Supporting the global profession
Setting out what sustainability reporting and assurance mean for the public sector
ACCA, IDI (INTOSAI Development Initiative) and IFAC (International Federation of Accountants) have partnered to produce a new report that helps public sector organisations understand the rapidly evolving area of public sector sustainability reporting and assurance.
The report – which follows on from the executive summary launched in October 2023 at the United Nations’ World Investment Forum – draws on two global roundtables, held in August and September 2023, with professionals involved in both reporting and audit in the public sector.
The full report was launched at an opening session of IDI’s Global Summit on Professionalisation of SAI Auditors in London on 14 November, which heard how comprehensive and relevant sustainability reporting must be accompanied by effective oversight mechanisms.
Ongoing work
For ACCA, the report builds on its ongoing work on sustainability reporting and assurance in the public sector, such as the global roundtables convened in spring 2023 exploring the key issues. It also provides feedback to the International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board, as it develops a forward work programme to develop public sector specific sustainability reporting standards..
The report explores how the information provided through the sustainability reporting and assurance process should advance sustainable development.
It sets out why the public sector should engage in reporting and assurance in this area, outlines principles for reporting and assurance, and explores what sustainability assurance involves for the public sector.
Supporting the global profession
"The sustainability reporting agenda is developing rapidly, and it is crucial the public sector is not left behind"
Mark Johnson, ACCA