Jean-Philippe Desmartin Head of the Responsible Investment Team, Edmond de Rothschild Asset Management
"Veritas" - Science and research, present and future allies of sustainable development
"Fortis est Veritas. “Strong is truth” is Oxford's motto, which you will read on many a pediment as you stroll through this magical place of knowledge and learning.
“Veritas” is the motto of Harvard University.
In both cases, these prestigious universities are reminding us of their centuries-long contribution to human progress in a wide range of disciplines, with one overriding imperative: truth. This editorial is intended as a reminder of the essential role played by science and research in supporting the progress of our societies in terms of sustainable development, first and foremost for private players, whether companies or investors.
As recently as 30 years ago, there was virtually no teaching or academic work in or outside Europe in areas such as sustainable development or responsible investment. Things have changed, and a large number of students and researchers are now contributing both qualitatively and quantitatively to the progress made by practitioners in the many areas covered by the three pillars of Environment, Social and Governance. Researchers and scientists bring their time, knowledge, methodologies, intellectual rigor and honesty, as well as their capacity for innovation. They contribute not only to technical progress, but also to the rational legitimization of emerging and complex issues such as climate change, biodiversity, just transition and the economic role of international migration.
We are delighted to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the European FIR-PRI “Finance & Sustainable Development” Awards on October 1 at the highly symbolic Sorbonne University in Paris. On this occasion, students and researchers will once again be rewarded for the quality of their work in master's theses, doctoral dissertations, educational initiatives and published research articles. Exceptionally, we will also be celebrating two major European universities that have made the greatest contribution to progress in sustainable finance over the past two decades.
Finally, for the readers of these chronicles, you may have noted our commitment, since their creation 12 years ago, to the quarterly promotion of research work. This time, we have summarized an article on governance, resulting from the collaboration of three researchers from universities/business schools in London (UK), Rotterdam (Netherlands), and Northeastern (USA).
Enjoy your reading!
Summary:
• News: Heatwave and economy: a delicate equation
• From an academic point of view: “Chains of influence: Global differences in ESG shareholder engagement and how active owners can leverage them” by Emilio Marti, Kevin Chuah, Jean-Pascal Gond
• Company meetings: Iberdrola
• Recommended reading: “China - USA, the avoidable war” by Kevin Rudd
• The responsible investment team in action: General Meetings in troubled waters!