New
Private Markets
Private Markets
Responsible Investment Forum: New York
Early bird discounts expire this week
March 18-19, 2026
Convene 117 West 46th Street, New York
Discover what makes this event essential for private markets leaders.
Why attend in 2026?
This event is the premier event to connect with and learn from responsible investment experts across private markets.
Across two days of high-level discussion, you will hear from the leaders using sustainability as a means to value creation in private markets, and connect with more than 100 institutional investors.
Benchmark strategies alongside 400 of your peers and take away practical insights to portfolio performance and resilience. RIF NY is the perfect place to learn how to implement sustainability strategies that generate alpha, manage risk and create additional value to portfolios.
Meet the most active LPs
Build lasting relationships with global pensions, sovereign wealth funds, insurers, and foundations actively allocating to private markets – and looking for long-term partners aligned on sustainability and performance.
Benchmark your approach
Compare fundraising, portfolio and value-creation approaches across asset classes, learn what is working in practice, and see how leading managers operationalise sustainability to deliver measurable performance.
Gain an edge in fundraising
Understand what today’s LPs expect on governance, transparency, and long-term value creation; use these insights to refine your strategy and stand out in a competitive fundraising environment.
Attending companies from 2025 featured:
Join senior decision-makers from the world’s most active institutional investors and private market managers.
World-class speakers in 2026 include:
Hear from industry leaders shaping the future of responsible investment across private equity, private debt, real assets, and beyond.
Don't just take our word for it...
What did last year's attendees have to say?
“I was thoroughly impressed by the quality of the content and the calibre of the speakers. The sessions were insightful and thought-provoking, providing valuable perspectives on sustainable investment practices. Additionally, the conference offered ample networking opportunities, allowing me to connect with like-minded professionals and industry leaders.”
Alena Solonina
Partner & Co-Founder
“The Responsible Investment Forum: New York offered timely and insightful discussions on navigating industry uncertainty, and I had the chance to connect with outstanding fund managers—some of whom I’ve already started engaging with.”
Shoko Sekiguchi
SVP, Sustainable Investment Research Senior Lead
Four clusters, fourteen deep-dive sessions across strategy, risk, climate and innovation.
Key themes shaping this years' agenda
Strategy & Value Creation
How sustainability delivers competitive advantage across private markets.
- Bigger picture: what sustainability means today
- Sustainability as a means to value creation: pillars & levers
- LP perspective: the allocator spectrum on sustainability’s value
- Implementation: turning ESG data into value inside investment teams
Regulation & Risk
Practical guidance for navigating regulatory change and managing portfolio exposures across jurisdictions.
- Regulatory strategy: cost-effective compliance across markets
- Managing portfolio risk: physical, litigation & supply-chain human rights
- Best practices in cyber strategy for value preservation
- Defence & national security: the role of defence in private markets
Climate & Nature
Decarbonisation, adaptation and biodiversity in focus.
- Decarbonisation & net zero: new frontiers of climate mitigation
- Climate adaptation vs mitigation: has the balance shifted?
- Deep dive into nature & biodiversity strategies
Innovation & Markets
New frontiers where sustainability meets returns.
- AI-enabled value creation & AI ethics/governance in the portfolio
- Sustainability in secondaries: due diligence & value in GP-/LP-led
- Sustainability in private credit: risk, value creation & beyond
Ready to join us in New York?
You can now register to attend in 2026.
Institutional investors may be eligible for a complimentary pass –
apply today to secure your ticket.
Let’s start a conversation - we’ll tailor a package to suit your brand goals.
Showcase your expertise to the responsible investment community
Partner with the leaders shaping sustainable private markets
Connect with prominent institutional investors, fund managers, consultants, and global associations to showcase how your firm is advancing sustainability across private capital.
By sponsoring the Responsible Investment Forum: New York, you’ll have the opportunity to:
- Raise your visibility in a crowded market and align your brand with PEI’s global portfolio of sustainability-focused events in private equity, private debt, and infrastructure.
- Demonstrate thought leadership by speaking alongside industry leaders, and position your firm as a trusted partner in driving long-term, sustainable value.
- Strengthen your reputation as a sustainability expert with decision-makers actively allocating to responsible strategies.
- Stay ahead of evolving regulation and market shifts, and be recognised as a go-to provider shaping the future of sustainable investment.
Get in touch today to explore how we can tailor a package that supports your commercial objectives and puts your brand at the centre of the conversation.
