2019 Corporate Responsibility Report

2019 Corporate Responsibility Report

IBM has always taken the long view — grounding our business and strategy in values that endure decades of change and guide our work to define responsible stewardship in the digital age.

View 2019 report

Portrait of Arvind Krishna

As we fight one pandemic of global disease, we cannot lose sight of the fact that another pandemic of racial injustice is deeply afflicting our communities. We have a responsibility to confront the dangers and inequalities exposed by these threats.

Arvind Krishna

Chief Executive Officer

IBM

Read Arvind's letter

#GoodTechIBM

We put smart to work for good — applying talent and technology to help address some of our world’s most pressing challenges.

IBM and IBMers stand with the Black community and call for change to ensure racial equality.

STEM for Girls India

IBM is helping advance the STEM skills and career prospects of over 200,000 girls across India.

Trust and transparency

AI Ethics Board puts principles into action

Trust and transparency are paramount to operating in our 21st century digital era.

IBMers respond to the pandemic

Thousands of our colleagues volunteered their time and professional skills to help communities cope. Here are a few of their stories.

IBM Blockchain battles COVID

IBM’s pandemic response includes a secure network to connect healthcare organizations with new sources of critical supplies.

Battery breakthrough

Today’s batteries use materials that pose environmental and humanitarian concerns, but an IBM innovation could change that.

2019 impact

IBM increased its contributions, reduced its energy consumption, and grew investments in employee learning — see the details in our environmental, social and governance data.

View ESG metrics

1.3M hrs

Volunteered in 2019 by IBMers

$728M+

Global corporate contributions of technology, services and cash in 2019

RT @CallforCode' target="_blank">CallforCode Thanks to the celebrities who supported the 2021 #CallforCode Global Challenge on World Environment Day! This climate initiative supported by @UNHumanRights, @IBM and @DC_Cause asks developers to help lead the fight against #ClimateChange. Answer the call: https://t.co/NzwhUMfCsH https://t.co/3TbvLMiuAo

From India to the 🌎

Abheda Foundation has developed a chatbot that uses idioms + #AI to teach English to students.

Tech ➕ Humanity = https://t.co/MnrHvjLNYn https://t.co/CsUAaPAgfM

🔑 Key pieces of advice from our CEO, Arvind Krishna:

1️⃣ Learn how to learn
2️⃣ Be persistent

As challenges come and go and our workforce evolves, we want all learners to keep building skills for the future!

Anyone, anywhere can start with SkillsBuild: https://t.co/dtOXgKNm0g https://t.co/QjwB3oOBmh

Standing for LGBT+ rights in the workplace extends to inclusive policies like domestic partner benefits that promote equity for employees.

#PrideMonth2021 https://t.co/ONjNjUgC3p

📢 Searching for a job?

Save these recruiter tips as a quick reference ⤵️

Check out SkillsBuild for more: https://t.co/ffDTicyX6X https://t.co/2LSHylgdFl

RT @IBMDeveloper Join us and @nature_org tomorrow to learn about IBM technologies and how you can apply your innovative ideas to helping advance The Nature Conservancy's sustainable resource management in New York through #CallforCode.

Register: https://t.co/RRwbl5E7wv https://t.co/HIEgR8BYVN

When a Louisiana district experienced a ransomware attack in 2019, IBMers jumped into action.

Now we're on a mission to strengthen #cybersecurity in schools with $3 million in grants and exclusive events for districts.

Check it out: https://t.co/lWvXefBwJ3 https://t.co/nOCZrl3oNa

Expanding access to tech through #reskilling is the pathway to a more inclusive workforce.

🎧 Tune into the conversation with @JustinaNixon and @tvanderark on @Getting_Smart

➡️ https://t.co/m2KfXTgzha https://t.co/jMvUJTIfty

Everyone - regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression should be celebrated for who they are.

Take the time to make space for important learning and conversations #PrideMonth2021 https://t.co/uR3OSTW9df

How can the business community help close the #STEM skills gap in a rapidly changing workforce?

VP and Global Head of CSR, @JustinaNixon, discussed this with experts at #Think2021

The session is only live until June 23rd!

