Talking ESG: The ISSB and the future of global ESG reporting

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In March, the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) released proposed disclosure standards for public comment. While not currently mandatory, when finalized, the standards are expected to form the basis for many jurisdictions’ sustainability reporting, and as such, could become mandatory for companies doing business in those jurisdictions. For this reason, companies who do business around the world will want to be watching the ISSB.

This week, Heather Horn was joined by Mardi McBrien, Director of Strategic Affairs at the IFRS Foundation, to share her insights on the ISSB’s  mission and accomplishments so far. They also discuss what is next for global sustainability reporting.

In this episode, you will hear them discuss:

• 2:23 - Highlights of the ISSB’s formation and consolidation of other standard setters as well as their accomplishments in the past year
• 9:29 - How ESG reporting standards have evolved over the last decade
• 12:55 - How the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) framework is a common thread among the “big three” ESG reporting proposals
• 19:17 - Why TCFD is an important framework from a financial reporting lens
• 31:22 - Key considerations for companies planning for future adoption of ISSB standards
• 40:37 - How the standard setting organizations that were consolidated into the ISSB serve its overall objectives
• 47:21 - Advice for companies as sustainability reporting continues to evolve

For more information on the ISSB and recent developments in ESG reporting, listen to our previous podcasts that provide background on the proposed ISSB standards and  discussion of key themes from the response letters.

Mardi McBrien is the Director of Strategic Affairs at the IFRS Foundation responsible for sustainability reporting. In this role she has played an active part in setting up the ISSB. Prior to the IFRS Foundation, Mardi spent over a decade leading the global ESG standard setter, the Climate Disclosure Standards Board (CDSB), in developing quality disclosure standards and thought leadership on environmental and social issues.

Heather Horn is PwC’s National Office thought leader, responsible for developing our communications strategy and conveying firm positions on accounting and financial reporting matters. She is the engaging host of PwC’s accounting and reporting weekly podcast and quarterly webcast series. With over 30 years of experience, Heather’s accounting and auditing expertise includes financial instruments and rate-regulated accounting.

Transcripts available upon request for individuals who may need a disability-related accommodation. Please send requests to [email protected].