The SALI team was proud to participate in the UNCTAD ISAR Conference in Geneva and to support the work of the African Regional Partnership for Sustainability and SDG Reporting (ARP).
The ARP continues to play a critical role in strengthening how countries across Africa approach integrated reporting. By aligning national efforts and building shared understanding, the partnership is helping institutions move toward sustainability practices that are credible, structured, and fit for their local realities.
At the ISAR conference, the ARP meeting demonstrated what becomes possible when countries face the same direction. The progress is systematic. The work is deliberate. It is shaping a future where African sustainability and reporting frameworks are grounded in the continent’s priorities rather than external assumptions.
Supporting Institutions That Build With Intention
SALI remains committed to supporting this agenda and contributing to the systems that enable institutions to report with confidence.
We are proud to be associated with Bangladesh Bank (The Central Bank of Bangladesh) and the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria, both of whom were recognised at the ISAR 42 Honours Awards.
Bangladesh Bank earned its place among the ISAR 42 Honours recipients through consistent effort and a clear, disciplined approach to sustainability oversight. The institution continues to push for higher standards that resonate beyond national borders. We appreciate the leadership and support of Suborna Barua, PhD, whose work strengthens cooperation and advances global conversations around quality reporting.
We also celebrate the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria for standing out on the international stage and winning the UNCTAD-ISAR ‘Leadership in Sustainability Reporting’ Honours. Baa’Șiro (Dr.) Rabiu Olowo and Dr Iheanyi Anyahara, PhD, FCA, FFAR, MNIM, CNA have built momentum that many institutions across the region are still working toward. Their commitment to structured sustainability reporting is raising expectations and strengthening trust in transparent systems. This leadership positions Nigeria firmly in conversations shaping the pace of sustainability reporting across the continent.
Highlights From ISAR 42 in Geneva
The 42nd session of the Intergovernmental Working Group of Experts on International Standards of Accounting and Reporting (ISAR) brought together global leaders, regulators, practitioners, and academics to advance the conversation on sustainability reporting and assurance.
Key discussions focused on:
- Harmonising sustainability reporting requirements and their practical implementation
- Integrating biodiversity and human capital considerations into sustainability reporting
- Strengthening collaboration between auditors, data scientists, and sustainability professionals
These conversations reaffirmed a core belief we hold at SALI: sustainability data must be credible, comparable, and decision-ready if it is to drive real impact.
Hearing from experts across regions reinforced the importance of coordinated action and shared standards in building trust through transparent reporting.
Looking Ahead
ISAR 42 highlighted a shared understanding: progress in sustainability reporting depends on collaboration, clarity, and systems that institutions can trust.
At SALI, we remain focused on building the technology and partnerships that make this possible. The journey toward stronger sustainability assurance continues, and we are committed to supporting institutions that demonstrate that clear reporting can drive meaningful development.
Our thanks to the organisers, UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the INTOSAI Development Initiative (IDI), for delivering an impactful and forward-looking event.