PRI in Person 2026 brought together around 1,700 responsible institutional investors, policymakers and industry leaders from 57 markets in Amsterdam on 12-15 October. Finsif was represented by Leila Räsänen. This was the third time that Finsif has taken part in this event. In addition to Leila, around 20 Finsif members also attended the event, representing their respective organisations. In some years, Finsif has organized webinars on the key findings. In those webinars, Finsif members taking part in PRI in person have shared their thoughts online to other members.
Was the event worth the time and money?
The best part of joining the event was seizing the opportunity to connect face-to-face with different stakeholders. Spending four days in Amsterdam gave space for using brainpower to absorb new insights. In addition to creative thinking inside my head, it was truly inspiring to have people around exchanging thoughts. Having said this, thoughts led to concrete actions for creating interesting content for our members. Just as an example, the theme of “mining and minerals” was brought on the table during one of the coffee breaks. We got far by conceptualising it into Finsif’s event with an existing list of potential speakers and a dedicated moderator, just in less than 10 minutes! Next to this, one of our members was harnessed to join me in building up the content of the event that is to be held in January 2027 in collaboration with the Finnish Venture Capital Association.
PRI in Person enabled the exchange of thoughts on agenda topics with Finsif members that were PRI signatories and attending the event. It was also the place for reaching potential new members, strengthening the current relations with the other sustainable investment forums as well as it was the place to build new networks and connections. I was pleased to have Kristiina Ruuska, OP Fund Management (Member of the Board, Finsif) and Elina Niiranen, Evli (Vice Chairperson, Finsif) joining me in a meeting with Corporate Action Japan (Mr Yasonuri Takeuchi and Mr Takea Omori). The key takeaway from the meeting is that Nordic countries as seen forerunners in responsible investment. Organisations such as Corporate Action Japan are keen to accelerate collaboration between Finland and Japan, for instance, by helping Finnish investors to have a dialogue and reach out with Japanese companies.
To answer my question- the event was indeed worth the time and money spent. For Finsif, the insights, relationships and opportunities gained in Amsterdam will continue to support the planning and implementation of activities for 2027.
Takeaways from the sessions?
A clear takeaway from the event was that ESG is becoming increasingly integrated into mainstream investment processes, which is where it ultimately belongs. While the terminology and communication may be evolving, investors continue to incorporate sustainability considerations into decision-making, risk management and long-term value creation.
Artificial intelligence emerged as one of the defining themes of the conference, with a prominence comparable to climate-related discussions. Alongside its enormous potential, participants highlighted concerns about governance and fragmented regulation and unrealistic expectations. Investors are increasingly examining not only how AI is being used within portfolio companies, but also whether its use is being managed responsibly and effectively.
Engagement & stewardship continue to play an important role in the responsible investment discussion. Whether the topics cover the defence sector or AI, they should reach boardrooms to ensure that the decision makers have the right understanding and the power to make the right choices.
Vibes after the event?
I am proud to deliver a message that Finsif brand is strong, and wonderful feedback was recieved regarding the work we do. In my view, the themes and content that Finsif delivers to its members are equally up to date and high quality as what was seen in the event. Thus, even without attending PRI in Person, the members still can keep track on the relevant RI themes.
I warmly encourage our members to join in-person events in Finland and abroad for connecting with others. After all, the “salt and pepper” of all the excellent work being done in responsible investment to support more sustainable and better investment decisions is people and the exchange of knowledge in person!
Leila Räsänen
Operations Coordinator
Finsif- Finland´s Sustainable Investment Forum
www.finsif.fi, LinkedIn
