The Asia Investor Group on Climate Change (AIGCC)’s fourth annual report surveys Asian investors managing USD 7.9 trillion to assess their progress on net-zero investment strategies. It highlights growing commitments to emissions measurement, climate solutions, and stewardship, while identifying data gaps, limited policy clarity, and inconsistent methodologies as persistent barriers.

The 2022 Global Estimates of Modern Slavery: Forced Labour and Forced Marriage report by the ILO, Walk Free, and IOM estimates that 49.6 million people are in modern slavery of which 27.6 million in forced labour and 22 million in forced marriage. The report highlights worsening trends linked to crises such as COVID-19, conflict, and climate change, and urges coordinated global action toward SDG Target 8.7.

International Organization for Migration (IOM) is a United Nations-related intergovernmental organisation founded in 1951, dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration worldwide. With over 170 member states and offices in 171 countries, it provides policy advice, operational assistance and humanitarian support to migrants and governments.

This study investigates how diversity within corporate committees influences investment risk practices among ASX 300 firms (2018–2020). Using a composite index of gender, independence, and non-executive representation, the authors find that greater committee diversity enhances long-term strategic investment decisions and efficiency, improving governance and financial performance.

The State of Climate Action benchmark series tracks global progress toward limiting warming to 1.5°C. Produced by Systems Change Lab and partner organisations, it translates the Paris Agreement into measurable sectoral targets and indicators, offering an annual assessment of the pace and scale of climate action across major emitting sectors and finance systems.

This report summarises how asset owners integrate diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) into organisational policies, investment management and stewardship. Drawing on interviews with 21 organisations, it highlights varying maturity levels, regulatory developments, data challenges and best practices shaping DE&I implementation across the pensions and investment industry.

New research on Australia’s ASX 300 companies finds that diversity within board committees, particularly in terms of gender, independence, and professional background, leads to smarter and more efficient investment decisions. The study shows that diverse committees make more disciplined and forward-looking choices, linking inclusion directly to better financial performance and long-term value creation.

This CGAP technical guide outlines how lenders can apply gender-intentional approaches to credit scoring to expand women’s access to finance without increasing portfolio risk. Using data from AB Bank Zambia and TymeBank South Africa, it demonstrates practical methods for integrating gender analysis, adjusting scorecards, and improving lending outcomes for women.

The report analyses the growth and practices of gender lens investing (GLI) across asset classes. It highlights how institutional investors and impact funds integrate gender equality goals into investment strategies, identifies challenges such as limited data and standardisation, and provides guidance to deepen GLI’s contribution to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 5 on gender equality.

AXA Research Lab on Gender Equality (Gender Lab) at Bocconi University in Milan advances empirical research and education on gender economics, diversity and policy impact. The lab publishes reports, hosts events and fosters academic-industry collaboration to promote gender equality across labour markets, fertility dynamics, culture and political representation.

This report by First Sentier Investors outlines a holistic approach to responsible investment that integrates environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors. It argues that considering synergies and trade-offs across ESG issues enables better risk management and long-term value creation. Case studies illustrate practical applications across supply chains, infrastructure and resource sectors.

This month’s sustainability roundup covers Australia’s new 2035 emissions target, ASIC’s final climate disclosure guidance, and Fortescue’s revised transition plan. It also examines global developments, from ISSB reporting updates and TNFD nature disclosures to Woodside’s gas extension, rising physical climate risks, and evolving ESG policy debates shaping corporate and investor responses.

This report summarises the growth and performance of Australia’s responsible investment market in 2023, with RI assets reaching A$1.6 trillion, or 41% of total managed funds. It highlights strengthened ESG integration, transparency, and stewardship, reflecting increasing investor demand, regulatory developments, and alignment with global sustainability standards.

This report summarises the 2024 benchmarking of New Zealand’s responsible investment market, assessing 70 investment managers using RIAA’s Responsible Investment Scorecard. It finds NZ$207 billion in responsible assets, representing 56% of total funds, and highlights expanding ESG integration, transparency, stewardship, and impact investing alongside strengthened regulation and market maturity.

This report summarises Australians’ growing demand for responsible investment. Conducted by the Responsible Investment Association Australasia, it finds 92% expect their superannuation and investments to align with their values, with many willing to switch providers. Renewable energy, healthcare, sustainable practices, and human rights are leading investment priorities.

The Sustainable Development Report is a benchmark series that tracks global and national progress toward achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Produced annually by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) and partners, it presents the SDG Index and Dashboards, offering comparable data, analysis, and trends for all UN member states.