Millions of people around the world have an influence on, and an interest in, our business. These, our stakeholders, consist of a number of different groups:

• Employees and their representatives
• Customers – patients and the medical and scientific communities, including their professional associations
• Shareholders and financial analysts
• Authorities and the public sector
• Non-governmental Organisations (NGOs) and interest groups
• Neighbours and local communities
• Suppliers and business partners
• Business and industry associations
• Media

We believe that active and constructive dialogue with our stakeholders improves how we formulate and implement our business strategy, and helps us understand the needs of the societies in which we operate. Our reputation is a direct reflection of how well we demonstrate our corporate principles to the outside world. Hence, it is vital for us to engage and listen to the various groups which impact on our business. We frequently run key stakeholder meetings or workshops in order to listen to the views of different interest groups and make sure they are widely heard and understood inside our organisation. Analysis of customers, investors, NGOs, employees and other stakeholder groups means we can keep in touch with their views and react quickly and appropriately.

We keep our stakeholders up-to-date on our actions and opinions through a variety of channels, including our annual reports, this sustainability website and a host of other publications and events. Our annual general meeting is also an important forum for discussion and debate with a key stakeholder group – our shareholders.

We have longstanding co-operative relationships with a number of stakeholders, particularly NGOs. We make an active contribution to these relationships, providing human resources, expertise and sometimes funding. A cross-section of the organisations and initiatives we are currently involved with includes:

• National and international business and industry associations
• World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD): Roche is one of the founding members of the WBCSD and is active in a number of its working groups.
• International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Business Charter for Sustainable Development: Roche endorsed the charter as a founding signatory in 1992.
• Responsible Care: Roche believes the Responsible Care programme is an important component of sustainable development and is committed to its implementation.
• World Environment Center (WEC): Roche has been an active member since the early 1990s.
• Global Environmental Management Initiative (GEMI)
• IMD Centre for Sustainable Management
• International Business Coalition on AIDS/HIV
• PharmAccess International, CARE Programme
• European Coalition of Positive People (ECPP)
• Development and disaster relief organisations such as the International Committee of the Red Cross and its national associations