Priorities

Improving access to essential services for vulnerable population groups in the developing world

The FONDS SUEZ ENVIRONNEMENT INITIATIVES supports projects for the development of access to essential services like drinking water, sanitation and waste management, trough partnerships with international solidarity organisations and specialized institutions in all countries.

This support consists of a financial contribution in the form of a grant, as well as a contribution of skills to a project, depending on the needs identified and drawing on the know-how of the SUEZ ENVIRONNEMENT Group.

Building capacities and disseminating know-how

By implementing specific training courses and networking stakeholders, the FONDS SUEZ ENVIRONNEMENT INITIATIVES is investing heavily in the professionalisation of water, sanitation, waste water treatment and waste management services.

The Fund is continuing its commitment to the ParisTech “SUEZ ENVIRONNEMENT Water for All” Chair, initiated in 2008 by the Water for All Foundation in partnership with ParisTech, AgroParis Tech-Engref and MinesParisTech. Created within the context of this Chair, and based in Montpellier, the International Executive Masters programme, known as the “OpT” Masters, is aimed at urban drinking water and sanitation service managers in developing countries and is designed to build their managerial and technical capacities.

Supporting humanitarian and emergency operations

The FONDS SUEZ ENVIRONNEMENT INITIATIVES supports humanitarian and emergency operations through Aquassistance. Aquassistance, which was founded in 1994, is the international solidarity organisation for SUEZ ENVIRONNEMENT employees, who volunteer to help vulnerable population groups in the water, sanitation and waste management sectors.

Encouraging innovation and sharing experiences

The FONDS SUEZ ENVIRONNEMENT INITIATIVES supports research projects that can be applied in the field in developing countries.

It also organises, with the Institut de France, the “SUEZ ENVIRONNEMENT Initiatives – Institut de France Awards“.

 The aim of this Awards is to raise awareness of concrete, innovative projects focused on improving water, sanitation and waste management services in urban areas of the developing world. To be awarded a prize, projects must demonstrate their usefulness, feasibility and sustainability.
Two Prizes are awarded, each of €50,000: the “Access to Basic Services Award” and the “Social Entrepreneurship Award”.
Applications will be open for the next annual Awards, with an opening date in 2013.

Supporting social integration in France

Through the FONDS INITIATIVES, SUEZ ENVIRONNEMENT has made a long-term commitment to promote the socio-economic integration of struggling population groups in France, through employement and training. One of these projects is the flagship “Maison pour Rebondir” (Helping Hand Project), the aim of which is to support people in difficulty, young people and woman in particular, to find lasting employments or to help them set up their own business.