Responsible investing is now a critical factor in the decision-making of institutional investors, whose actions are under scrutiny from millennials – a generation that places greater importance on issues such as climate change and human rights than previous age groups.

In the past, investment decisions were taken solely on the basis of financial returns, but environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria are now key factors in how finance is raised and what projects proceed.

In short, purpose has become as important as profit.

The ESG transformation is hugely important to the Middle East, and is the theme of the June 2021 issue of MEED Business Review. 

MEED's deputy editor Colin Foreman looks at the rise of ethical investing, stating that it will permeate every level of the Middle East’s economy over the coming decades.

Contributing writer Shami Nissan, head of responsible investment at Actis, continues the theme with a call for a just energy transition. This demands that, as we strive to combat climate change, we shift to a low-carbon global future in a way that is equitable, inclusive and benefits all. 

Our latest edition also features MEED’s annual ranking of the top 100 largest listed companies by value in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region. The good news is that while most sectors took a considerable hit last year, Middle East-listed firms have so far seen recovery in 2021.

This month's 14-page Market Focus offers an in-depth look at Iraq, and finds the country's economy sitting at a crossroads.

Must-read sections in the June 2021 edition of MEED Business Review include:

> AGENDA: Profiting from ethical investing

> MEED TOP 100: Regional stocks resurge from Covid-linked slump 

> BIG INTERVIEW: Sheikh Nawaf Saud al-Sabah, CEO of Kufpec and Kuwait Petroleum International 

> IRAQ SPECIAL REPORT: Iraq's economy sits at a crossroads

> ISRAEL-PALESTINE: Violence erupts along new fault lines

> BIDEN: Gaza conflict makes Joe Biden look weak

> OIL & GAS: Tunisia faces wave of oil firm departures 

> LEADERSHIP: Building better mental health in construction

> DIGITAL AWAKENING: Cloud drives the digitalisation of Middle East construction

> ROAD TO EXPO: Discovering Estonia's digital e-scapade

> GULF PROJECTS INDEX: Iraq grows despite Gulf index decline

> CONTRACT AWARDS: April sees big rise in project awards value

> BUSINESS OUTLOOK: Finance, oil and gas, construction, power and water contracts

We hope you enjoy the June 2021 edition of MEED Business Review.