The third ESG pillar concerns Governance; this subject is detailed in Chapter 3 of this document. In this section, the Groupe has chosen to focus on two key aspects that are material for the proper conduct of the Company’s activities: business ethics, an imperative that applies to everyone without exception, and marketing and responsible technology, with a more relevant business line approach.
Publicis Groupe was founded in 1926 on the respect of strong ethical principles, regularly reaffirmed by the Chairman of the Management Board. The Groupe’s Janus Code of Conduct and Ethics is the backbone of the way in which the Company intends to conduct its development. Janus applies to all employees, including managers and executives. This Code is updated each year and supplemented by a detailed procedure code. Janus specifies the way in which relationships must be established with clients, suppliers, civil society and other third parties (see Section 4.3.2 below)
Publicis was the first communication group to join the United Nations Global Compact in 2003, and to promote its Ten Principles. Then the Groupe signed the Seven Key Principles of the United Nations WEPs (Women Empowerment Principles) and decided to follow the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for a fairer world.
Respecting demanding ethics in business conduct is a prerequisite for all employees of the Company.
Communications activities reflect the evolution of the societies in which they are expressed at a given time. They support the economic development of companies and facilitate the relationship and direct dialogue with the consumer‑user of the goods and services available on the market. They are based on social representations and everyday situations, which must be inspiring and creative and based on substantiated arguments. Publicis Groupe has chosen to support its clients in their digital and environmental transformation by helping them strengthen their direct relationships with their clients, and by illustrating changes in behavior in favor of a fairer world, through responsible marketing in all business lines, including technology and data.
The table below summarizes the highlights of the topics covered in this section. Governance topics are discussed in Chapter 3 of this document. This table includes many of the aspects requested in the ESRS, such as the category of the impact (current or potential) and its characteristics (positive or negative), and the time frame (short, medium, long term). This presentation will continue to evolve for 2024 reporting, in order to integrate the financial dimension more precisely, as well as the work that will refine the opportunities component.
