GRI Review of the Year

Look back on how Global Reporting Initiative has supported corporate transparency throughout 2019
Jan 9, 2020 9:00 AM ET

As we start a new year – and a new decade – GRI reviews some of the highlights and achievements during 2019. 

In yet another busy and action-packed year for sustainability reporting, selecting a GRI ‘top five’ is no easy task. But here goes: 

First global standard for tax transparency 

GRI launched the first-ever global, public reporting standard on tax at the country-by-country level. The Tax Standard (GRI 207) is now available for any company to use to disclose their business activities and payments in tax jurisdictions, as well as their approach to tax strategy and governance. Watch out for more developments on the GRI Standards being announced in 2020.   

Regional hub opens in Singapore 

A new GRI Regional Hub to serve the ten countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) opened its doors in Singapore. Adding to seven other key locations around the world, the hub is now helping reporting organizations throughout the region and liaising with governments, capital markets and civil society. 

Driving forward business reporting on the SDGs 

GRI and Enel launched an ambitious project to explore how the private sector can actively contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – and what the role of reporting and partnerships is to support this process. Online collaboration forums took place in October and November, which will inform regional events this year.   

GRI Standards now available in ten languages 

A landmark moment this summer saw all the GRI Standards made available in Italian – and as a result, they are now published in 10 languages. In 2019 we saw downloads of the Standards hit a record high – 44% up on the previous year. There will be further translations to come during 2020.  

​Championing private sector input to the Paris Agreement  

GRI analysis is helping policy makers and businesses work closer together as they ramp up corporate engagement in the Paris Agreement climate change targets. Recommendations from GRI and CDP focused on how improved reporting can help unlock and increase the crucial contribution that companies can make.   

 

Finally, a big thank you to all our partners and supporters, who have worked closely with us throughout 2019. We are looking forward to deepening our collaboration with you this year.