The coalition behind the Asset Owner (AO) Statement on Climate Stewardship now represents more than $2 trillion in savings, following the endorsement of eight additional asset owners.
The AO Statement on Climate Stewardship, which launched in February 2025, sets out consistent expectations for climate stewardship across the investment chain. It is designed to improve dialogue between asset owners and asset managers, embed greater efficiency in stewardship practices and support the delivery of climate objectives within investment mandates.
The eight new signatories are Caisse des Dépôts (CDC), IRCANTEC, Établissement de Retraite additionnelle de la Fonction publique (ERAFP), Fonds de Réserve pour les Retraites (FRR), Mutuelle assurance des instituteurs de France (MAIF), Malakoff Humanis, Sammelstiftung Vita and the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund (UNJSPF).
The coalition now represents over USD 2 trillion in assets and aims to raise standards for climate stewardship across the global investment sector. Its framework is intended to strengthen alignment between asset owners and managers and provide a consistent approach to managing climate-related risks and objectives.
People’s Pension head of responsible investment Leanne Clements says: “It is fantastic news that the AO Statement on Climate Stewardship has garnered additional support over the past few months. Increased support of the statement will help to raise the collective asset owner voice as owners of capital and strengthen the asset owner-fund manager relationship. Asset owners continuing to set the bar on climate expectations, especially in this challenging external landscape, is extremely critical in the lead up to 2030, for the ultimate benefit of its members.”
ERAFP head of responsible investment Pierre Devichi says: “ERAFP is convinced that climate change – together with nature loss – is a key risk for financial stability and financial returns in the long term. As such, and in accordance with its long-term investment horizon and its fiduciary duty, ERAFP is committed to fighting climate change. Studies and experience have shown that stewardship activities – namely voting and engagement – are essential tools to influence the real economy towards decarbonation.
“Yet, despite this clear alignment of interests, asset managers’ climate stewardship activities must be enhanced. With this statement, ERAFP wants to highlight best practices and clearly set its expectations, aligned with those of many peers, to prompt asset managers to significantly bolster their action in this critical component of sustainable investing in order to effectively serve asset owners’ needs – and ultimately, those of beneficiaries.”