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The Role of Sustainability Reporting and Governance in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals: An International Investigation

Author

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  • Maha Faisal Alsayegh

    (Department of Accounting, Faculty of Economics and Administration, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia)

  • Allah Ditta

    (Department of Business Administration, Air University Islamabad (Multan Campus), Multan 60000, Pakistan)

  • Zeeshan Mahmood

    (Department of Commerce, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan 60000, Pakistan)

  • Rehana Kouser

    (Department of Commerce, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan 60000, Pakistan)

Abstract

This article explores the role of sustainability reporting and governance in achieving national sustainable development goals. Sustainable development goals focus on economic, societal, and environmental issues and have been set up to address issues regarding environmental degradation, global imbalances, economic instability, social instability, and political instability. Using data from 42 countries over six years, the authors apply panel regression techniques and find a positive relationship between national governance and sustainability reporting; sustainability reporting and national sustainable development goals; sustainability governance and sustainability reporting. We found a negative relationship between national governance and sustainable development goals. Sustainability reporting is also found to mediate between national governance and sustainable development goals. Thus, this paper contributes to the body of existing knowledge by highlighting the role of governance and sustainability reporting in the achievement of sustainable development goals. The findings have several implications for governing bodies and decision-makers in government, including changing the governance model and taking strict actions against companies that fail to focus their attention on sustainability reporting. The findings involve society, business, and other stakeholders in sustainability reporting measures to achieve sustainable development goals.

Suggested Citation

  • Maha Faisal Alsayegh & Allah Ditta & Zeeshan Mahmood & Rehana Kouser, 2023. "The Role of Sustainability Reporting and Governance in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals: An International Investigation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(4), pages 1-18, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:4:p:3531-:d:1068583
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Teodora Maria Rusu & Antonia Odagiu & Horia Pop & Laura Paulette, 2024. "Sustainability Performance Reporting," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(19), pages 1-12, September.
    2. Maha Abu Hussain & Maha Faisal Alsayegh & Helmi A. Boshnak, 2024. "The Impact of Environmental, Social, and Governance Disclosure on the Performance of Saudi Arabian Companies: Evidence from the Top 100 Non-Financial Companies Listed on Tadawul," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(17), pages 1-26, September.
    3. Beata Bieszk-Stolorz & Krzysztof Dmytrów, 2023. "Decent Work and Economic Growth in EU Countries—Static and Dynamic Analyses of Sustainable Development Goal 8," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(18), pages 1-18, September.

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