World Pensions & Investments Forum
M. Nicolas Firzli and Mark Cobley established the World Pensions Forum to address global pension challenges through research and policy dialogue. The first edition took place in Paris at the OECD headquarters on that occasion, leading experts from the OECD presented the latest advances in quantitative asset allocation. Financial risk management and socially responsible investing strategies formed the core of these initial discussions. Various US, UK and Mainland European institutions joined the conversation alongside the University of Cambridge and the IMF. This partnership with regional and supranational organisations laid the groundwork for future summits.
The second edition moved to Paris at the headquarters of the Society for the Encouragement of National Industry (SEIN). Discussions focused on long term investments and infrastructure assets within the European Union and key emerging markets notably Russia, Mexico, Chile, Brazil and China. The third edition was held in Hong Kong with the support of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China. Both the 4th edition in October 2014 and the 5th Annual World Pensions Forum in December 2015 were held in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, in Paris. The latter event occurred in association with the United Nations COP21 Summit.
Quantitative asset allocation remained a central theme throughout the early years of the forum. Infrastructure assets gained prominence as a critical area for discussion among institutional investors. Private equity and real assets rose to become major topics of interest during the second edition. Stochastic investment models and different approaches to life expectancy assumptions appeared in later plenary presentations. ESG and responsible investment strategies became focal points by the time the fifth annual meeting convened in 2015.
Large public and private institutional investors from G10 countries collaborated with organizations like the OECD and IMF. Emerging nations of Eastern Europe, Latin America, Asia and the MENA area joined these discussions regularly. Leading experts from the University of Cambridge and the World Bank contributed their insights to the proceedings. Australia, Asian and UK contexts provided specific examples for trustee role analysis during the Hong Kong session. These diverse participants ensured that global perspectives shaped every aspect of the dialogue.
Plenary sessions analyzed trustee roles and concrete measures to solve the global pensions crisis across the globe. Different approaches to life expectancy assumptions were examined closely by researchers and policymakers alike. The growing role of private equity and infrastructure assets for both pension funds and sovereign wealth funds received significant attention. Analysis of concrete policy measures and regional and local best practices helped shape actionable recommendations. Blended Finance and securities lending emerged as practical tools discussed during the fifth annual forum.
Common questions
Who established the World Pensions Forum?
M. Nicolas Firzli and Mark Cobley established the World Pensions Forum to address global pension challenges through research and policy dialogue.
When did the first edition of the World Pensions Forum take place?
The first edition took place in Paris at the OECD headquarters, though no specific date is provided in the text for this initial event.
Where was the third edition of the World Pensions Forum held?
The third edition was held in Hong Kong with the support of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China.
What topics were discussed during the second edition of the World Pensions Forum?
Discussions focused on long term investments and infrastructure assets within the European Union and key emerging markets notably Russia, Mexico, Chile, Brazil and China.
Which year did the fifth Annual World Pensions Forum occur?
The 5th Annual World Pensions Forum occurred in December 2015 in association with the United Nations COP21 Summit.
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