Library | ESG issues
Inequality
Inequality refers to disparities in income, wealth, and access to essential services such as healthcare, education, and economic opportunities. While some progress has been made, inequalities persist and deepen for vulnerable populations, including refugees, migrants, Indigenous peoples, older persons, people with disabilities, and children. These disparities hinder sustainable development, threaten social stability, and limit economic growth. Addressing inequality requires inclusive policies, equitable access to resources, and protections against discrimination and social exclusion.
Refine
142 results
REFINE
SHOW: 16
Insurance regulation for sustainable development: Protecting human rights against climate risks and natural hazards
This report argues that insurance regulation has a critical role to play in protecting human rights against climate risk and natural hazards. Among its recommendations, the report calls for the proper pricing of climate risks, broader coverage from insurance, and the alignment of investments with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Renewables and business: Cutting prices and pollution
This report shows how investment in renewable energy can reduce exposure to volatile electricity prices and future price hikes. Over 46,000 businesses have already invested in large solar installations, and 40% of businesses are considering similar initiatives. Local and State Governments are also supporting business investment in clean, affordable and reliable renewable energy.
Beyond diversity: Equity and inclusion as an overlooked opportunity for investors
This report argues that equity and inclusion, rather than diversity alone, are key drivers of business performance. It outlines organisational practices and leadership behaviours that foster inclusion, enabling diverse talent to contribute fully. Investors are encouraged to prioritise structural inclusion metrics over representational data for meaningful performance insights.
Integrating child rights across the ASX: A UNICEF investor tool benchmarking report series
This benchmark report series, "Integrating Child Rights across the ASX," by UNICEF and Ethical Partners Funds Management, assesses and guides ASX companies on integrating children's rights into ESG practices, offering a framework and practical steps for improvement.
The importance of resource security for poverty eradication
This report analyses the impact of resource scarcity on national economies and poverty. It found that 72% of the world’s population live in countries with biocapacity deficits and below-average income, creating an ecological poverty trap. Biological resource security is crucial for development success.
Guidance and case studies for ESG integration: Equities and fixed income
The CFA Institute and Principles for Responsible Investment commissioned a survey on ESG integration, revealing that 56% of investors integrate governance into their equity analysis. Analysts may engage in ESG in fixed-income analysis to evaluate the risks and value of assets. ESG issues help investors arrive at estimates of fair stock value.
Business reporting on the SDGs: An analysis of the goals and targets 2022
This report offers a comprehensive overview of the Sustainable Development Goals and how businesses can align their practices with these goals through transparent disclosures and disclosures reporting. This 2022 edition provides actionable steps for businesses to contribute to sustainable development.
The third, systems stage of corporate governance: Why institutional investors need to move beyond modern portfolio theory
The authors of this paper argue that institutional investors need to move beyond Modern Portfolio Theory (MPT), and consider a wider risk management strategy. The paper outlines the potential failings of MPT and suggests ways for institutional investors to better align with the needs of society and the economy.
Catalysing bank climate action: Lessons from the inside
This report shares insights from the Climate Safe Lending Fellowship, a programme for banking professionals committed to accelerating the decarbonisation of their institutions. The report offers practical approaches and tools used by climate intrapreneurs to help their banks transition toward climate-safe banking.
Investing in the living wage: A toolkit for responsible investors
This toolkit details low pay risks for investors, particularly in industries such as retail, hospitality, and care homes. The toolkit urges investors to proactively tackle low pay issues by promoting the Living Wage through collaborative engagement, integrating ESG concerns into policies and guidelines, and encouraging incentive schemes in this area.
Inclusive business financing: Where commercial opportunity and sustainability converge
This report explores how best to finance inclusive businesses, which have gained prominence for reducing poverty and inequality in developing countries. Drawing on case studies from across Asia, it examines bank debt and private equity as conduits for financing, and offers recommendations for improving the financing of inclusive businesses.
Education - learning for Life: Why enterprise L&D is the next frontier In global education
This report examines the growing importance of Learning & Development (L&D) programmes for businesses. It highlights the increasing recognition of L&D as a strategic investment, particularly for upskilling and reskilling employees to address the skills gap. The report also explores the challenges in L&D implementation, such as low employee engagement and vendor satisfaction, and offers insights into the future of corporate L&D, including trends in digitalisation and budget growth.
A roadmap for Australian investors: How to invest to achieve gender equity, racial equity, diversity and inclusion
This a guide to help investors achieve gender equity, racial equity, diversity, and inclusion. This report presents qualitative and quantitative analyses from surveys of key Australian impact investing actors, virtual interviews with identified key informants, and a focused narrative literature review of contemporary global gender lens investing practice.
The debt-fossil fuel trap: Why debt is a barrier to fossil fuel phase-out and what we can do about it
This paper explores the links between indebtedness and fossil fuel exploitation in developing countries. The briefing concludes with recommendations for achieving debt justice, preserving the environment, and tackling climate change.
Diversity washing
This paper investigates the phenomenon of "diversity washing," whereby companies appear to prioritise diversity and inclusion (DEI) in their public discourse to a greater degree than their internal practices suggest. The authors use an empirical approach to evaluate the prevalence and effectiveness of this phenomenon.
Private capital, public good: Leveraging impact investing to support a just and equitable recovery
This report focuses on leveraging impact investing to support a just and equitable economic recovery in the United States. It provides a set of recommendations for policymakers based on the experience of impact investors, with an emphasis on promoting investor impact transparency and incentivising private capital into investments with positive impact.
