FFS and Assofondipensione: Here are the priority sustainability issues for investors in 2025.

On the occasion of Euronext Sustainability Week , promoted by Borsa Italiana – Euronext from September 4 to 11, of which ESGnews is once again a media partner, the Forum for Sustainable Finance and Assofondipensione are proposing an initiative to engage with companies on sustainability issues. The initiative was launched with a letter sent to issuers registered for Euronext Sustainability Week 2025 , which listed a series of issues that investors consider priority in the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) field.

These topics could be discussed during meetings between investors (both shareholders and bondholders) and companies, as they are financially relevant. The letter is signed by 53 investors, including pension funds, asset managers, pension funds, banks, and insurance companies, an increase from last year's 46, with the support of 19 other non-investor entities associated with the Forum (NGOs, consulting firms, foundations, and trade associations).

This initiative was first launched by the Sustainable Finance Forum in 2022, as part of its permanent working group on engagement. "To ensure that the transition process continues along a roadmap that progressively reduces emissions and minimizes risks associated with the social impact of transforming production models, it is necessary to strengthen the dialogue between financial operators and invested companies," stated Francesco Bicciato , Director General of the Sustainable Finance Forum. "Engagement strategies allow investors to align ESG factors with companies that have already undertaken a sustainability process. This relationship can foster virtuous economic development where competitiveness and sustainability are not only compatible but often complementary."

In the environmental sphere , the topics identified for the 2025 engagement include: the inclusion of climate risks in corporate risk management strategies, the adoption of a transition plan and a strategy for adaptation to climate change, alignment with the European taxonomy of environmentally sustainable economic activities, the disclosure of data on environmental aspects through CDP (formerly the Carbon Disclosure Project) surveys, the alignment of climate-altering emissions reduction targets with SBTi standards, the introduction of corporate policies for the sustainable management of water resources, the protection of biodiversity, and the reduction and recycling of waste with a view to a circular economy, as well as reducing plastic pollution. In the social sphere , the priority topics are: just transition, workplace safety, sustainability in the value chain, interaction with local communities, generational equality and workforce stability, professional training, and fair pay. Finally, regarding governance, the issues identified for 2025 include: shareholder approval of the climate transition plan, gender equality, remuneration policies, tax and lobbying policies, the fight against active and passive corruption, implementation of the national contract and contractual welfare, and the existence of a code of ethics regarding the use of artificial intelligence technologies.

"This is Assofondipensione's fifth consecutive participation in Sustainability Week, and this year we're relaunching our commitment to sustainability with the new engagement project promoted by our Association in collaboration with our advisor, Nummus.info," commented Andrea Mariani , Secretary of Assofondipensione. "We therefore strongly believe in engagement as a fundamental lever for promoting ESG values and sustainable economic development. This isn't just an ethical choice, but a strategic vision consistent with our long-term mission: safeguarding our members' savings and protecting the future while also fostering economic growth."