If an organization's material topic is not covered by a Topic Standard, what must it still report?

When an organization's material topic is not addressed by a Topic Standard within the framework of the Global Reporting Initiative, the organization is still required to report on how it manages that specific topic. This requirement ensures that stakeholders have transparency regarding the management practices in place for topics that, while not explicitly covered by the Topic Standards, are deemed significant for the organization's operations and impact. By articulating management strategies, the organization demonstrates accountability and provides insight into its approach to handling relevant issues, thereby fostering trust and engagement with stakeholders.

In contrast, while annual review processes, stakeholder concerns, and results from external audits are important components of corporate reporting, they do not directly address the actions or policies that the organization has implemented regarding the management of a specific unstandardized material topic. The focus on management provides a clear picture of how the organization prioritizes and addresses potential risks and opportunities associated with that topic, which is essential for comprehensive sustainability reporting.