developed in partnership with the Oxford Uni- versity’s Jenner Institute, was produced within the critical timelines required, working around the clock to support vaccine manufacturing in Australia during the height of the pandemic. Laying the foundation for a stronger future Merck is pioneering systems and techniques of collaboration, innovation and engagement that will continue to drive human progress throughout the 21st century and beyond, through its commitment to enhancing sus- tainability and equity of access, as well as the implementation of practical corporate social responsibility programs that facilitate STEM empowerment and Reconciliation. “Sustainability is a key component of our organisational culture, and an obligation we take very seriously and work to fulfil every day,” said Rebecca. “By harnessing our global scale and 354-year history, Merck’s people across the world are continually striving to create long-term value for society – fostering progress for more than one billion people, targeting climate neutrali- ty by 2040 and actively working to significant- ly reduce our resource consumption and car- bon footprint.” Importantly, Merck strives for complete trans- parency in terms of its progress towards these ambitious goals, proactively informing and edu- cating stakeholders about its initiatives, programs and achievements. This includes a comprehen- sive annual report on sustainability initiatives within the business and across the globe. Equity of access to healthcare and the mira- cles of modern medicine at a global level are also fundamental objectives for Merck.
“Global healthcare spending is expected to reach over $10 trillion by the end of 2022, how- ever, more than half the world’s population still lack adequate access to healthcare”, says Jo- sie. “That’s why we decided to make equitable access to healthcare and medicine one of the company’s top priorities in an effort to address this global health challenge.” “Merck is working towards targeting climate neutrality by 2040 and significantly reducing our resource consumption and carbon footprint – taking action that will improve the lives of more than one billion people.” “At Merck, we actively leverage our extensive networks and depth of expertise to identify, develop and implement solutions for develop- ing healthcare systems that serve patients, sci- entists and customers and achieve progress for people, communities and society.” Merck is engaged in addressing pressing is- sues and healthcare challenges that affect millions of people, helping to increase and im- prove health outcomes for underserved popu- lations in developing nations by fostering local collaboration on projects of scientific innova- tion and technological significance. Identifying and inspiring the next generation of innovators and inventors A concerted, global effort to empower wom- en and young people in the fields of Science,
Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, is also underway. At a local level, Merck and First Nations Australian Charity, DeadlyScience, have signed a three-year partnership agreement ear- lier this year to help empower young Indigenous children in remote communities with culturally appropriate scientific knowledge by providing hands-on learning tool kits that connect them to the First Scientists of Australia – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. “Founded in 2019 by proud Kamilaroi man Corey Tutt, DeadlyScience has engaged with over 100 remote communities and often criti- cally under-resourced schools across the coun- try,” says Rebecca. “The DeadlyScience and Merck project builds on these fantastic achievements by providing these children with experimental kits to promote interest and engagement of science during early learning and create pathways for upcoming sci- entists to emerge from these rural communities.” All over Australia, New Zealand and the world, Merck’s employees work every day to make a positive difference to millions of people’s lives by creating better, healthier and more sustain- able ways to live. From fighting COVID-19 to laying the foundation for a better future for hu- manity, the Merck brand is ubiquitous and its impact within healthcare and medical science is undeniable. “At Merck, we drive pioneering solutions, partnerships and sustainable business models to address unmet needs across the health value chain, actively contributing to the United Na- tions’ 2030 Sustainable Development Goals,” says Rebecca. “In this way, we create shared value, impact for society and sustainable busi- ness value for our company.”
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