Frankfurt > Deutsche Börse Group, the largest exchange organization worldwide, provides information about its social commitment in the second quarter and an overview of activities and future projects in the areas of corporate affairs, education and science, culture, and social affairs. More details about the company’s Corporate Responsibility commitment can be found at: www.deutsche-boerse.com/cr.
Corporate affairs
Deutsche Börse Group supports select initiatives that serve to promote the stock exchange and capital market culture, or certain financial locations.
The 12th international FESE Convention (Federation of European Stock Exchanges) in Stockholm in June 2008 provided representatives of the European capital market with a platform to discuss key issues relating to stock exchange regulation at government level. Deutsche Börse supports the FESE.
The Euro Stock Exchange Day 2008 took place in Frankfurt in June 2008 with the aim of promoting Germany as a financial center. The event was held by the Börsen-Zeitung newspaper and Deutsche Aktieninstitut (DAI), and was sponsored by Deutsche Börse.
In the interests of promoting the location, Deutsche Börse Group has lent its support to the Frankfurt Zoo, and has adopted a mishmi takin bull and a sun bear. Deutsche Börse Group will be represented as a major sponsor at the anniversary celebrations at the zoo on 9 and 10 August in honor of 150 years of Frankfurt Zoo.
Education and science
Deutsche Börse Group has a deep-seated commitment to education and science with a particular view to promoting Germany as an economic center.
At the Neue Börse in Frankfurt in June, high-profile international scientists presented and discussed the latest articles as part of the “Economics of Exchange” (X-Econ) research program of Frankfurt University’s Center for Financial Studies. Deutsche Börse Group also supports the university’s “House of Finance”, which opened in spring 2008 and unites university faculties.
At the beginning of June, young people from all over Germany gathered at the Römer in Frankfurt to debate various issues at the “European Youth Parliament”. Deutsche Börse Group was a sponsor for the event.
In June, the Group held the Global Equity Market Seminar (GEMS 2008) in Frankfurt in cooperation with the New York Zicklin School of Business, Baruch College. GEMS 2008 provided its international attendees with a comprehensive overview of how the equity market works, for example using various interactive computer simulations.
Culture
Deutsche Börse Group supports international institutions and projects involved with culture.
The focal point of the arts commitment is the promotion of contemporary photography. Just as in previous years Deutsche Börse Group was both a sponsor and exhibitor at Frankfurt’s “Night of the Museums” at the end of April. In addition, it offered public tours of the Deutsche Börse Art Collection as part of the “Kunst Privat!” private art collection initiative in June.
Deutsche Börse Group is also lending its support to the “Kunst im Fokus” art program in cooperation with the Schirn Art Gallery in Frankfurt. Until September, school children will have the opportunity to see exhibitions at the Schirn Gallery from a whole new perspective, and can also create their own photographic art. For registration and further information call +49 (0)69 29 98 82-122 or e-mail fuehrungen@schirn.de.
The Neue Börse in Frankfurt will be exhibiting the entries by the four finalists for the “Deutsche Börse Photography Prize 2008” from 5 September. The works were shown previously at the “Photographers’ Gallery” in London and at “C/O Berlin”.
Social affairs
Deutsche Börse Group believes the capital market and its institutions have a social responsibility to the community. This includes support for social projects focusing on education and vocational training for young people.
In the second quarter, Deutsche Börse Group contributed to the relief efforts for the victims of the natural desasters in China and Burma. It provided support to the embassies of the two countries for the purchase and transportation of tents to the affected regions.
The Group also promotes “CircEsteem”, a project which brings young people from different social and cultural background together for a taste of circus arts. The project, supported by The Clearing Corporation in the US, in which Deutsche Börse has an indirect investment, will be giving a performance at the Neue Börse in Frankfurt on 25 July.
Deutsche Börse employees actively participate at social institutions in the “Social Day” project -for example, renovation work at Frankfurt schools, childcare and youth centers. “Social Day” takes place on 26 September this year. Deutsche Börse Group has been the main contributor to the initiative since 2006.