CAJ attended the “Stewardship and Engagement Leadership Programme” (24-26 June)  organised by the Oxford Sustainable Finance Group and ShareAction at the University of Oxford in the UK.  Approximately 40 individuals participated in the programme, representing asset owners, asset managers, non-profit organisations, academics and other sectors. CAJ was represented by Representative Director Yasunori Takeuchi and Engagement Lead Mizuki Awano. This three-day programme aimed to build skills, knowledge and peer networks necessary to achieve better stewardship and effective engagement across the financial system.

The participants enjoyed vigorous discussions on such agendas as data management, analytical methods for fact-based engagement with targeted companies, and the roles of a variety of stakeholders such as policymakers, regulators, companies, and civil society. Takeaways from the programme will constitute more effective engagement strategies with the target companies and the other critical stakeholders going forward.

Comment by Yasunori Takeuchi, Representative Director:

“This programme provided a practical learning opportunity on effective (company) engagement. It was developed based on the latest research findings and offered us valuable insights. I learned that: each market has a different capital market situation and corresponding regulatory environment; different asset classes require different approaches; and the benefits of involving a diverse range of stakeholders. The group work for case studies provided an opportunity to learn from each other as well as made us realize the importance of a multifaceted approach that takes into account the perspectives of our counterparts in the engagement. The programme is rich in contents and applicable to the real situation in the work.

Comment by Mizuki Awano, Engagement Lead:

“The key takeaway to me was: learning of practical methods for escalation path in the engagement. I was also able to gain a deeper perspective of different stakeholders, such as asset owners, asset managers, companies and beneficiaries, and how important to consider the incentives that the respective actors hold.  One of the most thought-provoking sessions was the case study on the engagement with European banks. It discussed the importance of having a consensus preferably in writing, that articulates common objectives and strategies to be achieved by the engagement group composed of institutional investors and NGOs.  Overall, it was a very fruitful programme with a lot of practical tips.”

Seizing such a learning opportunity, CAJ keeps refining our engagement framework and expanding its global networks to deliver effective engagement and better stewardship.