The introduction of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) marks a structural shift:

Sustainability is no longer a disclosure exercise—it is now a regulated management system.

Organisations must:

• Apply Double Materiality rigorously
• Disclose under ESRS
• Ensure audit-ready, decision-useful data
• Integrate sustainability into finance, risk, and governance

This creates a new requirement:

Professionals who can implement ESRS – not just interpret it

The Market Reality: ESRS Knowledge Is Not Enough

Many organisations have already:

• Read ESRS standards
• Attended webinars
• Engaged consultants

Yet they still struggle with:

• Translating ESRS into internal processes
• Designing robust Double Materiality assessments
• Connecting sustainability data to financial impact
• Preparing for assurance

This is because ESRS is not just technical, it is operational.

Where the GRI ESRS Programme Adds Value

The GRI ESRS Professional Programme is specifically designed to bridge this gap.

It focuses on:

1. Practical ESRS Application

• Moving from theory to implementation
• Understanding how ESRS works inside organisations

2. Double Materiality in Practice

• Structured methodologies
• Real assessment challenges
• Link to risk and strategy

3. Alignment with Established Reporting Practice

While the programme focuses on ESRS, it leverages GRI’s long-standing expertise in sustainability reporting systems, helping participants:

• Avoid duplication
• Build coherent reporting processes
• Improve data quality and consistency

Why This Matters for Decision-Making

ESRS is not just about compliance.

When implemented properly, it enables:

• Better risk identification (climate, social, governance)
• Improved capital allocation decisions
• Stronger investor communication
• Operational efficiency through structured data

Real-World Example

A listed EU company preparing for CSRD found that:

• Their initial materiality assessment lacked depth
• Sustainability data was disconnected from finance
• Reporting processes were fragmented

After adopting a structured ESRS approach:

• Material risks were clearly prioritised
• Data systems were aligned across departments
• Audit readiness significantly improved

Who Needs This Capability Most

• Sustainability and ESG professionals
• Finance and risk teams
• Internal audit functions
• Consultants supporting CSRD implementation
• Executives accountable for reporting and compliance

If You Want to Apply This in Practice

The GRI ESRS Professional Programme delivered by FBRH Consultants Ltd is designed for professionals who need to implement ESRS in real organisational contexts.

It provides:

• Structured guidance on ESRS requirements
• Practical tools for Double Materiality
• Insight into building audit-ready systems
• A pathway to becoming a recognised ESRS practitioner (GRI Certified ESRS Sustainability Professional)

If your organisation is preparing for CSRD, the key question is no longer whether you understand ESRS, but whether you can apply it effectively.

Explore the programme to build implementation-ready ESRS expertise.

The post Why ESRS Capability Is Now Business-Critical appeared first on SustainCase - Sustainability Magazine.

Over the past decade, sustainability reporting has become standard practice.

Frameworks such as the Global Reporting Initiative have helped organisations improve transparency and better understand their impacts on the economy, environment, and people.

This is important.

But something critical is missing.

Despite better reporting, many organisations still struggle to prioritise effectively, allocate resources, and make informed sustainability decisions.

The result is a disconnect between what is reported and what is actually done.

Most organisations approach sustainability reporting as a compliance exercise, a communication tool, or a data collection process.

Very few use it to meaningfully influence what the organisation focuses on and how decisions are made.

Organisations that extract real value from sustainability reporting take a different approach. They focus on what truly matters, align reporting with strategy, and use insights to guide action.

This allows them to reduce risks, improve efficiency, strengthen competitiveness, and create value for the business, stakeholders, and the planet.

Sustainability is not about producing more reports.

It is about understanding what matters, prioritising effectively, and making better decisions.

If you are interested in exploring this further, you can join the free webinar:

Is Your Sustainability Report Delivering Value?

You will gain a new perspective on why reporting often fails, what organisations are missing, and how sustainability can support better decisions.

Register here

The post Why Most Sustainability Reports Do Not Drive Decisions (and What to Do About It) appeared first on SustainCase - Sustainability Magazine.

Thousands of companies now publish reports. Yet very few of them influence real decisions.

Most reports describe activities.
Very few shape strategy.

And that is the problem.

Because a sustainability report is not an end in itself.
It is a tool for identifying what truly matters. Your most significant impacts, risks, and opportunities—and for guiding decisions that create value for:

• The business
• Stakeholders
• The planet

If your report does not do this, it is not just ineffective—it is a missed opportunity.

Where Companies Go Wrong

In our work with organisations across sectors and geographies, we consistently see the same challenges:

• Reporting treated as a compliance or communications exercise
• Materiality assessments done superficially or too late
• Lack of connection between value chain → impacts → decisions
• Over-reporting on immaterial topics, under-reporting on critical ones
• Reports that cannot withstand external assurance scrutiny

The result?

