not so greedy

Tue Sep 3 01:38:51 CEST 2002

In the sea of information about corporate greed this is an 
interesting corporate-humanitarian pairing. Too bad is that Ericsson 
stock is performing so bad.
ivo

 Ericsson and International Red Cross Sign Unique Active 
Partnership Agreement

September 03, 2002 09:50:00 (ET)

STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Sep 3, 2002 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- The 
agreement between The International Federation of Red Cross and 
Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and Ericsson is breaking new 
ground in the way the private sector and humanitarian aid 
organizations work together.

Both sides will share equipment, knowledge and volunteer 
personnel in the field to ensure the speed and effectiveness of 
disaster response operations. A mutual training and development 
program is also part of the new agreement.

"The International Federation views this agreement with Ericsson 
as an important milestone in mobilizing private sector support for 
sustainable development," said Didier Cherpitel, Secretary General 
of the International Federation. "The agreement relates not only to 
immediate operational needs but covers a broader range of issues 
related to disaster mitigation and risk reduction through harnessing 
cutting edge technology in favor of the world's most vulnerable 
people."

IFRC has partnered with Ericsson on many occasions in the past. 
This co-operation today entered a new phase, when a landmark 
agreement on long-term co-operation was signed at the World 
Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg.

"The telecommunications industry has the ability to influence and 
make a difference," said Mats Dahlin, Executive Vice President, 
Ericsson. "This carries a great responsibility. The most effective 
way to leverage our corporate social responsibility is to form active 
working partnerships with leading humanitarian organizations, such 
as the Red Cross. We hope this agreement will inspire others in 
the industry to follow."

Ericsson is shaping the future of Mobile and Broadband Internet 
communications through its continuous technology leadership. 
Providing innovative solutions in more than 140 countries, Ericsson 
is helping to create the most powerful communication companies 
in the world.

Read more at http://www.ericsson.com/press
    About Ericsson Response

Ericsson Response provides leading disaster response 
organizations, like the UN and Red Cross, with 
telecommunications systems and the know-how to use it in 
operations for fast deployment anywhere in the world.

Ericsson has resources on standby in order to respond fast and 
adequately in disaster situations. The availability of reliable and 
flexible communication systems is of crucial importance for the 
humanitarian organizations to carry out their missions effectively.

Ericsson Response program is based on our leading technology 
and global reach, with a presence in more than 140 countries. 
Ericsson is proud to be able to make a difference in humanitarian 
disasters and the company has a long history of disaster response.

For further information visit 
http://www.ericsson.com/ericssonresponse/

To sustain IFRC's large operation responding to the current food 
crisis in Southern Africa, Ericsson has already deployed an 
Ericsson Response Volunteer participating in the telecom 
assessment now being carried out. In addition, Ericsson has 
donated mobile phones (R250 and R520) to IFRC to be used in the 
operation and other local activities for a value of SEK 1,000,000 
(approx. 260 pcs). Half of these will be used in the Southern Africa 
operation, the other half in other IFRC activities worldwide.

In 1999 Ericsson was one of the first companies to pledge its 
support to the UN's Global Compact initiative. Ericsson Response 
contributes by promoting humanitarian issues and advocating 
better disaster response. The Ericsson Response program was 
highlighted by the Secretary General as a good example of 
practical cooperation between the UN and the business 
community. Ericsson Response was also mentioned in the 
Secretary Generals Millennium Report.

CONTACT:          Ericsson, New York
                  Kathy Egan, 212/685-4030
                  Vice President, Communications
                  E-mail: Pressrelations at ericsson.com
                  or
                  Glenn Sapadin, 212/685-4030
                  Manager, Investor Relations
                  E-mail: Investor.relations at ericsson.com
URL:              http://www.businesswire.com
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