Sustainability and Corporate Governance Report 202
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HANDELSBANKEN FONDER – COMMENTS FROM THE CEO Sust
ainability shows the way to a richer future The realisation that our lives can suddenly be upended may be one reason why many savers have opened their eyes to the importance of investing sustainably. So say Magdalena Wahlqvist Alveskog, CEO, and Karin Askelöf, Head of Sustainability, at Handelsbanken Fonder. Here they share their thoughts on the major sustainability challenges facing the world and why it is becoming increasingly evident that sustainability is essential for remaining profitable. They are convinced that Handelsbanken Fonder not only has an opportunity, but a responsibility as an owner to influence and contribute to sustainable development through both active and passive management. How do you view the past year? Magdalena Wahlqvist Alveskog: It’s impossible to say anything else: 2020 was a challenging year. Covid-19 has affected us all and taken a heavy toll on people and communities across the world. Yet I believe that some of the changes we have had to make as a result of the pandemic will bring positive effects in the future. For one thing, we have been forced into various lockdowns that have made it clear how our way of life impacts the climate and the world around us. This has led to an increased awareness of many of the sustainability challenges we face. I think it has affected the way we look at the world, too. We now know that our everyday lives can be abruptly upended, and that it’s actually possible to change habitual behaviours. The realisation that our situation in life can change in the blink of an eye, I think, has helped raise people’s awareness of the importance of investing sustainably. Karin Askelöf: One positive aspect is the continuing progress on climate action. More and more countries and nations are joining the call for net-zero greenhouse gas emissions, and interest in green investments is growing. Around the world, extensive infrastructure investments are now being made with a green, environmental mindset. Handelsbanken Fonder wants to contribute to a richer future. What do you mean by that? Magdalena Wahlqvist Alveskog: We want to help create a richer future for all our stakeholders. This means creating better, more secure living conditions by delivering sustainable values for the long term – not just for our customers and the companies we invest in, but for society at large. To accomplish this, we’ve got to look at how we can relieve rather than burden our planet by restoring and conserving nature’s resources, and helping to reduce climate impact. In parallel, we also need to pursue social issues such as labour law, inclusion and fundamental human rights. “ By investing responsibly and influencing companies to act more sustainably, we can build the foundation for a richer future – for current and future generations alike.” Magdalena Wahlqvist Alveskog, CEO of Handelsbanken Fonder Karin Askelöf: As a financial player and a part of society, we shoulder part of the responsibility for transitioning to a more circular economy, away from a linear business logic that encourages overexploitation of the earth’s resources. This means that we as asset managers, as well as the companies we invest in, need to become regenerative. In other words, we should not only look at how we can reduce negative impacts, but determine what we can do that will promote social, environmental and economic sustainability. We can achieve this through higher levels of resource efficiency along with circular resource and material flows. 2