Course Description

This course explores how organisations can align their sustainability reporting with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — also known as the Global Goals — to meaningfully contribute to global development priorities while strengthening their own strategic value.

Participants will:

• Understand the global sustainability challenges addressed by the SDGs
• Learn how sustainability reporting serves as a mechanism for monitoring and communicating progress toward the SDGs
• Examine current trends, challenges, and expectations in SDG-related disclosure
• Apply a four-step approach from the GRI Universal Standards 2021 to integrate SDGs into strategy, reporting, and governance

By the end of the course, you’ll know how to embed SDGs into your organisation’s reporting processes and demonstrate your contribution to global sustainable development.

 

Course Content / Training Agenda

Delivery format: Online training with interactive modules, real-world case examples, and practitioner insights.

Introduction to the Course

• Objectives, structure, and the role of SDGs in sustainability reporting

Part 1: How the SDGs and Reporting Drive Sustainable Development

• Purpose of the SDGs and the business case for engagement
• How reporting supports progress toward global goals

Part 2: Reporting on the SDGs – Trends, Challenges, Opportunities

• Current SDG disclosure practices in the private sector
• Evolving expectations from investors, regulators, and stakeholders
• Key barriers and opportunities for alignment

Part 3: Integrating the SDGs into Sustainability Reporting

• Overview of the GRI Universal Standards 2021 and SDG alignment
• Applying GRI principles to SDG-related disclosures
• Identifying relevant impacts and material topics
• Examples of leading practices in SDG reporting

Part 4: Managing Impacts and Implementing Change

• Linking SDG disclosures to strategy, policy, and governance
• How reporting informs impact management and decision-making

Conclusion & Key Takeaways

• Recap of learning outcomes
• Guidance for applying SDG integration in your organisation

All participants receive practical templates, case references, and a Certificate of Completion.

 

Target Audience

This course is ideal for professionals who want to deepen their understanding of SDG integration in corporate sustainability reporting.

Relevant for:

• Sustainability/ESG professionals (new and experienced)
• Consultants and advisors supporting SDG disclosure
• Organisations applying the GRI Standards
• Academics, students, and researchers
• Policymakers, data users, and public sector professionals

Skills You Will Acquire

By completing this course, you will be able to:

• Explain the relevance of SDGs and benefits of alignment for organisations
• Describe how reporting contributes to sustainable development
• Identify current trends and challenges in SDG reporting
• Apply the GRI four-step approach to integrate SDGs into reporting
• Disclose how sustainable development considerations are embedded into strategy, governance, and decision-making

These skills enable you to turn SDG-related commitments into actionable and reportable outcomes.

 

Course Information

Duration: 1 day
Language: English or Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian
Delivery Options: Live remote training or face-to-face workshops
Prerequisites: No prior knowledge required
Certificate: Certificate of Completion (issued by GRI Academy — see example)
Course Fees: View Course Fees (including available discounts)
What We Offer: Explore Course Benefits (tekst ispod)
SDG Alignment: Your Contribution to Achieving the UN SDGs (tekst ispod)

 

Top 3 Relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

• Encourages lifecycle impact disclosures and sustainable value chains
• Aligns reporting with circularity, resource efficiency, and accountability

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

• Promotes multi-stakeholder engagement and collaboration through reporting
• Strengthens transparency and cross-sector trust
• Supports policy alignment and shared accountability

SDG 13: Climate Action

• Embeds climate-related disclosures within SDG reporting
• Reinforces transparency on emissions, adaptation, and resilience
• Aligns organisational reporting with climate action priorities

 

What We Offer

• Live, Instructor-Led Sessions – with practical guidance and real-world examples
• Interactive Exercises – linking SDG targets to disclosure practices
• Peer Collaboration – exchange with practitioners and fellow learners
• Smart Learning Tools – case studies, templates, and GRI-based guidance
• Global Relevance & Local Context – aligning SDG integration with organisational priorities
• Direct Trainer Access – feedback, mentoring, and Q&A