Kuwait Financial Centre, Markaz has become a signatory to the United Nations-supported Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI), further strengthening its commitment to integrating environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations into its investment decisions and practices.
Following the signing, Markaz is amongst the first Kuwaiti companies to join the leading international network of institutional investors committed to responsible investment.
The partnership with the UN-supported PRI along with the pledge to abide by its regulations and rigid reporting process comes as part of Markaz’s ongoing efforts to serve the best interest of its clients by incorporating sustainability principles into its investment and keeping them informed through transparent reporting and ESG disclosures.
It also comes in alignment with Markaz’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy, a key pillar of which is aligning its business environment with the principles of sustainable development. The other two pillars are building human capacity and promoting good governance in the business environment.
The world’s leading proponent of responsible investment, the UN-supported PRI is a collaborative, investor-led initiative. It is a community of over 5,000 organizations around the world that have publicly demonstrated their commitment to putting into practice six principles for responsible investing. The global platform provides value to its diverse signatories, with opportunities for learning and development, sharing best practices, collaborative engagement and driving responsible investment.
The six Principles for Responsible Investment stipulate voluntary commitment from investors to incorporating ESG issues into their investment analysis and decision-making processes, being active owners and incorporating ESG issues into their ownership policies and practices, seeking appropriate disclosure on ESG issues by the entities in which they invest, promoting acceptance and implementation of the Principles within the investment industry, working together to enhance their effectiveness in implementing the Principles, and reporting on their activities and progress toward implementing the Principles.
Ali H Khalil CEO – Markaz
“We are delighted that Markaz has joined the UN-supported PRI, thus reaching a new milestone in our endeavors to embed sustainable and responsible practices in our investment decision-making and operations to achieve positive outcomes for our clients, shareholders, and community, as well as the planet. Through frequent disclosures and awareness initiatives, we have also been delivering on our stewardship commitment, thereby educating and enlightening our investors on the importance of ESG issues and how they add value lead through higher returns and better risk management. We look to leverage our PRI membership to actively contribute to global conversations on sustainability and gain deeper insights into emerging trends in the world of ethical and responsible investing.”
Mr. David Atkin, CEO of the PRI, commented that “We’re pleased to welcome Markaz as a signatory to the PRI. Firms that integrate ESG into their investment activity are demonstrating their commitment to investing for the long-term benefit of their clients. We welcome Markaz’s commitment to ESG and responsible investment and look forward to working with the firm as a valued signatory in the future.”
