We have identified key ESG themes that we consider essential to sustainable value creation by the companies in which we invest. These key themes were initially established in March 2021 and are reviewed as necessary in view of changes in the social and environmental landscape and the circumstances surrounding companies. Most recently, we conducted a review in May 2026 and identified the following issues as our key ESG themes.
1. Climate Change
While climate change has significant impacts on corporate profitability, competitiveness and business continuity, it also presents opportunities, including through the development of technologies and new markets that contribute to decarbonisation. We place great importance on initiatives to address climate-related issues. These include reducing greenhouse gas emissions, formulating and implementing transition plans, reflecting climate considerations in strategy—including capital allocation—and strengthening climate resilience.
2. Natural Capital
Companies depend on the natural environment and ecosystem services while also affecting them. Initiatives to assess, conserve and use natural capital sustainably influence corporate value through their impact on business continuity and social trust. We place a strong emphasis on initiatives that address nature-related issues, including biodiversity, the conservation of water and forest resources, the circular economy and waste management.
3. Human Capital
Strengthening human capital contributes to corporate value by enhancing competitiveness, boosting productivity and fostering innovation. We place a high priority on human capital initiatives that support an organisation’s sustainable growth, such as developing employees’ capabilities, improving employee engagement, supporting well-being, enabling diverse ways of working and ensuring the optimal allocation of talent.
4. DE&I
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) is a key factor in enhancing the quality of decision-making because incorporating diverse perspectives strengthens innovation and organisational adaptability. We place great importance on establishing systems that support the creation of fair opportunities, fostering a corporate culture that respects diversity, and promoting diversity at all levels, from management to employees.
5. Human Rights and Responsible Business Conduct
Respect for human rights and responsible business conduct influence a company’s credibility, reputation and business stability. We place great importance on initiatives across the value chain relating to human rights, labour practices, health and safety, consideration for local communities, and the safety of products and services.
6. Corporate Governance
Effective corporate governance is a vital foundation for corporate value creation and sustainable growth. We place great importance on initiatives to strengthen governance, including effective oversight by the Board of Directors, remuneration structures designed to align the interests of shareholders and management, internal control systems, risk management, and group-wide management oversight.
In the review conducted in May 2026, we built on our existing themes, held multiple internal discussions on the direction of the review, and developed a revised proposal. We also referred to international frameworks such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while taking into account the importance of the themes as social issues.
In developing the revised themes, we also incorporated feedback from our equity and fixed-income portfolio managers and analysts, as well as from the Global Sustainable Investment Team. Following this process, we compiled the final proposal, which was then approved through deliberation and resolution by an internal committee.
We use our key ESG themes in our stewardship activities, including engagement.
Specifically, they are applied in situations such as the following:
Setting key themes for dialogue with companies and reflecting them in our selection of engagement targets;
Addressing issues at individual companies and analysing medium- to long-term risks and opportunities; and
Supporting decision-making in the exercise of voting rights.
Through these initiatives, we aim to support corporate value creation and sustainable growth at the companies in which we invest while also contributing to improved medium- to long-term returns and the resolution of social issues.
Revised May 2026
Revised May 2023
Established in March 2021