International Working Group
The International Working Group is a member-led initiative of the U.S. Social Investment Forum that has been meeting since 1997.
The three primary goals of the IWG are:
- Provide education on existing and emerging global SRI issues;
- Foster networks within the international SRI marketplace around issues of global relevance;
- Create a space to meet, share ideas, and develop collaborative action.
What's New
IWG's Spring Symposium, The Paradox of China's
Transformation, in Washington, DC.
This symposium will address the rising tension between China's tremendous economic growth and international influence over recent decades as it faces environmental and developmental challenges. As China increases its international reach, internal issues of transparency, human rights, product safety, pollution, energy and water have emerged. We will discuss issues of concern to social investors as they look to Chinese firms and the Chinese market to make sound investments and make a difference for their clients.
Please check http://www.socialinvest.org/projects/iwg/events.cfm for more information.
IWG Webinar on Canadian Oil Sands
On March 5, the IWG held a webinar which focused on providing US based investors with information regarding two recently filed resolutions addressing Canadian oil sands investor risk.These resolutions will go to the vote at the 2010 AGMs of Shell and BP. The webinar included presentations from Niall Shea of The Co-Operative Asset Management, the largest institutional co-filer, and Louise Rouse of FairPensions, who provided information regarding plans to generate support for the resolutions and ways US investors can support the resolution. Andrew Logan of CERES discussed his organization's involvement in shareholder initiative regarding oil sands, and IWG's Lauren Compere moderated the discussion.
A Call to Action on ESG Disclosure in Emerging Markets
- Sign on the the Emerging Markets Disclosure Project Investor Statement by March 31; contact Kristin Lang if you wish to be a signatory.