IFAC’s Young Leaders Collective has outlined the four key actions needed to help young professionals drive sustainability reporting.
The global challenges of climate change, resource scarcity, and social inequities demand urgent and inclusive action.
As enablers of corporate decision-making and accountability, accountants are uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between sustainability risks and opportunities and business outcomes.
The recent issuance of international standards for sustainability reporting and assurance and related updates to the International Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants set the stage for accountants to embed sustainability-related financial disclosures at the centre of investor and stakeholder decision- making.
The IFAC Young Leaders Collective calls on colleagues, and members of its generation of accountancy professionals, to stand up and lead the implementation of these standards in the organisations they serve.
Here is a roadmap to position yourself at the centre of this global movement:
Ignite your curiosity and hone your skills
- Build knowledge and skills: Learn through courses, workshops and informal learning, and seek practical experience.
- Get certified: Obtain formal, sustainability-related certifications to build competence and expertise.
- Stay current: Read sustainability reports, follow key updates from regulators and standards-setting bodies and analyse industry trends.
Engage, connect and collaborate
- Engage with peers and society on key sustainability issues through forums, events and publications.
- Connect with industry leaders through networking events, find mentorship opportunities and build a strong community of changemakers.
- Collaborate on initiatives and challenges with sustainability professionals and experts.
Promote the importance of sustainability reporting
- Share content highlighting the significance of implementing sustainable initiatives through online platforms and other mediums.
- Showcase sustainability reporting success stories, case studies and best practices from different sectors and industries.
- Interact with businesses through key forums to discuss and encourage their sustainability goals and strategic plans.
Adopt a tech-driven mindset
- Prioritise technology-driven solutions such as AI and data analytics in approaching sustainability reporting.
- Commit to lifelong learning to stay ahead of the latest technological advancements.
- Promote innovative solutions with your professional community to accelerate sustainability reporting efforts
