BURBANK, CALIF.—The Walt Disney Co. released its 2021 Corporate Social Responsibility Report, which details its efforts to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion through stories and storytellers who reflect the rich diversity of our world, support environmental sustainability by taking action to help protect our planet, and bring comfort, optimism, and joy to our communities through Disney’s charitable giving. Disney also highlights its commitment to invest in its employees and cast members, and to operate responsibly.
“Every company has a unique impact on the world. At Disney, creating stories and experiences that inspire and bring people together is ours. Our stories encourage children and adults to see the world in a positive light, to believe that anything is possible, and to take action to make their world a better place,” said Jennifer Cohen, Executive Vice president, Corporate Social Responsibility, The Walt Disney Co.
Here are some highlights from this year’s Corporate Social Responsibility Report:
Promoting Greater Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
Last year, Disney launched a company-wide initiative, Reimagine Tomorrow, that taps the company’s resources to advance opportunities for diverse communities, amplify underrepresented voices, and champion the importance of representation in media and entertainment. Disney continued to promote Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in its workplace and beyond in several ways, including implementing new content inclusion standards, launching a new talent acquisition initiative at Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and directing more than $150 million of the company’s annual charitable giving to programs directly serving underrepresented communities. Disney’s intention is to direct more than 50 percent of its annual charitable giving to programs supporting underrepresented communities, and to spend at least $1 billion with diverse suppliers by 2024. In September 2021, Disney also launched a digital destination at ReimagineTomorrow.Disney.com where employees, community partners, and fans can see the actions the company has taken along with its expanded reporting of workplace and content diversity.
Protecting the Planet for Future Generations
Disney’s commitment to environmental stewardship dates to its founding nearly 100 years ago. Disney is committed to doing its part to protect the planet and create a positive environmental legacy for future generations as it operates and builds its businesses.
Despite the continued impacts of COVID-19, this past year Disney began making progress towards its ambitious 2030 Environmental Goals focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, reducing waste, building more sustainably, and reducing the environmental impact of consumer products. Among the notable accomplishments this fiscal year, Disney announced it is teaming up with local utility providers to build two new solar facilities expected to come online near Walt Disney World in 2023, that—along with existing solar sources—will power up to 40 percent of the resort’s annual electricity needs. Disney also installed solar arrays at Castaway Cay and Hong Kong Disneyland, diverted 60 percent of operational waste from landfills, and launched plastic-free packaging for a line of classic princess dolls. Disney also invested millions to support nonprofit organizations working across 30 countries through the Disney Conservation Fund.
Supporting Its Communities
One of the things Disney is most proud of is the difference it makes in its communities. The company brings comfort, optimism, and joy to people of all ages and inspires hope, especially among children, through its longstanding support of children’s hospitals and wish granting organizations, and through the contributions of thousands of passionate Disney VoluntEARS around the world. Of note, in fiscal 2021 Disney delivered more than 400,000 Disney-themed toys, hospital gowns, and other items to over 500 children’s hospitals, and installed Disney-themed experiences in five children’s hospitals. Disney also supported local food banks worldwide through a combination of monetary and in-kind giving, including more than 320 tons of food to support communities impacted by COVID-19.
Simultaneous with releasing its CSR Report today, Disney also launched its new social responsibility website at impact.disney.com, where it will share stories and updates on its environmental, social, and governance work throughout the year.
