Now in its 9th year the Business Council for Sustainable Development Australia proudly presents the 2023 Fiona Wain Oration to be held in the Domain Theatre of the Art Gallery of NSW.

About this year's Oration

The growing urgency for sustainability and environmental responsibility has led to an increased demand for comprehensive reporting mechanisms. However, the fragmentation of frameworks and standards in sustainability reporting has been a significant barrier for companies striving to provide reliable and comparable sustainability reports. This lack of uniformity has created confusion, inefficiencies, and additional costs for businesses, as well as hindered the ability for investors and stakeholders to make informed decisions.

That's all about to change.

Recognizing the pressing need for a cohesive reporting system, the IFRS Foundation, an independent, not-for-profit organization responsible for developing a single set of high-quality, globally accepted accounting standards, has taken an essential step forward. By establishing the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB), the IFRS Foundation aims to streamline the sustainability reporting landscape and promote consistency in disclosure practices.

The ISSB's mission is to develop and maintain a comprehensive set of global sustainability reporting standards that are both practical and accessible. These standards will be designed to address the wide array of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues that companies face today, providing a solid foundation for businesses to report on their sustainability efforts in a clear and comparable manner.

By adopting the ISSB's standards, companies will be better equipped to meet the growing expectations of investors, regulators, and the public at large. Additionally, these standards will help organizations identify risks and opportunities associated with sustainability, ultimately contributing to better decision-making and resource allocation

About Mardi McBrien

An alumni of the University of Melbourne, and located now in London, Mardi is Director Strategic Affairs at the IFRS Foundation where she is currently playing an active role in setting up and overseeing the work of the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB). Prior to the IFRS Foundation, Mardi spent over a decade leading the global ESG standard setter, the Climate Disclosure Standards Board (CDSB). She is a trustee of one of the oldest environmental NGOs, the International Tree Foundation, a founding Board member of WOCAN – Women Organising for Change in Agriculture and Natural Resource Management / W+ Standard, a former member of the UK Financial Reporting Council Advisory Panel, a school governor and a member of the ICAEW Sustainability Advisory Committee. In 2021 Mardi was selected as one of the ESG Foundation’s ones to watch.

Join us as Mardi delves into the transformative potential of the IFRS Foundation and the ISSB in reshaping the sustainability reporting landscape. This compelling Oration will shed light on the challenges of the current fragmented system and demonstrate how a standardized approach can unlock greater transparency, comparability, and value for all stakeholders in our journey towards a sustainable future.

Event Details

4:00pm Delivery by Mardi McBrien of the Oration in the Domain Theatre, Art Gallery NSW

5:00pm Drinks and canapés in the Chiswick Room, Art Gallery NSW

About the Venue

The Art Gallery of New South Wales is an art museum campus with two buildings and an art garden, on Gadigal Country. The new North Building is next to our original building, now known as the South Building. The Domain Theatre is located in the South Building