Published 08 April 2022 • Inter IKEA newsroom
IKEA continuing humanitarian support
It has now been more than a month since the devastating war in Ukraine began. It is an increasing human tragedy, and our deepest empathy and concerns are with the millions of people impacted. We continue to put the safety and security of our co-workers and the people in our value chain first.
The situation demands extreme agility since the reality is constantly changing. Tough decisions have been made – like the previously communicated decision on 3 March to pause IKEA export and import in and out of Russia and Belarus, and the Ingka Group’s decision to pause all IKEA retail operations in Russia. The decision to pause operations has a direct impact on thousands of co-workers and business partners.
Together with stakeholders, we have been working to assess how our 3 March decision impacts people, society and the environment beyond our direct suppliers, throughout the IKEA value chain. We are continuing to evaluate the impact of our decisions in these unpredictable times. We want to take a responsible and mindful approach in our decision-making.
To respond to the immense need for emergency relief, different IKEA related entities have together donated, as previously announced, €30 million – €10M from Interogo Holding, €10M from the Ingka group and €10M from Inter IKEA Group. These funds have been and will be used for both immediate and long-term needs and include a combination of monetary and in-kind donations to well-established organisations such as Save the Children, UNICEF, UNHCR, Médecins Sans Frontières, Red Cross and other local organisations working in bordering countries most affected by the war.
As an immediate action, Inter IKEA Group has donated €2 million to Save the Children (from the €10 M) to support building up infrastructure for humanitarian aid. In addition, Inter IKEA Group is now donating €1 million to UNICEF’s emergency relief efforts, including the Blue Dot safe spaces set up together with UNHCR; children and family support hubs that provide critical support and protection services for forcibly displaced children and their families.
There are also many local initiatives going on across IKEA entities, together with suppliers, NGOs, communities, municipalities, and long-term partners. Some examples of ongoing support efforts are:
- Primary in-kind donations from IKEA retail and supply organisations via established partners. Donations include beds, mattresses, toys and other furniture
- Support with logistics, infrastructure and trucks
- Making IKEA-owned accommodations available for people affected by the war, in cooperation with local communities.
The IKEA business is continuing to work hard to secure the safety and wellbeing of people and doing our utmost to adapt our operations. We don’t have all the answers yet on how the war will impact the IKEA business, and the work to adapt and secure our supply chains is still ongoing.
The situation is extremely critical and fast moving. We are dedicated to navigate in this reality, with the best interests of people as the highest priority. There is a great willingness to help and we are also looking into long-term initiatives to support in the best possible way.