As the global voice of the accountancy profession, IFAC has long supported the establishment of the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) to develop a comprehensive global baseline of sustainability disclosures—which are now endorsed by IOSCO and are ready to be adopted and implemented around the world.  High-quality implementation of IFRS S1 and IFRS S2 is critical to the ISSB’s mission.  

We congratulate the ISSB for addressing “climate first” with IFRS S2 and also delivering IFRS S1 requirements for broader disclosure of investor-focused information about sustainability-related risks and opportunities. Next, companies need a global baseline for a holistic, narrative analysis of how reporting entities create, preserve, or erode value over time, including how sustainability disclosures are connected to financial position and performance.     

IFAC CEO Kevin Dancey said, “Our research clearly shows that companies are moving away from stand-alone sustainability reports—at least in terms of timing and same location. Investors need a consistent, comprehensive view, and companies need a timely pragmatic solution to the connected reporting issue.  The <IR> Framework that is commonly used to provide up front narrative information coupled with the IASB’s prior work on Management Commentary provide a constructive roadmap for the two boards to move with pace, just like they did  with S1 and S2, to develop a new template for explaining how a company creates sustainable value.”  

The ambition and momentum demonstrated by the ISSB since it was announced at COP 26 must continue, and we urge the Board to use the results of this agenda consultation to set out a clear timeline for addressing additional sustainability topics including biodiversity and human capital/rights issues.  

IFAC continues its call on the global accountancy profession to work with local regulators and stakeholders to support the adoption of ISSB standards, to help build capacity for their implementation alongside any local complementary reporting requirements, and to continue to contribute our expertise and feedback to the ISSB as its important standard setting work continues.