The U.S. Impact Investing Alliance responded to the “Consultation on Agenda Priorities” issued by the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB). The body, which helps set standards on sustainability-related accounting issues for more than 140 jurisdictions worldwide, released inaugural standards on General Sustainability and Climate-Related Disclosure by companies in June 2023. The latest consultation sought to understand the priorities of investors, business leaders and other stakeholders in determining ISSB’s work plan for the next two years.

The Alliance strongly encouraged the ISSB to continue developing new standards, in particular developing a single standard for Human Capital and Human Rights sustainability disclosures. The Alliance further recommended that the ISSB prioritize implementation and capacity building efforts, particularly in the Global South, to ensure that jurisdictions and companies within them are prepared to effectively participate in sustainable global supply chains and capital markets.

The Alliance supported the creation of ISSB in 2020, noting the need to establish a global baseline for sustainability related disclosures. However, the Alliance has also pushed for regulators–including those in the United States, which does not follow ISSB standards–to go further in ensuring that investors have access to the full range of information they need to understand the relevant sustainability related risks and opportunities.