Global Child Forum
PRESS RELEASE
Stockholm, September 26
Swedbank Robur’s commitment to children’s rights and its collaboration with Global Child Forum has been recognised by the prestigious PRI Awards 2024, where it is shortlisted in the category, “Recognition for Action – Human Rights.”
Children are often the most vulnerable in our society, and their rights need to be prioritised and protected in every business decision and investment strategy. Recognising this, Swedbank Robur has partnered with Global Child Forum to drive meaningful change. This past spring, the collaboration deepened as they reached out to influential global companies, seeking answers on their efforts to protect children’s rights. This impactful initiative has now been acknowledged by the PRI (Principles for Responsible Investment), the world’s leading advocate for responsible investment.
“To improve the situation for children worldwide, we need to collaborate. We have the opportunity and responsibility to influence companies to prioritise children’s rights,” said Pia Gisgård, Head of Sustainability and Corporate Governance at Swedbank Robur.
The private sector plays a critical role in achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, yet placing children’s rights on corporate agendas remains a challenge. The finance sector, in particular, can be a powerful driver of sustainable practices, especially concerning children’s welfare.
As Sweden’s largest fund manager, Swedbank Robur invests in over 3,400 companies globally. Their influence extends to the boardrooms and management teams of these companies, where they engage actively to promote sustainable business practices.
“We firmly believe that investors have the power and responsibility to drive transformative change for children through active corporate engagement,” said Ekin Björstedt, Secretary General of Global Child Forum. “We’re proud to see Swedbank Robur recognised for their leadership in this space, setting an example of how financial institutions can champion children’s rights. It’s time for more investors to recognise their influence and push businesses to prioritise the welfare and future of the youngest and most vulnerable.”
“Our benchmark data on nearly 2,000 companies offers investors an unparalleled resource to assess corporate impact on children’s rights and guide their investment decisions,” said Matthew Goodwin, Head of Sustainable Investing at Global Child Forum. “Swedbank Robur’s proactive use of our insights to engage with their investee companies sets a powerful example of how investors can drive meaningful action on the most pressing challenges facing children today.”
The winners of the PRI Awards 2024 will be announced at PRI in Person on October 8 in Toronto.
For media inquiries and further information, please contact:
Linda Ravin Lodding
Head of Communications
Global Child Forum
+46 72 387 0248
Swedbank Robur’s proactive use of our insights to engage with their investee companies sets a powerful example of how investors can drive meaningful action on the most pressing challenges facing children today.
Matthew Goodwin
Head of Sustainable Investing, Global Child Forum
Founded in 2009 by the Swedish Royal Family, Global Child Forum is a leading forum for children’s rights and business dedicated to innovative thinking, knowledge-sharing and networking. Global Child Forum believes in the power and responsibility of business, working in partnership with all parts of society, to create a prosperous, sustainable and just society for the world’s children. In addition to forums, Global Child Forum delivers research perspectives, best practices and risk assessment tools designed to unlock opportunities for business to integrate children’s rights into their operations and communities. For more information, please visit: www.globalchildforum.org.