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In this episode, Toby Belsom, Director of Guidance and Reporting at the PRI, is joined by James Alexander, CEO of UKSIF and Chair of the Global Sustainable Investment Alliance, and Mette Charles, ESG Research Lead at Aon Investment Consultants.
Drawing on insights from the latest PRI reporting cycle, the largest ever, with over 4,200 signatories participating, the conversation explores what the data reveals about investor commitments, implementation challenges and emerging priorities across the responsible investment landscape.
Together, they unpack how investors are navigating geopolitical shifts, regulatory divergence and systemic risks while translating sustainability commitments into meaningful action.
Overview
The latest PRI reporting data highlights five key themes:
- Reporting still matters, even amid political turbulence
- Climate remains the dominant focus across signatories
- Global agreements such as the Paris Agreement continue to shape frameworks
- Translating commitments into action remains challenging
- “Value creation” is increasingly used to justify sustainability activity
The discussion reflects on how these trends are playing out across regions and what they mean for asset owners and managers.
Detailed coverage
Climate remains king
Climate continues to dominate investor priorities, driven by financial materiality and systemic risk. Progress is uneven, and asset owners face constraints linked to policy uncertainty and limited investable opportunities.
Global agreements and policy divergence
While some governments are stepping back from global commitments, many investors remain anchored to frameworks such as the Paris Agreement and standards like the ISSB. The episode explores tensions created by fragmented regulation.
From commitments to meaningful action
Moving from commitments to real-world impact remains difficult. Barriers include data gaps, short-term incentives, regulatory inconsistency and limited scalable opportunities.
Emerging themes: nature, AI and physical risk
Nature-related risk is rising up the agenda, though methodologies remain complex. The discussion also touches on AI-related ESG risks and growing physical climate risk.
Human rights and social risk
Modern slavery, working conditions and gig economy risks remain key issues, with supply chain transparency a continuing challenge.
Regional contrasts
Europe is reassessing regulation, the US is navigating political shifts, while Japan and Australia are advancing disclosure and fiduciary guidance.
Asset owner power
Asset owners, as long-term capital providers exposed to systemic risks, are positioned to shape markets and align sustainability with value creation.
To find out more about PRI reporting data, visit our blog.
Chapters
00:00 – Introduction: insights from PRI reporting data
01:25 – Five key themes from the latest reporting cycle
06:26 – Global agreements, geopolitics and investor confidence
10:07 – Climate leadership, ambition and data challenges
13:13 – Nature, AI and emerging ESG priorities
15:52 – Barriers to turning commitments into action
20:28 – Regional divergence and regulatory shifts
25:09 – Asset owners vs managers: alignment and tension
26:51 – Human rights, modern slavery and social risk
29:44 – Reflections and hopes for 2026
Disclaimer
This podcast and material referenced herein is provided for information only. It is not intended to be investment, legal, tax or other advice, nor is it intended to be relied upon in making an investment or other decision. PRI Association is not responsible for any decision made or action taken based on information on this podcast. Listeners retain sole discretion over whether and how to use the information contained herein. PRI Association is not responsible for and does not endorse third parties featured on in this podcast or any third-party comments, content or other resources that may be included or referenced herein. Unless otherwise stated, podcast content does not necessarily represent the views of signatories to the Principles for Responsible Investment. All information is provided “as is” with no guarantee of completeness, accuracy or timeliness, or of the results obtained from the use of this information, and without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. PRI Association is committed to compliance with all applicable laws. Copyright © PRI Association 2025. All rights reserved. This content may not be reproduced, or used for any other purpose, without the prior written consent of PRI Association.
