Skip to main content
  • Building Professional Accountancy Capacity Can Strengthen Emerging Economies, Say IFAC and Global Partners

    Bucharest, Romania English

    Emerging economies, including the Global South, present enormous opportunities for economic growth, and their development is important in both local and global contexts. For these economies to grow and achieve prosperity, the active contribution of professional accountants is essential.  

    Today, IFAC commenced MOSAIC meetings in Bucharest beginning with the MOSAIC Steering Committee meeting to discuss plans for developing the capacity of the accounting profession in emerging economies. IFAC has again strategically aligned MOSAIC meetings with the INTOSAI Capacity Building Committee and Donor Coordination Committee meetings, all of which are hosted by the Supreme Audit Institution of Romania this year. These events mark the first MOSAIC meetings for new IFAC Chief Executive Officer, Lee White. 

    Over the next days, the MOSAIC Steering Committee meeting will bring together the signatories to MOSAIC (the Memorandum of Understanding to Strengthen Accountancy and Improve Collaboration) Development partners who will join IFAC and SAI representatives for the MOSAIC Forum. Mr. White will join a dynamic synergy session between the MOSAIC signatories and the INTOSAI community.   

    MOSAIC serves as a cornerstone for a unified global approach to enhance the capacity of professional accountancy organizations (PAOs) and elevate the quality of financial management systems in emerging economies. The agreement and the collaborative efforts it fosters aim to empower PAOs in partner countries to improve the standards of accountancy and financial management, ultimately amplifying the effectiveness of donor assistance. Acknowledging the complexities of PAO development, MOSAIC is designed to strengthen cooperation and collaboration between IFAC, international donors, and the global development community.  

    Today’s discussions were focused on the future of the MOSAIC MoU, exploring strategies to magnify its impact developing the accountancy profession in emerging economies in the years ahead. This comes at a crucial moment, with the rapid evolution of sustainability reporting and assurance in the private sector, and in the context of the continued work of the International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB) to develop sustainability reporting standards for the public sector, where SAIs are key stakeholders.   

    Lee White, Chief Executive Officer, IFAC said: “Strengthening capacity among PAOs and throughout the accountancy profession is one of the most effective ways to support sustainable economic and social growth and development, and we outlined a number of areas where accountants can have an impact in our recent publication The Accountancy Profession Enabling Africa's Transformation. It is inspiring to see so many development partners prioritizing capacity building in the accountancy profession.  We look forward to working together with the MOSAIC signatories and INTOSAI Community to strengthen our collective impact and drive meaningful change.”   

    Arturo Herrera Gutierrez, World Bank Global Director for Governance said: “Proper accounting is critical for the development of the private sector and enabling access to credit markets and enhancing citizens’ trust in governments' effective use of public resources. The World Bank has a long history of engagement on this foundational agenda. We are committed to supporting emerging issues including sustainability reporting and proper recording of contingent liabilities in the public sector in collaboration with the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) and its International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board. We look forward to continuing to work closely with IFAC, MOSAIC, and the INTOSAI communities to strengthen and improve collaboration.” 

    Tsakani Maluleke, INTOSAI CBC Chair said: “Professional accountancy organizations and supreme audit institutions should have a shared commitment to excellence in public sector financial management and realize the value of working together to achieve an improved public sector. Sharing insights on how accountability ecosystems across the globe can be strengthened through enabling mechanisms such as improved standard-setting, ongoing auditor professionalization and investment in strong institutional capacity will be critical. Of course, this will require SAIs and PAOs to strategically partner to work to the benefit of citizens in the countries where they operate and, in doing so, play an essential role in achieving the vision of the UN Sustainable Development Goals – to leave no one behind.” 

    About IFAC 
    IFAC is the global organization for the accountancy profession dedicated to serving the public interest by strengthening the profession and contributing to the development of strong international economies. IFAC is comprised of 180 members and associates in more than 135 jurisdictions, representing millions of professional accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce. 

