On 20 March 2019, the Dutch Central Bank (De Nederlandsche Bank, DNB) announced that it has signed the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) as part of its new Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy. By doing so DNB, has committed itself to integrate six environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles in its investment practices. DNB is the first central bank to do this.
As an investor in the financial markets, DNB strives to make the economy more sustainable and manage the ESG risks of its own reserves. DNB has now commits to invest these reserves (amounting to over EUR 19 billion) in a responsible manner in accordance with its Responsible Investment Charter. This charter sets out DNB’s responsible investment policy for the years ahead. DNB’s CSR strategy for 2019 – 2025 focuses on two themes that tie in with DNB’s mission and mandate:
- sustainable economic growth that has no harmful effects on the environment; and
- an inclusive financial and economic system.
These themes have been further specified in six key priorities and are in line with four of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
View DNB’s Responsible Investment Charter, 20 March 2019.