In September 2023, the United Nations will mark the half-way point to the deadline set for achieving the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. This is an important juncture for global leaders to reflect on the progress we have made, the progress we have not made, and the challenges we face ahead.

Reflecting on the G20’s current theme of One Earth, One Family, One Future, IFAC, acting in its role as the global voice of the accountancy profession, highlights the importance of inclusivity in underpinning sustainable development in its 2023 Call to Action. We must approach sustainability, the public sector, small- and medium-sized entities (SMEs), and education with an inclusive approach to make sure that the opportunities of today and tomorrow are shared, and that economic and social development are truly sustainable.

“We have serious challenges ahead of us. Fortunately, the global accountancy profession is a committed partner, doing our part to drive sustainable development and demonstrating leadership as a truly global and inclusive profession,” said IFAC CEO Kevin Dancey.

IFAC calls on G20 leaders to:

1. Make Sustainability A Reality, Not Just a Goal

• Lead on achieving the UN SDGs and provide a foundation for net zero transitions
• Support the ISSB's global baseline for sustainability disclosures
• Support mandatory assurance of sustainability information pursuant to ISSA 5000
• Support the work of the International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board to develop sustainability reporting standards for the public sector

2. Support Public Financial Management and Fight Corruption

• Support high-quality public financial management, professionalization in the public sector, and accrual accounting at all levels of government
• Continue to prioritize full adoption and implementation of global commitments on the fight against corruption, such as the G20 Anti-Corruption Action Plan

3. Create an Environment for SME Growth and Innovation

• Embed the unique needs of SMEs into global policy making
• Support access to digital infrastructure and skills for SMEs
• Provide a supportive regulatory environment for SMEs

4. No Inclusive Growth without Education

• Support equal access to education, including STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) and accounting skills
• Support financial literacy globally and locally

About IFAC
IFAC is the global organization for the accountancy profession dedicated to serving the public interest by strengthening the profession and contributing to the development of strong international economies. IFAC is comprised of 180 members and associates in more than 135 jurisdictions, representing millions of professional accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce.