Preamble:

Addressing and accommodating the sustainable development goals (SDGs) of the UN in various initiatives is considered to be a significant agenda for Daffodil International University (DIU) since its inception. This policy outlines the strategy in making investment decisions recognizing environmental, socio-economic, cultural, and governance issues in a responsible and sustainable manner so that the current investment made by the university will not have negative impact on future generations.

Objectives:

• Making a balance between return on investment and contribution towards environmental sustainability
• Creating awareness among university stakeholders regarding impactful and sustainable investment strategy
• Providing proper direction to take the investment decisions of the university by safeguarding the environment and the earth
• Maintaining a portfolio of diversified investment aligning with the future development plan of DIU

Scope:

The sustainable investment policy is applicable to all investments (both existing and future investments) by Daffodil International University irrespective of its amount, area, stakeholders and partners, etc. This investment policy strategy will be reviewed as and when required by the investment committee of DIU to address each significant new issue.

Sustainable Investment Policy:

1. DIU is committed to make investment for the development, updating and maintenance of effective online platform like Blended Learning Center (BLC) to ensure uninterrupted teaching-learning during any unexpected situations and pandemics.
2. Producing and maintenance of renewable energy; sustainable & environment-friendly innovations and projects like: solar car, solar-based dryer device, reducing use of plastic, etc. will be in the priority investment list by the university.
3. DIU is committed not to invest in any financial institution, Stock-security, or venture capital fund that has a stake in the exploration or extraction of fossil fuels, has link with high carbon-emitting industry & companies that use a high volume of greed electricity, have a direct negative impact on the environment and global warming, etc.
4. The university will continue its stands not to invest anywhere which will be harmful to society or the environment or to the human and animal health. DIU will never invest in companies or businesses for example: weapons & ammunition, plastic industry, alcohol, leather industry, tobacco and other businesses which are illegal as per the national and international laws.
5. DIU is highly committed to investing in any organization/financial institution/venture capital fund that strives to reduce carbon & greenhouse gas emissions, works on solutions for climate change, engages itself in community support activities, corporate responsibilities, etc. DIU will also put emphasis on investing in businesses with responsible culture, practices, no child labor use, and good governance.
6. A significant portion of the financial annual budget of the university will be invested in implementable and impactful research projects and publications that will facilitate the implementation of the sustainable development goals (SDGs).
7. The University will strive to be a signatory of the United Nations Principles of Responsible Investment (UNPRI), Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association, UN Global Compact, Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education, SDG Accord, SDSN, SDG Help Desk, etc.
8. This policy will emphasize investment on sustainability, social responsiveness, positive environmental impact, implementation of SDGs, innovating less carbon-emitting devices and machinery, facilitating the affordability of zero-emission vehicles, etc.
9. The university will continue and increase its investment towards various entrepreneurial initiatives and projects of DIU such as: innovation lab, business incubator, Venture capital fund, Industrial & Innovation Park startup market, etc.
10. DIU is committed to enhancing its graduates’ visibility and presence across the world through investment in organizing and hosting necessary events, competitions like: TEDxDaffodilU, Startup Fest, Industry-academia lecture series, HULT Prize DIU, etc.
11. The university will provide funding for research; conservation; development; and production of different kinds of organic fruits and trees and will continue (if required) the investment to Daffodil Agro Complex, situated at Gojaria.
12. An investment committee will be formed by the Vice Chancellor of the university which will report to the Board of Trustees of the university. The committee will submit annual investment report to the Board of Trustees through the Vice Chancellor for their information and approval.