Name: ESG Integration in the US Municipal Bond Market
Start: 2021-09-28T17:30:00Z
End: 2021-09-28T17:31:00.000Z
Location: BrightTALK
Rating: 4.2

Welcome to the channel for the UN-supported Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI). 

Here you will find webcasts about mainstreaming responsible investment from the PRI initiative. 

The PRI is an investor-led initative backed by the United Nations in partnership with UNEP Finance Initiative and the UN Global Compact.

For more info visit: www.unpri.org

This session will introduce the PRI’s minimum requirements for investor signatories reporting in 2024. Attendees will receive an overview of the minimum requirements and how they can meet them, while our asset owner guidance senior specialist will provide an insight into robust practices for developing and maintaining a responsible investment policy. Participants will learn how to identify the minimum requirements when reporting and leave the session with an understanding of how PRI engages with signatories that do not meet them. We will also host a moderated Q&A session, where participants can ask questions about the PRI’s minimum requirements.

Speakers include:

Rory Cardy, Product Manager – Accountability Initiatives, PRI
Yejin Hur, Associate Product Manager – Accountability Initiatives, PRI
Tom Attwooll, Senior Specialist – Asset Owners, Guidance, PRI

PRI Minimum Requirements for investor signatories in the 2024 reporting cycle

The unprecedented scale of biodiversity loss currently occurring is a systemic risk contributing to the potential breakdown of financial and natural systems. At the same time, addressing the drivers of biodiversity loss may unlock opportunities generating up to US$10trn in annual value by 2030. In this webinar, we will explore further the case for investor action, but also focus on the steps that investors can take to strengthen capabilities and build impactful strategies and practices on this critical issue.

Investing for nature: building investor action on biodiversity loss

This session aims to help signatories understand the 2024 reporting requirements. During the session, we will provide an overview of the 2024 Reporting Framework, what to report on (based on signatory type), the resources available to support signatories and how to navigate the Reporting Tool. We will also host a moderated Q&A session, where participants can ask questions of our subject matter experts. The latest information can be found on the R&A Updates webpage.

Confirmed speakers:
• Giulia Scaminaci, Head of Reporting Framework & Assessment Services
• Jayces Garello, Product Manager, Reporting Framework & Assessment Services
• Andrew Easton-Fei, Associate Product Manager, Reporting Framework & Assessment Services

PRI reporting in 2024 – What signatories need to know - Session 2

PRI reporting in 2024 – what signatories need to know

This webinar will offer insights into the upcoming UN Biodiversity Conference COP16, scheduled for October 2024 in Cali, Colombia. It will delve into the preparations made by governments and private finance sectors to effectively translate their aspirations into actionable plans for implementing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). This landmark agreement was adopted by 196 parties at the UN Biodiversity Conference COP15 in December 2022, to guide global action on biodiversity and nature. It provides a framework for bold action and policy alignment across economic sectors, with a clear call to align public and private financial flows with its mission of halting and reversing biodiversity loss by 2030.

During the webinar, you will hear more on the preparation of COP16 as we delve into the process of countries updating their National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) following the adoption of the GBF. Additionally, we'll facilitate discussions among representatives of financial institutions, exploring how to engage with governments on the GBF implementation and their needs in creating an enabling policy environment to reduce negative impact and increase positive impact on biodiversity through investments.

Finance and the Global Biodiversity Framework: navigating the road to COP16

In the first of the joint IPR/PRI Quarterly Briefing series for 2024, expert panelists will assess the latest analysis from IPR of global policy implementation post the COP28 Stocktake, through to end Q1 2024, against the flagship 1.8C Forecast Policy Scenario & 1.5C Required Policy Scenarios.

Implications of an acceleration in policy commitments on energy, transition, land use & climate finance will be highlighted in this comprehensive overview for investors. Additional focus will be given to the rising importance of Agriculture, deforestation & NBS in emissions mitigation and wider developments in emerging markets. 

