Investment company Robeco has launched RobecoSAM Global SDG Engagement Equities fund, which has been developed in partnership with UBS Global Wealth Management (GWM).

UBS GWM will act as an exclusive partner to the fund for six months following its launch. The firm will also invest $1.5bn.

This is Robeco’s second SDG-focused equities fund which aims to drive a measurable improvement in a company’s contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) over three to five years.

It will offer long term capital growth while integrate ESG considerations and sustainability risks in the investment process.

The benchmark is the MSCI All Country World Index (Net Return, USD).

Robeco Switzerland wholesale head Reto Eisenhut-Quinter said: “Robeco’s strong track record in sustainability engagement perfectly fits the aim of this fund which is to drive clear and measurable improvements in a company’s contribution to the SDGs while achieving attractive investment returns for our clients.

“We are excited to have our close and longstanding client UBS as our launch partner and look forward to providing our other clients with an excellent opportunity for long-term capital growth through active engagement and dialogue on SDGs.”

The RobecoSAM Global SDG Engagement Equities fund will be managed by professionals across fundamental equities, emerging markets equities, active ownership and SI Research.

The firm has appointed Michiel Plakman as the fund’s lead portfolio manager.  He will be supported by Peter Werf, Daniela Costa, Giacomo Moroni and Jan Zanten.

Commenting on the development, UBS Global Wealth Management head of global investment management Bruno Marxer said: “Through this collaborative effort, we connect people to contribute to a better world – and we connect attractive investment ideas with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals.”

In July this year, Robeco announced plans to scale its business in Singapore and advance ESG capabilities in Asia.

Last year, UOBAM partnered the firm to launch a sustainability academy.