Impact report 2024 | 2024 progress and numbers | Meeting communities where they are | Harnessing global strength to change society
2024
Impact Report
From collaboration to partnerships;
from willingness to action
Participant of our program implemented by Plan International (India Chapter), which aims to empower young women in rural India to pursue their aspirations of education. Photo credit: Vivek Kumar
Hope, humanity, and working together in a divided world
In times like these, when global challenges, division and hardships can dominate the headlines, it’s so important to recognize the resilience and collective strength within our communities. It is the quiet, determined humanity that I have seen in all parts of the world from wonderful, inspirational people that gives me hope and belief for the future.
Throughout the Z Zurich Foundation’s (the Foundation’s) 51-year history, our ability to adapt to a rapidly changing world has been based on enduring partnerships, a consistent approach and strategy and people focussed on long term sustainable change while listening intently to the communities that we champion and help. Collaborations like those with Junior Achievement, globally, Türk Eğitim Derneği (Turkish Education Association) in Turkey, Forge Foundation in South America, Rugby Players Ireland and AFL Players’ and Coaches Association through “Tackle Your Feelings”, and UNICEF in 15 countries and growing, have been the bedrock of the impact that we have been able to make for more people and more communities across the world.
Growing uncertainty and vulnerability across the world have led us to explore how to combine this successful approach with new ways of engaging with people who can drive change and a fairer society. This has driven an increased focus on advocacy and changing systems. For example, working with One Young World, we have been able to encourage young changemakers and entrepreneurs from Lao to Barbados, and Canada to Nigeria. And our champions in Zurich Insurance Group (Zurich) Business Units increasingly link us with committed foundations, charities, leaders and companies everywhere.
Even our most enduring and impactful program has evolved- the Zurich Flood Resilience Alliance has now broadened to become the Zurich Climate Resilience Alliance – helping communities preserve their independence in the face of flood but now also the challenges of heat and storms. We are expanding from rural areas into urban areas with a dramatic increase in those we can support through our expertise in risk management.
In my time as Chair, I’m proud to have seen the quality, experience and talent within the Foundation team grow significantly along with increased collaboration from Zurich, and this is absolutely key. In the past year, we set up a Business Action and Advisory Council, benefitting from high-level support from leadership, trustees, and so many talented, committed people within Zurich.
Despite the uncertainty that lies ahead, I am confident in our increased ability and capacity to meet the challenges in our four strategic pillars: adapting to climate change, improving mental wellbeing, enabling social equity, and responding to crisis.
The loudest voices can belong to those acting without humanity. I am privileged though, to work with so many remarkable people and partners who refuse to give up and choose to forge ahead, together. With the right mindset and the right people, we can overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges and increase independence, confidence and fairness. To every person who supports and shares in this ambition, thank you for bringing hope and reminding us all that being human is to care.
 |
Gary Shaughnessy, |
Delivering remarkable impact in a fragmented society
In 2024, we stood at the threshold of a new strategic cycle, marking a fresh start and an opportunity to scale up our ambition and reinforce our commitment to delivering meaningful change. Our collective efforts enabled us to impact an unprecedented 10.5 million people, more than doubling our initial ambition for the year. It sends a powerful signal of our dedication to drive change. It also puts us in a strong position to meet our 2027 goal of positively impacting at least 25 million lives. But numbers only tell just one part of the story. Behind every figure is a life impacted, a barrier removed, and a future redesigned for the better.
The impact we achieved in 2024 is just the beginning, laying the groundwork for our aspirations in 2027 and beyond. By reflecting on both the lessons we learned and the successes we achieved, we can better focus our efforts to make a lasting impact.
Today, our world is undergoing a profound transformation that demands our attention and action. In the past, growing social needs and society’s ability to respond were both going in the same direction (although unfortunately at different paces). Today, this dynamic has shifted dramatically, with these forces now moving in opposite trajectories. What this means is that more people need to be supported with less resources, prompting the humanitarian and development sector to re-imagine itself. This is why partnership lies at the heart of our approach. The transformation of our Foundation underscores this commitment, as we advocate for innovative solutions and redesign our portfolio to better serve our communities. Together with like-minded organizations, we can create a collaborative ecosystem that amplifies our efforts and fosters a more inclusive and resilient society.
As we navigate these complexities, our focus must remain fixed on the needs of the most vulnerable populations, ensuring that our efforts are both relevant and impactful. For this, I would like to highlight the wonderful work of the charitable organizations we collaborate in 60+ countries where we currently fund 100+ development programs. My personal highlight in 2024 was to meet with many of them in Latin America, which allowed me to see the impact we create together firsthand, and how we help amazing and talented people to realize their full potential, like Agustina from Buenos Aires. Agustina exemplifies resilience, finding hope amidst the most personal challenges a young person can face. She takes control of her life by relentlessly pursuing opportunities, showcasing her unwavering determination and strength.
The years to come have their own challenges, but also a myriad of opportunities for concrete and impactful actions. We will be there and continue to transform millions more lives.
 | Gregory Renand, Head of the Z Zurich Foundation |