Reports that look polished—but do not drive value, strategy, or competitive advantage.

What First-Class Reporting Looks Like

A first-class sustainability report is built on one foundation:

Value chain–based double materiality

This means:

• Understanding your full value chain
• Identifying where you create—or erode—value
• Assessing:
  • Impacts (on society and environment)
  • Risks and opportunities (for the business)

And translating this into:

• Clear priorities
• Defensible decisions
• Strategic actions

In this context, reporting becomes:

A decision-making system, not a disclosure exercise.

From Theory to Action — The Missing Link

Many professionals understand the GRI Standards.

Far fewer know how to apply them in practice.

The gap is not knowledge.
It is execution.

What is needed is a clear plan of action:

• What decisions need to be made?
• What actions need to be taken?
• What evidence needs to be collected?
• What exactly needs to be reported?

Without this structure, even experienced teams struggle.

The Hidden Weakness — Poor Decision-Making Structures

One of the most critical—and least discussed—reasons sustainability reporting fails is not technical.

It is structural.

Most organisations do not have decision-making systems designed to handle sustainability.

1. Sustainability Is Not Embedded in Decision Rights

In many organisations:

• Sustainability is assigned to a team, not embedded across functions
• Operational teams are not accountable for sustainability-related impacts
• Data is collected—but ownership of decisions is unclear

As a result:

Sustainability becomes everyone’s responsibility—and no one’s decision.

2. Senior Decision-Makers Are Not Mandated to Act

At board and executive level, a more serious issue emerges:

• Sustainability is often presented, but not decided upon
• There is no requirement to:
  • Evaluate impacts, risks, and opportunities
  • Prioritise them
  • Take documented decisions

In many cases, sustainability appears on the agenda—but:

There is no mandate to act, no structured decision process, and no accountability for outcomes.

This creates a critical gap between information and action.

3. Data Collection Without Decision Use

Organisations invest heavily in:

• Data collection
• KPIs
• Reporting systems

But without a decision-making framework:

• Data remains descriptive
• Insights are not translated into action
• Reporting becomes an output exercise, not a management tool

4. The Consequence: Weak, Non-Defensible Decisions

When decision structures are weak:

• Materiality assessments lack rigour
• Priorities are unclear or inconsistent
• Trade-offs are not explicitly evaluated
• Decisions cannot be defended under scrutiny (investors, regulators, assurance providers)

In today’s environment, this is a serious risk.

Because sustainability is no longer voluntary positioning—it is increasingly tied to:

• Regulation
• Capital allocation
• Reputation
• Legal exposure

5. What Strong Decision-Making Looks Like

To deliver real value, organisations need to move from informal discussion to structured decision-making.

This means:

• Embedding sustainability into decision rights across the value chain
• Requiring senior decision-makers to:
  • Review material impacts, risks, and opportunities
  • Make explicit, documented decisions
• Linking data collection directly to:
  • Decisions
  • Actions
  • Accountability

At its core:

Sustainability reporting must be designed to support decisions—not just disclosures.

This is why value chain–based double materiality is so powerful.

It does not just identify what matters.

It creates the foundation for clear, structured, and defensible decision-making across the organisation.

A Practical Pathway to First-Class Reporting

To address this gap, we have developed a structured pathway:

GRI Reporting Programme: From Understanding to Implementation

This is not a theoretical course.

It is a working system that enables participants to begin reporting from day one.

What makes it different:

• Built around a step-by-step Plan of Action
• Fully aligned with the GRI Standards
• Focused on value chain–based double materiality
• Designed to support:
  • Real decisions
  • Real outputs
  • Assurance-ready reporting

Every component is practical:

• Group exercises
• Templates
• Handouts

All mapped directly to the plan of action—so participants always know:

what to do, when to do it, and how to do it.

What You Will Be Able to Do

By following the full pathway, participants are able to:

• Identify and prioritise material impacts, risks, and opportunities
• Conduct a robust double materiality assessment
• Structure a report that is:
  • Strategically relevant
  • Decision-useful
  • Assurance-ready
• Avoid over-reporting and focus on what truly matters
• Deliver value to:
  • The business
  • Stakeholders
  • The planet

In a world of increasing complexity, scrutiny, and competition:

Sustainability reporting is becoming a defensibility tool.

AI can generate content.
But it cannot defend decisions.

That requires:

• Clear logic
• Robust methodology
• Evidence-based prioritisation

That is what first-class reporting delivers.

If you are ready to move from reporting as a document
to reporting as a decision-making system:

Explore the full GRI Reporting Pathway

The post Why Most Sustainability Reports Fail — and How to Turn Them into Strategic Decision-Making Tools appeared first on SustainCase - Sustainability Magazine.

In this evolving multipolar landscape, public understanding of global affairs becomes increasingly important. Media narratives, political discourse, and public perception all shape how societies respond to international tensions.

