Executive MBA candidates at University of Technology Sydney Business School in Australia have been undertaking a study which aims to ensure risks such as climate change, human rights abuses and corruption are considered in big infrastructure projects in collaboration with the world’s leading insurers. The project, “Insurers’ Role in Sustainable Growth” surveys how insurers integrate environmental, social and governance (ESG) risks into their agreements. The results will feed into a project involving the United Nations, the World Bank and the world’s largest reinsurer, Munich Re looking at how the insurance industry can strengthen its contribution to “sustainable” development. They will also inform the development of ESG guiding principles for surety bond underwriting. The Insurance Council of Australia is also a supporting institution, alongside two Australian insurer signatories, Insurance Australia Group (IAG) and TAL.