    MOSAIC Meetings Unite Global Partners to Strengthen the Accountancy Profession

  • New Report from International Federation of Accountants, ICAEW, and Basel Institute on Governance Urges Accountants in Business to Continue to Lead Anti-Corruption Actions

    New York, London, and Basel, Switzerland English

    The International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), and the Basel Institute on Governance have published a new, joint report, Integrated Mindset in Practice: Professional Accountants in Business and Anti-Corruption Compliance. It offers practical guidance and actionable strategies to approach anti-corruption initiatives with an integrated mindset, resulting in long-term value creation.

    The approach of an “integrated mindset”, as highlighted in the report, encourages company leadership to view financial and sustainability data in an interconnected, holistic way. Integrated Mindset in Practice provides guidance for companies—particularly professional accountants working in business—to apply this integrated approach to anti-corruption oversight and programs. The report underscores the crucial role of governance in environmental, social, and governance (ESG), emphasizing a commitment to an ethical culture of integrity and highlighting red flags for the accountants during their risk assessments.

    Advocating for a “whole of business” approach to anti-corruption, the report calls on professional accountancy organizations to encourage their members to fully embrace their role combatting corruption by:

    1. Recognizing themselves as key anti-corruption stakeholders.
    2. Supporting integrated thinking across their organizations.
    3. Being champions of Collective Action.

    Lee White, IFAC Chief Executive Officer: “The cost of corruption and financial crime are significant obstacles to economic prosperity and fairness in society. This report is a vital resource for professional accountants as business leaders to have an integrated mindset in continuing to respond to corruption and support economic prosperity.”

    Alan Vallance, Chief Executive of ICAEW: “Professional accountants are uniquely positioned to influence and implement an integrated mindset within organizations. With these tools and insights, they will be able to embed anti-corruption measures into their organizations’ broader ESG framework, ensuring that integrity and transparency remain at the forefront of business practices.”

    Vanessa Hans, Head of the Private Sector Division of the Basel Institute on Governance: “Importantly, this report encourages professional accountants to be champions of Collective Action as part of a “whole of business” approach to anti-corruption. Anti-corruption Collective Action brings business and stakeholders together to tackle the shared problem of corruptions. Accountants can play a crucial role in these efforts, driving initiatives that bring real change.

    The report will be featured during “The CFO & Finance Function and Anti-Corruption: Cultivating an Integrated Mindset” webinar on July 9 at 13:00 UTC. Jointly hosted by IFAC, ICAEW and the Basel Institute on Governance, the webinar is organized under the auspices of the B20 and in collaboration with the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) and Business at OECD (BIAC), as part of the 25th Anniversary of the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention campaign. Visit the IFAC website for more details and to register.

    About IFAC
    IFAC is the global organization for the accountancy profession dedicated to serving the public interest by strengthening the profession and contributing to the development of strong international economies. IFAC is comprised of 180 members and associates in more than 135 jurisdictions, representing millions of professional accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce.

    About ICAEW
    Chartered accountants are talented, ethical and committed professionals. ICAEW represents more than 208,000 members and students around the world.

    Founded in 1880, ICAEW has a long history of serving the public interest and we continue to work with governments, regulators and business leaders globally. And, as a world-leading improvement regulator, we supervise and monitor around 12,000 firms, holding them, and all ICAEW members and students, to the highest standards of professional competency and conduct.

    We promote inclusivity, diversity and fairness and we give talented professionals the skills and values they need to build resilient businesses, economies and societies, while ensuring our planet’s resources are managed sustainably.

    ICAEW is the first major professional body to be carbon neutral, demonstrating our commitment to tackle climate change and supporting UN Sustainable Development Goal 13.

    ICAEW is a founding member of Chartered Accountants Worldwide (CAW), a global family that connects over 1.8m chartered accountants and students in more than 190 countries. Together, we support, develop and promote the role of chartered accountants as trusted business leaders, difference makers and advisers.

    We believe that chartered accountancy can be a force for positive change. By sharing our insight, expertise and understanding we can help to create sustainable economies and a better future for all. 

