RAOEurope25 - Stewardship & Influence:

Driving Systemic Change Through Active Ownership

This panel looked at the power of active ownership beyond proxy voting and explored effective shareholder engagement strategies, collective action initiatives, and how asset owners can exercise their influence to drive corporate accountability and systemic change on critical ESG issues.

Led by the always dynamic Dr Rory Sullivan, who challenged a super engaged panel of Sheila Stefani, LGPS Central, Catherine Howarth OBE, Shareholder Action, Georgia Stewart, Tumelo & David Atkin UN PRI to explore how asset owners can use their influence to drive meaningful, system-level change across markets and society. Speakers examined the shift from traditional stewardship to a more ambitious, outcomes-focused approach that tackles root-cause risks, from climate to social equity.

Through real-world examples, the panel highlighted what effective escalation looks like, how collaboration can amplify impact, and why systemic stewardship is becoming a defining responsibility for long-term investors. Insightful, practical, and forward-leaning, the discussion offered a clear roadmap for active ownership in a rapidly evolving landscape.