Sustainable Investment Policy
Policy Statement
The University is committed to ensure its portfolios to be invested according to the highest ESG standards by outlines the principles and guidelines governing university investment decisions and portfolio management, focusing on promoting sustainability and responsible investing that reflecting the ambitious sustainability agenda within the University. The university recognizes its role in contributing to a more sustainable future and acknowledges the importance of aligning its investments with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations.
Scope
The policy is implemented to all the investments of the university in terms of money or any other sources.
Purpose
An-Najah National University seeking to integrate environmental, social and governance factors into the investment decision making process to identify and manage risk, promote responsible practices while minimizing any negative impact on its investment returns.
Our sustainable investment objectives are as follows:
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Environmental Impact: Incorporate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations to invest in companies and projects that promote sustainable environmental practices, reduce carbon footprint, and foster eco-friendly technologies.
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Social Responsibility: Promote investments in entities that uphold ethical labor practices, diversity and inclusion, respect human rights, and positively impact local communities.
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Governance and Ethics: Support organizations with transparent governance structures, strong ethical principles, and effective risk management practices. Promote investments in stakeholders that prioritize shareholder rights and ethical business practices.
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Long-term Financial Performance: Achieve attractive financial returns while considering the long term impacts of investments on sustainability factors.
Principles
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ESG Integration: integrate ESG factors into our investment decision-making process to identify companies and projects that align with sustainable principles, considering the potential impact of our investments on the environment, society, and corporate governance.
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Positive Screening: Actively seek opportunities to invest in companies and projects that demonstrate exceptional environmental and social performance.
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Exclusionary Criteria: Avoid investing in entities involved in activities harmful to the environment, society, or those with poor ethical practices, such as fossil fuel production, tobacco, or human rights violations.
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Engagement and Advocacy: Collaborate with companies and organizations in the investment portfolio to promote sustainable practices and encourage improved ESG performance and address common challenges.
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Alignment with Leading Universities: Align our investment policy with leading universities’ best practices and recognized global sustainability standards, such as the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment (UNPRI).
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Transparency and Accountability: Prioritize investments in entities that provide transparent disclosure of their sustainability efforts and ESG performance
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Risk Management: Consider the financial implications of ESG factors and evaluate potential risks associated with investments.
The University Investment Committee
The role of the Investment Committee is to consider the corporate governance and other related implications of the University's investments.
The objective of the University ‘Endowment and Investment fund’ is to grow the value of the fund and maintain the capital in real terms over the long term whilst providing an annual income yield to support the activities of the numerous endowments.
The Investment Committee meets quarterly to review the performance of the appointed fund managers and to consider and implement policy developments and proposals from the University.
Responsibilities
The University Investment Committee will be the authority for execution of the Sustainable investment policy.
Reporting
The University will make available on an annual basis an impact report highlighting that how the University’s is working to meet the frame work set out within the Sustainable Investment Policy.
Policy Owner: Finance and Procurement
Reviewed by: Investment Committee
Policy Approved by: University Board of Trustees, Development Trust
Effective Date: October 12, 2016
Review Date: Jun 15, 2023