In October, A1 Group had the honor of hosting the JAC General Assembly 2025. JAC (Joint Alliance for CSR) brings together 31 global telecom operators committed to driving sustainability, transparency, human rights and due diligence across the ICT supply chain. For more information on JAC’s work, visit: Joint Alliance for CSR

This year’s assembly focused on advancing CSR strategies by sharing resources, best practices, and fostering dialogue on critical sustainability challenges. These topics cut across ESG, Risk, Procurement, and Legal, underlining the need for strong collaboration and synergies between disciplines to build more responsible and resilient supply chains.

The mix of breakout sessions, working groups, and lively open discussions created an energetic environment for practical problem-solving. The main emphasis was on how our industry can progress beyond simple compliance and work together to achieve genuine transformation towards more sustainable supply chains.

By collaborating in this way, JAC working groups discussed the development of practical solutions such as a circularity scorecard, due diligence strategies, and legal clauses in purchasing contracts to advance sustainable transformation across supply chains and cut carbon emissions. The experts also collectively examined issues related to artificial intelligence, energy use in data centers, and the valuable role of emission hotspot data to stay ahead of new challenges. Additionally, the assembly addressed the importance for close partnerships and continuous dialogue with suppliers. This will foster meaningful engagement with sub-tier suppliers to tackle hidden supply chain risks and to go beyond Tier-1 audits. Promoting responsible purchasing and active supplier involvement helps to improve human rights and working standards throughout the entire industry.

JAC is a powerful example of how partnership and collaboration can drive real progress on key sustainability challenges in the telecommunications supply chain. By aligning methodologies and sharing best practices, JAC members ensure that progress is collective and measurable – a crucial aspect as the industry faces growing expectations from ESG rating agencies, investors, and regulators alike.

“Partnerships like JAC are essential for scaling real impact and transforming our supply chains. By pooling expertise and aligning standards, we accelerate change across the entire ICT ecosystem,” said Jana Kovandzic-Pataky, A1 Group ESG expert for sustainable supply chains, who has recently been appointed to the JAC Board of Directors.

A1 Group remains committed to responsible sourcing and to driving ESG excellence throughout our operations and supplier network. Together with our JAC partners, we are shaping the next chapter of sustainable connectivity.