Building on Progress, AB InBev Foundation Expands its Mandate to Pursue UN SDGs

In 2017, the AB InBev Foundation was created with the mission to reduce the harmful use of alcohol globally by implementing a model of public-private partnerships anchored in evidence-based programming and measurement to advance positive social and behavior change. Bringing together a distinguished board comprised of leading global experts, backed by dedicated staff and partners, the Foundation has achieved notable progress toward those goals over the past three years.

Following the launch of the Global Smart Drinking Goals, AB InBev created the AB InBev Foundation to bring scientific rigor to the work of pursuing these goals, with one stand-out initiative being the City Pilot program. In 6 cities around the world (Leuven, Belgium; Brasilia, Brazil; Jiangshan, China; Zacatecas, Mexico; Johannesburg, South Africa; and Columbus, Ohio, USA), the Foundation has supported local non-governmental organizations (NGOs), government agencies, universities and other community stakeholders to come together in public-private partnerships to implement interventions to address the harmful use of alcohol. These efforts are being undertaken in a scientifically rigorous manner to allow for the collection and analysis of data, which could point the way toward which types of interventions work, which do not, and how the most successful can be scaled for maximum impact by AB InBev, or other local partners, in diverse settings around the world.

The work is yielding significant learnings on community-based interventions to reduce underage drinking, improve road safety, increase alcohol screening, reduce binge drinking, and encourage enhanced responsible beverage service. The data on this work will continue to be collected and shared to advance scientific knowledge and inform current and future efforts to reduce the harmful use of alcohol. 

Looking ahead, AB InBev has decided to expand the Foundation’s mission and modify its structure. The Foundation will continue its commitment to the Global Smart Drinking Goals, while at the same time, actively work to advance a broader set of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including on Clean Water and Social Development. The Foundation’s new structure will provide it with access to greater resources and the technical skills of other parts of the AB InBev business. 

Commenting on this announcement, AB InBev CEO Carlos Brito said, “We could not be more grateful to the Foundation’s board, leadership and staff for all they have accomplished over the past three years. It is thanks to them that the Foundation is now in position to take on this expanded mandate. The Foundation will now have greater access to the incredible skills, resources, capabilities and global reach that our company offers. These will allow the Foundation to do more and progress faster across a bigger set of issues.”