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Private security companies often operate in high-risk areas. This involves major human rights risks, which are often overlooked in screenings and risk analyses. During a webinar, organized recently by PAX and Achmea Investment Management together with the international RBC Agreement for Pension Funds, experts gave information and recommendations on how pension funds can identify, prevent and mitigate risks in the private security sector. The recording of the webinar, recommendations and useful documents are now available.

Both international RBC agreements, insurers and pension funds, are jointly involved in a collective engagement process aimed at preventing further loss of biodiversity. During a field visit to an organic farm, inspiring conversations arose between financial institutions, the government, science, NGOs and farmer Jan Wieringa. A longread on the visit is available.

The Dutch Responsible Business Conduct Agreement on responsible investment by Pension Funds has concluded its first engagement case, concerning a multinational mining company and its operations in Peru. In a lessons learned document, the Agreement presents achievements, key insights and recommendations. The parties involved want to inspire investors, NGOs, trade unions and governments to work together to create added value in supply chains.

Chairman Pieter van der Gaag contributed to an episode of the podcast series ‘Crazy Money’ by American author, comedian and podcaster Paul Ollinger.

The OECD Forum on Responsible Mineral Supply Chains will take place on April 27 and 28 2021. During this forum, a side event about the hidden risks in mining supply chains will be organised by CNV. The focus will be on the countries Peru, Colombia and Bolivia.

In the first year of the Responsible Business Conduct Agreement on responsible investment by Pension Funds, the participating parties have worked hard to start the process, to get to know each other and to familiarise with each other’s procedures and requirements.

On 12 December 2019, the Toolbox for the Dutch Pension Funds Agreement on Responsible Investment was published in Dutch. Today, the translation of the toolbox becomes available. This Toolbox provides guidance to pension funds for the implementation of the Agreement.

The Monitoring Committee of the Dutch Pension Funds Agreement on Responsible Investment has issued a report indicating the results of the baseline assessment, i.e. the state of affairs at the start of the Agreement. The Steering Committee has responded by publishing an ‘Appreciation’ addressing the recommendations set out in the report.

The first annual meeting of the Dutch Pension Funds Agreement on International Responsible Investment on 10 September 2019 had an interactive character. Pension fund board managers and six NGOs, trade unions and government met in small groups to discuss animal welfare, freedom of association, human rights defenders, controversial weapons and arms trade, children's rights and climate change.

By investing their assets, pension funds can exert influence worldwide, for example in relation to human rights and the environment. In order to exert that influence more efficiently, a better understanding of the risks in the global investment chain and cooperation with local partners are required. 73 Funds, which together represent 1179 billion euros in invested assets, are signing the agreement today for this purpose.