On the 18-19 March, ShareAction’s European Responsible Investment Network (ERIN) hosted its fifth conference, bringing together over 80 civil society representatives, policy experts, and campaigners to connect, collaborate, and discuss plans to push for a more sustainable financial system. Sessions focused on topics ranging from crafting winning narratives to navigating complex political landscapes, highlighting both the urgent need for change and the creative solutions already in motion.
ERIN is a member-led network of 50 European civil society collaborating to build a fair and responsible investment system. Through collective action, the network aims to reshape financial markets to better serve people and the planet.
Here are our five key takeaways from the conference:
1. Winning narratives are built on shared vision
Effective narratives are not just about delivering the right message - they are about building a shared vision that resonates with people’s experiences and values. Successful storytelling goes beyond slogans or facts; it is about connecting with people on an emotional level while offering a clear and hopeful path forward.
Partnerships and collaboration play a crucial role in achieving this shared vision. By working together, organisations can amplify their reach, reinforce key messages, and build trust with different audiences. Networks like ERIN provide the space needed to exchange insights and align strategies, ensuring that messages reach diverse audiences in meaningful ways, and making them more effective and far-reaching.
2. Facts alone won't win the debate - feelings matter
While scientific evidence is vital, it is not enough to shift public opinion. Many discussions during the conference highlighted how technical language and complex frameworks often fail to connect with people’s everyday concerns. To broaden public support, it's essential to move beyond dry facts and tap into emotions.
Stories that reflect people’s values, like protecting communities from environmental harm, are more likely to resonate. This also means listening as much as telling and building coalitions that can reach different audiences in ways that matter to them. Building on the conference discussions, ERIN will focus on coordinating joint campaigning, advocacy, and policy work to turn shared vision into concrete action.
3. Tougher political landscape demands effective engagement strategy
With the political climate becoming more unpredictable, there is a growing need for smart, flexible engagement strategies. Organisations must carefully weigh the risks and benefits of interacting with actors who hold different views. Risks include reputational damage and diluting core messages, while potential benefits could be shaping policy outcomes, fact-checking misinformation, and influencing key decision-makers.
A clear takeaway was the importance of continuously reassessing these risks, maintaining transparency when pursuing a certain outcome, and being prepared to walk away if the costs outweigh the benefits. Even without direct engagement, there are ways to exert influence, such as working with more moderate voices who can sway critical votes and shape public discourse.
4. Civil society must take the lead to shape the next chapter
A major challenge identified was the defensive posture many civil society organisations have taken in response to recent attacks on sustainability initiatives. To drive change, there is a clear need for a more imaginative and proactive approach. This means defining a positive vision of the future, bringing new voices into the media, and making the case that sustainable finance is about protecting people and the planet, not just serving elite interests.
The conference emphasized the importance of being bold in testing new messages and pushing back against opposition narratives. If industries and governments are using urgency to justify harmful actions, we in civil society must reclaim that urgency to demand just, sustainable transitions.
5. Collaboration is key to amplifying impact
The conference was a clear reminder: we’re stronger when we work together. By pooling our expertise, technical knowledge and campaign strategies, organisations can push for more ambitious policy changes and regulatory reforms to tackle the complex challenges ahead.
The ERIN network itself is a testament to the power of collaboration, a diverse and dynamic space where civil society groups unite to push for systemic change both at EU and national levels. As highlighted during the conference, building these cross-sector partnerships will be essential for transforming the financial system and ensuring a just transition. Participants have demonstrated a clear commitment to working together and willingness to adapt strategies for greater impact.
Quotes from our ERIN conference participants
“It was an excellent event. I learnt so much, and the clear sense of community within the network was inspiring.”
“It was one of the most inspiring (as well as frustrating when looking at the years to come) conferences I’ve been to in a long time. Although we didn’t find the silver bullet to answer the backlash it’s been good to brainstorm together.”
"ERIN brings together people who work on common topics to exchange and make new ideas, foster pool common resources and see where we can find synergies on projects, which has been super helpful."
Want to be part of the change? The ERIN network is growing, and there has never been a more crucial time to get involved. Together, we can drive the changes needed to ensure a sustainable future for all.
For more information about the network, visit the ERIN webpage.
