VBDO’s partners, local & international networks
In addition to its members, VBDO works with various partners, whether or not affiliated with local & international projects and networks. Including:
Platform Living Wage Financials (PLWF)
A living wage is defined as an income from employment that is at least sufficient to meet the necessities of life for employees and their families. It is consistent with UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 1: no poverty.
The platform is an alliance between 21 investors who strive for a living wage in the clothing industry, retail and the agricultural sector. VBDO has been committed to the subject since 2016, including putting it on the agenda at shareholder meetings. From 2024, we will take on a secretarial and operational support role within the platform.
Bottom Line!
Bottom Line! is a partnership from IUCNL NL that focuses on three forest landscapes of critical value to global biodiversity. These are the Tompotika forest in Indonesia, threatened by nickel mining; the Atewa forest in Ghana where there are plans for bauxite mining; and Tampakan in the Philippines where indigenous communities are resisting large-scale copper ore mining in a vulnerable watershed.
ERIN (European Responsible Investment Network)
ERIN is an initiative of ShareAction. The European network, together with more than 30 organizations from 12 countries, advocates a sustainable investment system. The network provides a collaborative approach to capital market campaigns, provides a strong counterpoint to the financial lobby and encourages investors to improve their investment practices.
The VBDO is part of the ERIN steering group and participates in a working group on human rights.
Eurosif
The European organisation of Sustainable Investment Forums (SIFs) aims to make the European financial markets more sustainable. VBDO is not a member of Eurosif, but maintains close ties with the organisation.
GSIA (Global Sustainable Investment Alliance)
GSIA is a global sustainable investment collaboration. GSIA regularly publishes a report on trends within the sustainable investment market: the Global Sustainable Investment Review.
United Nations Net-Zero Asset Owner Alliance (NZAOA)
The UN-initiated Net-Zero Asset Owner Alliance (NZAOA) is an ambitious group of asset owners. The alliance has made a public commitment to transform investment portfolios towards Net-Zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The VBDO was proudly appointed as an official supporter of the NZAOA in 2021 by the United Nations Environment Program Finance Initiative (UNEP FI).