Sustainability report 2019

14 Contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals In September 2015, the United Nations (UN) adopted the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) relevant for all countries. AAK has a strong commitment to sustainability and we have welcomed the SDGs. We see the SDGs as an integrated part of our sustainability work and they are incorporated in our model, the AAK House of Sustainability. AAK plays an active role in supporting the delivery of the SDGs. As part of our DQQXDO UHYLHZ SURFHVV ZH LQ LGHQWL¿HG HOHYHQ SDGs that represent our ability to contribute and make a substantial positive impact. 2XU VLJQL¿FDQW LPSDFW In 2019, our progress in contributing to the UN Sustain- able Development Goals was especially evidenced in our supply chains. The inclusion of smallholder suppliers is one of the areas where AAK continues to have a positive and growing impact, including our work with smallholders within oil palm in Malaysia and Mexico, coconuts in Indonesia, and shea in Burkina )DVR *KDQD DQG ,YRU\ &RDVW One of the biggest contributions in 2019 was related to our efforts with the Kolo Nafaso program in West Africa, which increased by 72 percent. We were able to offer training to an additional 96,615 women, providing instructions in cooperative business skills, good agricul- tural practices, and water usage. The Kolo Nafaso program also continued to contribute to equal rights and to provide economic resources by opening 4,249 bank accounts, training 2,456 women in rocket stove construction and, not least, by supporting the female extension RI¿FHUV ZKR SOD\ D FULWLFDO UROH LQ helping the participants grow as strong female leaders. )RU PRUH LQIRUPDWLRQ DERXW our progress and contribution WR WKH HOHYHQ LGHQWL¿HG sustainable development goals, please see appendix 2 at the end of the report. We will continue to monitor our contribution towards achieving the SDGs and their VSHFL¿F VXE WDUJHWV ZLWK IRFXV on positive impact throughout our value chain.