Public Engagement Report Q3 2023 

Indigenous Peoples are increasingly on the frontline of the climate crisis, and in recent years we have seen major flashpoints erupt between extractives companies and local communities. Yet Indigenous Peoples often have invaluable knowledge for the sustainable management of natural resources, providing practical solutions for climate adaptation and mitigation.

In EOS’s Q3 2023 Public Engagement Report, Nick Pelosi explains why a failure to protect Indigenous Peoples’ rights can expose a company to considerable risk. “When companies do not obtain free, prior and informed consent from Indigenous Peoples impacted by their business operations, they increase their likelihood of causing adverse human rights impacts,” he says. “These impacts can lead to operational, reputational, and regulatory risks for companies and their shareholders.”

Given the importance of protecting Indigenous Peoples’ rights for long-term shareholder value and better environmental and social outcomes, EOS prioritises engagement with companies on how they can most appropriately respect these rights, and retain their social licence to operate. EOS has over 30 active engagements related to Indigenous Peoples’ rights and is an active member of the steering committee of the Investors and Indigenous Peoples Working Group.

Also in this issue, Ross Teverson and Nick Pelosi examine the implications of the wholesale adoption of generative AI, including the potential for job losses in certain sectors. As AI tools proliferate, the biases they sometimes reflect may perpetuate stereotypes and stall progress towards greater equality. And while most people agree that unbridled AI deployment could lead to significant unintended societal harms, there is currently little agreement on how to regulate it.

Finally, Shoa Hirosato and Judi Tseng provide an overview of the key themes to emerge from the voting season in developed Asia and emerging markets. This year we saw an increase in the number of climate-related shareholder resolutions, and pockets of improvement on gender diversity, although overall progress remains slow.

To find out more, read the EOS Q3 Public Engagement Report.