Register & Watch: https://t.co/E3d3LSnyJU https://t.co/cnta8m1lV8

🤫 What's the secret to #reskilling? You don't have to be an expert, you just need a place to start.

Ben and Julia share their tips 💫 for getting started with SkillsBuild for free: https://t.co/gat1fBJlU3 https://t.co/B3wg9Ro9I1

IBMers all over the world 🌏 are combining their skills with technology to empower their communities.

🏆 Explore this year's Volunteer Excellence Award winners ⬇️

https://t.co/xIBFMIma4z

#GoodTech https://t.co/YmlxbOcg9k

@grant_hutchison We love to see it 💻

🌧️ Here's 30 seconds of raindrops

🧘 Take 10 breaths while you watch

Need more than 30 sec? Take this free course we created with our friends at @OMC_mindfulness

➡️ https://t.co/vCgNyuRB7S
#WorldMeditationDay https://t.co/FDk4kX4fgv

🤔 “How can I build new skills to get the job I want?”

💭 Get on the road to #reskilling with these tips

💡 Hint: Join SkillsBuild and let us help you for free! https://t.co/8A13rcFzup https://t.co/2CHwACtRL5

☀️ Thinking about summer programming for students?

Whether you're an educator or running a summer camp the Summer Skills Build Challenge is build just for you.

🕶 Go relax! IBM will do the rest.

Register here ⬇️ https://t.co/AkhBqYxxAO

"We need to have a coalition between the educational system and representatives of the private sector both for the interest of the company and the society." - Antoine Sire, BNP Paribas

Learn more today at #Think2021

Watch it here ➡️ https://t.co/kkghTwn6xI https://t.co/s6yCQlL6Ah

Watch this insightful conversation live at #Think2021 where we're going to talk about developing #STEM skills in the age of COVID and digital disruption.

Register here ➡️ https://t.co/Mld48lmXYO https://t.co/d9nayZmwtW

Digital transformation has exacerbated the #STEM skills gap.

Join @JustinaNixon and experts from the sustainability, banking and telco industries at #Think2021 to discover how the business community is creating an equal workforce.

Register for free ➡️ https://t.co/kljxmUqeBA https://t.co/mIgwCCZONo

Teachers are heroes.

These P-TECH educators have found ways for their students to keep building skills - no matter the challenge.

Start today: https://t.co/VQagC1JoUw

#TeacherAppreciationWeek https://t.co/WC4tEZb8qi

Couldn't have said it better ourselves ⬇️

Teachers of the world, we appreciate you so much 🍎

Share this with a teacher today: https://t.co/Ib0ACrxRtq

#TeacherAppreciationWeek https://t.co/awlIGqn5qs

We just launched this toolkit for teachers. No sign-in required & completely free. Let's bring career readiness to life in the classroom, together.

Share with a teacher you ❤️ : https://t.co/aUQrVHdiAE

#TeacherAppreciationWeek https://t.co/19b2cT92yH

IBM volunteers in China are helping young students grow their #AI and #STEM skills early with our digital learning resources 🚀 🤖

Learn more: https://t.co/Ciyo42mXcX https://t.co/TVrCk9SASu

Interested in starting a P-TECH internship program?

🗓️ Learn all about it in the Industry x Internships free event.

🔹 Companies’ experts
🔹 Implementation guide
🔹 Best practices from real experiences

Register now: https://t.co/oW690kxVCd https://t.co/p0n0aljB1w

We believe we can create a more sustainable future through the application of innovative technology. @JWhitehurst explains how ⬇️

Read more: https://t.co/tsAvkLxzx4
#EarthDay https://t.co/mN62pk2xJc

Start preparing for the future of work with these 5 essential #skills habits ⬇️

SkillsBuild helps you learn the skills of tomorrow for free (and yes, we mean totally FREE): https://t.co/3jnUQ08C8A https://t.co/JvqVsQn1Xz

It's true: public-private partnerships are key 🔑 in putting more people on the path towards #newcollarjobs.

IBM's @kellilynnjordan shares how Congress can invest in this vision ⬇️ https://t.co/QFt10ckfhb

📢Skill Up for teachers is back!

