Published: March 10, 2023
This week, LGPS Central held its Responsible Investment Summit, bringing together industry experts to discuss climate change, human rights, greenwashing, investing in China, biodiversity, and more.
The Summit welcomed 15 experts and nearly 100 delegates from the Pools’ eight Partner Funds. The event included presentations, breakout sessions, and interactive Q&A opportunities, all of which were well received by enthusiastic attendees.
A key panel discussion on human rights and climate change highlighted the important role of investors in driving global change, given that the different aspects of ESG are interlinked.
Panellist Phil Bloomer, Executive Director of the Business and Human Rights Resource Centre reflected:
‘It was great to support such a compelling and interactive debate on the integral links between human rights and climate change. A pension pool the size of LGPS Central, supported by such interested and engaged partners, has the opportunity to build influence for more shared prosperity and climate security at a global level and have real-world impact for workers and communities in supply chains’.
The event also delved into biodiversity, with experts explaining how understanding natural resources and regulatory changes will enable better investment decisions. Peter Elwin from Planet Tracker who presented to delegates said:
‘It was great to talk to such a broad range of delegates who are naturally interested in investing in the right way, taking a long-term view to provide future generations with a world that is worth retiring into’.
The final session centred around LGPS Central’s Net Zero strategy, with Justin Sloggett, LGPS Central’s Net Zero Manager, outlining practical steps, including setting short term milestones, to achieve this commitment.
Investment Director for Responsible Investment & Engagement, Patrick O’Hara, reflected on the successful event:
‘I’m really pleased on just how much content we managed to cover at our Responsible Investment Summit, with some exceptional speakers. Engagement from Partner Funds and their Elected Members proved just how high up the agenda responsible investment is and questions posed showed an impressive level enthusiasm on a plethora of subjects. At LGPS Central investing responsibly is core to everything we do and we will continue to lead the way in this area.’
