Thirty-six nations are progressing towards adopting the ISSB Sustainability Reporting Standards, according to the IFRS.
In a significant step towards transparency and accountability in the global business landscape, 36 jurisdictions worldwide have adopted or are in the process of adopting the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) Sustainability Disclosure Standards (ISSB Standards). These standards, which provide investors with crucial information about companies' sustainability risks and opportunities, were first released in June 2023.
The IFRS Foundation's International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) was launched at the COP26 climate conference in November 2021, and the foundation has since been working diligently to bring clarity to investors on sustainability risks and opportunities across time horizons in a rapidly changing world.
The adoption of the ISSB Standards varies among jurisdictions. The European Union (EU), for instance, has proposed an omnibus package expanding the scope of entities subject to sustainability standards and is aligning its European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) with ISSB requirements, although some differences remain.
Countries with confirmed adoption timelines, such as Australia, Brazil, Chile, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Taiwan (China), Tanzania, Türkiye, and certain U.S. states like California, have set targets to fully adopt the ISSB standards. However, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has paused implementation of its ISSB-aligned rule pending legal review.
Other jurisdictions, including Canada, Japan, the UK, China, the Philippines, South Korea, Singapore, Rwanda, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Hong Kong, Uganda, and Switzerland, are currently in the process of adopting the ISSB Standards but have not yet confirmed their timelines.
To assist regulators and companies in adopting and implementing the IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards, the ISSB and IFRS Foundation have published e-learning modules, jurisdictional profiles, and guidance materials, including guidance on climate-related transition plans disclosure required under IFRS S2.
The IFRS Foundation has also published 17 jurisdictional profiles and 16 snapshots, providing transparency on the adoption of ISSB Standards. Among the 16 snapshots, 12 have published standards fully aligned with ISSB Standards, 3 are proposing standards incorporating a significant portion of the ISSB standards, and 1 is considering permitting the use of ISSB Standards.
The adoption landscape shows a high degree of alignment but also ongoing consultation and adaptation in various jurisdictions, reflecting local regulatory environments and reporting traditions. The IFRS Foundation continues to support implementation through guidance, training, and outreach.
As of mid-2025, formal adoption and mandatory reporting dates for the ISSB Standards are starting around 2024 in some countries, while others are still in consultation or planning stages. This global adoption is a significant stride towards providing investors, banks, and insurers with the appropriate, comparable, and reliable information they need to make informed decisions about business prospects in the face of sustainability challenges.
- As a result of the global adoption of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) Sustainability Disclosure Standards (ISSB Standards), businesses across various jurisdictions are expected to disclose information about their sustainability risks and opportunities, which will be crucial for the finance sector, particularly for investors, banks, and insurers.
- The adoption of the ISSB Standards by several jurisdictions, including countries like the European Union, Australia, Brazil, and the United States, highlights the growing importance of sustainability in modern business, a trend that is being driven by advancements in technology and the increasing demand for transparency in the global business landscape.
