(16 September 2016) The Sydney Stock Exchange has become the 60th Partner Exchange of the United Nation’s Sustainable Stock Exchanges (SSE) initiative and first Australian exchange to join this global partnership. The Sydney Exchange intends to make use of the SSE platform to improve transparency and further enable ethical and sustainable interactions in their marketplace. The exchange has expressed its hope that as a Partner Exchange, it will be able to enhance the sustainability practices of listed companies and overall, make a meaningful contribution to the investment community.
George Wang, Deputy Chairman of SSX, said, “At SSX we are committed to operating an ethical, transparent and sustainable marketplace. In Australia and throughout Asia, sustainable investing strategies and practices are becoming increasingly important. SSX is pleased to join the SSE initiative and we look forward to working in cooperation with the SSE experts to improve sustainability practices within our listed companies and making greater impact on the investment community.”.
Following an exchange of views on how capital market actors can best advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the 2016 SSE Global Dialogue, held in Singapore earlier this month, the Sydney Stock Exchange’s commitment comes at a historic moment. Sydney Stock Exchange’s joining of the SSE initiative aligns with the approaching one-year anniversary of the historic international adoption of the 2030 Global agenda and the 17 SDGs. The SDGs provide a meaningful action plan for increased global stewardship in areas spanning from ending poverty to providing clean water and sanitation.
Gavin Power, Deputy Director, UN Global Compact, reflected: “To deliver on the promise of the Sustainable Development Goals and Agenda 2030 adopted one year ago this month, private sector finance and investment must play a central role. This new agenda calls on the financial community to move into an era of ‘positive impact’ finance — redirecting capital towards solutions, critical infrastructure, and innovative financial products that advance sustainable development. The Sydney Stock Exchange joining the SSE as its 60th Partner Exchange is an important moment for both the initiative and the growing movement of stock exchanges contributing to Agenda 2030.”
“We welcome the recent commitment of the Singapore Exchange and now the Sydney Stock Exchange” said Eric Usher, Head, UNEP Finance Initiative. “Stock exchanges are in a unique position to help mobilize the regulations, policies and market opportunities that will support the transition to greener and more inclusive economies.”
The influence global stock exchanges have on investor and company behavior make them a compelling proponent for the adoption of these goals, particularly in regards to: achieving gender equality and empowerment of all women and girls (Goal 5); creating sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all (Goal 8); ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns (Goal 12); taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts (Goal 13); strengthening the means of implementation and revitalizing the global partnerships for sustainable development (Goal 17).
In becoming a Partner Exchange member, the Sydney Stock Exchange will not only add to the collective leverage of the SSE initiative, but will further influence the global implementation of the SDGs.
SSX Director of Business Development and Marketing Joseph Rodarick Law said, “We see great opportunity and potential in many sectors with sustainable investment and operating strategies at their core – renewable and clean energy, food production, advanced manufacturing, and IT for instance– and SSX is offering companies and investors an attractive marketplace for these and other relevant sectors.”
To learn more about the Sydney Stock Exchange please visit www.apx.com.au
