IKEA to lead the way in refugee integration

IKEA strongly believes refugees’ skills and experiences bring value to business and society. With that in mind, IKEA Retail (Ingka Group), Inter IKEA Group and IKEA Foundation have committed to different actions in the coming years that will help to advance the integration of refugees in society.On December 16, in Geneva, IKEA confirmed the following pledges:

•    Ingka Group plans to support 2,500 refugees through job training and language skills initiatives in 300 stores and units in 30 countries.  
•    Inter IKEA Group will create sustainable livelihood for 400 women through its partnership with Jordan River Foundation.  
•    The IKEA Foundation commits EUR 100 million in grants over the next five years for programmes that help refugees and their hosting communities improve their incomes and become more self-reliant.  

“Work is a key driver for integration into society. With this initiative we play an important role in equipping and qualifying refugees to get a job and build their own connections in the local communities. Collaborating with refugees brings new skills, diversity and different perspectives to our business”, said Tolga Öncü, IKEA Retail Operations Manager, Ingka Group.