We've prepared short learning deep dives to fill the gap between what hiring managers want and building the skills your students need to get there:

💻 Free & online
🗓️ 5 Thursdays
💡 Meet industry experts

Register here: https://t.co/dMPFxAG8Gx https://t.co/sEQ1r442JR

💭 Wondering how to make your application video a success? You don’t need to start from scratch.

💡 Kate, an Early Professional Programs Lead, has some tips.

Get more of this with SkillsBuild: https://t.co/MH3yuQCz07 https://t.co/3dnHQj6XX2

The #cybersecurity field is growing fast. Whether you're looking for your first job or changing careers - SkillsBuild has completely free courses and tools to get you started.

Take the full course here 👉 https://t.co/NWDWa1GpYe https://t.co/SatCICWpiZ

We are thrilled to be recognized by @Adweek for our work towards Gender Equity and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

@JustinaNixon, a lifelong STEM advocate, explains why this matters and what we are doing about it: https://t.co/k6e3ewCFqN https://t.co/97YaJjlCkl

Developing in-demand #skills is a great strategy to get the job you want.

🚀 From a mechanic at Mercedes-Benz to Software Test Engineer at IBM, Thomas shares a #reskilling story that's sure to inspire you.

👉 https://t.co/ZjAbllG3pe https://t.co/r83s83Vs91

👀 What's crucial for socioeconomic growth?

1️⃣ No cost education platforms

2️⃣ Focus on skills > degrees

3️⃣ Pathways for nontraditional learners

We're committed to all 3 ⬇️
https://t.co/M9JSbPFH9z https://t.co/YWeeV483Wz

Stories of women in #STEM show:

💪 Strength

🔆 Inspiration

🧗 Expertise

🛸 Possibilities

⚠️ And yet, there's still so much work to do. Jessica has a strong point of view ⬇️ #WomensHistoryMonth https://t.co/ddaZI0mhht

Check the weather lately? ⛅️

Use the app to help bring clean #water to communities and give women and children more time to dedicate to learning or growing a business.

Add this #SustainabilityWeek habit to your daily practice and learn more here: https://t.co/etM3Z9Puln https://t.co/5Aj2yRZlh1

Driving opportunities for all learners to access #skills and pathways to employment at no cost is what we're all about:

🏫 P-TECH

💻 Open-TECH

💻 SkillsBuild

@JustinaNixon explains our approach and why it matters: https://t.co/SzjlSFY6fL https://t.co/30Z3ftjMIq

RT @lifeatibm "It's really important to not be afraid to think creatively... think outside the box even when others might not necessarily agree."

Julia works in @IBMorg and is working towards a degree with #PTECH. Hear what being an IBMer means to her. 👇

Join us: https://t.co/FYjgW0Odll https://t.co/AUlCPoG7vm

We're not fortune tellers 🔮 but we know #ClimateChange and data are essential topics for our future.

Explore these free resources to help you expose students to these #sustainability concepts.
👉 https://t.co/xpnhnlVQYb https://t.co/j8vdnyxoDu

RT @ArvindKrishna IBM condemns hate crimes. We stand with the Asian community in the face of the ongoing hate and violence occurring in the US and globally. IBM will continue to speak out against racism and discrimination of any kind and Emb(race) social justice, equity and allyship. #StopTheHate https://t.co/PlZgGdu475

P-TECH is home to trailblazers like Ibtissam who are learning to apply tech to big ideas guided by the support from educators and industry mentors.

Explore more stories: https://t.co/2Fvq1sycjZ https://t.co/1Uhd75f41t

Kyline will always support other women on the journey to a successful career in #STEM

And we can help, too — get started for free with SkillsBuild
👉 https://t.co/XGDuDONObV
#WomensHistoryMonth https://t.co/ggQKYPJjqJ

The STEM for Girls program in India is breaking societal expectations through:

✅ Dreaming big
✅ Life skills
✅ Career counselling
✅ Mentoring

The future is looking bright 💡
#WomensHistoryMonth
✏️ Read more: https://t.co/EYfJpTdFPt https://t.co/kabalJT36J

#WomeninTech make history.

We want to hear from you! Let's build a chain of inspiring stories on this #InternationalWomensDay

🗣️ Share yours and tag other inspiring womxn to do the same ⬇️ https://t.co/tysm3mP0DA

#WomeninTech make history.