    About Basel Institute on Governance
    The Basel Institute on Governance is an independent not-for-profit organisation dedicated to countering corruption and improving standards of governance. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, the Institute works worldwide with the public and private sectors and civil society. Its Private Sector Division is a leading voice promoting anti-corruption Collective Action in the business integrity space.

  • IFAC Continues to Convene and Lead Global Discussion on Sustainability Assurance; New Publication Focuses on “What to Expect”

    Belle Mare, Mauritius English

    As part of its ongoing initiative to convene, inform and mobilize sustainability reporting and assurance stakeholders, IFAC, the voice for the global accountancy profession, today released Sustainability Assurance: What to Expect.

    IFAC Chief Executive Officer Lee White said, “We are in the midst of a significant global transformation as businesses seek opportunities and ways to respond to sustainability-related challenges. Professional accountants are absolutely crucial in this transformation, and have an important public interest role to play. Our profession has a mature competency in analyzing and interpreting data, and the ability to use it to successfully innovate and introduce new business models.”

    Mr. White continued, “Companies are working diligently to develop their governance structures and the processes, systems and controls needed to support sustainability reporting and assurance. Investors and other users of this information should expect, at least initially, that sustainability assurance engagements may be different from what occurs with financial reporting. For example, I expect that assurance reports may include modifications, which would be reflective of the transformation that is occurring.”

    Policymakers and regulators around the world are moving with pace to introduce essential requirements for sustainability reporting and assurance. At the same time, IFAC encourages accountants to embrace their pivotal role in this transformation, and we remind all stakeholders that the application of reporting and assurance requirements will take time to mature.

    We have been an early advocate for a harmonized, global system for the disclosure of sustainability-related information, and we continue to coordinate with other international organizations, including the IFRS Foundation, the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB), and IOSCO in pursuit of this goal. We were pleased to participate at IOSCO’s annual meeting in Athens last month, where we took the opportunity to recognize the swift progress made by the IFRS Foundation and the ISSB in coalescing more than 20 jurisdictions, representing over half the world’s GDP, in the decision to introduce the ISSB standards in their legal or regulatory frameworks.

    We invite organizations to reach out to us with opportunities for further collaboration. We also encourage producers and users of sustainability-related information to engage with one another to further a shared understanding of and commitment to high-quality sustainability assurance.

    Finally, we call for sustainability assurance engagements to be conducted in accordance with the global standards being developed by the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) and International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA) to help ensure high-quality assurance.

    Sustainability Assurance: What to Expect can be downloaded for free on our website.

    About IFAC
    The International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) is the global organization for the accountancy profession dedicated to serving the public interest by strengthening the profession and contributing to the development of strong international economies. IFAC is comprised of 180 members and associates in more than 135 jurisdictions, representing millions of professional accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce

    #IFAC #Sustainability #MobilizingSustainability

  • New Toolkit for PAOs to Advance Strategic Planning Out Now from IFAC

    New York, New York English

    In order to significantly contribute to national economic and social development, PAOs around the world need a coherent strategy and operating model to realize their full potential. A strategic plan can guide and drive a PAO’s activities and priorities, determining where the organization is going, how it will get there, and how it will know if it gets there. 

    To equip PAOs with a clear, practical, and outcome driven framework to develop, implement, and monitor an effective strategy, IFAC has released its Professional Accountancy Organization (PAO) Strategy Planning Toolkit: An end-to-end guide to strategic transformation. This toolkit is for PAOs at all stages of developing a strategic plan. It can help kickstart the process, and it also offers guidance for updating and refining existing plans.  

    Creating and publishing the toolkit is itself an element of IFAC’s own organizational strategy and its vision of a robust and well-functioning accountancy profession, composed of competent and capable professionals supported by effective PAOs which contribute significantly to the sustainability of small, medium, and large businesses; sound capital markets; effective public services; and—ultimately—economic growth. 

