Global Citizenship of Microsoft by billgates

Executive Welcome
Microsoft's mission is to enable people and businesses throughout the world to realize their full potential. One way we fulfill our mission is by developing innovative software that transforms the way people work, learn, and communicate. Another way is by using our resources and expertise to help expand social and economic opportunities in communities around the world.

Our company's greatest strengths are our employees' passion, creativity, and dedication, and our strong partnerships with thousands of private, public, and community organizations. Our people and partnerships propel innovation at Microsoft, and they also guide our worldwide citizenship efforts.

A few years ago, we set a goal that, by the end of this decade, we would help bring the benefits of technology to 250 million underserved people worldwide. We recognize that we cannot do this alone. That's why our two flagship digital inclusion programs, Partners in Learning and Unlimited Potential – Community Technology Skills Program, build on the strength of partnerships with governments, schools, nongovernmental organizations, and community organizations. Working together, we are bringing valuable technology skills to teachers, students, and others—more than 135 million people so far, putting us more than halfway to our goal.

Our innovative technology and partnerships are also helping meet some of society's toughest challenges: assisting law enforcement in the fight against online predators with the Child Exploitation Tracking System, helping industry and government to protect individual privacy and fight spammers and identity thieves, and enabling people with disabilities to develop job skills and live fuller lives through advanced tools that make technologies more accessible.

From the beginning, our community investments have been inspired by our employees, and it's their passion and commitment that continue to drive Microsoft's efforts to help people in need. This is especially true when disaster strikes. Our employees are often on the front lines, giving help wherever it's needed and devising unique ways to use technology to aid relief efforts.

Another important measure of a company's commitment to corporate citizenship is the way it conducts business and works productively with all its stakeholders. At Microsoft, everything we do is guided by corporate values, codes of conduct, and company policies that, for example, ensure diversity and fair business practices among vendors and suppliers, provide for good stewardship of the environment in the way we create and package our products, and support collaboration with governments and industry on important technology issues such as interoperability and security.

We are constantly expanding our understanding of what we must do to be a responsible leader and a good corporate citizen, and we are always seeking new ways to put partnerships and innovation to work to really make a difference. Our global citizenship efforts represent our mission and values in action, and they underscore how creativity and a spirit of innovation can make a difference, not only in the products we create, but also in the way we give back to communities worldwide.

By working together with our many partners to solve challenging problems, we are optimistic that Microsoft can continue to help make positive and lasting contributions to society.

Bill Gates
Chairman

Steven A. Ballmer
Chief Executive Officer