We want to hear from you! Let's build a chain of inspiring stories on this #WomensDay

🗣️ Share yours and tag other inspiring womxn to do the same ⬇️ https://t.co/5wikpH5GBx

So many teachers and students have been integrating #mindfulness into their day — you can, too!

🙌 take time to breathe and be present
👉 increase your self-awareness

Show yourself the love you deserve with this free mindfulness course
➡️ https://t.co/Nt8MjYtmLG https://t.co/sdpqTWknbh

Having an inclusive culture means making room for #WomeninTech to make history.

Vanessa is setting an example for the next generation ⬇️
#WomensHistoryMonth https://t.co/5f3y8q3YSE

Stop right there 🛑
Are you overthinking 🧠 how machines think 🤖?

Make machine learning fun with these free courses: https://t.co/cXuPaSEbpp https://t.co/hXk8zZJl9j

RT @IBMpolicy #IBM is proud to support the #EqualityAct. Today’s passage of #HR5 is a critical step to creating a nation where everyone can be who they are without fear of discrimination. The Senate now must act. https://t.co/5ZULnLMRf2

SkillsBuild helps adult learners develop new skills regardless of background, education, or life experiences.

It's free, self-paced, and here today: https://t.co/S7eYkLfH1z https://t.co/HmOUQM4vBv

Meet Lori Bush — She never imaged making education her career and now she leads P-TECH Carver in Baltimore, Maryland.

Here's her story ⬇️ https://t.co/pSbQxgm8ZG

"It's going to take people coming together for justice in this age of automation"

Join us for this free event in honor of #BlackHistoryMonth ⬇️
📺 Watch the acclaimed film CODED BIAS + 🗣️ join the filmmaker and IBM #AI experts for a live Q&A

Register: https://t.co/Z1gRtvdD3A https://t.co/HTaq78Ueyf

#DYK there's a word that describes the process of using elements from nature to solve complex human design problems?

It's called Biomimicry and it's really cool.

This teacher toolkit is filled with more fun facts and #sustainability resources 👉 https://t.co/wErDYfshZ7 https://t.co/rrLM563wAX

Regardless of career path, all students need to build foundational knowledge in #AI — but how can you bring this to the classroom?

Start with this free course built by educators, for educators in partnership with @mymindspark
💻 https://t.co/vxRIpucKau https://t.co/2Boo6sXcuc

Today we committed to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 — furthering our longstanding work to address the global #climatecrisis.

Learn more: https://t.co/TMCRsr9kO7 https://t.co/E8mV0b5A0O

RT @IBMpolicy #IBM applauds @LtGovHusted & the state of #Ohio for proposing funding expansion & focus on new pathways from high school, through college, to career, like the @PTECHNetwork model, to help Ohioans find quality good-paying jobs w/out education debt. #newcollarjobs https://t.co/AIHFg7hvLu

https://t.co/anaUEybuwu

Here's to all the womxn in science today and all those yet to come. May you continue to change our world for the better.

These #STEM superwomxn have some advice for the next generation: https://t.co/Nw7MI9xn6y https://t.co/AjQZRwnOPl

"Once you introduce racism and racial bias into a system, you create an imbalance that really damages the fabric of how the entire society functions."

🎙️ https://t.co/ZyJFclNE9o https://t.co/2D8JeKAPaM

What do you need to know about the #FutureofWork?

Keep your eye on #AI 👀

Teachers and students can get started with these free courses today: https://t.co/EphkbRvs5W https://t.co/wbDPgYqnBk

This month we're celebrating the journey of Black students across the P-TECH network who are building their future and their love for tech. #BlackHistoryMonth

Learn more:
#WeArePTECH https://t.co/MrTaXbU12q

The number of #cyberattacks against schools in the U.S. is growing so we're launching $3 million in grants to help school districts.

Learn more and apply: https://t.co/IxvyRkbXR3 https://t.co/nX8Yz8MosB

We know that access to training, skills, and education is essential for an inclusive workforce. The National #Apprenticeship Act would be a catalyst for millions of unemployed Americans.