    The toolkit was launched today in Mauritius at a workshop co-hosted by IFAC’s PAO Development Advisory Group (PAODAG) and the Pan African Federation of Accountants (PAFA) leading up to PAFA’s Annual General Meeting. The workshop brought together over 50 PAO leaders who are present in Mauritius for PAFA’s meeting. 

    The toolkit was made possible by a strategic alliance with PAFA who held the launch event and connected the IFAC PAODAG to PAO members and leaders who trailed the toolkit and ultimately informed its development. The need for this toolkit was recognized by the PAODAG who established a workstream chaired by Sheree Ebanks, CEO of CIIPA, with Zarif Ludin, Head of Institutional Partnership at ACCA, as content lead, to benefit all PAOs.

    “To respond to the accountancy profession’s constantly evolving challenges and opportunities, PAOs need a strong strategic plan to be resilient, adaptive, and forward-thinking and make well-informed decisions,” said Lee White, IFAC Chief Executive Officer. “This toolkit, informed by our own experiences in strategic planning and the journeys of our member organizations, is made possible by our role as the global convener of the accountancy profession and contains a framework applicable around the world. We hope this toolkit can develop the process for PAOs or give new momentum and inspiration to those already engaged in it.” 

    “The toolkit will play a pivotal role in building effective Professional Accountancy Organizations,” said Alta Prinsloo, CEO of PAFA. “Beyond the toolkit, it's essential for African PAOs to realise they can tap into additional support from PAFA. Our services include conducting gap analyses, facilitating access to best practices, developing action plans, and engaging with national stakeholders and development partners to enhance and recognize both the PAO and the national accountancy profession.”

    PAFA, a network partner of IFAC, proudly represents 56 PAOs in 45 jurisdictions across Africa.

    Before the toolkit’s official release, several PAOs, including IFAC member associate Emirates Association for Accountants & Auditors (EAAA), trialed the toolkit to shape its development and have seen improvement in their strategic planning. 

    “We are proud to be one of the first users of the toolkit while it was under development, and in only a few months, we have seen considerable improvement in our strategic planning,” said Saif Bin Abed, EAAA Chairman. “As an organization, we are better prepared to act on the opportunities and challenges ahead.”  

    “This toolkit has created an agile environment within the EAAA through its effective monitoring mechanism which enables us to respond quickly to different business variables and be able to update the strategy in a way that it promotes the sustainable growth of our organization,” said Ahmad Darwish, EAAA Vice Chairman. 

    Download the toolkit, available now in English and French.  

     

    About IFAC

    IFAC is the global organization for the accountancy profession dedicated to serving the public interest by strengthening the profession and contributing to the development of strong international economies. IFAC is comprised of 180 members and associates in more than 135 jurisdictions, representing millions of professional accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce.

    For PAOs at all stages of developing a strategic plan

  • IPSASB Issues Exposure Draft on Arrangements Conveying Rights Over Assets

    New York, New York English

    The International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB) has today released for comment Exposure Draft (ED) 88, Arrangements Conveying Rights over Assets (Amendments to IPSAS 47 and IPSAS 48)

    The proposed amendments to IPSAS 47, Revenue are consistent with the principles already exposed in ED 84, Concessionary Leases and Right-of-Use Assets In-kind (Amendments to IPSAS 43 and IPSAS 23), published in January 2023, that were strongly supported by stakeholders. Additionally, ED 88 proposes illustrative examples to accompany IPSAS 47 and IPSAS 48, Transfer Expenses on other types of arrangements conveying rights over assets that are common in the public sector.

    Feedback to both ED 88 and ED 84 will inform the final pronouncement on other lease-type arrangements.

    “In light of its new standards on Revenue and Transfer Expenses, the IPSASB is proposing to update the guidance on common public sector arrangements that convey rights over assets,” said IPSASB Chair Ian Carruthers. “The proposals in ED 88 provide new guidance to enhance accountability and decision-making in the public sector that addresses the remaining arrangements identified in the Request for Information, Concessionary Leases and Other Arrangements Similar to Leases not already covered in ED 84.”

