Global society is on a “cusp of a generation” that demands a “pension to be proud of”, according to the film producer, director and writer, Richard Curtis.

As reported by our sister publication, European Pensions, he was speaking yesterday, Wednesday 27 May, at Tobacco Free Portfolios’ High Level Webinar for World No Tobacco Day (31 May).

Curtis, who also spearheads the campaign, Make My Money Matter, spoke about the impact individuals can make when it comes to more sustainable investing. However, he said that most people still do not realise their pensions are invested.

Curtis believes that once people understand this, they will realise that their own behaviour can make a difference.

“[People will think] wait a minute, I’ve got all this money and it could be working for good every day. And they’re asking could it help stop cigarettes, stop the armed trade, defeat gambling and pornography.

“Then they’re asking, could my money also be helping fund the things I believe in – renewable energy, affordable housing, healthcare and sustainable food. I think we are on the cusp of a generation who actually demand a pension to be proud of,” he explained.

The campaign that he spearheads, Make My Money Matter, has been launched in the UK initially, but Curtis hopes it will move around the world. Its aim is to create a movement calling for trillions of pounds invested in UK pensions to build a better world.

Speaking about Tobacco Free Portfolios’ initiative, he said: “This great initiative is taking on the tobacco industry and its casual killing, and as we all work out how to build back better post-Covid-19, taking control of what our saved money can do is going to be one of the great, practical, revolutionary and irresistible levers for change.”

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