“Everything, everywhere, all at once”: the role of accounting and reporting in achieving sustainable development goals

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to highlight and compare insights from research conducted in the field of accounting and reporting for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the public, not-for-profit and hybrid sectors. It is also an introduction to the special issue on “Sustainability Accounting and Reporting for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Progress, Challenges, and Future Research Agenda”. Design/methodology/approach: This paper reviews the findings and reflections in the academic literature on developments in the SDG accounting and reporting practices across public, not-for-profit and hybrid sectors globally. Findings: The findings of the review indicate that SDG accounting and reporting practices of public, not-for-profit and hybrid sectors are still in their infancy. Considerable political and organisational barriers hinder the achievement of SDGs. Nonetheless, aligning local and global goals, engaging stakeholders effectively and implementing robust progress monitoring and review systems can facilitate a meaningful engagement with the SDGs. The special issue articles offer decision-makers valuable insights on the factors enabling the adoption and implementation of SDGs. Originality/value: This paper contributes to the ongoing discussions on the role of accounting and reporting processes within public, not-for-profit and hybrid sectors in advancing the achievement of SDGs.