Yet research across economics, political science, and international relations consistently shows that the drivers of war and peace are often misunderstood or oversimplified in public debate.

Below are ten insights drawn from academic research that can help citizens better understand the forces that influence global stability.

1. War Has No Long-Term Winners

Although some actors may benefit economically or politically in the short term, research consistently shows that wars impose enormous long-term costs on all parties involved.

Beyond human suffering, conflicts destroy infrastructure, disrupt trade, weaken institutions, and slow economic development.

Countries experiencing prolonged conflict often lose decades of development progress (World Bank, 2011).

2. Violence Is Extremely Expensive

The global economic cost of violence is staggering.

According to the Global Peace Index, violence costs the world economy more than $17 trillion annually, representing roughly 13% of global GDP (Institute for Economics and Peace, 2024).

These costs include military spending, lost productivity, displacement, and the long-term economic consequences of instability.

3. Economic Interdependence Reduces Incentives for War

Modern economies are deeply interconnected through trade, financial markets, and supply chains.

Research in international political economy shows that countries with strong economic ties face higher economic costs from conflict, which can reduce incentives for military confrontation (Gartzke, 2007).

Globalisation has therefore created powerful economic incentives for cooperation.

4. Institutions Help Manage Global Tensions

International institutions such as the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, and international financial institutions help create mechanisms for dialogue and dispute resolution.

These frameworks can play an important role in managing tensions between major powers and reducing the risk of escalation.

5. Information Shapes Perception

Media coverage strongly influences how people interpret global events.

Research in communication studies demonstrates that media not only report events but also shape the issues that audiences perceive as important (McCombs and Shaw, 1972).

Responsible reporting therefore plays a crucial role in helping societies understand complex global dynamics.

6. News Often Focuses on Conflict

One reason conflict dominates headlines is structural: negative events are more likely to be selected as news because they attract attention and appear more dramatic.

This phenomenon, known as negativity bias, has been widely documented in media research (Soroka, 2012).

As a result, stories about cooperation, diplomacy, and long-term stability often receive less attention.

7. Diplomacy Prevents Many Conflicts That Never Make Headlines

Many international disputes are resolved quietly through diplomatic negotiation.

Because successful diplomacy often prevents crises before they escalate, these outcomes rarely become major news stories.

Yet diplomacy remains one of the most important mechanisms for maintaining global stability.

8. Technology Competition Does Not Automatically Lead to War

The world is currently witnessing intense competition in areas such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and advanced manufacturing.

While technological rivalry can increase geopolitical tensions, it does not inevitably lead to conflict if supported by governance frameworks and international cooperation.

9. Businesses Benefit from Stability

Companies rely on predictable markets, stable institutions, and functioning supply chains.

Conflict disrupts investment, trade, and economic growth, making peace and stability essential for long-term business success.

This is one reason why many multinational companies support international cooperation and responsible governance.

10. Citizens Play a Role in Shaping the Conversation

Public understanding and dialogue influence how societies respond to global challenges.

Citizens can contribute to constructive discourse by:

• seeking reliable information
• supporting responsible journalism
• engaging in informed debate
• encouraging balanced discussion about global issues.

In an interconnected world, informed citizens are an essential component of stable and resilient societies

Understanding the Foundations of Peace

War and peace are not determined by a single factor. They are shaped by complex interactions between economics, institutions, information, technology, and human decision-making.

Understanding these forces is essential for navigating the challenges of an increasingly multipolar world.

Informed public dialogue—supported by responsible journalism, research, and open debate—remains one of the most important foundations of global stability.

References

Gartzke, E. (2007) ‘The capitalist peace’, American Journal of Political Science, 51(1), pp. 166–191.

Institute for Economics and Peace (2024) Global Peace Index 2024: Measuring Peace in a Complex World. Sydney: Institute for Economics and Peace.

McCombs, M. and Shaw, D. (1972) ‘The agenda-setting function of mass media’, Public Opinion Quarterly, 36(2), pp. 176–187.

Soroka, S. (2012) ‘The Gatekeeping Function: Distributions of Information in Media and the Real World’, Journal of Politics, 74(2), pp. 514–528.

World Bank (2011) World Development Report 2011: Conflict, Security and Development. Washington, DC: World Bank.

The post Ten Things Every Citizen Should Understand About War and Peace appeared first on SustainCase - Sustainability Magazine.

Key observations from recent geopolitical and economic research:

• War has no long-term winners; even those who benefit in the short term eventually bear its consequences.
• Global stability increasingly depends on cooperation among multiple major powers.
• The economic costs of conflict are enormous and divert resources from climate action, social welfare, and long-term development.

The global political landscape is undergoing a profound transformation. For much of the late twentieth century, international relations were largely shaped by a unipolar system dominated by a single superpower. Today, however, power is increasingly distributed across multiple actors, including the United States, China, the European Union, India, Russia, and a growing number of influential middle powers.

