What is the PRI?
The PRI is the world’s leading proponent of responsible investment.
It works to understand the investment implications of environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors and to support its international network of investor signatories in incorporating these factors into their investment and ownership decisions. The PRI acts in the long-term interests of its signatories, of the financial markets and economies in which they operate and ultimately of the environment and society as a whole.
The PRI is truly independent. It encourages investors to use responsible investment to enhance returns and better manage risks, but does not operate for its own profit; it engages with global policymakers but is not associated with any government; it is supported by, but not part of, the United Nations.
Read more about our work: supporting responsible investors, to create sustainable markets, that contribute to a more prosperous world for all
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| 2018-21 STRATEGY | |||||||||
| 17/18 REPORT |
18/19 PLAN |
19/20 PLAN |
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What are the six Principles for Responsible Investment?
The six Principles for Responsible Investment are a voluntary and aspirational set of investment principles that offer a menu of possible actions for incorporating ESG issues into investment practice.
The Principles were developed by investors, for investors. In implementing them, signatories contribute to developing a more sustainable global financial system. They have attracted a global signatory base representing a majority of the world’s professionally managed investments.
- Principle 1: We will incorporate ESG issues into investment analysis and decision-making processes.
- Principle 2: We will be active owners and incorporate ESG issues into our ownership policies and practices.
- Principle 3: We will seek appropriate disclosure on ESG issues by the entities in which we invest.
- Principle 4: We will promote acceptance and implementation of the Principles within the investment industry.
- Principle 5: We will work together to enhance our effectiveness in implementing the Principles.
- Principle 6: We will each report on our activities and progress towards implementing the Principles.
What is the PRI’s mission?
“We believe that an economically efficient, sustainable global financial system is a necessity for long-term value creation. Such a system will reward long-term, responsible investment and benefit the environment and society as a whole.
The PRI will work to achieve this sustainable global financial system by encouraging adoption of the Principles and collaboration on their implementation; by fostering good governance, integrity and accountability; and by addressing obstacles to a sustainable financial system that lie within market practices, structures and regulation.”
How did the PRI start?
In early 2005, the then United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan invited a group of the world’s largest institutional investors to join a process to develop the Principles for Responsible Investment. A 20-person investor group drawn from institutions in 12 countries was supported by a 70-person group of experts from the investment industry, intergovernmental organisations and civil society.
The Principles were launched in April 2006 at the New York Stock Exchange. Since then the number of signatories has grown from 100 to over 2,300.
The PRI has grown consistently since it began in 2006. For a list of public reporters, total reported AUM per asset class and AUM covered by RI activities please see our signatory information snapshot.
Learn about becoming a signatory
Signatory growth
| *Drafting signatories | |||
| ABN AMRO Asset Management | Christian Super | Government Employees Pension Fund of South Africa | Norwegian Government Pension Fund* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stichting Pensioenfonds ABP* | CIA (Caisse de Prevoyance du Canton de Geneve) | Government Pension Fund of Thailand* | onValues Ltd. |
| Amalgamated Bank | Comité syndical national de retraite Bâtirente | Groupama Asset Management | Pensionfund Metalektro (PME) |
| AP2 | Connecticut Retirement Plans and Trust Funds (CRPTF)* | Henderson Global Investors | PGGM Investments* |
| Asset4 | Crédit Agricole Asset Management Group | Hermes Pensions Management* | Portfolio Partners Limited |
| Aviva Investors | Daiwa Asset Management Co. Ltd | Insight Investment | PREVI* |
| Banco | Candriam Investors Group | International Finance Corporation* | Public Sector Superannuation Scheme* |
| Bank Sarasin & Co. Ltd | Domini Social Investments | Macif Gestion | Reputex |
| BC Investment Management Corporation | Etablissement du Régime Additionnel de la Fonction Publique – ERAFP | Mennonite Mutual Aid | Storebrand |
| BNP Paribas Asset Management | Ethix | Mercer Investment Consulting | Sumitomo Trust |
| BT Pension Scheme* | F&C Asset Management | Mitsubishi UFJ Trust and Banking Corporation | TIAA – CREF* |
| Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec | Folksam* | Munich Reinsurance AG* | Teachers’ Retirement System of the City of New York |
| Caisse des dépôts et consignations – CDC* | Fonds de réserve pour les retraites – FRR* | Nathan Cummings Foundation | Threadneedle Asset Management Ltd |
| CalPERS* | FTSE Group | National Pensions Reserve Fund of Ireland | Trucost |
| Calvert Group | Wespath Investment Management (General Board of Pension and Health Benefits United Methodist Church)* | New York City Employees Retirement System* | United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund* |
| Canada Pension Plan Investment Board* | Generation Investment Management LLP | New York State Local Retirement System | Universities Superannuation Scheme – USS* |
| Catholic Superannuation Fund | GES Investment Services | New Zealand Superannuation Fund | Vigeo |
What is the PRI’s relationship with the United Nations?
The United Nations (UN) has been supporting the Principles for Responsible Investment ever since their launch. The PRI has two UN partners – UN Environment Programme Finance Initiative and UN Global Compact – which play an important role in delivering the PRI’s strategy, including by holding a seat each on the PRI Board, and provide additional avenues for signatories to learn, collaborate and take action towards responsible investment.
United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI)
UNEP FI is a unique partnership between the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the global financial sector. UNEP FI works closely with over 200 financial institutions that are signatories to the UNEP FI Statement on Sustainable Development, and a range of partner organisations, to develop and promote linkages between sustainability and financial performance. Through peer-to-peer networks, research and training, UNEP FI carries out its mission to identify, promote, and realise the adoption of best environmental and sustainability practice at all levels of financial institution operations.
United Nations Global Compact (UN Global Compact)
Launched in 2000, the United Nations Global Compact is a both a policy platform and a practical framework for companies that are committed to sustainability and responsible business practices. As a multi-stakeholder leadership initiative, it seeks to align business operations and strategies with ten universally accepted principles in the areas of human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption, and to catalyse actions in support of broader UN goals. With 7,000 corporate signatories in 135 countries, it is the world’s largest voluntary corporate sustainability initiative.
How is the PRI funded?
The PRI is funded primarily via an annual membership fee payable by all signatories. Additional funding comes from grants from governments, foundations and other international organisations. Corporate sponsorship and in-kind support is sought for standalone events and projects such as the annual PRI in Person conference and major publications/projects.
The PRI’s full financial details are available in the Annual Report.
