WHAT IS THE PRI?
The PRI is the world's leading proponent of responsible investment.
It works to understand the investment implications of environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors and to support its international network of investor signatories in incorporating these factors into their investment and ownership decisions. The PRI acts in the long-term interests of its signatories, of the financial markets and economies in which they operate and ultimately of the environment and society as a whole.
The PRI is truly independent. It encourages investors to use responsible investment to enhance returns and better manage risks, but does not operate for its own profit; it engages with global policy makers but is not associated with any government; it is supported by, but not part of, the United Nations.
WHAT IS THE PRI’S MISSION?
"We believe that an economically efficient, sustainable global financial system is a necessity for long-term value creation. Such a system will reward long-term, responsible investment and benefit the environment and society as a whole.
The PRI will work to achieve this sustainable global financial system by encouraging adoption of the Principles and collaboration on their implementation; by fostering good governance, integrity and accountability; and by addressing obstacles to a sustainable financial system that lie within market practices, structures and regulation."
HOW DID THE PRI START?
In early 2005, the then United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan invited a group of the world’s largest institutional investors to join a process to develop the Principles for Responsible Investment. A 20-person investor group drawn from institutions in 12 countries was supported by a 70-person group of experts from the investment industry, intergovernmental organisations and civil society.
The Principles were launched in April 2006 at the New York Stock Exchange. Since then the number of signatories has grown from 100 to over 1,500.
WHAT IS THE PRI’S RELATIONSHIP WITH THE UNITED NATIONS?
The United Nations (UN) has been supporting the Principles for Responsible Investment ever since their launch. The PRI has two UN partners - UN Environment Programme Finance Initiative and UN Global Compact - which play an important role in delivering the PRI’s strategy, including by holding a seat each on the PRI Board, and provide additional avenues for signatories to learn, collaborate and take action towards responsible investment.
HOW IS THE PRI FUNDED?
The PRI is funded primarily via an annual membership fee payable by all signatories. Additional funding comes from grants from governments, foundations and other international organisations. Corporate sponsorship and in-kind support is sought for standalone events and projects such as the annual PRI in Person conference and major publications/projects. The PRI receives no funding from the United Nations.