    How to Comment
    To access the Exposure Draft, its summary At-a-Glance document, Webcast, or to submit a comment, visit the IPSASB website. Comments are requested by May 31, 2024. The IPSASB encourages IFAC members, associates, and regional accountancy organizations to promote the availability of this Exposure Draft to their members and employees.

    About the IPSASB
    The International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board
    ® (IPSASB®) works to strengthen public financial management globally through developing and maintaining accrual-based International Public Sector Accounting Standards
    (IPSAS®) and other high-quality financial reporting guidance for use by governments and other public sector entities. It also raises awareness of IPSAS and the benefits of accrual adoption. The Board receives support from the Asian Development Bank, the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada, the New Zealand External Reporting Board, and the government of Canada. The structures and processes that support the operations of the IPSASB are facilitated by the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC). For copyright, trademark, and permissions information, please go to permissions or contact permissions@ifac.org

    About the Public Interest Committee
    The governance and standard-setting activities of the IPSASB are overseen by the Public Interest Committee (PIC), to ensure that they follow due process and reflect the public interest. The PIC is comprised of individuals with expertise in public sector or financial reporting, and professional engagement in organizations that have an interest in promoting high-quality and internationally comparable financial information.

    Comments are requested by May 31, 2024

  • IFAC Publishes Updated Guide for Trainers to Support IPSAS Implementation

    New York, New York English

    Implementing accrual accounting is a significant priority for many public sector and government entities across jurisdictions as it enhances decision-making and improves transparency and accountability. Adopting and implementing accrual accounting standards successfully can be an intricate process involving many stakeholders.  

    To assist governments and government entities interested to report in accordance with the accrual-based International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS), IFAC has released a package of training materials collectively titled Implementing IPSAS: A Guide for Trainers for use by trainers to teach others about the standards and how to apply them.  

    Implementing IPSAS: A Guide for Trainers is the 2024 edition to Train the Trainer: Introduction to IPSAS released in November 2020. The 2024 edition includes updates to incorporate standards and pronouncements recently issued, including IPSAS 46, Measurement, IPSAS 47, Revenue, IPSAS 48, Transfer Expenses, and IPSAS 43, Leases

    Implementing IPSAS: A Guide for Trainers contains ten modules separated into topics that can be delivered as individual sessions. Each module includes a manual for the trainer and an accompanying set of slides which can be customized to suit their specific needs. Some modules also contain supplementary video content. 

    “Transitioning to accrual and implementing IPSAS is an in-depth, team effort for a jurisdiction or public sector entity,” said Laura Leka, IFAC Principal. “These materials, created with input from the IPSASB, are comprehensive, technically sound, and can help in the provision of training that delivers the skills and knowledge necessary for a successful reform program.”  

    Access the guide.  

    IFAC remains committed to advocating for strong public financial management and to supporting IPSAS adoption and implementation. For additional support transitioning from cash to accrual, explore the IFAC tool Pathways to Accrual. To access IPSAS on a digital platform, see e-International Standards.  

    About IFAC  
    IFAC is the global organization for the accountancy profession dedicated to serving the public interest by strengthening the profession and contributing to the development of strong international economies. IFAC is comprised of 180 members and associates in 135 countries and jurisdictions, representing more than 3 million accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce.  

  • Integrated Internal Control Needed to Build Trust in Sustainability Reporting

    New York, New York English

    IFAC has published Building Trust in Sustainability Reporting: The Urgent Need for Integrated Internal Control to address the demand for high-quality sustainability reporting and to prepare professional accountants for mandatory international and jurisdictional reporting and assurance requirements. This analysis highlights how companies can integrate sustainability information within their existing internal control and governance frameworks.

    Professional accountants are ideally positioned to leverage existing internal control frameworks and apply them to sustainability information—enhancing both data quality and the connectivity of sustainability and financial reporting.

