IPSASB launches global consultation on public sector sustainability reporting

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10 May, 2022

The International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB) has 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 9 September 2022.

Please see the IPSASB website for a press release as well as an access page for a video introduction, the consultation paper, a consultation overview, and an At a Glance summary.

Update - 23 September 2022 - The IPSASB has received strong overall engagement and feedback from stakeholders globally on the proposals in the consultation paper.  Further detail is provided in the IPSASB press release on the IPSASB website.

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