This shift toward multipolarity is unfolding alongside several other transformative forces: accelerating competition in artificial intelligence, rapidly evolving technological capabilities, economic interdependence across global supply chains, and heightened geopolitical tensions.

While competition among major powers is not new, the combination of technological rivalry, economic interdependence, and information flows at unprecedented speed makes the current geopolitical moment particularly complex.

In such an environment, how societies understand global events becomes critically important. And this understanding is shaped to a large extent by the media.

Responsible reporting therefore plays a vital role in promoting informed public discourse and supporting global stability.

The Information Environment in a Multipolar World

In a multipolar system, geopolitical relationships become more complex and less predictable. Traditional alliances may evolve, new partnerships may emerge, and economic and technological competition may intensify.

At the same time, the information ecosystem has become far more fragmented. Digital platforms allow news, commentary, and opinion to circulate instantly across the world.

While this increased access to information can strengthen democratic debate, it also increases the risk of misinformation, polarisation, and oversimplified narratives about complex global developments.

Research in media studies shows that journalism does not merely transmit information; it also plays a role in shaping how audiences interpret events (McCombs and Shaw, 1972).

The way conflicts, technological competition, and geopolitical developments are framed can therefore influence public perception, political discourse, and ultimately policy choices.

Why Conflict Dominates the News

One structural feature of modern journalism is the tendency for conflict and crisis to dominate news coverage. This phenomenon is widely recognised in media studies and is often referred to as negativity bias in news reporting.

Research has shown that negative events—such as conflict, disasters, or political crises—are more likely to be selected as news because they are perceived as more immediate, dramatic, and attention-grabbing for audiences (Soroka, 2012).

In addition, traditional news values prioritise stories that involve conflict, tension, and unexpected developments (Galtung and Ruge, 1965). As a result, media coverage often focuses on geopolitical rivalries, crises, and military developments, while longer-term processes that support stability—such as diplomatic negotiations, economic interdependence, or institutional cooperation—receive comparatively less attention.

This does not imply that journalists intentionally promote conflict. Rather, it reflects structural incentives within the news industry that reward immediacy and dramatic narratives.

However, in a world increasingly shaped by complex global interdependence, it becomes even more important that reporting also explains the structural factors that promote stability, including economic cooperation, international institutions, and diplomatic engagement.

Providing this broader context helps audiences understand not only the risks of conflict but also the mechanisms that sustain peace.

The Rise of Technological Rivalry

One of the defining features of the current geopolitical landscape is the growing competition over advanced technologies, particularly artificial intelligence.

AI is expected to transform economic productivity, military capabilities, cybersecurity, and global economic leadership. Governments and corporations around the world are investing heavily in AI development in what some analysts describe as a global race for technological leadership.

However, research also shows that technological competition does not necessarily lead to conflict if it is accompanied by international cooperation, governance frameworks, and responsible communication about technological risks and opportunities (Varian, 2019).

Clear and balanced reporting on technological developments can therefore help societies understand both the opportunities and risks associated with emerging technologies.

The Economic Foundations of Peace

Another defining feature of the modern international system is the high degree of economic interdependence among countries.

Global trade networks, financial integration, and multinational supply chains have connected economies in ways that significantly raise the economic costs of conflict.

Research in international political economy shows that countries with deep economic integration face strong incentives to avoid military confrontation because conflict disrupts trade, investment, and economic growth (Gartzke, 2007).

The economic consequences of violence are also substantial. The Global Peace Index estimates that violence costs the global economy more than $17 trillion annually, representing approximately 13% of global GDP (Institute for Economics and Peace, 2024).

Understanding these economic realities is essential for informed public debate.

Yet these structural factors often receive less attention in daily news cycles, which tend to focus on immediate events rather than underlying systems that sustain stability.

The Role of Responsible Journalism

Journalism plays a critical role in helping societies interpret complex developments.

Responsible reporting can contribute to global stability by:

• providing context for geopolitical events
• explaining the economic costs of conflict
• highlighting diplomatic efforts and international cooperation
• presenting diverse perspectives
• avoiding sensationalism that amplifies fear or polarisation

Scholars in peace and media studies have also emphasised the importance of peace journalism, an approach that encourages reporting on the causes of conflict, potential solutions, and long-term structural factors rather than focusing solely on violent events (Galtung, 2002).

Such approaches can help audiences better understand the broader dynamics shaping global stability.

A Constructive Challenge to the Media

In an era characterised by geopolitical competition, technological transformation, and rapid information flows, the responsibilities of journalism become even more significant.

This raises an important question:

How do the media organisations we follow contribute to promoting peace and stability?

Mainstream media outlets play a powerful role in shaping public understanding of global events. As readers, citizens, and members of the global community, we can encourage constructive journalism by engaging with the media we follow.

