Japanese ICMIF member Zenkyoren (National Mutual Insurance Federation of Agricultural Cooperatives) has announced that it has signed the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI), which is supported by the United Nations (UN).

The PRI is a set of principles that encourages institutional investors to incorporate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues into their investment decisions in order to achieve a sustainable society.

Based on JA Kyosai’s mission to contribute to the development of local communities where people can enjoy secure and affluent lives and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Policy of the JA (Japan Agricultural Cooperatives) Group of which Zenkyoren is a member, which includes addressing shared global issues (environmental problems, etc.), Zenkyoren has been progressing ESG investments as a part of its fund management activities to solve environmental problems and contribute to achieve other SDGs. JA Kyosai is where local-level JAs (cooperatives in the JA Group) and Zenkyoren provide members and policyholders with a sense of security by jointly underwriting and administering insurance policies

Zenkyoren will continue to contribute to the realisation of a sustainable society through ESG investments.

The goal of the PRI international investor network of asset managers, banks and insurance companies is to create a more sustainable global financial system. Among other things, the PRI initiative stipulates that members pay special attention to sustainability aspects when investing capital and that they actively support these principles as shareholders.

The six Principles for Responsible Investment are a voluntary and aspirational set of investment principles that offer a menu of possible actions for incorporating ESG issues into investment practice.

The Principles were developed by investors, for investors. In implementing them, signatories contribute to developing a more sustainable global financial system. The six principles are:

• Principle 1: We will incorporate ESG issues into investment analysis and decision-making processes.
• Principle 2: We will be active owners and incorporate ESG issues into our ownership policies and practices.
• Principle 3: We will seek appropriate disclosure on ESG issues by the entities in which we invest.
• Principle 4: We will promote acceptance and implementation of the Principles within the investment industry.
• Principle 5: We will work together to enhance our effectiveness in implementing the Principles.
• Principle 6: We will each report on our activities and progress towards implementing the Principles.