As part of its Sustainable Impact strategy, HP Inc has announced an ambitious goal to accelerate digital equity for 150 million people by 2030. To help achieve its objective, the company announced the launch of HP PATH (Partnership and Technology for Humanity), an accelerator program that will invest in local initiatives and partnerships to address challenges in underserved communities around the world focused on education, healthcare, and the creation of economic opportunities.
“Our Sustainable Impact strategy is helping to strengthen our communities while spurring innovation and growth across our business. Creating technology that inspires progress has always been one of HP’s greatest strengths, and we continue to hold ourselves accountable for achieving the goals we have set,” said Enrique Lores, President, and CEO, HP Inc.
“As digital technology transforms seemingly every aspect of our lives, there’s a real danger of more and more people getting left behind. We cannot allow that to happen, and HP will work to break down the digital divide that prevents too many from accessing the education, jobs, and healthcare they need to thrive.” Lores continued.
Accelerating Digital Equity
HP believes digital equity is a human right and has invested in HP LIFE, a free IT and business skills training program offered by the HP Foundation, and supports and teams up with organizations including Girl Rising, MIT Solve, and NABU to tackle this challenge.
Building on these efforts, HP commits to develop, launch, and manage a digital equity accelerator, that seeks to support the digital equity of disenfranchised communities by activating innovative solutions and services for 150 million people by 2030.
HP believes true digital equity requires four key elements:
- Hardware (e.g., laptop or printer).
- Connectivity (e.g., access to the Internet).
- Quality, relevant content (e.g., learning materials).
- Digital literacy (e.g., skills to use the technology).
HP 2020 Sustainable Impact Report
HP Sustainable Impact is integral to helping the company become the world’s most sustainable and just technology company. This work is essential for the sustainability of the planet and society. It is an increasingly important driver of customer purchasing decisions, helping win more than $1 billion in sales in 2020—for the second consecutive year.
HP said it has remained steadfast in its commitment to accountability and transparency since the company published its first environmental and social impact report in 2001. In this year’s Sustainable Impact Report, HP outlined the progress made in 2020 and improvements still needed.
Inaugural Sustainable Bond Framework
HP also announced the release of its Sustainable Bond Framework to help inform and guide investments in projects that it believes will help meet its goals and achieve a more sustainable and just future. In addition, it announced the pricing of $1 billion of its inaugural sustainability notes. As part of the $2 billion overall debt offering, these bonds are designed to empower investors to join HP in tackling important economic, social, and sustainability issues.
