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Governments have a clear and direct interest in sustainability reporting. Widespread sustainability reporting practices can help markets function more efficiently, by proving material non-financial information, and also help drive progress by all organizations toward government-agreed sustainable development goals. Such considerations may explain why heads of state specifically endorsed the Global Reporting Initiative in the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development Plan of Implementation.
From its creation, GRI’s close association with the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) ensured that it has contributed to and supported guidance for international policy objectives. Examples of this support include the GRI Guidelines’ content references to and basis on several international human rights, environmental and labor treaties, standards and conventions, as well as GRI’s structure as a multi stakeholder working partnership between business and civil society organizations. In addition, GRI collaborates closely through formal alliances and references with international sustainability and CSR instruments such as UNEP, the UN Global Compact, the OECD Guidelines, UNCTAD and others
While intent on retaining its independent status, the time has come for GRI to deepen its contact with governments. This will help GRI to better understand national government’s perspectives on their role in corporate social responsibility (CSR), while governments can benefit from a more detailed knowledge of GRI’s challenges and achievements.
Mandate
The Governmental Advisory Group will provide informal high-level feedback and advice to GRI.
In fulfilling this function, the Governmental Advisory Group may:
· seek and receive information regarding all relevant aspects of GRI’s
structure and operations;
· act as a ‘sounding board’ for GRI in response to questions it may have;
· suggest ways of increasing GRI uptake by public agencies;
· members will exchange best practices and mutual advice amongst
themselves, and as such also serve as a mutual information, coordination
and brainstorm platform
· offer advice on how GRI might better achieve its objectives
To ensure transparency, the GRI Board Chair and/or the GRI Chief Executive will provide briefings as required to GRI governance bodies (i.e. the Board, Stakeholder Council, and Technical Advisory Committee) on the Governmental Advisory Group’s activities.
Composition
The Group will be comprised of up to 15 people drawn from governmental organizations. To ensure breadth of perspective, where possible it will include representatives from ministries and agencies with a direct interest in sustainability and CSR issues. These will include organizations such as ministries of foreign affairs, labor affairs, economic affairs, environment, and parliamentary bodies, the European Union and intergovernmental organizations.
Concerning the geographical composition of the group, GRI is striving to recruit representatives from both OECD and non-OECD countries. The GRI Chief Executive and/or Deputy Chief Executive participate on an ex-officio basis. In addition, the Chair of the GRI Stakeholder Council will attend the Group meetings.
Membership
Membership is by invitation and is accepted on a voluntary basis. Members will be invited to join the Group on the basis of their experience, track record of leadership, and ability to bring independent and innovative thinking to the table. Arrangements will be made to ensure that there is some continuity of membership between outgoing and incoming members. Unless otherwise stated, questions, comments and other input will not be taken to reflect official government positions.
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