Investors can play a bigger role in achieving the goals of United Nations' sustainable development goals, according to a new framework of actions by the Principles for Responsible Investment.
The PRI published Monday a report outlining how investors can shape both positive and negative outcomes associated with the SDGs — a set of 17 overarching goals for real-world outcomes related to water, health, poverty, gender equality and other issues — through investment decisions, stewardship and engagement with key stakeholders.
The coronavirus pandemic has increased urgency to deliver on the SDGs, "with several governments recognizing that the SDGs can act as a guide to the global response.
The urgency to deliver on the SDGs has only been increased by the COVID-19 pandemic, the PRI said, citing a commentary co-authored by Italian Prime Minister Guiseppe Conte; French President Emmanuel Macron; German Chancellor Angela Merkel; European Council President Charles Michel; Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg; Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau; and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, dated May 3.
"Guided by the (SDGs,) we can redesign the power of community, society and global collaboration, to make sure that nobody is left behind," the commentary said.