VBDOs 2024 highlights

A new year is just around the corner. As we reflect on 2024, VBDO is proud to share five significant milestones that have advanced sustainable investment and corporate responsibility:

1. Tax Transparency Milestone: Our Tax Transparency Benchmark 2024 reveals that 93% of assessed companies now publish their tax strategies, a substantial increase from 45% in 2015. This progress underscores a transformative shift in corporate accountability, aligning tax governance with sustainability and stakeholder expectations.
2. Pension Funds Leading in Responsible Investment: The Benchmark on Responsible Investment by Pension Funds in the Netherlands 2024 highlights that Dutch pension funds are no longer just financial stewards; they are becoming central players in advancing sustainable practices, with Pension Fund Detailhandel emerging as a top performer. This reflects a growing commitment to sustainable investment practices within the sector.
3. Focus on Biodiversity: In September, we hosted a webinar titled “Key Insights on Biodiversity,” emphasizing the critical role biodiversity plays in supporting ecosystems that drive our economies. The session delved into the unique challenges, impacts, and risks for companies and investors, highlighting the importance of integrating biodiversity considerations into investment portfolios.
4. Advocating for Responsible EV Supply Chains: Our seminar on “Investing in the (EV) Energy Transition” shed light on the real-world consequences of mining activities driving deforestation and land conflicts. Investors were equipped with tools like geospatial mapping to assess and mitigate these risks, promoting responsible resource extraction in the EV industry’s supply chain.
5. Championing Child Well-being in Finance: In November, we organized the seminar “Investing in Child Well-being in Business and Finance,” aiming to help companies and investors better understand the scope of children’s well-being within business practices and investment frameworks. The event highlighted the importance of integrating children’s well-being into portfolio screening and management processes.

We thank all our members and partners for another year of their valuable support, and we wish you all a Merry Christmas. Here’s to a fantastic and sustainable 2025!