PRI in Person 2025 Unites Global Leaders in Sustainable Investment

From November 4 to 6, 2025, São Paulo, Brazil, hosted the PRI in Person 2025, a pivotal gathering organized by the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI). This annual event attracted nearly 1,300 participants, including regulators and leaders from financial and academic institutions. The theme for this year’s conference was “Global challenges, resilient strategies, investable opportunities,” emphasizing the urgent need for sustainable economic solutions. Notably, the event was also recognized as an official component of the COP30 Business and Finance Forum.

One of the standout participants was E Fund Management Co., Ltd., a prominent asset management firm that has been a pioneer in responsible investment practices in China. Since becoming one of the first Chinese institutions to join the PRI in 2017, E Fund has consistently integrated environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into its investment strategies. The firm has been instrumental in helping Chinese companies enhance their ESG performance while also sharing insights at international forums.

During the conference, a key session titled “Navigating Risk and Unlocking Opportunities in Asia’s High Growth Markets” focused on sustainability trends and challenges within Asian markets. Jane Cheng, Head of ESG Research at E Fund, represented Chinese institutions in discussions alongside representatives from Neuberger Berman, Seviora Group (a Temasek company), and India’s DSP Asset Managers. Cheng highlighted that while ESG development in Asia may have started later than in other regions, significant advancements in regulatory frameworks and innovations are underway.

China, in particular, has made substantial progress in its ESG policy framework, data accessibility, and corporate awareness. The country is undergoing a transformative shift towards environmentally responsible development pathways, guided by its ambitious “Dual Carbon” goals of reaching carbon peaking and carbon neutrality. As a result, asset managers are increasingly applying ESG principles in their investment decisions, and corporate governance improvements are yielding positive outcomes.

The role of emerging markets in sustainable development was a focal point of the conference. In a side event titled “Emerging Market Responsible Investment Practice – China and Brazil,” Wilson Wei, Chief ESG Analyst at E Fund, moderated a panel featuring guests from FAIRR, HSBC Asset Management, Itaú Asset Management, and B3 (the Brazilian Stock Exchange). The discussion centered on cross-border supply-chain linkages and identified innovative ESG practices in both China and Brazil, exploring opportunities for enhanced sustainability cooperation.

During the side event, E Fund and Itaú Asset Management jointly released the “Responsible Investment in China & Brazil Whitepaper.” This document outlines recent developments and practical examples related to sustainability disclosure frameworks, taxonomy standards, and product guidelines in both countries. The whitepaper aims to foster a deeper understanding and collaboration between the two rapidly developing markets as they navigate the complexities of responsible investment.

The PRI in Person 2025 not only showcased the commitment of global leaders towards sustainable investment but also highlighted the increasing importance of collaboration across borders to address pressing global challenges. As the investment community continues to evolve, events like these play a crucial role in shaping resilient strategies and identifying investable opportunities that align with a sustainable future.