What is meant by 'external assurance' in GRI reporting?

'External assurance' in GRI reporting refers to the process where an independent third-party evaluates the credibility and reliability of a sustainability report. This process enhances the trustworthiness of the report by providing an impartial assessment of the organization's sustainability performance and reporting practices.

The external assurance serves multiple purposes: it adds credibility to the information presented, offers insights for improvement, and indicates that the organization is committed to transparency and accountability in its sustainability efforts. By undergoing this evaluation, organizations can assure stakeholders—such as investors, customers, and the community—that the information disclosed in their report is accurate and substantiated.

This concept emphasizes the importance of objectivity and validation in the reporting process, distinguishing it from other internal processes like self-assessments or reviews, which may lack the same level of impartiality. In contrast, methods for internal review and self-assessments focus on internal evaluations without the guarantee of an objective perspective that external assurance provides. Similarly, while financial disclosures certainly have their certifications, they do not encompass the broader scope of sustainability reports that GRI addresses.