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2023-10-03 13:30:00.0

Ignacio Galán defends the double value of the company: for society and for the shareholders

Ignacio Galán R&D climate action

  • The Executive Chairman of Iberdrola, in front of more than 500 professionals at the GSG Global Summit in Malaga, cited the company's social dividend as an example of a transforming force.
  • This forum is the most important event on the global impact investment calendar, attended by 1,000 professionals from 60 countries, and aims to positively influence people and the prosperity of society.

The Executive Chairman of Iberdrola, Ignacio Galán, took central stage at the GSG Global Impact Summit, where he defended the dual value of the company for society and for shareholders before more than 500 professionals. The event, held at the Palacio de Ferias y Congresos de Málaga, is one of the main business impact events where professionals and leaders from the world of finance, business, politics and civil society meet.

"The concept of social dividend has been included in our bylaws since 2017 and obliges us as much as the financial dividend," he assured, highlighting the importance for Iberdrola of the positive impact of the company on society.

All this, he said, "has been compatible with a return of 800% for shareholders since 2001" which has led the company to be recognized by the most prestigious international institutions and has even been subject of studies such as at the Harvard University Business School.

This year's GSG Global Impact Summit had three central ideas: mobilising capital for people and planet; achieving full transparency in measuring impact; and creating impact economies.

The Global Steering Group for Impact Investment (GSG) is an independent global organization that catalyses impact investing and entrepreneurship for the benefit of people and planet. The GSG was established in August 2015 as part of the G8. The organization is chaired by Sir Ronald Cohen and currently has 35 countries plus the European Union. 

It also participated in the organization of the SpainNAB event, the Impact Investment Advisory Board. This is an association made up of 28 individuals and organizations that are leaders in impact investment in the financial, business and social spheres. This body represents Spain at the GSG. The event was attended by more than 1,000 professionals.

Iberdrola makes an annual tax contribution of more than €7.5 billion  and is the private electricity company that invests the most in R&D worldwide, almost €400 million a year, according to the European Commission. In addition, it has accredited CO2 emissions of 60 grams per kWh, 75% less than its competitors, and its workforce includes people of up to 90 nationalities.