While the SDG’s span the full range of ESG issues, Storebrand Equal Opportunities will initially focus on companies that are making essential digital, financial, and health-related services available to more people worldwide. The new fund targets companies across sectors such as women’s health, digital health, microfinance, and internet access, among others.
There are still billions of people who do not have access to essential services that most of us depend on. We believe the companies that help solve problems like these – some of the most important problems faced by people around the world - will perform well in the future.
Historically, when talking about sustainable investing or ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) investing, the "E" in ESG has gotten a lot of attention. Over the past couple of years, the "S" have gotten an increased interest with existing opportunities and policy framework that might fall into place, but there is still a lack of funding for the social needs defined in the SDGs.
Third fund in Storebrand’s SDG-oriented “Solutions” portfolio
Storebrand Equal Opportunities arrives as the third in Storebrand’s Solutions family of SDG-themed funds. The other Solutions funds that Storebrand has previously launched, address the themes of renewable energy, and smart cities. Each of the funds seeks investment opportunities guided by themes taken from the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, a set of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), creates opportunities for investors to allocate capital to help accelerate sustainable development. Within the SDGs are outlined a series of social goals that the world needs to resolve by 2030.
Global scope
The investment universe for the fund is global, providing coverage of both developed markets and emerging markets. Storebrand aims for this fund to help fulfil a core principle underlying the SDGs: creating better access to essential services for the world’s entire population.