Highlights from the IPSASB June 2020 meeting:

00:00     Welcome and introduction: Ross Smith, IPSASB Program & Technical Director
00:39     Chair’s meeting overview: Ian Carruthers, IPSASB Chair
03:10     Conceptual Framework-Limited Scope Update and Measurement projects: Ian Carruthers, IPSASB Chair
09:25     Update IPSAS 17 and the related Heritage Assets and Infrastructure Assets projects: Ian Carruthers, IPSASB Chair
12:49     Closing remarks: Ross Smith, IPSASB Program & Technical Director

The project’s objective is to develop an IPSAS aligned with IFRS 5, Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations.

Current Status of the Project

The IPSASB approved IPSAS 44, Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations with an effective date of January 1, 2025. 

The Consultative Advisory Group (CAG) of the International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB) has re-elected Thomas Müller-Marqués Berger as its Chair until June 2023.

In his role as Chair, Mr. Müller-Marqués Berger will continue to lead the IPSASB CAG, which he has done since its inception in June 2016. The CAG is composed of 25 representatives of public and private sector organizations and individuals that are interested in, or affected by, the IPSASB’s work, including those engaged in the preparation, audit, or evaluation of public sector financial reports. The CAG advises the IPSASB on technical projects and issues, as well as on its Strategy, adoption of standards, and other pressing issues.

Mr. Müller-Marqués Berger is a distinguished public sector accounting expert. Currently Global Head of International Public Sector Accounting for Ernst & Young, Mr. Müller-Marqués Berger’s deep experience in accounting standard-setting includes chairmanship of the Public Sector Group of Accountancy Europe since 2011, membership of the German Public Sector Committee since 2002, and service to global standard setting as an IPSASB member from 2009–2014.

“I am delighted that Mr. Müller-Marqués Berger will continue to serve as CAG Chair. He has played a key role in the CAG’s development into an influential advisor for the IPSASB. He will be a great asset to both the IPSASB and its CAG as we address the challenges created by the current environment, while continuing to make progress with our wide-ranging work program,” said IPSASB Chair Ian Carruthers. “I look forward to continuing to work closely with Thomas and the CAG.”

“I am very appreciative of the trust CAG members have placed in me, and I believe that the CAG’s journey has just begun,” said Mr. Müller-Marqués Berger. “I am honored to lead this exceptional group of public sector experts as it continues to serve as the IPSASB’s strategic advisor, helping to set priorities and to advance the public interest, especially during this uniquely challenging time. It gives me great pleasure to continue the ongoing partnership with Ian and the IPSASB.”  

About the IPSASB
The International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB) works to strengthen public financial management globally through developing and maintaining accrual-based International Public Sector Accounting Standards® (IPSAS®) and other high-quality financial reporting guidance for use by governments and other public sector entities. It also raises awareness of IPSAS and the benefits of accrual adoption. The Board receives support from the Asian Development Bank, the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada, the New Zealand External Reporting Board, and the governments of Canada and New Zealand. The structures and processes that support the operations of the IPSASB are facilitated by the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC). For copyright, trademark, and permissions information, please go to permissions or contact permissions@ifac.org.

About the Public Interest Committee
The governance and standard-setting activities of the IPSASB are overseen by the Public Interest Committee (PIC), to ensure that they follow due process and reflect the public interest. The PIC is comprised of individuals with expertise in public sector or financial reporting, and professional engagement in organizations that have an interest in promoting high-quality and internationally comparable financial information.

Climate change presents an existential threat for individuals, societies and economies. Compounded by the economic losses that the COVID-19 pandemic presents, there is a need for financial reporting and information that provides a clear, forward-looking, long-term view of an organization’s finances and sustainability – particularly for governments and other public sector entities.

As principles-based standards, governments and public sector entities can apply existing IPSAS literature to report on sustainability issues, including climate change risks, and to communicate progress towards achieving goals such as the SDGs.

To help stakeholders understand how to apply the Board’s current guidance to provide clear, comparable, and relevant information on climate change, the IPSASB Staff have published a Questions & Answers (Q&A) document highlighting the relevant standards and guidance for the public sector. The Staff Q&A addresses key questions such as:

• Is there any existing IPSASB literature relevant to consider for climate change reporting?
• When governments or public sector entities have strategies and programs in place to manage climate change risks, how should these be treated?
• When governments or public sector entities adopt the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), what IPSAS financial reporting guidance should be considered?

The Staff Q&A on Climate Change is intended to help drive transparency and sustainability in reporting on public finances. Further guidance on the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of natural resources is also being considered by the IPSASB as part of its project on Natural Resources.

About the IPSASB
The International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB) works to strengthen public financial management globally through developing and maintaining accrual-based International Public Sector Accounting Standards® (IPSAS®) and other high-quality financial reporting guidance for use by governments and other public sector entities. It also raises awareness of IPSAS and the benefits of accrual adoption. The Board receives support from the Asian Development Bank, the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada, the New Zealand External Reporting Board, and the governments of Canada and New Zealand. The structures and processes that support the operations of the IPSASB are facilitated by the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC). For copyright, trademark, and permissions information, please go to permissions or contact permissions@ifac.org.

About the Public Interest Committee
The governance and standard-setting activities of the IPSASB are overseen by the Public Interest Committee (PIC), to ensure that they follow due process and reflect the public interest. The PIC is comprised of individuals with expertise in public sector or financial reporting, and professional engagement in organizations that have an interest in promoting high-quality and internationally comparable financial information.

This Questions and Answers (Q&A) publication is issued by the Staff of the IPSASB to discuss the relevance of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) and related Recommended Practice Guidelines (RPG) for reporting on both climate change and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the general purpose financial reports of public sector entities. 

The IPSASB held its first meeting of 2020 from March 10-13, 2020 at the IFAC offices in New York, USA. 

Only select standards IPSAS 4,5,9,10