Venue and hotel
With thanks to our sponsors
See what's on the agenda
The Responsible Investment Forum: New York 2026 is returning on March 18-19.
Check out the agenda below to see the calibre of speakers, sessions, and themes that set the standard for sustainability in private markets. Prefer a PDF? Download it directly here.
View agenda page
Agenda
Day 1 - Wednesday 18th
07:45 - 08:45
LP-only think tank breakfast in partnership with ILPA
08:45 - 08:55
Introduction from PEI & PRI
Aditya Vikram
Aditya Vikram, Head, Private Equity, UN PRI
08:55 - 09:00
Chairperson’s opening remarks
09:00 - 09:35
Bigger picture: what is sustainability’s meaning in today’s world
Alexandra Farmer,
Yohan Hill,
Angela Jhanji
- What does sustainability in 2026 mean?
- How are global managers threading the needle for different LP markets?
- What trends in operating models are we seeing at PE firms, and the implications for sustainability functions?
- What are the key sustainability trends and predictions for 2026 and beyond?
Moderator: Alexandra Farmer, Partner, Kirkland & Ellis
Yohan Hill, Principal & Director of ESG and Responsible Investing, Adams Street Partners
Angela Jhanji, Professor, Columbia University
09:35 - 10:10
EDCI update: Sustainability as a value engine?
Jessica Huang
- What does sustainability really mean for value creation today – beyond compliance and reporting?
- How are leading funds structuring sustainability functions to drive EBITDA growth and operational gains?
- Are GPs reframing sustainability narratives for shifting sentiment?
- What do EDCI insights signal about emerging trends – from decarbonization strategies to 2026+ predictions?
Jessica Huang, Managing Director, Private Equity and Secondaries ESG Lead, Ares Management
10:10 - 10:30
Keynote #1: leading fund on managing risk and value in the portfolio
10:30 - 11:00
Coffee & networking
11:00 - 11:35
LPs panel: the allocator spectrum on sustainability’s value
- Across the ideological spectrum, what’s most important to allocators right now?
- How are investors integrating changing incentives, tariffs, climate and AI into their investment strategy?
- What role are sustainability factors playing in allocation decisions?
- Are GPs being held to governance standards by LPs?
11:35 - 12:10
Sustainability as a means to value creation: the pillars and levers
Tensie Whelan
- Which levers are the most effective for value creation in the sustainability toolkit?
- Is the market ‘correcting away’ from sustainability?
- How do compliance-led and investment-led value creation approaches differ?
- Has ‘value creation’ become an inflated term?
Tensie Whelan, Distinguished Professor of Practice, NYU Stern School of Business
00:10 - 12:45
Decarbonization and net zero: the new frontiers of climate mitigation strategies
Dr. Serge Younes
- Where is the low hanging fruit in climate mitigation implementation?
- What strides have been made in measuring carbon emissions?
- Has progress been made in decarbonizing hard-to-abate asset?
- What are the best practices for tracking and driving decarbonization efforts across portfolios?
Serge Younes, Head of Sustainability, Investindustrial
00:45 - 13:15
AI-enabled value creation: sustainability, ethics and implementation
- How can investors direct funding to help manage societal and economic disruption brought on by AI?
- What capabilities is AI allowing for in terms of better data and due diligence?
- How can AI be used to enhance sustainability outcomes?
- Is AI already impacting investment portfolios?
13:15 - 14:15
Lunch
Responsible tech and AI
14:15 - 14:50
Water, energy and AI: balancing the need for sustainable clean inputs in AI’s rise
Mary Beth Houlihan
- How should investors think about “clean electrons” vs “clean molecules”?
- How much is water consumption an issue?
- Can climate-conscious investors back AI and still meet decarbonization goals?
- Will the rush to create energy supply for AI data centers take a sustainable course?
- Data centers have vast energy and water needs– are there plausible sustainable solutions?
Moderator: Mary Beth Houlihan, Partner, Sustainability, Kirkland & Ellis
Adam James, Partner, Head of Impact, Energy Impact Partners
14:50 - 15:30
AI safety: a short window to act
- As the world becomes ever more digitized, what is the investment opportunity set which is emerging in AI security and safety?
- Some leading impact investors (such as Omidyar) have shifted their focus toward safeguards for tech, why have they done so?
- What are the risks of inaction on safety considerations in the tech sector?
- What is the opportunity set within this theme, in things such as AI safety, ethical cloud infrastructure, deepfake detection, cybersecurity, privacy?
15:30 - 16:10
Best practices in cyber strategy
- How much of a financial risk is cybersecurity?