Read the statement: https://t.co/opwDsRROnG https://t.co/BbKWr701LD

Working together to fight human trafficking is not just possible — it's an imperative. https://t.co/lEPpSQZLa5

#HumanTraffickingAwarenessMonth https://t.co/xyU9igy3Id

P-TECH students across 16 countries are gaining workplace experience and applying technology to global challenges like COVID-19 and climate change.

The Call for Code P-TECH Challenge starts today.
Learn more: https://t.co/whmYV6rec0
#CallforCodePTECH https://t.co/YAIZE3MbwH

Looks like you all really know you're #PTECH facts! The answer is.... https://t.co/3LYAy1xTf1

@LiverisAndrew We agree! Digital skills are must for all learners and creating access to these skills is paramount. Through @PTECHNETWORK and SkillsBuild, we are giving all learners a path to build the technical and professional skills they need for successful careers— for free.

It's #TriviaDay

Can you fill in the blank?:
As of today, you can find P-TECH schools in ____ countries across the globe. 🌍

We are grateful for the way this community came together during such a tough year and we're proud of the strong foundation we built for the road ahead.

Let’s journey forward, together. Here’s to 2021! #HappyNewYear https://t.co/NvjsnwpWZV

Here's something we know for sure ➡️ The right combination of humanity and technology truly can help solve some of society’s toughest issues.

The way you showed up for your communities this year gave us so much #hope. https://t.co/koXivnz5b5

Expanded access to #skills 💻 is also something that gave us #hope.

Despite the many challenges that rocked our education systems and economy, communities focused on making the #digital era inclusive for all learners.

➡️ https://t.co/lwGiIiFqVo https://t.co/vweMmwxSQS

In a year of incredible challenges, we found #hope in this community. ❤️ We're looking back on the moments that have demonstrated our collective opportunity for impact.

First up: The power of volunteers and scientists working together through @WCGrid ⬇️ https://t.co/P8sK3LFlK9 https://t.co/uDTZTzePsu

RT @GinniRometty Almost 40 years ago, I came to @IBM determined to make an impact on the world. As I step down from my role as executive chairman, I know that IBM will still be part of my next chapter — it will live on in the values and purpose it has instilled in me.

@MDBiz Thanks for the highlight! P-TECH is one of many ways we're working to make #digitalskills accessible to all learners. Check out Open P-TECH — a free platform for teachers, students and partners to learn and earn badges in tech and professional skills. https://t.co/E4OIXWcDKq

@arinbhowmick Oh, the inspiration! ⭐ What advice would you give to other students navigating new roles in digital /hybrid environments?

@NASSCOMfdn Yes! All students need access to the skills that will lead them to good careers so we put it all on one platform for free! Share Open P-TECH with students and teachers in your network: https://t.co/XFdzzjq7x5

We look forward to working with you, @teachcardona!

From #PTECH to apprenticeships, policy, and beyond — lets continue to reimagine access to education and skills that lead to good careers, together! #NewCollarJobs https://t.co/hqUtBOp1ZL

These stories from across the @PTECHNETWORK demonstrate the resilience and brilliance of educators, students, and parents — especially in a year that demanded so much.

You can't miss this: https://t.co/QsiruJG5Rn https://t.co/IU9eYu3aOo

We agree! All job seekers deserve access to the #skills that jobs demand regardless of background, education, or life experiences.

SkillsBuild is free — share with a learner today: https://t.co/Z3Q5u3ZY1g https://t.co/QwQeCLAeyf

Teachers and volunteers can help students get #SustainabilityReady with Open P-TECH's new Sustainability Resource Channel.

Start today: https://t.co/HMIN17gQpq https://t.co/MSz4vmBXOu

Inequality gaps have widened due to #COVID19. To build back better we need to keep Human Rights like education at the center. Open access to digital #learning is paramount.

Anyone, anywhere can start for free today: https://t.co/vnvYMmZTE7
#HumanRightsDay https://t.co/nhpT1YCcnl

Q: What's hosted on IBM Cloud and has a community of volunteers and scientists making important progress towards potential #COVID19 treatments?

A: World Community Grid's OpenPandemics

Learn all about it: https://t.co/saaDl6sHdg https://t.co/vz0OydzBMb

Technology combined with passion and creativity really can change the world.

