In 2020, ACCA is responding to the UN’s call for a decade of action to deliver the global goals by setting out a number of specific commitments.

We will leverage the power of our community to contribute to the global goals. Our commitments are a work in progress: we’ll unite around these to ensure we play our part in delivering a thriving, sustainable future for the profession and for the world, and we’ll report our shared progress each year in ACCA’s annual integrated report.

We recognise the importance of all 17 interconnected SDGs. And collectively, ACCA and its community can make our most significant contribution towards the achievement of nine of them.

SDG 4: Quality education

Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong opportunities for all

Our commitment: We will offer access to a quality finance and accountancy education that is free from artificial barriers.

SDG 5: Gender equality

Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls

Our commitment: We will promote gender equality across our global community and achieve gender equality across our employee population.

SDG 8: Decent work and economic growth

Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all.

Our commitment: We will support our community to progress in their careers so they can actively contribute to sustainable economic growth.

SDG 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialisation and foster innovation

Our commitment: We will empower our community so they can support organisations to be ethical, sustainable, successful and able to participate in the global economy.

SDG 10: Reduced inequalities

Reduce inequality within and among countries

Our commitment: We will advocate for inclusion, diversity and social mobility within, and on behalf of, our community, and ensure ACCA is a fair and inclusive place to work.

SDG 12: Responsible consumption and production

Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns

Our commitment: We will promote sustainable practices and reporting, working with our community and our employees to reduce the consumption of resources.

SDG 13: Climate action

Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts

Our commitments:

We will embed green finance in our qualifications and learning products to improve capability across the profession for climate action.

We will advise and support governments and regulators to develop and adopt the regulations and reporting practices needed to transition to a net zero carbon economy.

At ACCA, we’re committing to becoming net zero.

SDG 16: Peace, justice and strong institutions

Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels

Our commitment: We will promote and adhere to the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and ethics.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the goals

Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalise the global partnership for sustainable development

Our commitment: We will work in partnership to build an inclusive global profession that supports the development of ethical, sustainable and successful businesses and economies.

Read more at Accounting for a Better World

Read about the UN Sustainable Development Goals

The UN’s call for a decade of sustainable action