IPSASB launches global consultation on public sector sustainability reporting

  • PSAS - IPSASB Image
  • Leaf - sustainability (green) Image

May 09, 2022

On May 9, 2022, the International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB) issued a consultation paper "Advancing Public Sector Sustainability Reporting".

The introduction to the consultation paper argues that while there has recently been significant progress towards the development of a global baseline for sustainability reporting in the private sector, public sector sustainability reporting has yet to move forward in the same way. At the same time, the paper goes on to state, governments are significant in expenditure and employment terms in all jurisdictions, as well as in the global bond market. How and where they spend the money they raise through the taxes everyone pays will therefore be critical in successfully delivering the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals.

The consultation paper now released proposes the IPSASB:

  • serve as the standard setter for global public sector specific sustainability guidance, drawing upon its experience, processes, and global relationships;
  • develop initial guidance focused on general disclosure requirements for sustainability-related information and climate-related disclosures; and
  • approach guidance development at an accelerated pace, with a potential for releasing initial guidance by the end of 2023.

Comments on the consultation paper are requested by September 9, 2022.

Review the press release and consultation paper, consultation overview, video introduction and an At a Glance summary on the IPSASB's website.

Correction list for hyphenation

These words serve as exceptions. Once entered, they are only hyphenated at the specified hyphenation points. Each word should be on a separate line.