A report published by UNEP FI, with partners Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI), UNEP Inquiry and the UN Global Compact aims to end the debate surrounding environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues and fiduciary duty. The report, which was formally launched at the PRI in Person Conference, London, following a ‘soft’ launch in Rio de Janeiro, is based on an analysis of fiduciary duty and investment practices in eight countries – Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, Japan, South Africa, the UK and the US.
Despite significant progress, too many investors are not yet considering ESG issues in their investment research and decision-making. Failure to consider long-term investment value drivers, which include ESG issues, in investment practice is a failure of fiduciary duty. Furthermore, even with investors that do accept the argument that they should consider ESG issues in their investment processes, implementation remains variable. The report examines the reasons why investors are not systematically integrating ESG as part of their fiduciary duty and proposes practical actions for institutional investors and policy-makers to address these barriers.
Download the full report and additional Media advisory.

Join the UNEP FI and Principles for Responsible Insurance(PRI) for the launch of the report in the US and Canada.
In the US, 8am – 10am, Thursday 1 October, hosted by the Morgan Stanley Institute for Sustainable Investing, New York.
Detailed US event information and Register.
In Canada, 8am – 10am, Monday 5 October, hosted by BMO Global Management, Toronto.
Detailed Canadian event information and Register.