A Message from the CSO

Continuing on from the establishment in 2022 of a sustainable development governance mechanism and framework, in 2023 we took further steps to put sustainable development issues at the heart of our operational strategies and procedures. In order to more effectively evaluate and develop ESG projects in 2023 Q4 we adopted workgroups to execute materiality analysis. According to the results of our analysis we drew up five major development focuses and 12 material topics. After approval by the Board in March 2024 we incorporated the achievement rate of topic performance indicators into the performance evaluation process for senior managers of each unit as a basis for promoting sustainability projects. This has laid a solid foundation for us on the road to sustainable development. We look forward to drawing on the momentum generated by these projects to expand their impact and promote related initiatives to all supply chains and partners.

The World Economic Forum in January of 2024 issued a report reiterating that climate change will remain a serious global risk for the foreseeable future. In order to respond to the challenges global warming presents in 2023 we signed the SBTi commitment letter and joined RE100, committing to 100% adoption of renewable energy sources by 2040 and reaching net zero by 2050. In addition to formulating scientific carbon reduction goals in accordance with SBTi specifications and actively promoting energy-saving solutions such as improving energy efficiency and using or purchasing renewable energy, we will also require suppliers to set carbon reduction goals and draw up action plans and to provide material carbon footprint information. In this way we will establish a complete product carbon footprint database, implement source management for development of low-carbon and zero-waste products, and adopt green design concepts at each stage of the product life cycle. This year we will also publish our second TCFD Report, which will explain the management strategies and measures WNC is adopting to respond to climate-related risks and opportunities.

In addition to providing employees and partners with a safe and healthy work environment we have continued to promote concepts of diversity and equality in order to build mutual trust and tolerance in a harmonious workplace. Externally we are continuing to run remote education and smallholder farm projects while advocating a culture of volunteering. In terms of corporate governance, in 2023 the Board of Directors was restructured to ensure that one third of members were female. In addition, the first external evaluation of the Board was executed at the end of 2023.

As a leader of the network communications industry WNC shoulders a greater burden of corporate sustainability responsibility. We will continue to make every effort to strengthen relationships and communication with all stakeholders and work together to resolve issues, create value and to realize WNC’s sustainable development vision: Become a trustworthy communications solutions partner creating positive connections and interactions between the environment and humankind.