The United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are the most ambitious programme in history to address the major social and environmental challenges facing humanity.
The Internet and digital solutions are key to achieving more than half the SDG targets. At Telefónica we are taking up the baton and committing ourselves to the 2030 Agenda:
- Build a greener future: taking advantage of the power of digitalisation to curb climate change.
- Help society thrive: promoting economic and social progress based on digitalisation, leaving no one behind.
- Lead by example: maintaining strict levels of governance oversight in order to build trust.
Measuring the impact
At Telefónica we identify where and how we contribute more significantly to the Sustainable Development Goals.
Since 2018, we measure our social and environmental contribution annually, following the guidelines of:
- Harvard Business School (HBS).
- Value Balancing Alliance (VBA).
- World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD).
- Capitals Coalition.
To this end, we apply a standard impact measurement methodology consisting of:
- Collect relevant data.
- Apply appropriate methodologies to identify impact pathways.
- Obtain value factors.
- Multiply data by value factors.
We incorporate these results into our management and decision-making processes to continue improving.
Impact of Telefónica in 2025 in Germany, Brazil & Spain
For every 100 euros of turnover, we allocate 21.1 euros to tax payments (6.3 to taxes paid and 14.8 to taxes collected) in Germany, Brazil & Spain
Economic contribution
Through high-quality services and support for local industry, Telefónica contributes to the economic and social development of the countries in which it operates, in line with its mission to become the best gateway for citizens to digital technologies.
Our economic contribution is equivalent to ~€47 bn.
This section takes into account the economic value generated directly or indirectly by our activities and investments in the main countries in which we operate. In addition, we measure the externalities generated through taxes incurred and those that contribute to the creation of services to society by public administrations, thereby reinforcing the impact of our activities on the environment in which we operate.
SDG 8
Decent Work and Economic Growth
SDG 9
Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
SDG 16
Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Social contribution
The social contribution pillar is divided into Digital inclusion and Human capital.
Social contribution – Digital inclusion
By bringing connectivity and digitalisation to more people in both urban and rural areas, we generated ~€17 bn in communities.
Social contribution – Human capital
At Telefónica, we recognise that our people are our greatest asset in helping us become a more innovative and competitive company, which is why we promote inclusion, diversity and training, with a positive impact of ~€14 billion.
SDG 3
Good Health and Well-Being
SDG 4
Quality Education
SDG 5
Gender Equality
SDG 8
Decent Work and Economic Growth
SDG 9
Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
SDG 10
Reduced Inequalities
SDG 16
Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
ODS 17
Partnerships for the goals
Contribution to the environment
We are committed to minimising our environmental impact and promoting the decarbonisation and circularity of the economies in which we operate.
We estimate a contribution to the contribution to the environment in 2025 of approximately ~400 M€.
This block takes into account our contribution to the environment in order to achieve more sustainable economic development of our efforts to decarbonise the economy.
SDG 11
Sustainable Cities and Communities
SDG 12
Responsible Consumption and Production
SDG 13
Climate Action
SDG 14
Life Below Water
SDG 15
Life on Land
Growth and employment in figures
At Telefónica, we calculate how our connectivity services and digital solutions drive economic growth and impact employment.
In 2025, this contribution translated into an impact of €45.4 billion on the GDP of the main countries in which we operate, equivalent to 0.56% of the total. Furthermore, Telefónica’s operations contributed to more than 652,000 jobs, taking into account direct, indirect and induced employment, representing 0.38% of the total number of people employed in those markets.
We work with the FAO
Together we promote digitalisation in agriculture and the food value chain, contributing to SDGs 2, 11, 12, 13 and 17.
Digital Inclusion Benchmark leaders
Telefónica, world leader in cybersecurity, privacy, responsible use of technology by children and accessible design.
Communication room
SDG
