Key Impact Points:
- Enhanced Reporting: The updated database offers a comprehensive inventory of potential SDG disclosures, improving business reporting on global goals.
- User-Friendly Interface: Redesigned interface allows easier access and comparability of information for businesses, policymakers, and researchers.
- Global Challenge Support: Standardized reporting practices address urgent issues like climate change, pollution, and inequality.
GRI (Global Reporting Initiative) and the UN Global Compact have launched an enhanced online database, “Business Reporting on the SDGs: An Analysis of the Goals and Targets,” to improve business reporting on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This tool provides a comprehensive inventory of potential disclosures at the target level for each SDG, aiming to standardize and elevate the quality of data.
Background
Initially launched in 2017, the database was created to integrate the SDGs into existing reporting processes and demonstrate their impact on sustainable development through high-quality, consistent, and comparable data. The redesigned, user-friendly interface serves businesses, policymakers, investors, NGOs, and researchers.
Key Features
- Comprehensive Disclosures: Based on recognized international frameworks and standards, such as the GRI Standards.
- New Research Options: Enhanced accessibility and comparability of information and disclosures.
- Regular Updates: Ensuring the information remains current and relevant.
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Peter Paul van de Wijs, Chief Policy Officer at GRI, stated, “Unlocking quality corporate insights into SDGs progress is crucial for driving meaningful change. This updated analysis tool on the SDGs and underlying targets enables businesses to improve their reporting on the Global Goals.”
Tonilyn Lim, Chief of Programmes at the United Nations Global Compact, added, “By offering a comprehensive inventory of potential disclosures for each SDG, we aim to standardize and elevate the quality of data, fostering greater transparency and accountability. This tool is not just about reporting; it is about equipping businesses to make a tangible impact on global challenges.”
Launch Event
The Analysis of Goals and Targets was presented on 11 July during the webinar “Business Reporting on the SDGs: A State of Play and Future Directions,” co-organized by GRI and the UN Global Compact as a side event of the 2024 UN High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development. The session drew over 770 participants to discuss the latest developments in sustainability reporting and its implications for SDG reporting. Key discussions included the need for enhanced public policies to incentivize and scale up business action on the Global Goals.
GRI and the UN Global Compact acknowledge the support provided to the Analysis of the Goals and Targets Online Database by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida).
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