#Brazil #São Paulo #ESG #PRI #E Fund

PRI in Person 2025: A Global Forum for Sustainable Investment

From November 4 to 6, the bustling city of São Paulo, Brazil, played host to the PRI in Person 2025 conference, a significant annual event organized by the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI). This gathering united nearly 1,300 participants, including regulators, top financial institutions, and academicians, all dedicated to advancing sustainable economic solutions through innovative business practices and finance.

The conference revolved around the theme, "Global challenges, resilient strategies, investable opportunities," which resonated with the urgent need for a collective approach to tackle pressing global issues. As an official segment of the COP30 Business and Finance Forum, the event underscored the importance of collaboration between different sectors to drive meaningful change.

E Fund Management Co., Ltd., a recognized leader in responsible investment within China, has been part of this conference for three consecutive years. Having embraced responsible investment principles early on, E Fund joined the PRI family in 2017. Its commitment to integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors into its investment processes has positioned the firm as a pioneer in promoting ESG practices within the Chinese financial landscape.

One of the most engaging sessions focused on the theme, "Navigating Risk and Unlocking Opportunities in Asia's High Growth Markets," where the sustainability trends and challenges in Asian regions were thoroughly examined. Jane Cheng, the Head of ESG Research at E Fund, participated as a key speaker in this discussion. She illustrated how the development of ESG in Asia, albeit lagging compared to other regions, has seen significant strides recently. Enhanced regulatory frameworks and a surge of innovations highlight the region’s growing momentum towards sustainable investment.

In particular, China has made substantial headway in constructing a robust ESG policy framework, improving data availability, and cultivating a heightened awareness among corporations about the importance of sustainability. Guided by the nation's "Dual Carbon" goals, China is shifting its industrial and financial systems towards a sustainable and low-carbon future. Asset managers are now actively applying ESG strategies in their investment decisions, demonstrating a notable shift from theory to practice.

Emerging markets like China and Brazil are pivotal in spearheading global sustainable development. In a specialized panel titled “Emerging Market Responsible Investment Practice - China and Brazil,” moderated by Wilson Wei, Chief ESG Analyst at E Fund, discussions were held that brought forth unique insights from both countries. This panel featured representatives from renowned organizations such as FAIRR, HSBC Asset Management, Itaú Asset Management, and the Brazilian Stock Exchange, B3. They explored innovative ESG practices, emphasizing the significance of cross-border supply chain linkages.

A key outcome of this discussion was the joint release of the Responsible Investment in China-Brazil Whitepaper, which highlights various advancements in sustainability disclosure frameworks and sets guidelines for product standards within both nations. This collaborative effort aims to foster greater cooperation and innovation in responsible investment practices.

As the PRI in Person 2025 concluded, it was evident that the dialogue initiated at this conference will continue, forging pathways for sustainable investment while addressing global challenges. The collective insights shared during this event have equipped participants with actionable strategies and inspired collective action towards a more sustainable future, where finance serves not only to generate profit but also to promote the well-being of the planet and society.