At the Swesif annual meeting on 23 March, a new Board was elected, with four of its members being new. Here they briefly introduce themselves by answering three questions.
Cecilia Cisana, Sustainalytics, Senior Director, Client Relations
What do I do on a day-to-day basis when I’m not on the Swesif Board?
I am responsible for Sustainalytics’ client and advisory work in Europe, which means I try to understand investors’ needs and objectives around sustainability, and how sustainability analytics and data can support this work.
Why do I want to get involved in the Swesif Board?
The market for sustainability, both within and beyond the financial services industry, has evolved exponentially over the last 5-10 years, and forums like Swesif are facing a huge need for collaboration. Here, asset owners and managers can discuss sustainability issues and learn from each other, and data providers and consultants can support and evolve with the market. I am convinced that collaboration is the key to meeting our sustainability goals, and through my involvement in the Swesif Board I can strengthen and drive the process.
What is sustainability to me?
It is an issue that is much bigger than sustainable investment, and touches on our quality of life, health, safety and future. It is about both planetary boundaries and respect for fellow human beings and future generations. Capital is needed to build a more sustainable business and society, and therefore sustainable ownership and management play an important role.
Fredrik von Platen, SEB, Sustainable Finance Specialist, Debt Capital Markets
What do I do on a day-to-day basis when I’m not on the Swesif Board?
I am employed by SEB and belong to Debt Capital Markets, part of the investment bank. My daily work consists of advising companies and stakeholders interested in sustainable finance in the capital markets. For example via green, social or sustainability-linked bonds.
Why do I want to get involved in the Swesif Board?
Swesif works to raise awareness about investing for sustainable development. I hope to contribute my capital market perspective on these issues.
What is sustainability to me?
Sustainability is, among other things, about implementing the climate transition and thereby ensuring competitiveness and a good future for people, society and nature. By engaging in the transition to a low-carbon economy, we create the conditions for new technology, innovation and can thus secure jobs.
Jennie Ahrén, PhD, Tundra Fonder, Chief Sustainability Officer, Executive Director/Founder
What do I do on a day-to-day basis when I’m not on the Swesif Board?
I work on sustainable investments in what are classified as frontier and emerging markets under the umbrella of Tundra Funds. In addition, I am building a platform – TURN | Tundra Research Network – that aims to foster collaborations between academia, business, policy and NGOs.
Why do I want to get involved in the Swesif Board?
For me, SWESIF is an important focal point for disseminating knowledge and information on how investment can contribute to sustainable development. I hope to contribute with overall experience from our work in low and middle income countries and add perspectives from my background as a researcher.
What is sustainability for me?
Long-term solutions where people, the environment and society can interact and develop to their full potential.
Peter Sandahl, Nordea Life & Pension, Head of Sustainability
What do I do in my everyday life when I’m not on the Swesif Board?
I am Head of Sustainability for Nordea Life & Pensions. In addition, I have a number of international assignments, including for Principles for Responsible Investments (PRI), Science Based Targets (SBTi), Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net-Zero (GFANZ) and Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials (PCAF).
Why do I want to get involved in the Swesif Board?
Because I am convinced that we need more collaboration, both within the financial sector and with different stakeholder groups, to address these issues and realise the potential of the financial sector in the transition. SWESIF is an established and good platform to enable this.
What is sustainability for me?
That we have a systemic economic model that is based on solidarity, sustainability and that enables equitable human development and respect for planetary boundaries.
