Mental health issues are already with an investment of you earn, your background, what your gender or skin color
mental well-being approach in a number of ways to scale the
impact we can have for people in the future, helping them to
fundamental to society and CHF 3.1m in 2020.
is... ultimately, everyone faces challenges in maintaining
become more proactive in looking at the mental wellbeing.
positive mental wellbeing. Everyday stresses can lead to
growing, with for example anxiety, which when left unaddressed can damage our First, we will attempt to replicate our early success in low,
self-esteem, as well as put a strain on relationships and medium and high-income countries, with Zurich businesses
1 person dying by suicide every 40 people’s ability to work and learn. leading implementation, activation and engagement efforts.
seconds14. The economic effect is Tackle Your Feelings (TYF) is one of our initiatives that is
Second, we will invite other organizations in those markets to
build on our framework and develop similar projects, tailored
USD 1 trillion a year15 and growing empowering people to recognize and express their
to local contexts, for example introducing role models from
feelings early on, so they can then be more proactively
with billions of people at risk. looking at their wellbeing. We equate physical strength
outside the world of sport. And third, in places where Zurich
is not operating, we will collaborate with local leaders who
COVID-19 has turned this into an with emotional strength by having strong role models
share our belief in early intervention as a way of addressing
uncontrolled issue that affects all – from professional athletes to farmers – speak openly
mental health issues in our society.
about their experiences managing their own mental
strata of society and all age groups. wellbeing. It is the program’s adaptability to different The program’s target audience is people aged 13-35.
communities and cultural contexts that puts it at the We strongly believe that by engaging with and supporting
We can make a significant heart of our movement. people in this often overlooked age range, we can create
contribution to society in this space By focusing on prevention and giving the tools and
a positive impact over a longer time frame.
by creating a preventative program resources to individuals to manage their stress and By 2024, we want to positively impact the lives of several
anxiety, we have a better chance at helping people million people worldwide.
focused on behavior change that improve their mental wellbeing at an early stage.
As with all the Foundation’s causes, our approach is to
aims to motivate and empower Photo credit: Noelle Forde conduct research and pilots and then scale up our work
vulnerable people to become more and drive system change and transformational impact. With
proactive about looking after their the TYF projects already running in Ireland and Australia,
we have conducted steps one and two. To continue on our
mental wellbeing. We aim to ignite journey, we are now calling on Zurich’s people, experts
change in individuals and the social and NGOs to join the movement so together we can
empower the greater number to take control and improve
ecosystems in which they reside. their mental wellbeing.
14
World Health Organization, 2019, Suicide: one person dies every 40 seconds
15
World Health Organization, Mental Health in the workplace2020 in numbers Chair Activist in all of us Humanitarian Aid Climate change adaptation Mental wellbeing Social equity Governance Financial statements and auditors’ report
Case study: Fit minds kick goals
In Australia, Tackle Your Feelings is developed in
collaboration with Zurich Australia16, the Australian Football
League (AFL) Coaches’ Association and the Players’
Association. The TYF Australia mental health education
program provides coaches and club members with the tools
to better understand, recognize and manage the response to
signs of mental ill health.
The program aims to increase awareness, remove the stigma
and change attitudes and behaviors associated with mental
well-being in Community Aussie Rules Football clubs, many
of which are at the heart of every Australian town.
Launched in 2019, the impact of the program has been
tremendous both in terms of community engagement but
also staff across Zurich Australia and Cover-More in
Australia. In 2020, the Foundation committed to extend
support by a year and to increase yearly funding to enable
the program to double its initial impact targets. For the
duration of the program, until 2024, we are looking at
Coach Ambassador and Hawthorn Senior Coach, Alastair Clarkson.
positively impacted 300,000 people and transformed the Photo credit: TYF Program
lives of a further 10,000.
In September 2020, the program’s online learning Fostering positive mental health through education,
management system was awarded the Best Learning and prevention and early intervention on the Isle of Man
Development Project and the Best Learning Technology at
the annual LearnX Live! Awards. Read more.
Z Zurich Foundation, Zurich International17 This grant will also make it easier to expand
and ‘Isle Listen,’ a charitable initiative of a one-to-one listening service within
Visit Tackle Your Feelings Australia’s website to MCH Psychological Services, an Isle of schools, equip a mobile art therapy vehicle
learn more about the program’s specificities: Man registered charity, announced a to provide services to those who might not
https://www.tackleyourfeelings.org.au/ three-year funding collaboration to provide be able to otherwise get them and expand
mental wellbeing education, prevention the service to support potential waiting
and transformative early intervention. lists in statutory services.
The funds will enable the Isle Listen team
This program has the potential to transform
to connect with the entire school and
mental health awareness and early
college population of the Isle of Man –
intervention across the Isle of Man,
approximately 15,000 students and
especially as it addresses a broad
over 1,000 people working within the
cross-section of the island’s society
education sector – while supporting
in so many different ways.
employers, and delivering community-
wide campaigns and resources.
Zurich Life & Investments CEO, Justin Delaney and Coach Ambassador, Leon Cameron at a
16
Zurich Financial Services Australia Ltd recent TYF event in Zurich Tower, Sydney. Photo credit: Jacob Gaynor (AFL NSW) 17
Zurich Financial Services (Isle of Man) Group Services LimitedYou can also read
