Business Engagement Resources

Navigating portfolio exposure to conflict-affected and high-risk areas

The Investor Engagement on Conflict Affected and High Risk areas (CAHRA0 Pilot Project was designed with a two-fold purpose: 1) to build the capacity of participating institutional investors to more effectively engage portfolio companies on how they address the human rights and conflict risks associated with their direct and value chain activities in CAHRA, and 2) to identify evolving best practice related to CAHRA risk mitigation in the technology and renewable energy sectors. The findings contained in this report are based on a series of investor-led company dialogues conducted between May 2024 and February 2025 with three participating tech companies and one renewable energy company under Chatham House Rule. Twenty-two institutional investors, asset owners and managers headquartered in ten different countries participated in the Pilot Project as lead and support investors.

Contributors: Kristen Petillon

Investor Insights: Lessons from Renewable Energy Investments in Fragile and Conflict-Affected Markets

Investing in fragile and conflict-affected settings (FCAS) presents unique opportunities for investors to drive financial returns and social impact. However, these markets face significant investment barriers. This paper brings together key findings from a series of closed-door consultations with investors who are active or interested in FCAS. The research seeks to understand barriers and generate new insights on why there is limited investment in FCAS contexts, identify practical, actionable solutions and provide recommendations for investors, development finance institutions (DFIs), insurers, and project developers that design and lead investment projects.

Contributors: Kristen Petillon

Toward a peaceful and just energy transition

This research paper, published in partnership with the State Fragility Initiative of the International Growth Centre, explores the social impacts of renewable energy and offers practical recommendations for investors and project developers on how to best mitigate the risks and capitalise on opportunities in fragile and conflict affected markets. The executive summary is available here.

SDG 16 Business Framework: Inspiring Transformational Governance

This summary provides an overview of the new SDG Business Framework launched by the United Nations Global Compact Action Platform for Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. Intended to help businesses to embrace transformational governance to strengthen performance and partnerships, the framework shows how a focus on SGD 16 can both strengthen corporate governance and inform corporate purpose. Access the tool here.

Conflict Management in the Kyrgyz Mining Industry: Review of Challenges and Company Practices

This practice paper offers an overview of the practices and requirements for mining company engagement with local communities in Kyrgyzstan, alongside recommendations as to how companies can manage and prevent conflict within the mining industry. Building upon the findings from the “Guidebook for Conflict Management in Mining Industry of the Kyrgyz Republic”, this study further explores ways in which existing good practices could be adapted to prevent conflict in other regions. The paper is also available in Russian.

Investing in Peacebuilding: How one fund is seeking to address SDG 16

This article from Responsible Investor examines the role of the Cadmos Peace Investment Fund, which has been seeded and initiatied by PeaceNexus, in adressing SDG 16 Peace, justice and strong institutions. It is based on interviews with two of the fund’s partners, Dominique Habegger (de Pury, Pictet, Turrettini) and Antoine Mach (Covalence).

1 2