Recognition highlights IPSASB SRS 1’s contribution to advancing sustainability reporting for the public sector globally
The International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB) has received a 2026 International Standards of Accounting and Reporting (ISAR) Honours recognition from UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) for its work developing IPSASB SRS 1, Climate-related Disclosures, the first global sustainability reporting standard designed specifically for the public sector.
Celine Chan, IPSASB Principal, and Dmitri Gourfinkel, Senior Financial Management Specialist at Governance Global Department, the World Bank Group, at the ISAR Honours Ceremony in Geneva.
The recognition was announced at the 2026 ISAR Honours during the 43rd session of UNCTAD’s Intergovernmental Working Group of Experts on International Standards of Accounting and Reporting in Geneva, Switzerland, and accepted by Celine Chan, IPSASB Principal, a member of the standard-setting team focused on developing IPSASB SRS Standards.
IPSASB Chair Thomas Müller-Marqués Berger said: “Receiving this recognition from UNCTAD is a valuable acknowledgement of our work underway to strengthen public sector sustainability reporting standards and an encouragement to continue advancing these efforts. I also want to recognize the commitment of our 18 global Board members, both past and present, whose collective efforts since 2022 were instrumental in moving forward this initiative at pace in response to stakeholder needs.”
“Governments and other public sector entities are responsible for managing public resources and leading the response to sustainability-related issues, such as climate change. IPSASB SRS 1 gives them a globally developed foundation for providing consistent, comparable information about climate-related risks and opportunities, to ensure governments have the information they need to make good decisions.”
Issued in January 2026, IPSASB SRS 1 guides public sector entities in disclosing decision-useful information about climate-related risks and opportunities. It builds on international sustainability reporting developments and private sector guidance, adapted to the responsibilities and public interest objectives of governments and other public sector entities. IPSASB SRS 1 was developed with support from the World Bank, which works to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet through a combination of financing, knowledge, and expertise.
“We share this honor with the many stakeholders around the world who contributed their expertise and perspectives to IPSASB SRS 1,” Müller-Marqués Berger added. “Our focus now is on turning a global standard into local action and public value by supporting jurisdictions as they move toward implementation.”
IPSASB SRS 1 was developed through extensive international consultation, including feedback and input from nearly 100 organizations, such as ministries of finance, and global IPSASB-led roundtables across Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East. In total, IPSASB engaged with more than 900 stakeholders during the development of IPSASB SRS 1.
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 and sustainability reporting standards 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, the government of Canada, and the World Bank. 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.