Sustainability in Unchartered Geopolitical Landscape: Governance Anchors Progress

SAM Curated Commentary for 2026 | Opinions

by Alexandra Faciu

Montréal, Canada

Happy New Year to all! With the holiday season now behind us, I am preparing for what promises to be a transformative year for SAM Curated, our curators and me. The first publication for SAM Curated is an Opinion piece. When writing this text, I considered two main anchors: the global outlook for real estate and the issue of governance, which I believe are essential in what announces to be a rather interesting year.

The recent news paints a clear picture of what’s to come: geopolitical and trade uncertainty, alongside momentum on sustainability, even if not as enthusiastic as other years. Clean energy may be encountering political resistance right now, yet I believe that the overall direction of travel suggests robust development activity. For experienced real estate investors and asset managers, this mix of volatility and long‑term structural shifts creates a landscape where well‑informed, disciplined strategies can uncover meaningful opportunities.

A good piece on the subject of real estate opportunities and risks comes from Hines. Its newly released 2026 Global Investment Outlook offers a useful lens on how the year may unfold. The company believes that commercial real estate has moved beyond its most volatile phase and is now progressing into a steady, disciplined recovery. Growth is expected to come from targeted opportunities that reward strategic focus and operational rigor. A major shift shaping this environment is the new geography of capital. Deglobalization has evolved from a discussion point into a structural reality, driving investment decisions toward more localized, hyper‑granular market insight. At the same time, the lines between asset classes are blurring as living, working, logistics and technology increasingly converge. Investors who recognize these intersections and position their strategies around them will be well placed to capture the next phase of market growth.

A healthy governance framework is, in my view, the anchor for what experienced asset owners and investors aim to achieve in 2026. It helps absorb shocks from the geopolitical and trade tensions already shaping the year, and it provides the structural stability needed for both short‑ and long‑term strategies. As I step into my new role with the RICS Governing Council, even with the organization operating under a Royal Charter and supported by a strong governance model, revisiting the fundamentals of corporate governance felt like the responsible way to prepare for my mandate with RICS and my work with asset owners and professionals in the built environment.

The 2023 G20/OECD Principles of Corporate Governance report is my go‑to reference. They set a global benchmark for how companies should be directed and controlled, calling for a coherent, law‑based framework that blends regulation, listing rules and voluntary codes while keeping pace with evolving markets and technology. The Principles reinforce core shareholder rights, equal treatment and strong protections for minority investors, while promoting low‑friction participation in general meetings. They also raise expectations for stewardship among institutional investors and intermediaries, emphasizing transparency, conflict‑of‑interest management and accountability.

High‑quality, timely disclosure aligned with international standards is central to the framework, supported by independent audits. Boards are expected to provide strategic oversight, manage risk and ensure the integrity of reporting. Importantly, sustainability and resilience are fully embedded, requiring clear governance of climate‑related risks, opportunities and stakeholder interests.

A safer, more stable world is within reach when we influence what we can and address risks and opportunities with intention as they emerge. With that mindset, 2026 has every chance to be a prosperous and constructive year!

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