A journey toward a positive change

In 1999, we set up UBS Optimus Foundation to support good causes around the world. What started with a small foundation in Zurich has evolved into a global network with offices in seven locations. 10,000 clients and many employees have donated more than CHF 600 million since the inception. Including UBS’s match, we’ve raised almost CHF 700 million thus far to make a positive difference – from getting more girls to school, to using solar power to improve maternal health.

Being effective in philanthropy requires time and resources. Building on our 20-year track record, knowledge and network, we help our clients in making the most impact in their giving and minimize the negative outcomes. We help to address the world’s most pressing social and environmental issues, including those related to poverty, inequality, climate, environmental degradation, prosperity, and peace and justice – all on the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The Sustainable Development Goals (the SDGs) are designed to bring the world to several life-changing zeros, including no poverty, no hunger, no illiteracy, and no discrimination. The gap between here and the desirable future is colossal – there is much that needs to be done. Especially when we think about one billion people worldwide who still have no access to healthcare, or when we realize that three out of ten people have no access to safely managed drinking water. Everyone is needed to close the gap to achieve the SDGs in every context.

UBS helps develop solutions to tackle the enormous societal and environmental challenges expressed through the SDGs, building on our successful and, in many cases, pioneering work directed at mobilizing capital toward the Goals. Our clients can make a meaningful, and measurable, difference for their chosen causes with advice from our philanthropy experts and the more than 200 global programs selected through our UBS Optimus Foundation. We are also proud to be raising awareness of the SDGs through a founding partnership with BOTTLETOP in the #TOGETHERBAND campaign, which aims to inspire action to achieve the Goals. Any proceeds from #TOGETHERBAND sales are used to further spread the SDG awareness and fund life-changing programs, selected and monitored by UBS Optimus Foundation and BOTTLETOP Foundation.