ASI launches SDG-focused Emerging Markets Sustainable Development Equity Fund
Global asset manager Aberdeen Standard Investments (ASI) announced today of a new Emerging Markets-focused UN Sustainable Development Goals* (SDGs)-aligned equity fund. According to ASI, the new Emerging Markets Sustainable Development Equity Fund will concentrate on Emerging Market economies that have strong growth potential and where capital will have the greatest impact, investing in companies that are strongly aligned to the SDGs.
Fiona Manning, Investment Director at Aberdeen Standard Investments, said:
“The UN’s Sustainable Development Goals provide an excellent framework to ensure that efforts are directed to the areas of greatest need. While some progress has been made towards achieving these goals by 2030, people in many emerging market countries are still not benefiting from growth and progress and are increasingly vulnerable to economic, social and environmental risks.
ASI stated that the aim of the focused, actively managed portfolio of 30-60 high-conviction stocks will be to ensure that investment is directed to the areas of greatest need. The fund marks the second in ASI’s Sustainable Development Equity range following the launch of the Asian Sustainable Development Equity Fund in August this year.
William Scholes, Investment Director at Aberdeen Standard Investments, said:
“We have a large research footprint in emerging markets which helps us to uncover high-quality SDG-aligned investment opportunities. By investing in these companies, the Fund seeks to deliver both an attractive return and a positive societal impact where it matters most.”
*What are the UN Sustainable Development Goals?
The UN SDGs refer to the 17 categories of Sustainable Development Goals adopted by world leaders at the United Nations Sustainable Development Summit in September 2015, with the aim to protect the planet and improve quality of life globally. The UN SDGs set targets to achieve a broad range of aspirational goals, including ending poverty and hunger, improving education, and protecting the environment.
The UN SDGs are divided into 17 categories: No Poverty, Zero Hunger, Good Health and Well-being, Quality Education, Gender Equality, Clean Water and Sanitation, Affordable and Clean Energy, Decent Work and Economic Growth, Industry, Innovation, & Infrastructure, Reduced Inequalities, Sustainable Cities and Communities, Responsible Consumption and Production, Climate Action, Life Below Water, Life on Land, Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions, and Partnerships for the Goals.