Library | ESG issues

Social

The social pillar in ESG (environmental, social, and governance) assesses a organisation’s impact on people and society. It covers labour practices, diversity and inclusion, human rights and community engagement. Prioritising social responsibility not only benefits society but also mitigates risks, strengthens reputation, and creates long-term value for businesses and investors.

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Cooler finance: Mobilizing investment for the developing world’s sustainable cooling needs

United Nations Environment Programme
The report highlights the critical need for sustainable cooling in developing countries to meet climate goals, reduce emissions, and support health, food security, and productivity. It estimates a market demand of $600 billion annually by 2050 and provides strategies to attract private investment through policy, financing models, and international collaboration.

Research
25 September 2024

The building blocks supporting open finance

Consultative Group to Assist the Poor (CGAP)
This working paper explores how open finance can drive financial inclusion by reducing costs, improving access, and providing better-suited products for underserved populations. Key building blocks—digital accounts, fast payments, and diverse financial providers—are essential for achieving open finance's potential, with case studies from Brazil and India highlighting successful implementation pathways.
Research
8 April 2024

The demand for a fair international financial architecture

UN University Centre for Policy Research (UNU-CPR)
The report explores the Global South's calls for reforming the international financial system. It highlights six key outcomes: improved representation, faster response times, increased funding scale, sustainable financing, enhanced global solidarity, and fostering economic self-reliance. The report underscores the urgency of reforming global financial institutions to address disparities.
Research
18 April 2024

Good Jobs First's violation tracker

Good Jobs First
Violation Tracker is a comprehensive database that tracks corporate misconduct in the United States and United Kingdom. It provides insights into violations, fines, and settlements across various sectors, helping finance professionals assess risks associated with corporate behaviour. This tool enhances transparency and accountability in corporate governance and compliance.
Online tool/database

Good Jobs First

Finance / Corporate Focused NGOs & Think Tanks
Good Jobs First (GJF) is a nonprofit organisation dedicated to promoting accountability and transparency in economic development. By analysing public subsidies and incentives, GJF helps communities understand the impact of corporate subsidies on local economies. Their tools and resources support informed decision-making for sustainable economic growth and responsible investment.
Organisation
1 research item

Finternet: the financial system for the future

Bank for International Settlements
The report outlines a vision of interconnected financial ecosystems powered by digital innovation. By leveraging technologies like tokenisation and unified ledgers, it aims to create a user-centric, inclusive financial system that lowers costs, improves access, and increases efficiency globally.
Research
16 April 2024

Guide for adaptation and resilience finance

Standard Chartered
The guide outlines strategies for mobilising private capital into climate adaptation projects in emerging markets. It provides investment criteria, eligible activities, and guidance on reducing climate risks. The guide aims to standardise financing processes for resilience across global financial systems.
Research
30 April 2024

Blended finance and the gender-energy nexus: A stocktaking report

Climate Policy Initiative
The report explores how gender-responsive financing can be integrated into the energy sector through blended finance. It highlights market trends, key players, case studies, and challenges in promoting gender equality within climate action. The report underscores the need for technical assistance and innovative financial structures to close gender gaps in the sector, enhancing both climate resilience and economic opportunities for women.
Research
30 July 2024

Convergence

Finance / Corporate Focused NGOs & Think Tanks
Convergence is a global network dedicated to blended finance solutions, promoting sustainable development by bringing together public and private sector investors. It provides market intelligence, research, and data-driven insights to help fund impactful projects worldwide. Key resources include reports, tools, and case studies focused on scaling innovative finance.
Organisation
1 research item

Climate Policy Initiative

Finance / Corporate Focused NGOs & Think Tanks
Climate Policy Initiative (CPI) is a global organisation that focuses on driving policy and financial innovations to address climate change. They provide rigorous analysis and insights on climate finance, supporting effective investment strategies and policy frameworks. CPI aims to foster collaboration among stakeholders to promote sustainable development and climate resilience.
Organisation
3 research items

Building sustainable business models in private banks: A pathway to a better future

World Wide Fund for Nature (World Wildlife Fund – WWF)
This report highlights the SPRING framework, aimed at integrating sustainability within private banking. It presents findings from a pilot study, emphasising the need for private banks to incorporate ESG in operations, improve risk management, foster governance, and engage clients on sustainability preferences. The report also provides actionable recommendations for private banks to drive positive environmental and social impact.
Research
31 May 2023

The finfluencer appeal: Investing in the age of social media

CFA Institute
The report titled examines the role of financial influencers ("finfluencers") in shaping investment decisions, especially among Gen-Z investors. It highlights the regulatory challenges posed by finfluencers, explores their content's appeal to younger audiences, and provides recommendations for enhancing financial literacy and regulatory frameworks.
Research
23 January 2024

How to address the corporate community engagement gap: The case for a pooled fund for legal and technical support

Rights CoLab
This report makes the case for a pooled fund to provide independent legal and technical support to communities affected by land-based investments. The fund aims to bridge the gap in corporate-community engagement, reduce social and environmental risks, and improve human rights due diligence by empowering communities to engage on equal footing with businesses.
Research
18 September 2024

The investor case for fighting inequality: How inequality harms investors and what investors should do about it

Rights CoLab
The report argues that socioeconomic inequality poses systemic risks to investment performance. It highlights that addressing inequality aligns with investors' fiduciary duties by reducing financial risks and improving long-term returns. The report provides evidence that inequality impacts corporate performance, supply chains, and macroeconomic stability.
Research
6 September 2024

From fragmentation to integration: Embedding social issues in sustainable finance

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
The report calls for integrating social risks into financial strategies. It emphasises the interconnectedness of social and environmental issues and recommends enhancing research, standards, and tools to address socio-economic inequalities, promoting financial stability and sustainability.
Research
30 August 2023

KnowTheChain's benchmark tool

Business and Human Rights Resource Centre
KnowTheChain’s benchmark evaluates corporate efforts to address forced labour in global supply chains. It assesses companies across sectors using indicators such as worker rights, transparency, and risk management. This tool helps finance professionals and investors identify risks and drive improvements in corporate labour practices, promoting ethical and responsible investment decisions.
Benchmark/series
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