The vision of Walmart's Ethical Standards Program (ESP) is sourcing ethically through a socially responsible program. The program exists to strengthen the implementation of positive labor and environmental practices in factories, to bring opportunities for a better life in the countries where merchandise for sale by Walmart is sourced, and to verify factory compliance with our Standards for Suppliers (code of conduct). We are committed to working with our suppliers and other stakeholders to accomplish these objectives and to address challenges with sustainable solutions.

Walmart has consistently strived to improve its reputation, and our efforts are increasingly being recognized. For example, in the most recent quarterly Covalence ethical reputation index, Walmart was ranked third out of 35 retailers. Covalence, a private research institution, tracks the ethical reputation of multinational corporations by using 45 criteria to examine public information about the companies' efforts in the areas of labor standards, waste management, product social utility and human rights policy, among others.

Learn more about Walmart¡¯s Ethical Standards Program in our Global Sustainability Report. We are pleased to feature therein the release of our Report on Ethical Sourcing, including an introduction letter by our former President and CEO Lee Scott. The information covers Ethical Standards¡¯ program initiatives, factory audit results, challenges, and achievements.