In today’s shifting ESG landscape, the balance between mandatory disclosure and voluntary leadership is changing. With the European Omnibus Directive bringing new flexibilities to sustainability reporting obligations, companies are increasingly looking beyond regulatory compliance — and returning to voluntary frameworks that allow for strategic storytelling and global readability. Among these, the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) reclaims its central role.
If you are like many organizations today, you are navigating rising expectations from investors, clients, regulators, and business partners. These stakeholders want more than figures — they want to understand your impact, your values, and your contribution to sustainable development.
This is where GRI comes in. With 25+ years of experience, the GRI Standards are a globally recognized framework that helps companies structure their ESG disclosures in a clear, credible, and comparable way — far beyond the borders of the EU.
In today’s reporting landscape, interoperability is no longer a bonus — it’s a necessity. The GRI Standards stand out for their ability to connect with a wide range of leading frameworks, offering organizations a powerful tool to build a cohesive and consistent ESG narrative.
From the SASB Standards focused on financial materiality, to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) addressing climate ambitions, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) shaping global priorities — GRI offers a bridge that enhances alignment and comparability. This makes it easier for companies to meet the expectations of diverse stakeholders, across geographies and sectors.
Among all frameworks, the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) have brought new levels of disclosure obligations for companies operating in or connected to the EU. But instead of competing, GRI and ESRS have been designed to work together. Thanks to the GRI–ESRS Interoperability Index, developed jointly by GRI and EFRAG, organizations can clearly see how the two frameworks share core principles — including impact materiality, stakeholder inclusiveness, and transparency.
Take a look at the GRI–ESRS Interoperability Index
These numbers reaffirm GRI as the go-to global standard — recognized across continents, interoperable with other frameworks, and enabling report readability outside of Europe.
At Forethix, we know that sustainability reporting isn’t just about compliance — it’s about building trust, engaging stakeholders, and unlocking long-term value.
As a GRI Certified Training Partner since 2012, we offer advanced GRI learning paths that are constantly updated to reflect regulatory changes like the CSRD and Omnibus Directive.
Our programs are designed to help you:
We have supported many organizations — from large companies to SMEs — in aligning with GRI and creating reports that resonate globally and strategically. Whether you are just out or looking to deepen your approach, our training is a powerful step toward more mature, impactful sustainability leadership.