Readers may wish to ask media organisations questions such as:

• How do you ensure balanced reporting on geopolitical tensions?
• How do you explain the economic and human costs of conflict?
• How do you highlight diplomatic and cooperative solutions to global challenges?
• How do you prevent sensationalism from distorting complex international issues?

These questions are not intended as criticism but as an invitation to strengthen the role of journalism in supporting informed public discourse.

An Invitation to SustainCase Readers

At SustainCase, we believe that informed dialogue and responsible leadership are essential components of sustainable societies.

The transition to a multipolar world will undoubtedly bring new challenges and new opportunities.

Constructive engagement with the media can help ensure that public conversations about global affairs remain informed, balanced, and oriented toward stability and cooperation.

We therefore invite our readers to engage with the media they follow and ask how their reporting contributes to a better understanding of the forces shaping peace, stability, and global cooperation.

Responsible journalism, informed citizens, and constructive dialogue are all part of the foundations of a stable and sustainable world.

References

Galtung, J. (2002) ‘Peace journalism – A challenge’, in Kempf, W. and Luostarinen, H. (eds.) Journalism and the New World Order. Göteborg: Nordicom.

Galtung, J. and Ruge, M.H. (1965) ‘The structure of foreign news’, Journal of Peace Research, 2(1), pp. 64–91.

Gartzke, E. (2007) ‘The capitalist peace’, American Journal of Political Science, 51(1), pp. 166–191.

Institute for Economics and Peace (2024) Global Peace Index 2024: Measuring Peace in a Complex World. Sydney: Institute for Economics and Peace.

McCombs, M. and Shaw, D. (1972) ‘The agenda-setting function of mass media’, Public Opinion Quarterly, 36(2), pp. 176–187.

Pinker, S. (2018) Enlightenment Now: The Case for Reason, Science, Humanism, and Progress. New York: Viking.

Soroka, S. (2012) ‘The Gatekeeping Function: Distributions of Information in Media and the Real World’, Journal of Politics, 74(2), pp. 514–528.

Varian, H.R. (2019) Artificial Intelligence, Economics, and Industrial Organization. Cambridge, MA: National Bureau of Economic Research.

World Bank (2011) World Development Report 2011: Conflict, Security and Development. Washington, DC: World Bank.

The post Why Responsible Journalism Matters in a Multipolar World appeared first on SustainCase - Sustainability Magazine.

For most of modern history, global power has been concentrated among a small number of dominant states. Today, the international system is gradually shifting toward a more multipolar world, where several major powers influence global affairs. This transition raises an important question:

Can the world move toward multipolarity without conflict?

According to the Institute for Economics and Peace, violence costs the global economy more than $17 trillion annually—around 13% of global GDP. Understanding the economic foundations of peace is therefore essential for navigating this transition.

A growing body of academic research suggests that the answer may be yes—if economic cooperation, institutions, and transparency evolve alongside geopolitical change.

War Is Economically Irrational

Modern research consistently shows that armed conflict carries enormous economic costs.

The Global Cost of Violence: Over $17 Trillion Annually. These costs include:

• military expenditure
• destruction of infrastructure
• lost productivity
• displacement of populations
• long-term economic instability

Studies from the World Bank show that countries experiencing major conflict typically lose decades of economic development.

In other words, war is not only tragic—it is economically destructive for all parties involved.

Economic Interdependence Reduces the Incentive for Conflict

Political science research has long shown that trade and economic integration reduce the likelihood of war.

Economists studying international relations have found that countries with strong trade relationships face much higher opportunity costs for conflict.

Research associated with scholars such as Erik Gartzke suggests that economic openness and financial integration can significantly reduce incentives for military confrontation.

When economies become deeply interconnected, conflict disrupts supply chains, financial markets, and trade networks—creating powerful incentives to avoid escalation.

Institutions Help Manage Power Transitions

Multipolarity itself does not automatically lead to conflict.

Research in international relations shows that institutions and rules help manage power shifts peacefully.

Organisations such as:

• United Nations
• World Trade Organization
• International Monetary Fund

provide mechanisms for dialogue, dispute resolution, and economic coordination.

These institutions help create predictability and shared rules, which are critical when multiple global powers interact.

Historical research indicates that institutional cooperation can significantly reduce the risks associated with shifting global power balances.

Transparency and Governance Reduce Instability

Economic stability also depends heavily on governance and transparency.

Corruption, weak institutions, and inequality often increase the risk of social instability and conflict.

Research from Transparency International shows that countries with stronger governance systems and lower corruption levels tend to experience higher levels of social stability and investor confidence.

Sustainability reporting frameworks such as those developed by the Global Reporting Initiative encourage transparency and accountability in corporate behaviour, contributing indirectly to stronger institutions.

Businesses Also Play a Role

Companies operate across borders and often connect economies that might otherwise have little interaction.

Responsible businesses contribute to stability by:

• creating employment
• strengthening supply chains
• promoting transparency
• encouraging cross-border cooperation

When global supply chains link multiple economies together, conflict becomes increasingly costly for everyone involved.

A Peaceful Multipolar Future Is Possible

History shows that shifts in global power can be dangerous. But research increasingly suggests that economic integration, institutions, and transparency can significantly reduce the risks.

A peaceful multipolar world depends not only on diplomacy, but also on:

• strong economic interdependence
• responsible business practices
• transparent governance
• international cooperation

In this sense, sustainability and responsible business conduct contribute not only to environmental protection and social progress — but also to global stability and peace.

Multipolarity Does Not Necessarily Lead to Conflict

A growing body of international relations research suggests that the emergence of a multipolar world—where influence is shared among major actors such as the United States, China, Russia, the European Union, India, and others—does not inevitably lead to conflict.

Contemporary scholarship highlights several stabilising forces.

First, deep economic interdependence raises the costs of war because disruption to trade, finance, and supply chains would impose major losses on all parties. Empirical studies of globalisation show that stronger economic linkages significantly reduce incentives for interstate conflict.

Second, international institutions and multilateral frameworks provide mechanisms for dialogue, rule-making, and dispute resolution that help manage power shifts.

Third, the increasing role of middle powers and multi-alignment strategies—where countries cooperate with several blocs rather than choosing rigid alliances—creates diplomatic flexibility that can dampen escalation.

Together, these dynamics suggest that while geopolitical competition will likely intensify, a multipolar order can remain stable if economic integration, institutional cooperation, and responsible governance continue to evolve alongside shifting power balances.

References

Gartzke, E. (2007) ‘The capitalist peace’, American Journal of Political Science, 51(1), pp. 166–191.
Goldstein, J.S. (2011) Winning the War on War: The Decline of Armed Conflict Worldwide. New York: Dutton.

Institute for Economics and Peace (2024) Global Peace Index 2024: Measuring Peace in a Complex World. Sydney: Institute for Economics and Peace.

Mousseau, M. (2013) ‘The democratic peace and the roots of war’, International Security, 37(4), pp. 186–217.

North, D.C., Wallis, J.J. and Weingast, B.R. (2009) Violence and Social Orders: A Conceptual Framework for Interpreting Recorded Human History. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (2018) States of Fragility 2018. Paris: OECD Publishing.

Pinker, S. (2018) Enlightenment Now: The Case for Reason, Science, Humanism, and Progress. New York: Viking.

Rodrik, D. (2011) The Globalization Paradox: Democracy and the Future of the World Economy. New York: W.W. Norton.

United Nations (2015) Transforming Our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. New York: United Nations.

World Bank (2011) World Development Report 2011: Conflict, Security, and Development. Washington, DC: World Bank.

Ikenberry, G.J. (2018) A World Safe for Democracy: Liberal Internationalism and the Crises of Global Order. New Haven: Yale University Press.

Kupchan, C.A. (2012) No One’s World: The West, the Rising Rest, and the Coming Global Turn. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

The research cited above consistently shows that economic cooperation, strong institutions, and transparency significantly reduce the likelihood of conflict and support long-term stability.

The post The Economics of Peace appeared first on SustainCase - Sustainability Magazine.

We then conducted further analysis and curated additional evidence so SustainCase readers have strong, credible data they can reference in conversations about conflict, risk and long-term value. What follows is a concise synthesis of the most powerful findings that sustainability professionals, investors and civic leaders can use to argue effectively against war-driven policy choices and to promote stability, resilience and transparent risk governance.

Economists show war isn’t just a moral tragedy — it’s a measurable economic crisis that knocks decades off growth.

War is often framed in political or military terms. The evidence shows it is equally an economic disaster. The onset of war leads to a sustained decline in real GDP of approximately 13 per cent. There is little sign of recovery even a decade later. Economies do not simply bounce back once fighting stops.

The damage reaches households directly. Consumption falls by around 11 per cent, meaning lower living standards and reduced access to goods and services. Investment drops by roughly 14 per cent as uncertainty deters both private capital and public infrastructure spending. Trade weakens sharply, with exports declining by about 13 per cent and imports by 7 per cent. Inflation pressures intensify, with price levels rising dramatically and remaining elevated for years.

Crucially, the research shows that all parties involved suffer long term economic harm. There are no true economic winners in war. Growth, trade, fiscal stability and institutional resilience are all weakened.

