AMP Capital has formed a youth advisory committee to help inform our Ethical Leaders investment committee.
The committee, which I’m privileged to chair, comprises six university students from both Australia and New Zealand, and met for the first time last month.
Investors are becoming more interested in the impact of the assets they own, and this focus is likely to strengthen over time.
By establishing the Youth Advisory Committee, we are providing the youth of today an opportunity to tell us how they would like to see their superannuation invested. We view ourselves in partnership with our clients in helping to deliver and shape a sustainable future.
Animal rights in focus
The main topic for the committee’s first meeting was animal rights. We discussed how animal rights might be considered in terms of stock or sector exclusions or increased company engagement.
The committee raised questions about the live export industry, animal testing by cosmetics and pharmaceutical companies, the dairy industry and the impact of agricultural chemicals on the honeybee population.
A common view was that testing on animals for the development of cosmetics was unnecessary, with the harm brought upon the animal outweighing the human benefit. The committee members were interested in how the investment committee can engage with cosmetics companies about their use of animal testing in their research and development process.
Social media and privacy
At our next meeting, in November, we will be discussing the ethics of social media and the issue of privacy.
It is inspiring to hear the views of such passionate future leaders about the impact our investments have on society and the environment. We look forward to working with them going forward.

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Camille Wynter, ESG Investment Researcher-
Important notes
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AMP Capital Funds Management Limited (ABN 15 159 557 721, AFSL 426455) (AMPCFM) is the responsible entity of the Responsible Investment Leaders Balanced Fund (Fund also known as the AMP Capital Ethical Leaders Balanced Fund) (ARSN 095 787 723) (Fund) and the issuer of the units in the Fund. To invest in the Fund, investors will need to obtain the current Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) from AMP Capital Investors Limited (ABN 59 001 777 591, AFSL 232 497) (AMP Capital). The PDS contains important information about investing in the Fund and it is important that investors read the PDS before making a decision about whether to acquire, or continue to hold or dispose of units in the Fund. Neither AMP Capital, AMPCFM nor any other company in the AMP Group guarantees the repayment of capital or the performance of any product or any particular rate of return referred to in this article. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. While every care has been taken in the preparation of this article, AMP Capital makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of any statement in it including without limitation, any forecasts. This article has been prepared for the purpose of providing general information, without taking account of any particular investor’s objectives, financial situation or needs. Investors should, before making any investment decisions, consider the appropriateness of the information in this article, and seek professional advice, having regard to their objectives, financial situation and needs. This article is solely for the use of the party to whom it is provided and must not be provided to any other person or entity without the express written consent of AMP Capital.