    The COSO Internal Control - Integrated Framework has long provided a good foundation for delivering confidence in corporate reporting. In an integrated internal control environment, it can provide the foundation for enhancing the quality of sustainability data used for measuring progress on key sustainability objectives and deliver confidence to investors in the sustainability and financial performance of companies.

    To bring about sustainability and climate transitions, companies and investors need to make economic decisions based on information they can trust— related to risks and opportunities, performance and resilience. An integrated internal control approach will lead to higher quality and more integrated reporting and help companies avoid perceptions of greenwashing and regulatory or legal action.

     “The professional accountant’s skillset is instrumental in bringing about a step change in the quality of sustainability reporting through applying new reporting standards and integrated internal controls,” said Kevin Dancey, IFAC CEO. “Integrated internal control can put sustainability information on par with financial information, enhance its assurance readiness, and set the foundation for transitioning to a more sustainable business model.”

    See IFAC's website and the ISSB’s Knowledge Hub which includes free resources for preparers to help them prepare for applying IFRS S1 and IFRS S2.

    About IFAC

    IFAC is the global organization for the accountancy profession dedicated to serving the public interest by strengthening the profession and contributing to the development of strong international economies. IFAC is comprised of 180 members and associates in 135 countries and jurisdictions, representing more than 3 million accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce.

  • Professional Accountants’ Skillset Essential to Organizational Transformation

    New York, New York English

    As businesses grapple with uncertainties and navigate the complexities of digital transformations, sustainability and climate transitions, organizational leaders equipped with the unique skill set of professional accountants in business (PAIBs) are essential. PAIBs’ roles more commonly extend beyond traditional financial responsibilities, positioning them as key leaders shaping the trajectory of organizational success.

    Informed by IFAC’s PAIB Advisory Group’s last meeting, a new article from IFAC details three paths through which professional accountants have led organizational transformation that can be a guide for PAIBs and businesses globally.

    “The accountancy profession is evolving to meet the demands of a changing business environment,” said Sanjay Rughani, IFAC PAIB Advisory Group Chair. "By driving decision-useful sustainability information, harnessing disruptive technologies like AI and IA and nurturing a new generation of accountants who can confidently step into leadership roles, professional accountants can seize the uncertainty of the current environment to elevate the profession and society at large.”

    Read the takeaways in Navigating Transformation: The Impactful Leadership of Accountants.

    About IFAC 

    IFAC is the global organization for the accountancy profession dedicated to serving the public interest by strengthening the profession and contributing to the development of strong international economies. IFAC is comprised of 180 members and associates in 135 countries and jurisdictions, representing more than 3 million accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce. 

    About the PAIB Advisory Group 

    Formed in 1977, the PAIB Advisory Group is comprised of volunteers with experience and expertise in the world of business and the public sector, nominated by the professional accountancy organizations that make up IFAC’s membership. 

    Takeaways from the Professional Accountants in Business Advisory Group’s Latest Meeting

  • IPSASB Issues IPSAS 49, Retirement Benefit Plans

    New York, NY English

    The International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board® (IPSASB®), developer of international accrual-based accounting standards for use by governments and other public sector entities around the world, has issued International Public Sector Accounting Standard® (IPSAS®) 49, Retirement Benefit Plans.

    IPSAS 49 establishes comprehensive accounting and reporting requirements for the financial statements of retirement benefit plans, with participants comprising current and former public sector employees and other eligible members. The new pronouncement will bring increased transparency and accountability to these public sector entities, ensuring they can fulfill their obligations to employees and other eligible participants who are members of the retirement benefit plan.

    In developing principles for this pronouncement, the private sector requirements in IAS 26 were used as the starting point. The IPSASB adapted IAS 26, based on feedback from stakeholders globally, to ensure the unique characteristics of the public sector are reflected in the pronouncement. In particular, some of the policy choices available in IAS 26 have been removed as they are not appropriate for the public sector or are inconsistent with existing IPSAS.