- What are the key pillars of a cyber strategy and how can funds ensure good implementation by portco management?
- Does cyber security approach differ between large and mid-to-small caps?
- How do you get a portcos buy-in?
Next frontiers
14:15 - 14:50
Intersection of sustainability, defense and national security
- What dilemmas persist regarding defense’s role in sustainable investing?
- Are PE firms incorporating defense into investment frameworks?
- How are fund managers considering the ‘dual use’ of technologies in their portfolio?
- How are investors thinking through elevated risk around defense?
14:50 - 15:30
Private credit: can it be impactful?
- Is credit impactful or not?
- How can financial value be quantified in ESG-driven lending decisions?
- Shorter-term issue: how can creditor have influence on companies with a small window of time?
- In case of default – how to incorporate impact mindset into restructuring?
15:30 - 16:10
Making sense of supply chain fragmentation and post-globalization
- To what extent has the changing tariff environment impacted private market assets?
- How are geopolitical and trade shifts creating opportunity in domestic supply chains?
- Where are investors finding opportunity in reshoring and which sectors are set to benefit most?
Regulations
14:15 - 14:50
Regulatory strategy: how to make ESG compliance cost-effective across jurisdictions
- What cost-efficient frameworks are there for meeting overlapping regulatory requirements at a fund and portfolio level?
- How can funds avoid duplication and minimize reporting burden?
- How can firms ensure robust, but defensible, disclosures?
- To what extent are ESG teams collaborating with compliance on regulatory alignment?
14:50 - 15:30
SEC and US regulations update: new regime, new rules
- What has happened since the change in administrations?
- What have been the implications for sustainable finance?
- How are regulations comparing across state and federal levels in the US?
15:30 - 16:10
European regulations and implications for US firms: Making sense of the Omnibus, SFDR and CSRD
- What are the most material regulatory changes in the EU for US funds?
- What further regulatory changes are anticipated, and how should sustainability heads prepare for the continuing evolving landscape?
- How are funds helping their portcos comply with CSRD?
Value creation via sustainability
14:15 - 14:50
Data strategy: Turning ESG data into value
- How can AI help with value creation using better ESG data?
- What are the best practices in using data for asset selection and due diligence?
- Are funds refining their data approaches with new technologies and resources?
- How are funds using data to increase the value of a company at exit?
14:50 - 15:30
Embedding sustainability within investments teams
- What are the best approaches to influencing deal team?
- What most incentivizes management teams at portfolio companies on sustainability?
- How effectively are ESG leaders being integrated into discussions with investors and potential investments?
- How best can sustainability experts can work together with value creation, deal and other teams?
15:30 - 16:10
Reporting & comms: Sustainability communications in a polarized LP landscape
- How is sustainability-related language changing?
- Is ESG reporting shifting from a compliance exercise to a strategic tool for managing risk? How are fund managers adjusting their reporting for a polarized LP market?
- What are the practical risks in navigating sustainability communication in the US?
16:10 - 16:45
Afternoon networking break
16:45 - 17:45
Debate: Climate adaptation vs mitigation - the time has come to fully focus on adaptation
This is an Oxford-style debate in which we’ll have two speakers for the proposition and two speakers against, with audience voting on their views at the start and at the end of the session. This session will also be off-the-record.
The zeitgeist is shifting considerably with the effective repeal of the Inflation Reduction Act and the passing of the ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’, and the viability of climate mitigation efforts is being brought into question. Certain climate scientists and advocates have conceded defeat in the climate struggle, stating the emissions train is far too big to halt meaningfully, in essence conceding the factors driving climate change are beyond our individual effort and collective control. The question is, should society and investors be preparing for damage control via climate adaptation, or continue the mitigation grind?
The debate session will explore questions such as:
- As climate change becomes more palpable, is it time for a heavy pivot to adaptation?
- Is a disorderly transition on the horizon?
- What realistic warming scenario should investors be considering?
- Where is the progress in mitigation strategies?
- Is a focus on adaptation an implicit concession that mitigation has failed; or can you do both?
17:45 - 18:45
End of day one – networking reception
Agenda
Day 2 - Thursday 19th
08:00 - 09:00
Invitation-only LP and GP breakfast briefings
Track 1
09:10 - 09:55
Portfolio companies panel: insights from the coalface
- What do leaders at PE-owned companies make of sustainability initiatives?
- Are management teams leveraging ESG data to drive operational efficiencies and risk mitigation How are portfolios companies best supported in the way of goals, metrics, resources, timelines for initiatives?
