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The MOU, announced in March, commits the two organisations to seeking to coordinate work programmes and standard-setting activities. The IFRS Foundation and GRI recognise the need to further harmonise the sustainability reporting landscape at an international level. IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards and GRI Standards can be viewed as two interconnected reporting pillars that address distinct perspectives, which can together form a comprehensive corporate reporting regime for the disclosure of sustainability information.
In May, technical representatives from both organisations outlined activities that could provide the necessary clarification and alignment. Among the initiatives discussed were:
“The collaboration between GRI and the ISSB is significant because it reflects that both organizations value the importance of working together to align our sustainability related standards. I believe this will not only give companies greater clarity on reporting expectations, it can ultimately improve the quality and relevance of reporting data. I therefore welcome the progress achieved under our MOU so far. These outcomes are tangible first steps towards achieving the global, interconnected two-pillar system for corporate reporting, as envisaged through the MOU, which reflects the distinct yet equal importance of financial and impact materiality in sustainability reporting. We look forward to continuing to collaborate with the IFRS Foundation and the ISSB in support of this aim.”
Eelco van der Enden, CEO of GRIThe ISSB is committed to creating a global baseline of reporting standards that meet the needs of investors. Our collaboration with GRI will bring clarity to the market on how our two standards can interact to provide a comprehensive and seamless suite of reporting standards that meet the needs of broader stakeholders, while streamlining the process for companies. This first meeting of our technical teams has been truly encouraging and I look forward to our continued collaboration.”
Emmanuel Faber, Chair of the ISSBThe requirements established by the ISSB are subject to the IFRS Foundation’s due process. Similarly, approval by the GRI Global Sustainability Standards Board will be needed before any of these outcomes are implemented.