Key Evidence Points

• War reduces national GDP by around 13 per cent, with no meaningful recovery even a decade after conflict onset (Benmelech and Monteiro 2025, https://insight.kellogg.northwestern.edu/article/the-economic-price-we-pay-for-war)
• Household consumption falls by roughly 11 per cent, directly lowering living standards and economic opportunity (Benmelech and Monteiro 2025, https://insight.kellogg.northwestern.edu/article/the-economic-price-we-pay-for-war)
• Investment declines by about 14 per cent as uncertainty discourages private capital formation and public infrastructure spending (Benmelech and Monteiro 2025, https://insight.kellogg.northwestern.edu/article/the-economic-price-we-pay-for-war)
• Exports drop by around 13 per cent and imports by approximately 7 per cent, weakening trade integration and global supply chains (Benmelech and Monteiro 2025, https://insight.kellogg.northwestern.edu/article/the-economic-price-we-pay-for-war)
• Inflation rises sharply, with price levels increasing significantly and remaining elevated for years, eroding purchasing power and fiscal stability (Benmelech and Monteiro 2025, https://insight.kellogg.northwestern.edu/newsletters/the-economic-shocks-of-war)
• The broader macroeconomic impact is persistent across both winners and losers, with long term structural damage to growth, fiscal space and institutional resilience (Federle et al. 2025, European Central Bank Working Paper, https://www.ecb.europa.eu/press/conferences/shared/pdf/20251031_ECB_IMF/S4_paper1_Federle.pdf)

Sustaincase readers who live in democratic systems have another lever: direct engagement with elected representatives.

A short, structured letter can ask clear, measurable questions.

For example:

1. What diplomatic initiatives is our government actively supporting to prevent escalation?
2. How are conflict risks being assessed within national economic and fiscal planning?
3. What safeguards exist to ensure parliamentary oversight of military commitments and defence spending?
4. How is the government strengthening multilateral cooperation, trade stability and institutional resilience to reduce the likelihood of conflict?
5. What independent economic impact assessments are conducted before major security decisions are taken?

SustainCase Readers – Evidence-Based Civic Engagement

Environmental protection, social prosperity and peace are interconnected public goods. Stability underpins sustainable development and long-term economic resilience. Informed civic participation helps strengthen accountability. Engage constructively with institutions, ask for transparency and evidence in decision-making, and support cooperation that promotes stability. Sustainable outcomes depend on active, informed citizens.

If you found this article valuable, please feel free to share it.

References

Benmelech, E and Monteiro, J (2025) The Economic Price We Pay for War. Kellogg Insight. Available at: https://insight.kellogg.northwestern.edu/article/the-economic-price-we-pay-for-war (Accessed: 3 March 2026).

Benmelech, E and Monteiro, J (2025) The Economic Shocks of War. Kellogg Insight Newsletter. Available at: https://insight.kellogg.northwestern.edu/newsletters/the-economic-shocks-of-war (Accessed: 3 March 2026).

Federle, J, Meier, A, Müller, G et al. (2025) The Price of War. European Central Bank / Kiel Institute Working Paper. Available at: https://www.ecb.europa.eu/press/conferences/shared/pdf/20251031_ECB_IMF/S4_paper1_Federle.pdf(Accessed: 3 March 2026).

Watson Institute Costs of War Project (2025) Costs of War. Brown University. Available at: https://costsofwar.watson.brown.edu/costs/economic (Accessed: 3 March 2026).

Stiglitz, JE and Bilmes, L (2008) The Three Trillion Dollar War: The True Cost of the Iraq Conflict. New York: W.W. Norton & Company.

The post Why Every Conflict Is a Lose–Lose for Growth appeared first on SustainCase - Sustainability Magazine.

Course overview and learning outcomes

In today’s fast-changing business world, knowing how to apply ESG and sustainability standards isn’t optional – it’s vital. Our six “ESRS Made Simple: Practical Training for Real-World Results” courses (GRI and CPD Certified) guide you clearly through the CSRD and ESRS landscape.

This 6-course bundle gives you the practical knowledge to meet the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) under the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) – and prepares you to pass the GRI ESRS Certification Exam.

FBRH courses stand out for their practical relevance – participants gain the tools to apply their learning immediately, cutting the need for costly consultancy. By completing all six courses, you’re fully prepared to follow the GRI ESRS Certification pathway and sit the exam to become a “GRI Certified ESRS Sustainability Professional.”

Each course includes a step-by-step plan.

Classroom and Realtime remote learning options available.

This article explains the what and why.
Practical implementation is a separate step.

A globally applicable professional development that allows professionals to:

• Train with FBRH—one of the original GRI Certified Training Providers, renowned for high-impact learning, over 200 five-star endorsements, and a trusted training partner to some of the world’s largest companies.
• Build and lead CSRD-compliant ESRS reports.
• Conduct rigorous ESRS double materiality assessments grounded in GRI, OECD, UNGPs & SDG frameworks.
• Engage stakeholders systematically and meet disclosure expectations.
• Prepare robust data for external assurance.
• Align digital reporting formats for CSRD.
• Prepare with the exclusive FBRH mock exam—free for all course participants—and take the next step to pass the GRI ESRS Certification Exam and become a recognised ESRS sustainability expert.

