OUR CONTRIBUTION TO THE UN’S SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
OUR CONTRIBUTION TO
THE UN’S SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
OUR CONTRIBUTION TO THE UN’S SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
We have selected the six Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) below as those where we can make the strongest impact, and which closely align with our Responsible Business strategy and areas of focus. In the table, we map our commitments together with relevant examples of our work to each of these six priority SDGs.
There is an intentional overlap in all our responsible business activities and all our work to support the achievement of the SDGs. For example, we report on our school engagement work under social mobility, but it is equally relevant as a valuable part of our community engagement work. At the same time, we recognise the SDG overlap in that education also helps to reduce inequalities and empowers people to live more healthy and sustainable lives, so school engagement supports not only SDG 4 - Quality Education, but also SDG 10 - Reduced Inequalities, and flows into SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being. Having this holistic view ensures we maximise opportunities to make impact and create value.
WBD supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals
End poverty in all its forms everywhere
Our commitment
Community Engagement
We work closely with our communities through volunteering, charitable partnerships, and grant funding to help reduce hardship and strengthen local resilience. By sharing our skills and resources, we contribute to long‑term social value and create opportunities that improve lives.
Key targets
1.1 Eradicate extreme poverty
1.2 Reduce poverty by at least 50%
1.4 Equal rights to ownership, basic services, technology, and economic resources
Relevant examples of our work
Laptop donations to tackle the digital divide
Supporting humanitarian disasters
Providing grants to local charities
Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all, at all ages
Our commitment
Wellbeing
We champion a healthy, supportive workplace where colleagues can thrive. Through our wellbeing programmes, mental health support, and a positive workplace culture, we help ensure our people feel valued, supported and able to perform at their best.
Key targets
3.4 Reduce mortality from non-communicable diseases and promote mental health
3.5 Prevent and treat substance abuse
Relevant examples of our work
Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
Our commitment
Social Mobility
We increase access to education and careers by supporting young people from underrepresented backgrounds. Through mentoring, skills workshops, and partnerships with schools and charities, we help widen pathways into legal and professional careers and improve social mobility.
Key targets
4.4 Increase the number of people with relevant skills for financial success
4.5 Eliminate all discrimination in education
4.6 Universal literacy and numeracy
4.7 Education for sustainable development and global citizenship
Reduce inequality within and among countries
Our commitment
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)
We are committed to providing fair access, opportunities and treatment to all individuals. Our DEI strategy focuses on an inclusive and respectful environment, inclusive recruitment, pay, reward and promotions, and promoting DEI externally, ensuring fairness within our firm and wider society.
Key targets
10.2 Promote universal social, economic and political inclusion
10.3 Ensure equal opportunities and end discrimination
Relevant examples of our work
Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
Our commitment
Environment
We are committed to reducing our environmental impact and advancing our journey to net zero. Through responsible operations, sustainable procurement, efficient travel, and climate‑focused client work, we support the transition to a low‑carbon future.
Key targets
13.3 Improve Education and Awareness
Relevant examples of our work
Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels
Our commitment
Governance
We uphold high ethical standards and strengthen access to justice through robust governance and dedicated pro bono work. By applying the highest standards of professionalism, ethics and risk management, we build sustainable practices within Womble Bond Dickinson and with our clients and supply chain, contributing to a fairer, more resilient society.
Key targets
16.2 Protect children
16.3 Access to Justice
16.7 Inclusive participation
