Workshop 3. Civil society, Consumer and Media perspective on the disclosure of environmental, social and governance information

The third workshop was looked at ESG disclosure from the perspective of civil society, consumers and the media, to identify their needs and expectations with regard to the disclosure of ESG information by enterprises.

Many NGOs representatives say they are dissatisfied with current disclosure practices by companies and find CSR/sustainability reports less and less relevant.
They point out that better information from companies is essential to uphold human rights because it helps to prevent abuses, hold companies to account and seek remedies.

Consumer groups argue that consumers do not need more information about the social and environmental performance of companies, but better information, that is to say information that is specific, credible and communicated in an easy and convenient way.

According to one participant, it is the purpose of media is to hold power to account, including business.
And it is therefore part of the purpose of media to be sceptical about the unilateral claims of business.

The question ought not to be whether coverage is business-friendly or not, but rather how we can have better coverage of the important issues.