A healthy planet is essential to human health and the sustainability of our business, while also providing opportunities for product innovation and reducing cost and risk. Our company has a long history of environmental stewardship and compliance, and we realize that our strategy and efforts need to continuously evolve in the face of a changing climate. We operate responsibly every day to enable a safe and healthy future for people and communities globally. Our sustainability strategy helps us achieve our corporate purpose, positively impact society and deliver long-term business value. Energy conservation, water use reduction, efficient use of raw materials and responsible waste management. We deploy sustainability strategies to reduce environmental impact. We team up with our suppliers and customers to understand and minimize the life-cycle impacts of our products.Our company’s success is built on a culture that embraces different perspectives and values the contributions of each individual. We recognize that our competitiveness is strengthened by a diverse, skilled and engaged workforce. As inventors, we invest in learning and development because our culture centers around curiosity. A holistic approach to caring for our employees’ well-being. Only when our employees feel their best, in all aspects of their lives, can they perform at their highest level. Diversity & inclusion. The dynamic force driving everything we do.For us, scientific progress and responsible entrepreneurship go hand in hand, enabling us to create a sustainable future for everyone. At Merck, we follow the German Corporate Governance Code. Our Statement on Corporate Governance contains the Declaration of Conformity, relevant information on practices within Merck, a description of the procedures of the corporate bodies as well as targets for the percentage of leading positions held by women. As required by German law, we are absolutely transparent about any transactions, above a certain threshold, made by persons discharging managerial responsibilities at Merck. This disclosure requirement prevents insider dealing and can provide capital market participants with valuable insights into judgements reached by “corporate insiders”.Merck is committed to research and development (R&D) to discover and develop new treatments and therapies. The success of its R&D efforts contributes to the company’s ability to bring new products to market and sustain its competitive position. Merck operates internationally, with a presence in numerous countries. This global footprint allows the company to access different markets and adapt to regional healthcare needs and regulations. Like all pharmaceutical companies, Merck must adhere to rigorous regulatory standards for drug development, testing, and approval. Its ability to meet these standards affects product launch timelines and revenue.We are committed to the highest standards of ethics and integrity. We are responsible to our customers, to our competitors, to distributors and suppliers, to shareholders, and to the communities we serve worldwide. In discharging our responsibilities, we do not take professional or ethical shortcuts. More than 350 years of ethical conduct. Responsibility is one of our six company values – along with courage, achievement, respect, integrity, and transparency.