This discussion paper explores how investors can strengthen their climate and nature stewardship in EMDEs, with a focus on Asia and Latin America.
Drawing on insights from local investors and practitioners in both regions during IIGCC’s 2026 webinar series, it identifies practical action points for investors to tailor stewardship to local contexts. These recommendations can support real-economy decarbonisation, mitigate nature-related risks, and protect long-term portfolio value.
The paper considers the following:
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How can investors maximise their influence in EMDEs to support their climate and nature goals?
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What lessons can IIGCC members learn from the experiences of local investors, organisations, and stewardship practitioners to engage EMDE companies effectively?
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How can investors overcome the typically cited EMDE stewardship “barriers to entry”?
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How can the experiences of EMDE stewardship practitioners strengthen the activities of IIGCC’s collaborative initiatives such as NZEI and NA100
Rather than being an exhaustive discussion of all elements of EMDE stewardship, the paper is a summary of the following key lessons for investors identified in the webinar series:
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Develop deep local market understanding.
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Build strong local relationships and partnerships.
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Adapt engagement tactics to local circumstances.
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Use systems stewardship to address market-wide transition barriers.
It forms part of IIGCC’s broader EMDE work, for example, our Emerging Markets NZIF Supplementary Guidance, which investors are encouraged to read alongside this paper.