Since inception in 2007, AP Fonderna’s Ethics Council has focused on influencing the sustainability efforts of global companies through dialogue and proactive industry projects. The AP Ethics Council is a partnership between the First, Second, Third and Fourth AP Funds with the objective of contributing to high sustainable returns by encouraging companies to adopt more sustainable practices in their businesses. Its guiding principle is to make a difference by being long-term, responsible and committed owners that influence companies to improve their work on environmental and social issues.
AP Fonderna was represented by CEO Eva Halvarsson, who moderated the seminar together with AP Ethics Secretary John Howchin. They explained the Ethical Council’s dialogue efforts and experiences over the years and shared their views on future risks and opportunities concerning investments and their effect on the environment and human rights.
Al Gore, with his considerable political background and as one of the pioneering influencers of views on the world’s sustainability challenges, reiterated his message concerning the alarming state of the earth’s climate and the importance of understanding the value and opportunities associated with sustainable investments. In a deeply inspiring presentation Mr Gore addressed the challenges of global environmental systems and human rights.
“The seminar emphasizes the importance of owners’ and investor involvement in such complex and important issues,” said Ms Halvarsson. “Leading motivators like Al Gore, John Ruggie and Johan Rockström remind us that owners should get involved in companies instead of selling them and leaving the problems to others. Our belief is that investments in well-managed companies in the long term are better than others and therefore that working dialogues with companies are crucial. The AP Fonderna Ethics Council’s work is more important than ever.”
Professor Rockström also gave a very inspired speech about the challenges facing humanity, and thus those also faced by investors. Based on his scientific background, he believes the adaptation of society to the limits given to us by the earth’s ecological system is essential for the planet to regenerate itself over time and to create wealth for a growing global population and for future generations.
Mr Gore and Professor Rockström praised the AP Ethics Council and the Swedish National Pension Fund for their important and considerable efforts to drive the issues forward in public consciousness.
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jxi-OlkmxZ4[/embedyt]
