In June 2024, the University committed to the establishment of a working group to undertake a review of investment and divestment policies, in relation to concerns raised by students, staff, and other members of the University community following issues arising on campus in response to conflict in the Middle East from 7 October 2023.
The Investment Policy and Integrated Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Framework (pdf, 184KB) requires that the University’s investment mandate is based on the best information available, including to: “identify and respond to known human rights abuses, with a focus on modern slavery and Indigenous peoples’ rights”.
Consistent with this commitment to human rights, the Investment and Divestment Policies Review Working Group will conduct a review of the position of defence-and security-related industries in the University’s Investment Policy and the University’s Integrated ESG Framework, and produce a report for the University’s Senate which outlines findings and makes recommendations where applicable.
Membership
All University of Sydney staff, students and members of the community were invited to make submissions to the Investment Policies Review Working Group. The working group accepted submissions until 5 pm on Friday 4 October 2024.