Here's how Gercek worked with schools in Turkey and why she'll never stop #volunteering.
➡️ https://t.co/ho0W2BxPyR
#IVD2020 https://t.co/KltXnE8IXs

We can hardly find the words to express all the things we're grateful for this year.

Help us out ⬇️ 🔎
#Thanksgiving2020 https://t.co/w05dTD9jMP

Open access to digital #skills and industry aligned #career readiness in schools is rapidly expanding thanks to the @PTECHNETWORK.

Bring the movement to your community today: https://t.co/egIkn0Qz7y https://t.co/BJ7Rm9gmaB

D I V E R S I T Y
is the heart of co-creation.

These are the values that ground our work in building a more just, open, and #inclusive world through good tech.

💬 It's #ToleranceDay - how do you embrace diversity and promote inclusion? https://t.co/eVklghYoTB

RT @lifeatibm 💡 Skills
👩‍💻 Projects
📝 Feedback

No Degree? No Problem! 🚀 Our apprenticeship program creates new career pathways for those without an advanced degree. Hear from some of our current UX apprentices and the value the program has offered them 👉 https://t.co/B9NvzhwRgR #NAW2020 https://t.co/WICfc8OeUh

This year has been tough. Are you being kind to yourself?

Let's start right here, right now.

👇 Share an emoji that motivates you to take good care of yourself ❤️

#WorldKindnessDay https://t.co/CkHUfFkqtA

Veterans working at IBM are helping other vets in the U.S. transition into tech careers with SkillsBuild.

@Vetjobcasy and @the_USO are helping make this free digital skilling available to all vets.

Learn more: https://t.co/3gEtzJ6WXT
#VeteransDay https://t.co/D1zzFjuRjY

As I prepare to be a Technical Solutions Seller for @IBMZ I'm not just diving into mainframe hardware and programming languages, I'm also building my critical thinking and time management #skills.

📝 Read the rest of my story here: https://t.co/5sOi69xl7A

I was a @PTECHNETWORK student which meant I completed high school and two years of college at the same time. 🎓 Was it hard? Sure! But now I'm used to doing it all — making my current pursuit of continuing school and completing my apprenticeship an equally awesome challenge.

You don’t have to know it all, but you do need curiosity and ambition.

My apprenticeship is giving me (and so many others like me) a pathway to build my skills and career at the same time. #ApprenticeshipWeek https://t.co/QdkVi19uyW

Closing the global skills gap means we'll need more stories like Ibtissam's ⬇️

Bring P-TECH and Open P-TECH to your community: https://t.co/AjkV80ZUyu #SheCanSTEM https://t.co/n7xTFSlP2D

Corporate philanthropy alone is insufficient. What do you think are the ingredients to reinvent corporate responsibility for our digital economy?
#ChecklistDay

Click.
Scroll.
Swipe.
Repeat.

How are you staying safe online?
3️⃣ ways to start today: https://t.co/PBOfECQIDe
#CyberMonth https://t.co/SiEvFTs5if

Tech is changing faster than our education systems. P-TECH is helping them keep up.

Our Executive Director and 2️⃣ graduates explain how: https://t.co/og0CGOldhr https://t.co/R3l3NOwfW4

Our greatest opportunity is applying science and technology to the world’s toughest challenges.

See how we're advancing all 17 Sustainable Development Goals: https://t.co/W6oXdqpK5f https://t.co/HucQEJnyuG

Our friends over at @IBMData helped us visualize how students around the world 🌍 feel about careers in tech 🔎

If you're convinced that tech plays a role in all careers — start with Open P-TECH today https://t.co/KOCwp8CvVp https://t.co/WODhkjdbKp

Clear the way: young women of color are our future tech leaders.

📣 @BlackGirlsCode wins the #OpenSource Community Grant — scaling the global movement to inspire more Black girls to embrace their brilliance and new tech skills 💻 💡 https://t.co/aAohgD3J94 https://t.co/5GZuW5nesW

@isalim_ptech So proud of you!

@pdeleonbe Oh hey there CSR fam 😉

More information about IBM's efforts

View the 2019 CR report

Our ESG commitment

Past reports