2007 REGISTRATION DOCUMENT

7 ClearlySOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATIONidentified operational challenges< Contents >PROMOTING DIVERSITY IN ALL ITS FORMS AND FIGHTING DISCRIMINATIONThe Group’s diversity policy focuses on guaranteeing equal opportunityand the principle of non-discrimination, in particular as regards therecruitment of visible minorities. Other key priorities include steppingup recruitment of disabled people and improving the actions already inplace to help them remain employed, increasing the number of femalesenior executives, and fostering diversity in terms of age. The principle ofnon-discrimination has been clearly outlined in BNP Paribas SA’s internalrules since 2003.BNP PARIBAS AND ITS COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITYAs a concrete manifestation of the importance it gives to diversity,BNP Paribas has formalised its policy by signing core charters that existin this domain. The Group has also set up a dedicated managementstructure, takes part in regular discussions on diversity, and makesactive commitments through specific business partnerships. As such,BNP Paribas offers significant tools and initiatives to deal with majordiversity challenges, in particular the fight against discrimination, thepromotion of gender equality and the integration of disabled people.123Promoting diversity (*)Diversity is one of our key strengths. We need to develop it further, to be even better at being the bank fora changing world – a bank that partners its customers and employees through the changes and challengesof the 21st century. Our Group welcomes all talented individuals, regardless of origin. The only way theircapabilities should be assessed is by appraising contributions made and competencies demonstrated atevery stage in their career development. In addition to being illegal, any discriminatory practices would runcounter to the basic respect each person is entitled to and could seriously damage our reputation. Underno circumstances can they be allowed.BNP Paribas is a very important employer and bank in some strongly multicultural areas, notably in France.In our banking and financial services, bringing together people from different backgrounds is a source ofcreativity, innovation and efficiency. We will also be closer to our customers if the composition of our staffmirrors the mix in society around us. Promoting diversity is therefore, for BNP Paribas, a matter of bothperformance and social responsibility. Each of us is invited to contribute, on a day-to-day basis, to advancingthis goal.(*) Excerpt from a letter from the Chief Executive Officer to all employees.BAUDOUIN PROTChief Executive Officerof BNP Paribas456A GROUP-WIDE DIVERSITY POLICYBNP Paribas is one of 40 French companies to have signed France’sDiversity Charter. In a January 2006 review by HALDE (Haute Autoritéde Lutte contre les Discriminations et pour l’Égalité), the French highauthority fighting against discrimination and for equality, BNP Paribaswas not found to discriminate in recruitment.On 13 December 2006, the Group also signed the charter proposed bythe French Education Minister, by which French companies commit topromoting equal opportunity in education. The purpose of this charteris to strengthen links and develop initiatives between businesses andschools. It is the most recent in a long line of initiatives taken byBNP Paribas is this regard and boosts its already strong commitmentto the world of education.The Group has also shown its commitment to diversity by signing theApprenticeship Charter in France in 2005 and, in 2007, an agreementwith Agefiph, the French association promoting the integration ofdisabled people within the workforce. This agreement focuses onfour main areas: (i) establishing the “Group Project Handicap” team,through local contacts and a recruitment and assistance programme;(ii) raising awareness and offering training to the main players in therecruitment process and facilitating integration with the help of internalcommunications; (iii) recruiting disabled workers for fixed-term orpermanent contracts, work placements, temporary work or work/studyprogrammes; and (iv) stepping up the current efforts made to keepdisabled workers in the workforce.BNP Paribas has also signed agreements to promote gender equalityin the workplace and carries out frequent initiatives to offer womenand men the same career opportunities and eliminate the glass ceiling.At subsidiary level, Cetelem was once again awarded certificationfor workplace equality during the year, and in December 2007GIE BNP Paribas Assurance signed an agreement on workplace genderequality.78910112462007 Registration document - BNP PARIBAS