- What are the realities of balancing sustainability with financial performance?
09:55 - 10:30
Operating partners’ guide to sustainability
- What are the best methods to support sustainability performance?
- How do leading operating partners think about sustainability as a driver of asset value?
- What are the dos-and-don’ts when it comes to encouraging sustainability in the portfolio?
- Are operating partners leveraging ESG data to inform decision-making and drive performance improvements?
Track 2
09:10 - 09:55
Grappling with AI: ethics and governance of AI in the portfolio
Johannes Lenhard
- How are investors grappling with the risks and ethical conundrums that AI poses in their portfolio?
- What early coalitions are forming to help investors get frameworks, policies and governance mechanisms in place?
- How can investors take a more holistic approach to understanding their AI risks?
- Who are the early leaders within the private markets, and where are they up to?
Johannes Lenhard, Co-founder and CEO, Reframe Venture
09:55 - 10:30
Human rights risks in the supply chain
- What mechanisms and resources exist to simplify the process?
- How to identify human rights risks in portfolio companies supply chains?
- What are the challenges in companies with global supply chains?
- What are the principles for conducting effective human rights assessments?
Track 3 - Infrastructure Investor Sustainability Forum
09:10 - 10:30
Session details to be confirmed.
10:30 - 11:00
Networking break
Track 1
11:00 - 11:45
Bottom-up case studies: portfolio companies on sustainability success
In this off-the-record session, we hear case studies from companies on some of their value creation success stories, as well as cautionary tales.
11:45 - 12:30
System-level investing: a new paradigm of sustainability thinking
- What does the concept of system-level investing mean, and why is it becoming popular?
- In practical terms, what investment can be considered ‘systemic’?
- Is this another conceptual fad in sustainability circles?
Track 2
11:00 - 11:45
Top-down case studies: Implementing sustainability at portcos
In this off-the-record session, we hear case studies from funds discussing the good, the bed and the ugly of their sustainability initiatives at portfolio companies.
11:45 - 12:30
ESG due diligence in secondaries and continuation funds
Natasha Buckley
- With increased activity in secondaries – how is sustainability progressing within the market?
- How are buyers conducting ESG due diligence in secondaries?
- How does the due diligence process differ across GP-leds (single and multi-asset) and LP-leds?
Natasha Buckley, Principal, Sustainable Investing, HarbourVest Partners
Track 3 - Infrastructure Investor Sustainability Forum
11:00 - 12:30
Session details to be confirmed.
12:30 - 13:30
Lunch
13:30 - 14:30
Keynote #2
13:50 - 14:30
Navigating the policy, regulatory and tariff shift: adapting to a moving target
- Where are the most material changes in regulations with implications for sustainability efforts?
- How are managers navigating the new policy environment?
- What alignment or divergence are we seeing between federal and state-level policy?
- How are managers balancing the regulatory pull of the different jurisdictions, both within the US and globally?
17:30 - 15:15
Nature & biodiversity strategies: from frameworks to value creation
- Where are funds up to on nature strategy?
- Can nature be a quantified source of value in portfolios?
- What are the realistic investment options today to tap into nature & biodiversity risk?
- Has progress been made on embedding nature-related consideration into investment strategy?
15:15 - 16:00
Sustainability strategy in private credit: risk, value creation and beyond
- How can sustainability be best embedded into credit strategies?
- With private credit strategies on the rise, what opportunities do they provide the attainment of sustainability outcomes?
- How are mission-aligned debt strategies distinct from mainstream strategies?
- What do debt strategies offer to investors currently, relative to equity?
16:00 - 16:00
Close of conference
Join the conversation
Want to speak at the next event?
If you’re interested in featuring on the agenda at the Responsible Investment Forum: New York 2026, please reach out directly to Boris Petrovic, Head of Sustainable Investment Events at PEI Group.
Pre-Event Resources
Network with the leading names in North American investment
Join 450+ sustainable investment professionals in New York on March 18-19 for two days of learning, networking and collaboration. Connect with institutional investors, fund managers, specialist responsible investment professionals, impact managers, and the wider sustainability community.
The Responsible Investment Forum is a must-attend event for those with an interest in making private markets sustainable.
Two days of networking and connections
Meet leading global investors
Network with active investors in responsible investment and advance your sustainability strategy through a program designed to foster connectivity and learning.
Build meaningful connections
Through structured networking breaks and a range of interactive workshops, drinks receptions, invite-only breakfasts, working groups, debates, discussions and more.