    “Retirement benefit obligations can represent a significant but often hidden liability for the public sector,” said IPSASB Chair Ian Carruthers. “IPSAS 49 provides a principle-based approach to accounting by retirement benefit plans to provide a complete view of their financial activities, assets and obligations. This increased transparency is intended to result in stronger public financial management and better-informed decision making.”

    The effective date of IPSAS 49 is January 1, 2026, with earlier application permitted.

    How to Access

    Access IPSAS 49, Retirement Benefit Plans, the summary At-a-Glance document, and the webcast. The IPSASB encourages IFAC members, associates, and Network Partners to promote the availability of IPSAS 49 to their members and employees.


    About the IPSASB 

    The International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB) works to strengthen public financial management globally through developing and maintaining accrual-based International Public Sector Accounting Standards® (IPSAS®) and other high-quality financial reporting guidance for use by governments and other public sector entities. It also raises awareness of IPSAS and the benefits of accrual adoption. The Board receives support from the Asian Development Bank, the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada, the New Zealand External Reporting Board, and the government of Canada. The structures and processes that support the operations of the IPSASB are facilitated by the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC). For copyright, trademark, and permissions information, please go to permissions or contact permissions@ifac.org
     
    About the Public Interest Committee 

    The governance and standard-setting activities of the IPSASB are overseen by the Public Interest Committee (PIC), to ensure that they follow due process and reflect the public interest. The PIC is comprised of individuals with expertise in public sector or financial reporting, and professional engagement in organizations that have an interest in promoting high-quality and internationally comparable financial information. 

    IPSAS 49 has an effective date of January 1, 2026. Earlier application is permitted.

  • IPSASB Begins Development of Climate-Related Disclosures Standard for the Public Sector

    New York, New York English

    Respondents to IPSASB’s May 2022 consultation paper on Advancing Public Sector Sustainability Reporting agreed that the public sector urgently needs its own sustainability reporting standards and that the IPSASB, with its 25 years of standard setting experience, should lead their development. Public sector specific sustainability reporting standards will equip governments and other public sector entities to provide better transparency, accountability, and comparability of their efforts to combat the climate crisis and other sustainability challenges. 

    Following a scoping and research phase, the IPSASB has decided to move forward with the development of a public sector specific Climate-Related Disclosures standard and has published a project brief for this major new piece of work. Reporting on climate change is one of the most important issues in sustainability reporting, which also encompasses environmental, social and governance issues. 

    “The IPSASB’s decision to develop a public sector specific Climate-Related Disclosures standard is a huge first step in addressing the public sector’s need for sustainability reporting standards.” said IPSASB Chair Ian Carruthers. “The Board is delighted to be able to respond to stakeholder calls in this way and hopes to be able to initiate other projects in this critical area in the coming months.” 

    With this launch, the IPSASB will establish a Climate-related Topic Working Group to provide climate-related expertise and advice to support delivery of the project. The IPSASB will also set up a Sustainability Reference Group to provide advice on its overall sustainability reporting standards development program.  

    Global community engagement is essential to developing sustainability reporting standards for the public sector. The IPSASB continues to seek support for its sustainability reporting standards development program and requires additional resources to be able to scale up its efforts and move with pace. To contribute financial or other support for the development of global public sector specific sustainability reporting standards, please contact Ross Smith, IPSASB Program and Technical Director (rosssmith@ipsasb.org).

    Read the Climate-Related Disclosures project brief

    About the IPSASB 
    The International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB) works to strengthen public financial management globally through developing and maintaining accrual-based International Public Sector Accounting Standards® (IPSAS®) and other high-quality financial reporting guidance for use by governments and other public sector entities. It also raises awareness of IPSAS and the benefits of accrual adoption. The Board receives support from the Asian Development Bank, the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada, the New Zealand External Reporting Board, and the governments of Canada and New Zealand. The structures and processes that support the operations of the IPSASB are facilitated by the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC). For copyright, trademark, and permissions information, please go to permissions or contact permissions@ifac.org.  

    The IPSASB has today announced that it will move ahead with the development of the first sustainability reporting standard for the public sector