Insights from PRI in Person 2025: Sustainable Investment Strategies Shared in São Paulo

PRI in Person 2025: A Global Dialogue on Sustainable Investing

The PRI in Person 2025 event, held from November 4 to 6 in São Paulo, Brazil, marked a significant gathering for the global responsible investment community. Organized by the PRI (Principles for Responsible Investment), the event drew nearly 1,300 participants from various sectors including regulatory bodies, financial institutions, and academia. Centered around the theme "Global Challenges, Resilience Strategies, Investment Opportunities," this year's conference also served as an official segment of the COP30 Business and Finance Forum.

The conference provided a unique platform for fostering dialogue about sustainable economic solutions and the pivotal role of finance in driving investment strategies. It particularly highlighted how organizations are addressing sustainability challenges and opportunities in an evolving global landscape.

Notably, E Fund Management Co., Ltd., a frontrunner in responsible investing in China, played an integral role in the discussions. As one of the first Chinese institutions to sign on to the PRI in 2017, E Fund has consistently integrated Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors into its investment and research practices. Cheng Jie, the company's Head of ESG Research, participated in the main forum discussion, emphasizing E Fund’s commitment to enhancing the ESG performance of Chinese companies.

In her remarks, Cheng addressed the robust regulatory frameworks that have emerged in Asia, despite the region's late entry into ESG investing compared to other parts of the world. She noted significant strides made by China in ESG policy, data accessibility, management capabilities, and corporate awareness, all driven by the country's "dual carbon" strategy aimed at achieving peak carbon emissions followed by carbon neutrality.

A key conference session, titled “Managing Risks and Unlocking Potential in Asia's Fast-Growing Markets,” focused on sustainability trends and challenges across essential Asian markets. Cheng was joined by industry representatives from firms such as Neuberger Berman and DSP Asset Managers in this critical discussion. Despite initial delays, the collective efforts of stakeholders across different geographies contributed to a positive environment for ESG investment, with many firms transitioning from principles to actionable investment strategies.

Emerging markets, particularly, played a crucial role in steering global efforts towards sustainability. In a breakout session titled “Responsible Investment Practices in Emerging Markets – China and Brazil,” Wilson Wei, E Fund’s Chief ESG Analyst, led a panel involving experts from significant organizations like HSBC Asset Management and Itaú Asset Management. This session explored cross-border supply chain dynamics between China and Brazil, fostering local insights while addressing global ESG practices and their implementation in both markets.

To cap it off, E Fund and Itaú Asset Management jointly unveiled a white paper detailing responsible investment landscapes in China and Brazil. This document illustrates recent developments and practical examples of sustainability reporting frameworks, taxonomy standards, and product guidelines relevant to both countries, further reinforcing the event's commitment to actionable, informed investment practices.

PRI in Person 2025 successfully showcased the ongoing evolution in sustainable investment dialogues, emphasizing the need for collaboration in addressing mutual challenges across borders. The insights shared throughout the event set a positive tone for continued progress in responsible investment strategies worldwide, signaling promising opportunities for economic resilience in the face of global challenges.

As businesses recognize the importance of responsible practices, initiatives like PRI in Person become even more essential for paving the way toward sustainable development goals. The collaboration and knowledge-sharing witnessed at this year’s event illuminate the path forward for investors dedicated to responsible decision-making, ensuring a lasting impact on global economic landscapes.