Connect ahead of the event
Take advantage of the event app to find out who you can meet, start a conversation, and book in in-person meetings in advance to ensure you make the most out of your time.
2025 Gallery
Connect with, and benchmark against, your investor peers. Take part in roundtable discussions, think-tanks and investor-focussed sessions to explore private market opportunities so you can come away with strategies to generate the highest returns.
Institutional investors at the Responsible Investment Forum New York 2026
The leading meeting place for foundations, pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, insurers, and family offices allocating to private markets.
As an institutional investor, you may be eligible for a complimentary pass to join the Responsible Investment Forum: New York – the region’s flagship gathering for sustainable private markets. Over two days, you’ll hear from industry leaders, connect with like-minded peers, and gain practical insights into how sustainability is shaping value creation across asset classes.
Apply for a complimentary LP pass
For qualifying institutional investors only.
Over 100 investors joined us in 2025.
Representing every corner of the LP landscape - ensuring you connect with decision-makers setting allocation priorities and driving sustainable investment strategies.
30%
Pension funds
Long-term allocators shaping private markets
15%
Foundations & endowments
Mission-driven investors embedding sustainability
10%
Family offices
Agile capital exploring next-generation strategies
Why attend as an institutional investor
Connect with peers, sharpen your strategy, and influence the market conversation
Join fellow pensions, sovereign wealth funds, insurers, endowments, foundations and family offices to benchmark allocation approaches, engage directly with leading managers, and take away practical insights on regulation, climate risk and impact measurement that you can apply across your portfolio.
Benchmark with peers
Compare allocation and stewardship approaches with fellow LPs to refine your strategy.
Engage with leading managers
Meet top GPs across PE, private debt and real assets to discuss value creation.
Stay ahead of market shifts
Get practical guidance on regulation, climate risk and impact measurement.
Apply for a complimentary Institutional Investor pass
We believe the conversation must include allocators – that’s why qualifying LPs attend at no cost.
- Foundations, endowments, trusts and insurers
- Single family offices & pension funds
- Sovereign wealth funds
- Actively making fund commitments
- Not engaged in third-party fundraising or advisory/consulting fee work
Introducing the brand-new speakers for 2026
Join the conversation
Want to get involved?
If you’re interested in featuring on the agenda at the Responsible Investment Forum: New York 2026, please reach out directly to Boris Petrovic, Head of Sustainable Investment Events at PEI Group.
Position your brand in front of global investors
Sponsorship Opportunities at the Responsible Investment Forum: New York
Position your business with an authoritative content-led event portfolio focused on responsible investing and be recognised as a go-to solution provider for senior private markets professionals and institutional investors.
- Expand your network of responsible investment professionals alongside 400+ prominent fund managers, institutional investors, and highly recognised associations.
- Stand tall from your competitors by showcasing your company’s sustainability solutions and your industry expertise with thought leadership opportunities on the event program.
- Discover branding opportunities to position your services and solutions to the opinion leaders of the global sustainability community.
For information on available sponsorship opportunities please fill in the enquiry form, contact Tyler Mitchell, Senior Business Development Manager – Americas at tyler.m@pei.group, or call +1 646 795 3279 to express your interest.
400+
Attendees
Connect with leading investors, exchange insights, and accelerate fundraising across the private market landscape.
100+
Institutional Investors
Meet sustainability-focused LPs attending to gain insights, shape strategy, and forge lasting connections.
100+
Speakers
Gain exclusive insights from an editorially curated speaker line-up designed to empower confident investment decisions.
Why partner with this event?
Network with Industry Leaders
Senior decision-makers represent a diverse range of institutions, including pension funds, insurers, family offices, fund managers, investment consultants, law firms, and banks.
Elevate Your Brand Visibility
Engage in premium networking with potential clients and increase your brand’s presence both digitally and during live sessions.
Showcase Your Expertise
Sponsors can highlight their thought leadership and industry expertise through speaking engagements and targeted content on key topics.
Maximise Your ROI
Our sponsorship packages deliver exceptional value for your investment, offering a variety of benefits tailored to meet your specific needs and objectives.
Drive thought leadership, build valuable connections, and maximise brand visibility
Opportunities to elevate and strengthen your brand
Branded Delegate Items
Meal and Refreshment Breaks
Branded Lounge or Seated Areas
Exclusive Networking Slots
Coffee and Beverage Stations
Private Meetings or Roundtables
App Branding and Charging Stations
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