In 1964, Robert F. Kennedy observed that “The power to act is the power to command resources.”

His words have never been more relevant. Today, nearly half of the world’s hundred largest economies are actually public companies, giving them a special role in the creation of a more just and peaceful world.

Recognizing this reality, the RFKennedy Compass program works with institutional investors and other key allocators to discuss new approaches to investing that consider human rights, the environment, and good governance, enlisting the private sector’s influence in the cause of justice.

Events like the collapse of the American mortgage industry and issues like child labor have created greater interest in sustainable investing among shareholders. In the wake of countless cases of corporate negligence that destroyed shareholder value and could have been averted through sustainable investing practices, major shareholders are beginning to realize that creating change is not at odds with creating value. This is the basic premise of RFKennedy Compass: that sustainable investing isn’t just good for the world. It’s also good for business.

As a core program under the Business & Human Rights portfolio of Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, the RFK Compass Investor Program informs investors and asset managers of the human rights issues to consider during their investment process of seeking superior risk-adjusted returns. We provide appropriate connections and tools to support their work on the “S” in ESG in order to catalyze action that will yield both profits and positive impact for people and planet.