Confirmed speakers:
Jane Ambachtsheer, Global Head of Sustainability, BNP Paribas AM
Magali Caroline Van Coppenolle, Global Head of Policy, Climate Bonds 
Sylvaine Rols, Senior Specialist, Nature, PRI
Kavita Srinivasan, Project Manager, IPR
Jakob Thomae, Research Director, IPR
Moderated by: Gina Hanrahan, Senior Specialist, Climate Policy, PRI

IPR Quarterly Briefing: Transition Since Dubai - Progress post the COP Stocktake

The Net-Zero Asset Owner Alliance recently published a Call to Action (https://www.unepfi.org/themes/nzaoa-call-to-action-to-the-asset-management-industry/) addressed to the asset manager community relating to integration of systemic climate stewardship principles. This Call to Action references best practices published in the last two years by the Alliance, relating to asset owner engagement of asset managers on proxy voting, engagement, and lobbying. During this webinar, the Alliance will be discussing this recent call to action and what it might mean for asset managers interested in working with Alliance members on these topics. All asset managers are welcome to attend this webinar and are encouraged to ask questions.

Speakers:

• Bertrand Millot, Head of Sustainability, CDPQ
• Jake Barnett, Managing Director of Sustainable Investment Strategies, Wespath
• Patrick Peura, ESG Engagement Manager, Allianz SE
• Isidro Ajona-Gonzalez, Senior Investment Manager, Allianz
• Maria Clara Rendon, Director Responsible Investing, University Pension Plan Ontario
• Hilkka Komulainen, Head of Responsible Investment, Aegon UK
• Kalina Lazarova, Governance and Voting Lead, Phoenix Group
• Samantha Chew, Stewardship Lead, Aegon UK
• Clara Mokry, Deputy Head of Sustainability, Kenfo
• Troels Borrild, Head of Responsible Investments, AkademikerPension
• Eliya Devay, Engagement Track co-Manager, UNEP FI

Stewarding asset owners’ climate needs: Implementing NZAOA guidance

Increased demands for transparency, new asset owner expectations and accusations of greenwashing have impacted due diligence, manager selection, and reporting. This webinar will explore key topics including RFP and DDQ design, critical assessment questions for asset owners and methods for verifying and interpreting investment manager responses. The discussion will cover how asset owners and investment managers can develop valuable and mutually beneficial relationships, as well as scenarios where escalation is needed.

Topics covered will include:

• how ESG considerations can be incorporated into Requests for Proposals and Due Diligence Questionnaires, focusing on critical questions for asset owners;
• how asset owner due diligence requirements can differ and where there is potential for alignment;
• how asset owner requirements can be translated into investment management agreements;
• how reporting and data can inform manager engagement and monitoring to align with asset owner objectives; and
• how due diligence and monitoring approaches are maturing across asset classes and sustainability issues.

Strengthening asset owner-investment manager relationships for mutual success

This webinar will explore the PRI’s 2023 reporting data, what it reveals about signatories’ current practices and which areas have room for further development. The discussion will highlight differences across asset classes, investment strategies and geographies, and identify priority actions for large and small investors.

Topics covered will include:

• how levels of ambition and action differ between asset owners and managers;
• how approaches to assessing and managing climate-related risks and opportunities vary;
• which ESG topics and responsible investment practices are gaining traction among investors in different regions;
• how aligned investors are with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights; and
• whether investors are increasingly focused on impact and sustainability outcomes.

Global responsible investment practices: PRI reporting data insights – Session 2

Global responsible investment practices: PRI reporting data insights – Session 1

The development of the EU sustainable finance framework over the past five years is a significant achievement and an integral part of the EU Green Deal. Responsible investors have welcomed this progress but substantial implementation challenges have arisen from the speed, complexity and sequencing of the various measures. Further, the EU’s legislative reforms have largely focused on driving sustainable capital allocation via improved corporate and investor disclosure, overlooking other levers that investors have, or the barriers that they face.

PRI’s upcoming report – a ‘2030 EU Policy Roadmap’ – sets out the recommendations needed to address these challenges and accelerate private investment to support the economic transition. Ahead of upcoming European elections, this launch event is an opportunity to learn more about PRI’s report and to discuss the recommendations with investors, policy makers and civil society representatives.

This event is being recorded and will be available to view on-demand on the PRI website. Please note, journalists may be in attendance at this event.

PRI 2030 EU Policy Roadmap

In this webinar we will explore screening approaches and how to create effective exclusion criteria. The discussion will also highlight the pros and cons of climate screening. Participants will gain an understanding of how diverse approaches to ESG screening are applied in live portfolios.

Topics covered will include:

• why screening is used in portfolios;
• how to choose a screening approach by type (e.g. positive, negative, norms-based) or theme (e.g. climate, human rights);
• which trends are driving industry practice and how are they influencing engagement;
• how asset owners think about screening when designing investment mandates; and
• how asset class considerations and data challenges can be considered during screening.

