Learn about Northwestern University's commitment to responsible and sustainable investing, including our progress.
On Feb. 19, 2024, the President’s Advisory Committee on Free Expression and Institutional Speech was appointed to prepare a statement rooted in Northwestern values. The Statement on Free Expression and Institutional Speech was released by the President on September 27, 2024.
In 2019, the Board of Trustees affirmed the University’s commitment to both the prudent management of its endowment and the upholding of core University’s value in its investment practices by issuing a statement on Investment Responsibility.
Northwestern is guided by the UN-supported Principles for Responsible Investment regarding the environmental, social, and corporate governance issues in potential investments. Northwestern became a signatory in 2016.
In 2022 the University adopted Fossil Fuel Guidelines which reflect the University's commitment to promoting more urgent action on climate change while remaining sensitive to society’s need for safe and affordable energy.
In 2005, Northwestern University restricted investments in four companies that were conducting business in Sudan and instructed these firms that invested on behalf of the University to sell any holdings they had in the four foreign owned companies.
