Since the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015, the Intergovernmental Working Group of Experts on International Standards of Accounting and Reporting (ISAR) has been playing a pivotal role in the harmonization of sustainability reporting frameworks and standards. The International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) is developing private sector sustainability reporting requirements that support investors and provide a global baseline of sustainability disclosures to inform economic and investment decisions. At the same time, a recent report by the World Bank Group identifies significant climate-related information gaps for public sector entities. Bridging these gaps is important for informed policymaking by governments and allocation of public funds to sustainable activities.
To address climate-related information gaps, the International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB) has undertaken a research and scoping exercise using their due process and global networks for developing sustainability reporting standards, fit for the public sector.
This symposium offers an important global platform to show the IPSAS Board’s thinking on the development of public sector sustainability reporting, and to voice views and concerns of all stakeholders. The symposium will also provide an opportunity for participants to consider what capacity gaps need to be addressed to support the rapid adoption and implementation of sustainability reporting in the public sector, globally.
Session themes:
- How will the IPSAS Board develop public sector sustainability reporting standards that meet the varied needs of users and capabilities of prepares?
- What are the information needs for users of public sector sustainability reports?
- How can ISAR, the Regional Partnerships for the promotion of sustainability reporting, professional accountancy organizations(PAOs), public sector institutions, and other civil society actors effectively facilitate capacity building in preparation for the adoption and implementation of sustainability reporting in the public sector?
Speaker(s)
