In memory: Kofi Annan

20 August 2018

It was with great sadness that we learned of the passing of Kofi Annan.

His visionary leadership and commitment set the ground for human advancement in many spheres.

Just one amongst his achievements as United Nations Secretary General from 1997 to 2006, was his work planting the seeds for modern corporate and financial sustainability, including his role in the inception of the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI).

His continuous drive to unleash forces for good to the benefit of all was instrumental in bringing together a group of the world’s largest investors thirteen years ago, in search of fundamental solutions for a more sustainable future.

Building on his mobilising force in the corporate sector – that “we, the United Nations, initiate a Global Compact of shared values and principles, which will give a human face to the global market” – his commitment to address the underlying causes of the world’s greatest challenges saw him turn in 2005 to investors – that the owners of those companies and the custodians of savers’ financial futures might explore the role they could play in building a more sustainable future for the benefit of those they serve.

In April 2006 the Principles were launched, and the investment industry has not looked back. The growth of that small, forward-looking group to more than 2,000 investors from all around the world demonstrates the unstoppable momentum around his vision for a mutually beneficial balance between the economic and social needs of the world’s people.

In the continuing work of investors towards playing a positive and impactful role in global society, his vision and his influence live on.

We remember him fondly, and will miss him greatly.

Martin Skancke

Chair, Principles for Responsible Investment