Eurosif Update
September / October 2007
OECD Watch 2nd Factsheet released
As a continuation of the partnership with OECD Watch for the EU-funded project “Promoting Convergence of CSR Practices and Tools among European Socially Responsible Investors” the second factsheet is now available. This document presents detailed information to better understand the 10 chapters of the OECD Guidelines and key questions that SRI analysts can utilise for each of them.
In addition, a second dialogue session was held in Paris on October 3rd. Member Affiliates of Eurosif representing SRI analysts from rating agencies, asset managers and pension funds had the opportunity to exchange with members of OECD Watch on the supply chain issue and the human rights provision. The outcome of the discussion will be used for the two remaining fact sheets.
Participants also discussed the idea of a public statement issued by the investment community to support the OECD Guidelines and its revision in order to strengthen the complaint mechanism.
For more information please contact Marion de Marcillac.
New signatories for Eurosif’s Transparency Guidelines
Alcyone Finance and Inter Expansion / IONIS have recently signed up to Eurosif’s Retail Transparency Guidelines. There are now approximately 50 signatories representing 10 countries.
http://www.eurosif.org/publications/retail_transparency_guidelines
Eurosif’s annual Advisory Council Meeting to be held in Paris on November 14th, 2007
With 60 member affiliates to date, Eurosif is pleased to bring together this diverse group to address pressing topics concerning SRI as well as debate issues of importance. The EC DG Secretariat will address the group on the EU Sustainable Development Strategy, and the roundtable topics will include:
“Semantics or evolution in the sector: Sustainable Investment (SI) vs. Socially Responsible Investment (SRI) vs. Responsible Investment (RI)?”
“New sustainable asset classes” &
“Integration: good mainstreaming trend or weakening SRI?”
For more information please contact Sarah Clawson
Eurosif acts as judge for upcoming awards
Eurosif continues in its role for the fourth straight year as a Judge for the Investment & Pensions Europe (IPE) European Pension Fund Awards for the Best SRI/Corporate Governance category. Awards to be held in Vienna on November 15.
Eurosif is also a Judge for the first ever ESG Leaders Awards 2007 jointly designed by IPE and TBLI to award those players active in the Environment Social Governance (ESG) area. The Awards will be held in Paris on November 15th, 2007.
Eurosif speeches
Eurosif speaks on Investor Engagement Strategies at “Ethos Day: celebrating 10 years”
To celebrate their 10th Anniversary, Eurosif member affiliate Ethos Foundation held a meeting on September 21st in Switzerland bringing together influential figures from the investment world, civil society, as well as companies. Eurosif spoke on SRI and engagement practices from an investor’s viewpoint, just after Nestle Chairman Peter Brabeck-Letmathe’s keynote from the multi-national point of view.
Eurosif shares ideas on Pension Market Trends and Regulation in Eastern Europe & Asia
At this year's International Sustainability Leadership Symposium, held in Zurich in September, Eurosif was asked to participate in a working group with other business leaders, policy makers and researchers to discuss how demographic changes are affecting the world of financial services. Participants included CEOs of leading Swiss financial services institutions.
Eurosif addresses “ethical investing” at Family office leadership summit
In mid-September in London Eurosif was asked to discuss ways to maintain generational wealth through philanthropy and ethical investing with a number of leading family offices. Other speakers also included Gavyn Davies and Lord Iveagh.
Eurosif participated in SRI Roundtable at Global Pensions roundtable
On September 4th in London, Eurosif addressed the issues and obstacles facing SRI today such as: Is SRI here to stay or is it a fad? Does implementing SRI imply a compromise – or even sacrifice – in returns? Is it harder to apply an SRI approach to some asset classes than others? The results of the roundtable will be published in a special issue of Global Pensions dedicated to Responsible Investment.
Upcoming Eurosif speeches & events
IR Magazine Continental Europe Conference and Awards 2007
11 October, Paris
European Pensions Summit
15-16 October, Amsterdam
European Alternative & Institutional Investing Summit
20-24 October, Monaco
Horizon 2020 and the Private Investors’ Involvement
22-23 October, Athens
2007 BSR Conference
24–26 October, San Francisco, CA
The Clear Profit 2007 Conference
1 November, London
CSR in Spain (organised by Eurosif member affiliate Forética)
7 November, Madrid
EUROSIF ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETING FOR ALL MEMBER AFFILIATES
14 November, Paris
TBLI Europe Conference (Triple Bottom Line Investing)
15 – 16 November, Paris
Achieving the Integration of European Financial Markets in a Global Context
3-4 December, Brussels, European Parliament
