The global accountancy profession, through the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), is urging G20 leaders to focus on sustainability, transparency, and governance as the 2030 deadline for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) approaches.
A new publication, G20 Call to Action 2024: Building a Just World & a Sustainable Planet, underscores the essential role high-quality sustainability information, reporting and assurance play in achieving global sustainability targets. IFAC calls for G20 leadership in fostering a comprehensive ecosystem of sustainability reporting and assurance, grounded in international standards and supported by strong corporate governance practices.
A Focus on Sustainability and Governance
The Brazilian G20 Presidency highlights the importance of sustainability across climate, environmental, and governance dimensions—and the profession’s Call to Action aligns with this focus. It urges G20 leaders to adopt the IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards, the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board’s recently approved International Standard on Sustainability Assurance (ISSA) 5000, and the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountant’s forthcoming ethics and independence standards for sustainability reporting and assurance.
“As the 2030 deadline rapidly approaches, balancing environmental and societal priorities has never been more urgent,” said IFAC Chief Executive Officer Lee White. “Professional accountants, with their unique skills, experience, and public interest mandate, are driving the creation of a sustainable future. We’ve already seen policymakers, businesses, and society aligning with us to pursue these common goals, and we welcome the expansion of these crucial partnerships.”
Key Recommendations for G20 Policymakers
- Promote Trust Through High-Quality Information: Advocate for a global framework built on IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards and ISSA 5000 for assurance.
- Enhance Public Sector Transparency: Support the International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB) in developing global public sector sustainability standards.
- Strengthen Public Financial Management: Encourage governments to adopt accrual accounting and professionalize public finance to boost transparency.
- Support SMEs in Sustainable Development: Ensure small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have access to the tools and resources needed to contribute to sustainability efforts.
Accountancy Profession Taking Action
In parallel with these recommendations, the global accountancy profession is taking concrete steps to support sustainability and governance objectives, including advancing the adoption of sustainability reporting standards, enhanced corporate governance, and improved transparency across sectors. Professional accountants and firms are also preparing for the adoption of ISSA 5000, ensuring they meet evolving sustainability reporting needs.
In the public sector, IFAC is working with governments to implement accrual accounting and strengthen public financial management, enhancing accountability at all levels of government.
United for Global Progress: A Shared Responsibility for Sustainability
IFAC’s publication underscores that a just and sustainable planet is within reach, but only through collective action. “G20 policymakers must maintain their important momentum and seize this moment,” said Lee White. “The global accountancy profession is already moving forward, playing key roles in achieving the SDGs. We welcome the G20’s continued and increasing involvement. By adopting these recommendations and collaborating closely with the accountancy profession, we can build a sustainable future that leaves no one behind.”
About IFAC
IFAC, by connecting and uniting its members, makes the accountancy profession truly global.
IFAC member organizations are champions of integrity and professional quality, and proudly carry their membership as a badge of international recognition.
IFAC and its members work together to shape the future of the profession through learning, innovation, a collective voice, and commitment to the public interest.
