Corporate Sustainability Reporting for Development: An Introduction

The road towards the successful achievement of sustainable development in the Asia and Pacific region rests upon the availability and quality of data—the latter as the lifeblood of decision making. The Global Reporting Initiative, contributing to the global collective effort in meeting the sustainable development goals, pioneered the idea of sustainability reporting.

An Introduction to Corporate Sustainability Reporting for Development

Thousands of organizations, including Asian Development Bank, report on their social and environmental impacts using guidelines developed by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). This seminar introduced GRI, examined the organization’s guidelines, and discussed how sustainability reporting can contribute to economic as well as environmental sustainable growth, and regional integration in Asia.

Parliamentary Engagement with the Sustainable Development Goals

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development places accountable institutions and inclusive decision-making at the heart of achieving the sustainable development goals (SDGs). Challenges like weak capacities, for instance, frequently hamper the effectiveness of parliaments to engage with the SDGs. In partnership with the Islamic Development Bank and other international financial institutions, UNDP is proposing a project that will empower parliaments to become the SDG actors envisaged in Agenda 2030.

The Role of Parliaments in Implementing the Sustainable Development Goals

UNDP New York’s Head of Inclusive Political Processes Charles Chauvel discussed a handbook developed by UNDP, in cooperation with the Islamic Development Bank and the Global Organization of Parliamentarians Against Corruption. The handbook focuses on the role that parliamentarians can play in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals.

Human Capital Development of Korea

By expanding education with equity, promoting brain circulation, and linking education with the economy, the Government of the Republic of Korea promoted human capital development to improve the welfare and lives of its citizens. As the country’s experience has shown, institutional building and rolling out national campaigns can overcome common reluctance to technical and vocational education and training experienced in developing countries.

Information and Communication Technology for Prosperity

Information and communication technology (ICT) for prosperity can ensure access to affordable and clean energy; promote decent work and economic growth; advance industry, innovation, and infrastructure; and reduce inequalities.

The challenges of the 21st century are daunting even as the agenda of the Millennium Development Goals remains unfinished. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adopted on 25-27 September 2015 by the 193-member United Nations General Assembly, aim for change at the level of the planet, a veritable seismic shift.