Putting responsible investment screening into practice

In this webinar, we will explore how to effectively incorporate ESG factors into multi-asset portfolio construction and design. Expert panellists will examine the importance of identifying, analysing, and incorporating material ESG factors across asset classes – thinking about macro themes, thematic opportunities, and strategic asset allocation. Practical examples will be used to showcase different approaches.

Topics covered will include:

• which asset allocation approaches are being used;
• how ESG considerations are evolving in strategic asset allocation; and
• how private markets and sustainability outcomes can be considered in the asset allocation process.

Integrating ESG factors into multi-asset portfolios

This webinar will explore how investors can craft effective responsible investment policies that drive real-world change. We will discuss common gaps in current policies and how asset owners and investment managers can bridge these, while meeting fiduciary duties. The session will also cover evolving stakeholder expectations and best practices for updating responsible investment policies to meet new standards and regulations.

Topics covered will include:

• how to consider governance processes when writing or updating a responsible investment policy;
• how sustainability targets and priority areas can inform policies and how their success can be monitored;
• how to implement responsible investment policies that drive real-world change; 
• how policies can increase alignment between asset owners, investment managers and other stakeholders; and
• which future focus areas investors could incorporate into their policies.

Designing responsible investment policies for real-world change - Session 2

Designing responsible investment policies for real-world change - Session 1

This video provides an overview of 2024 reporting, highlighting the key features of the newly released Reporting Framework and what signatories can expect during this reporting cycle

Reporting to the PRI in 2024 – what signatories need to know

The surge in the production and consumption of plastic has led to a significant increase in plastic waste and pollution. This contributes to the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, and pose a growing threat to human rights and public health, demanding an urgent and coordinated response from the international community. In 2022, a historic resolution was adopted by UN Member States to develop an international legally binding instrument to end plastic pollution. The negotiators are now preparing for the fourth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-4) that will take place in April 2024.

During this webinar and ahead of INC-4, UNEP FI, PRI, Finance for Biodiversity Foundation, the Business Coalition for a Global Plastics Treaty (Ellen MacArthur Foundation/WWF), the Dutch Association of Investors for Sustainable Development and the Carbon Disclosure Project will open the Finance Statement on Plastic Pollution for signatures. All financial institutions including investors, asset managers, asset owners, banks, and insurance companies, as well as financial industry associations and other finance-related initiatives are invited to sign the statement to call on governments for an ambitious plastics treaty that creates the mandatory framework and the enabling environment for the private finance sector to fully play its role in ending plastic pollution.

Speakers will highlight the importance of a sustainable, safe, and just circular plastics economy and the crucial role of finance in enabling this transition. Finally, the webinar will outline various ways through which financial institutions can take part in the global fight to beat plastic pollution and align their activities with the objective of eliminating plastic pollution.

Onboarding finance to beat plastic pollution

This session will explore trends from the 2023 proxy season and how these are shaping 2024 AGMs. PRI specialists will introduce the resources we offer investors to help keep you up to date throughout proxy season. PRI signatories will present their focus areas and approaches. Join to ask questions and find out how to use PRI tools to support and strengthen your stewardship efforts.

Confirmed speakers:
Emma Henningsson, Manager Active Ownership, AP7
Sachi Suzuki, Senior Manager - Investment Stewardship, HSBC Asset Management
Moderated by: Bonnie Groves, Specialist, Collaboration Platform, PRI

Proxy season 2024: PRI tools and investor insights

This webinar will present the main findings from the report "ESG Integration in Sub-Sovereign Debt: The US Municipal Bond Market", the first in a series examining this unique and diverse market segment. Market specialists will discuss why demand for explicit incorporation of ESG factors in muni bond investments is rising, ESG data challenges and potential solutions, and the difference between an ESG integration and an outcomes-based approach to muni bonds.

Speakers:
• Introduction by: Jasper Cox, PRI
• James Lyman, Director of Municipal Fixed Income Research and Co-Portfolio Manager of NB Municipal Impact Fund, Neuberger Berman 
•	Sarah Wilson, Managing Director and Head of ESG Integration, Nuveen 
•	Emily Robare, Vice President, PIMCO
•	Moderated by Carmen Nuzzo, Head of Fixed Income, PRI

ESG Integration in the US Municipal Bond Market

Municipal Bonds

muni bonds

sub-sovereign debt

Capital Markets

Investments

US municipal bonds

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ESG Integration in the US Municipal Bond Market

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