Norberto Odebrecht Foundation releases 2023 Annual Report

In 2023, the Norberto Odebrecht Foundation (FNO) had significant reason to celebrate. This is what the 2023 Annual Report launched today (15) by the institution points out, with highlights of a year marked by the 20th anniversary of its social program, PDCIS (Program for Development and Integrated Growth with Sustainability), which has already impacted the lives of more than 650,000 people with efforts dedicated to promoting sustainable territorial development.

Through PDCIS, the FNO has sought to benefit a growing number of families in conjunction with partner institutions. We reported in our report that this was evidenced last year by the program’s progress in rural communities in Sana, in the mountainous region of Macaé (RJ), and in the 33,000 people impacted in Bahia and Rio de Janeiro, spread across 221 communities in 20 municipalities. In addition, this edition of the document focuses on contributing to the achievement of the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which constitute a global plan with 17 goals and 169 metas to guide humanity until 2030. In 2023, the actions of PDCIS gave concrete form to 14 Objectives and contributed to 52 Goals.

Other highlights of last year included the technical consultancy service specializing in the ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) agenda carried out by FNO, as well as the strengthening of corporate volunteering programs within the Novonor Group. The Foundation’s work has also resulted in it being recognized as one of the 100 best NGOs in the country and, for the first time, as an excellent place to work by Great Place to Work.

“As we look to the future, we are determined to expand our impact and continue to build a legacy of social transformation, confident that together we can face the challenges ahead and help build a fairer and more sustainable society,” says superintendent Fabio Wanderley at the beginning of the publication, reaffirming the institution’s commitment to being recognized for multiplying impact solutions that transform tomorrow.

Contribution to the SDGs

In a scenario where all the municipalities served by PDCIS have low or very low levels of sustainable development, according to data from the Sustainable Development Index for Cities (IDSC), the 2023 Annual Report highlighted the importance of the FNO’s commitment to coordinating solutions to promote social, economic and environmental development in these areas, which still face significant challenges.

In 2023, the Foundation’s Social Program contributed to 14 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

In the environmental dimension, the joint action between the Foundation and partner institutions in carrying out the PDCIS made it possible to plant 3,411 trees, in line with SDG 15 (Terrestrial Life) and boosting reforestation in accordance with Meta 15.2. In addition, by restoring 10 springs, it has contributed to achieving SDG 6 (Drinking Water and Sanitation), and Meta 6.6, which aims to protect and restore water-related ecosystems. The installation of 123 septic tanks aimed to improve sanitation conditions on rural properties without access to basic sanitation, and contributed to Meta 3.9 of SDG 3 (Health and Well-being), which aims to reduce deaths and illnesses related to water and soil contamination.

In the social sphere, it made a significant contribution to achieving SDG 4 (Quality Education), providing access to quality education for 337 young people in the three rural partner schools, which achieved the best school concept. By enabling access to quality education for socially vulnerable people, PDCIS meets Meta 4.3. It has also trained more than 2,000 farmers to improve their practices, which has a direct impact on SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and Meta 8.6 to reduce the proportion of young people without employment, education or training.

The program also promoted advances in gender equality (SDG 5) by distributing 1,318 menstrual dignity kits to girls and women, who represent 48% of the young people enrolled in rural schools. The institutions that are partners in the implementation of the PDCIS have leadership positions occupied by a majority of women (62%). All these results are in line with Meta 5.5, which guarantees women’s full participation and equal opportunities.

Efforts to promote the fight against poverty and inequality have also brought significant results in the economic dimension. In 2023, the production of 771 tons of food not only contributed to achieving SDG 2, which aims to reduce hunger and promote family farming, and Meta 2.3 by helping to guarantee food security and generate income, but also supported SDG 1 and Meta 1.2, which aims to reduce poverty. This resulted in a turnover of R$2.7 million for the beneficiaries, more than double the amount obtained in 2022.

Allowing an individualized view of the impacts mentioned, the 2023 Annual Report is interactive, with navigation guided by hyperlinks, and it is also possible to access content outside the PDF of the publication, expanding knowledge about the Norberto Odebrecht Foundation. As a novelty, it also brings the PDCIS Beneficiaries Days. As well as getting to know these people’s stories, comparative data shows how their lives have changed after being assisted by the program. One example is Zenilson de Jesus, a family farmer whose productivity has tripled in just one year, resulting in significant improvements in his and his family’s living conditions.

To see all the results and highlights of the 2023 Annual Report, visit the special page www.relatorioanualfno.com and download the publication.