#Brazil #São Paulo #PRI #E Fund #ESG Investment

PRI in Person 2025: A Platform for Sustainable Investment Discussions

The PRI in Person 2025 conference took place from November 4 to 6 in São Paulo, Brazil, drawing almost 1,300 attendees from diverse sectors, including regulators, top financial institutions, and academia. It served as a platform to discuss ways to accelerate sustainable economic solutions aligned with responsible investment principles. Hosted by the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI), the conference, themed "Global Challenges, Resilient Strategies, Investable Opportunities," was recognized as an official part of the COP30 Business and Finance Forum.

A Gathering of Leaders in Responsible Investment

E Fund Management Co., Ltd., a pioneering asset management company known for its early adoption of responsible investment practices in China, was a prominent participant. As one of the first Chinese institutions to join the PRI in 2017, E Fund has remained committed to integrating ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investment principles and research into its operations. E Fund's proactive stewardship supports Chinese companies in enhancing their ESG performance while also participating actively in international forums to provide insights into China's responsible investment landscape.

During the main forum discussions, key figures such as Cheng Jie, Head of ESG Research at E Fund, highlighted the crucial role of Asian markets in driving global economic growth. In a session titled "Managing Risks and Unlocking Opportunities in High-Growth Asian Markets," participants explored sustainability trends and challenges across the region. Cheng emphasized that while ESG development in Asia started later than in other regions, significant regulatory improvements have occurred in recent years, fostering innovation in this space. China, in particular, has made notable strides in its ESG policies, data accessibility, asset manager expertise, and corporate awareness.

Fostering Collaboration Between China and Brazil

The event also featured a breakout session titled "Responsible Investment Practices in Emerging Markets - China and Brazil," moderated by Wilson Wei, Chief ESG Analyst at E Fund. This session emphasized the interconnectedness of cross-border supply chains between China and Brazil, sharing global insights while considering local perspectives. The emphasis was on identifying innovative ESG practices and improving collaboration for sustainable development.

In conjunction with this session, E Fund and Itaú Asset Management jointly released a whitepaper titled "Responsible Investment in China and Brazil." This publication outlines recent developments and practical examples in sustainability reporting, taxonomy standards, and product guidelines for both countries, showcasing the potential for mutual growth through strengthened ties.

The Road Ahead for ESG in Emerging Markets

The PRI in Person 2025 conference underscored the importance of emerging markets in driving sustainable development globally. The dialogue at the conference serves as a springboard for future initiatives aimed at aligning investments with area-specific sustainability goals. The discussions on addressing challenges while capitalizing on opportunities in the growth markets of Asia and Brazil set the groundwork for responsible investment practices that foster long-term resilience.

With the global community increasingly focused on sustainability and responsible stewardship, events like PRI in Person 2025 play a vital role in sharing knowledge and best practices among diverse stakeholders. By forging connections and exchanging ideas, the conference paves the way for impactful collaborative efforts addressing the world's pressing challenges.

Conclusion

As the PRI continues its mission to promote responsible investment principles worldwide, it's clear that the journey towards a sustainable investment landscape is both a challenge and an opportunity. The insights gathered and collaborations fostered in São Paulo will undoubtedly influence positive changes in investment strategies across borders, especially in the dynamic markets of Brazil and Asia. Stakeholders are encouraged to leverage the knowledge shared at the conference as they work towards integrating sustainable practices in their investment frameworks and contribute to a resilient global economy.