Practical implementation of core indicators for sustainable development reporting: Vol. 3: Case studies

This report provides insights on the feasibility of applying UNCTAD's Guidance on Core Indicators for Entity Reporting on Contribution towards Implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (GCI) in two companies in Italy. It offers evidence on the practical implementation of the GCI and discusses challenges in reporting these indicators.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 42 pages
Publication date: 30 June 2022
Publisher: United Nations

This comprehensive report provides valuable insights into the feasibility of implementing the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development's (UNCTAD) Guidance on Core Indicators for Entity Reporting on Contribution towards Implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (GCI) in two companies located in Italy. It offers a wealth of evidence on the practical application of the GCI, highlighting both its strengths and challenges in reporting these indicators.

Since the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in 2015, United Nations member states have been diligently working to establish priorities, plans, and strategies for its effective implementation. At the same time, they have been committed to monitoring progress toward achieving the ambitious 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Recognizing the need for a comprehensive global indicator framework to facilitate this monitoring process, UNCTAD developed the GCI.

The GCI consists of 169 targets and 232 indicators, designed to provide a standardized and harmonized approach to measuring and reporting on the contributions of entities to the SDGs. These indicators cover a wide range of sectors, including economic, social, environmental, and governance aspects.

In this report, we examine the practical implementation of the GCI in two companies operating in different industries in Italy. We conduct interviews with key stakeholders, including executives, managers, and sustainability professionals, to gather information and assess the challenges and opportunities associated with reporting these indicators.

Our findings reveal that both companies have made significant efforts to integrate the GCI into their reporting practices. They have established dedicated teams and processes to collect and analyze data, and they have used the GCI as a framework to identify areas for improvement and track their progress toward the SDGs.

However, we also identify several challenges that companies face when reporting on the GCI. These challenges include a lack of standardized data and reporting formats, limited resources and expertise, and the complexity of some indicators. Additionally, there are concerns about the transparency and accountability of reporting practices, particularly in the context of multinational companies.

To address these challenges, we recommend several strategies. First, we suggest that governments and international organizations work together to develop and promote standardized data and reporting formats, to facilitate the comparability and aggregation of data across different entities. Second, we recommend that companies invest in training and capacity-building programs to ensure that their staff has the necessary skills and expertise to report on the GCI effectively. Third, we suggest that companies adopt a holistic and integrated approach to reporting, considering not only economic but also social and environmental aspects of their operations.

In conclusion, this report provides valuable insights into the feasibility of implementing the GCI in two companies in Italy. It highlights the strengths and challenges of reporting on these indicators and offers recommendations for addressing these challenges. By adopting a standardized and integrated approach to reporting, companies can contribute to the achievement of the SDGs and demonstrate their commitment to sustainable development.

Introduction:
Since the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in 2015, United Nations member states have been diligently working to establish priorities, plans, and strategies for its effective implementation. At the same time, they have been committed to monitoring progress toward achieving the ambitious 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Recognizing the need for a comprehensive global indicator framework to facilitate this monitoring process, UNCTAD developed the Guidance on Core Indicators for Entity Reporting on Contribution towards Implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (GCI).

The GCI consists of 169 targets and 232 indicators, designed to provide a standardized and harmonized approach to measuring and reporting on the contributions of entities to the SDGs. These indicators cover a wide range of sectors, including economic, social, environmental, and governance aspects.

In this report, we examine the practical implementation of the GCI in two companies operating in different industries in Italy. We conduct interviews with key stakeholders, including executives, managers, and sustainability professionals, to gather information and assess the challenges and opportunities associated with reporting these indicators.

Findings:
Our findings reveal that both companies have made significant efforts to integrate the GCI into their reporting practices. They have established dedicated teams and processes to collect and analyze data, and they have used the GCI as a framework to identify areas for improvement and track their progress toward the SDGs.

However, we also identify several challenges that companies face when reporting on the GCI. These challenges include a lack of standardized data and reporting formats, limited resources and expertise, and the complexity of some indicators. Additionally, there are concerns about the transparency and accountability of reporting practices, particularly in the context of multinational companies.

To address these challenges, we recommend several strategies. First, we suggest that governments and international organizations work together to develop and promote standardized data and reporting formats, to facilitate the comparability and aggregation of data across different entities. Second, we recommend that companies invest in training and capacity-building programs to ensure that their staff has the necessary skills and expertise to report on the GCI effectively. Third, we suggest that companies adopt a holistic and integrated approach to reporting, considering not only economic but also social and environmental aspects of their operations.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this report provides valuable insights into the feasibility of implementing the GCI in two companies in Italy. It highlights the strengths and challenges of reporting on these indicators and offers recommendations for addressing these challenges. By adopting a standardized and integrated approach to reporting, companies can contribute to the achievement of the SDGs and demonstrate their commitment to sustainable development.

Weight: 72g
Dimension: 211 x 298 x 6 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789211130324