Changing landscapes

Joint Session - Joint Conference - Reality Check

Reality Check
Format: Presentations and discussion (Fishbowl set-up)

Reality check: Are so-called "best practices" in responsible investment relevant and applicable to companies operating in Asia?

This session seeks to compare and discuss the paradigms of responsible investment (e.g. "engagement" = investor-company relationships, dialogue on environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues and integration of ESG issues into investment decision making) with the daily realities of Asian corporate culture. It will begin with short presentations followed by a panel discussion with experts from around world. Part of this session will include a number of 'fishbowl' discussions, with several tables with 10 participants each discussing these issues facilitated by a moderator, with other participants being able to listen into the conversations.

	What are the views of ‘best-practice’ shareholder engagement on environmental, social and governance issues (ESG) in Asia?
	Are these approaches applicable, and how might they need to be modified for the region?
	How do Asian companies react to shareholder pressure on environmental, social and governance issues?
	Is the growth in engagement on corporate governance going to lead to more engagement on environmental and social issues?
	Are reporting frameworks promoted by investors appropriate for local Asian companies?
	Is the integration of environmental, social and governance issues relevant in markets where accurate metrics for these issues may not be available?
	Are engagement with companies and integration of ESG issues in investment decisions more closely connected in markets where dialogue may be required to elicit the types of information on environmental, social and governance issues that could guide to investment decision making?
	Do we need different terminology for engagement, such as 'collaborative dialogue'?