We believe in the value of a long-term investment approach where we work with companies to help them become more sustainable. For us, engagement goes beyond risk management: it is a key lever for bringing about positive change and creating sustainable shareholder value. It is an integral part of our flexible, forward-looking investment approach.
The main objective of our engagement activities is to positively influence companies on ESG issues, promote good corporate governance and secure long-term growth and shareholder value. In cooperation with the Union Investment Group and global initiatives such as Climate Action 100+, we are actively shaping climate standards in the financial sector. Our commitment is based on leading international standards such as the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment (UN PRI) and the UN Global Compact (UNGC).
Three phase engagement approach
The engagement approach consists of three phases: in the pre-engagement phase, problem areas in companies are identified that can be addressed through engagement activities. The two levers in the actual engagement phase are the exercise of voting rights and direct dialogue. All votes are published on the Union Investment voting dashboard shortly after the AGM. The most common topics include corporate governance issues, controversial shareholdings, carbon emissions, the switch to renewable energies, diversity, environmental issues, and social standards. In the post-commitment process, the results of activities are assessed at regular intervals.
Shareholder Rights Directive II (SRD II)
For the sub-funds of Quoniam Fund Selection SICAV, we outsource our engagement activities to Union Investment and refer in this context to the Engagement Policy of Union Investment. The implementation of the Engagement Policy and the publication of the voting behavior can be found in the Engagement Report.