UBS to Invest $1.5 Billion in Robeco Fund Aiming to Engage Companies to Improve SDG Performance
International asset manager Robeco and UBS Global Wealth Management announced today the launch of RobecoSAM Global SDG Engagement Equities, a new fund aiming to motivate companies to improve their contributions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through active engagement and dialogue.
The UN SDGs refer to the 17 categories of goals adopted as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, 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.
Reto Eisenhut-Quinter, Head of Wholesale Robeco Switzerland, said:
“Robeco’s strong track record in sustainability engagement perfectly fits the aim of this fund which is to drive clear and measurable improvements in a company’s contribution to the SDGs while achieving attractive investment returns for our clients. We are excited to have our close and longstanding client UBS as our launch partner and look forward to providing our other clients with an excellent opportunity for long-term capital growth through active engagement and dialogue on SDGs.”
The fund was developed by Robeco, in partnership with UBS, with UBS signing on as an exclusive partner for six months, and targeting an investment of $1.5 billion in the fund. The fund will be run by professionals from Robeco’s Fundamental Equities, Emerging Markets Equities, Active Ownership and SI Research teams.
Bruno Marxer, Head of Global Investment Management at UBS Global Wealth Management, said:
“Through this collaborative effort, we connect people to contribute to a better world – and we connect attractive investment ideas with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals. We are proud to offer our clients exclusive access to this new sustainable investment solution.”