BÖAG and oekom research AG are assisted in the conceptual planning and compilation of the Index by an independent advisory board of experts. The advisory board has the following functions, in particular:

• advising on the development of the concept for the Global Challenges Index
  
  
• advising on the development and monitoring of the criteria on which the Index is based
  
  
• advising on the selection of suitable companies for the Global Challenges Index

The competencies and functions of the advisory board are regulated by statute.


The advisory board comprises the following persons:

Dr. Bernd Balkenhol, International Labour Organisation (ILO), Geneva
“This year’s G 8 summit in Heiligendamm has underlined the growing importance of initiatives aimed at globalisation on the basis of human dignity. This includes in particular adherance to fundamental employment norms, such as the prohibition of child labour and forced labour, observance of the freedom of association and non-discrimination of employees. Strength on both sides of industry has an important role to play here, but it is becoming increasingly apparent that social investors (such as pension funds) are key in bringing social criteria to bear in investment decision-making. The ILO is therefore pleased to support the Global Challenges Index by offering advice on incorporating evaluation criteria to do with social acceptability.”

Dr. Bernhard Bauske, Head of Strategic Corporate Alliances, WWF Deutschland, Frankfurt
“For WWF, the transition to methods of economic management that are environmentally sound and socially compatible signifies a fundamental and necessary step, in order to preserve a living planet for us and for our children. Placing the environmental future of our earth right at the centre of corporate philosophy means that we are not only doing ‘good’ in the abstract sense, but also protecting ourselves against the major long-term economic risks.”
 
Dr. Hermann Falk, Member of Executive Management, Association of German Foundations, Berlin
“The normal principles of successful company management have to be re-oriented from a social/ethical/environmental point of view. Not in order to “do good” in the abstract sense, but simply so as to be armed to face the major long-term economic risks. The reason the Index is particularly valuable is that the criteria put the emphasis on action – only those companies which can show that they have undertaken particular action to help mould the global challenges in a positive way are rewarded by inclusion in the Index. Those which have passively benefited from natural disasters should no longer be considered worthy of investment. A company’s SRI strategy is only credible if it has been translated into clear, long-term action. This can best be done by setting up a company trust.”

Sr. M. Juliane Flormann osf, Monastery Sießen
“I am glad that the range of sustainable investments is going to be extended by the Index, particularly because this Index takes into account very specific problem areas which constitute some of the major tasks faced worldwide. The concentration on specific fields for action makes the concept transparent, tangible and therefore credible.”

Caspar von Hauenschild, Member of the Board, Transparency International, Berlin
“Companies which really want to achieve sustainability need modern corporate governance. Corporate governance in turn is not credible without efficient anti-corruption measures. It is for this reason that Transparency International is calling for the substantial inclusion of appropriate criteria in the new Index.”

Dr. Rolf Krämer, Vice President of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Hanover, Hanover
“The Index offers an ideal combination of sustainable management and innovative design with a prospect of reasonable returns. The churches see this Index as a guideline for making ethical investment decisions with a view to making the world a fairer place and to preserving God’s Creation.”