Spotlight Speakers: Fiona Reynolds
“Decent work brings meaning and dignity to our lives. Exploiting people to make a profit and benefitting financially from the suffering of others must end. We must all play a role in protecting human rights.” — Fiona Reynolds
Fiona Reynolds is moderating Rethinking Systems of Decent Work panel, 26 May from 10:45–12:00 CET.
This panel is part of our online Spotlight Series focused on UN SDG #8: Decent Work and Economic Opportunity.
Visit our Spotlight Series website to view the full programme and register for events.
About The Speaker
Fiona Reynolds is CEO of Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI). PRI is a UN supported organisation, with over 3,500 signatories who collectively represent over US $100 trillion in AUM. She is responsible for PRI’s global operations. Appointed in 2013, Fiona has 25 years’ experience in the financial services and pension sector. She joined PRI from the Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST), where she spent seven years as CEO.
Fiona serves on the Board of the U.N. Global Compact, where she is Chair of the Financial Services Commission into Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking and is now a member of the Finance Against Slavery and Trafficking Global Steering Committee. Fiona is also a member of the International Integrated Reporting Council, the Global Advisory Council on Stranded Assets at Oxford University, the Advisory Board for the Green Investment Principles for the Belt and Road and the Steering Committee for Climate Action 100+.
Read about Fiona´s motivation to help advance SDG#8, her thoughts on post-COVID recovery, her working class roots and more below.
Interview Highlights
1. What excites you most about participating in our Spotlight Series?
The opportunity to talk about a topic that I am passionate about: ensuring that people have decent and meaningful employment. This is particularly important when thinking about supply chains and the transition to a zero carbon economy.
2. What motivates you to help tackle SDG #8 on Decent Work and Inclusive Economic Growth?
There is far too much exploitation of workers, particularly in developing countries. We need to value all workers, ensure they have safe working conditions and that the basic wage is a living wage. We need to end poverty and ensuring Decent Work is the way to do that.
3. Where does your passion come from?
I am a woman from a working class background. Without strong social protections from governments and unions ensuring good conditions, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
4. How does your work contribute to achieving SDG #8?
At Principles of Responsible Investment we focus on the role of investors and how they can ensure that the companies they invest in are protecting human rights.
5. In your opinion, what is the greatest challenge in the attainment of SDG #8?
Corruption and those who put profit over people.
6. Why is it important to spread awareness around SDG #8?
We are all human, we all deserve respect and we deserve to be compensated fairly for our work. Work can bring great dignity and meaning to people’s lives.
7. How can others take part and get involved in creating meaningful change?
Ask questions.
8. What are the top three issues you would like to see highlighted in post-COVID recovery?
A just transition.
Worker visibility in supply chains
Human rights — ensuring workers have access to safe working conditions and sick leave in case of illness due to Covid-19.
9. Is there another SDG you are working towards in your professional or personal life? What action are you taking to support it?
SDG #13: Climate change — We work on issues to related to people and impact on the planet.
10. What and who inspires you with awe?
Ordinary people who take action, who demonstrate and who make their voices heard.
