Asset manager Robeco, in partnership with UBS Global Wealth Management, has launched its RobecoSAM Global SDG Engagement Equities strategy, Robeco’s second Social Development Goal (SDG)-focused equities strategy after its 2018 launch of RobecoSAM Global SDG Equities strategy.

As exclusive partner for the six months following the launch of the strategy, UBS GWM has initiated funding this month, with a target to invest US$1.5 billion.

SDG Engagement Equities is a high conviction strategy with a sustainable investment objective to drive a clear and measurable improvement in a company's contribution to the United Nations’ SDGs over three to five years.

The objective is to motivate invested companies to improve their fulfilment of the SDGs by actively engaging and having an active dialogue with them. Additionally, the strategy aims to provide long-term capital growth and integrate environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations, while at the same time integrating sustainability risks in the investment process. The benchmark is the MSCI All Country World Index (net return, USD).

The RobecoSAM SDG Engagement Equities strategy is run by a team from Robeco’s fundamental equities, emerging markets equities, active ownership and SI research division. Michiel Plakman is the lead portfolio manager, supported by Daniela da Costa, Peter van der Werf, Giacomo Moroni and Jan Anton van Zanten.

The launch of the strategy reflects the shared conviction of Robeco and UBS that engaging and having an active dialogue about SDGs is vital in supporting positive change that benefits people and the planet.

“Robeco’s strong track record in sustainability engagement perfectly fits the aim of this strategy which is to drive clear and measurable improvements in a company’s contribution to the SDGs while achieving attractive investment returns for our clients,” says Reto Eisenhut-Quinter, head of wholesale, Robeco Switzerland.