Strengthening Corporate Accountability Through Reporting

This report is a joint publication by GRI and the World Benchmarking Alliance, focusing on the importance of mandatory corporate sustainability reporting for enhancing corporate accountability and performance. It discusses the critical role of sustainability reporting in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and addresses the current gaps in corporate accountability mechanisms. The report presents key findings that indicate a positive correlation between the use of GRI Standards and improved corporate social performance, as measured by WBA’s core social indicators. It emphasizes the necessity for UN Member States to adopt mandatory reporting frameworks to ensure transparency and accountability among companies. The report outlines the benefits of standardized reporting, including improved investor decision-making and better policy development. It also highlights the role of benchmarking in assessing corporate sustainability performance, providing a framework for companies to measure their contributions to sustainable development and identify areas for improvement. Overall, the report advocates for a structured approach to corporate sustainability reporting as a means to drive accountability and enhance corporate performance.