Feeling overwhelmed? That’s normal.

Most professionals reading this are not trying to become sustainability experts.
They simply want to:

• avoid mistakes
• meet expectations
• build something they won’t have to redo next year

That’s exactly how SustainCase is designed.

If any of these sound like you, start here:

 I’m new and don’t know where to begin
 I need to report, but only proportionately
 I’m under time pressure
 I want to do this once and do it properly

How to Begin Sustainability Reporting — Safely

A short, practical orientation used by professionals before they commit time or budget.

Key facts about the GRI ESRS Professional Certification Exam

• Exam Questions: Exam candidates will have to answer 40 questions of various types in one hour.
• Exam Scoring: The passing score for the exam is 75%. Candidates have up to three attempts in total within a six-month period, with a mandatory 7-day cooling-off period between attempts.
• Certificates and recognition:  If participants complete all required courses and pass the exam, they will receive a certificate confirming their status as “GRI Certified ESRS Sustainability Professional” and a corresponding badge to include in their email signature.
• Pricing: The price of the exam is €250. Participants of the ESRS training courses through the GRI Certified Training Partners get a 25% discount on the ESRS Certification Exam fee.

The difference FBRH makes

• The FBRH ESRS Certification Mock Exam is available as a means to reinforce the knowledge participants have gained – exclusive to FBRH course participants.
• FBRH Consultants is one of few CTPs (Certified Training Partner) to offer this course with an instructor.
• Our clients include some of the world’s biggest companies.
• Exclusive templates, case studies, and an FBRH action plan that course participants can use and adapt to the needs of their organisation.

Recognition of the Credential

Some of the benefits of the certification exam and the title GRI Certified ESRS Sustainability Professional:

• You will be able to demonstrate to current and future employees/ clients that you have completed training and possess the unique skills and expertise of a GRI Certified ESRS Sustainability Professional.
• You will have the ability to address growing sustainability compliance challenges/ pressure (ESRS, due diligence, companies outside the EU that have to report according to the ESRS).
• Your name will appear on the GRI website.

Register Now

What happens next (if you want this to work):

1. Get oriented
2. Decide scope
3. Build once, not twice
4. Grow capability over time

SustainCase exists to support that journey — proportionately.

The post ESRS – Become a GRI Certified ESRS Sustainability Professional appeared first on SustainCase - Sustainability Magazine.

Register Now

Stakeholder Engagement for ESRS Reporting: 

Build trust. Enhance impact. Align with ESRS confidently.

Navigating the CSRD and ESRS can feel daunting—but stakeholder engagement doesn’t have to. This FBRH-certified course simplifies what’s essential: how to engage with stakeholders in a way that drives credible, transparent sustainability reporting.

In just a few hours, you’ll learn:

• Why stakeholder engagement is a cornerstone of ESRS compliance
• How to structure and document stakeholder input effectively
• How to use feedback to shape materiality and strategy
• Whether you’re new to the CSRD or enhancing existing practices, this hands-on course is built for professionals who need clarity and results.
Designed around practical application—not theory
Aligned with EU regulatory expectations and GRI-certified best practices Delivered by experts in double materiality and sustainability assurance

Join FBRH and leave with tools you can use—immediately. Make stakeholder engagement your strategic advantage.

Stakeholder Engagement for ESRS Reporting course target audience:
This Stakeholder Engagement for ESRS Reporting course is suitable for newcomers to ESRS sustainability reporting and for anyone interested in deepening their understanding of the ESRS and best practices for stakeholder engagement.

Stakeholder Engagement for ESRS Reporting learning outcomes:
By the end of this Stakeholder Engagement for ESRS Reporting course, you will be able to:

• Articulate the significance of stakeholder engagement in sustainability reporting, including its role in the materiality assessment
• Identify the essential elements of a successful stakeholder engagement strategy
• Explain the reporting requirements of the ESRS in regard to stakeholder engagement
• Utilize insights from case studies to facilitate successful stakeholder engagement

This article explains the what and why.
Practical implementation is a separate step.

What participants are saying

“I started this journey with very little knowledge or idea of how to tackle our company reporting. Having completed the courses, I feel well equipped to take on the challenge. The fact that Simon is available for follow-up questions and advice is an added bonus!”
Anna Cook – CERN HSE Communications

Why choose this program?

As ESRS becomes the new norm under EU law, companies must adopt structured, transparent, and independently assured Sustainability Reporting. The course empowers you to:

• Train with FBRH—one of the original GRI Certified Training Providers, renowned for high-impact learning, over 200 five-star endorsements, and a trusted training partner to some of the world’s largest companies.
• Build and lead CSRD-compliant ESRS reports.
• Conduct rigorous ESRS double materiality assessments grounded in GRI, OECD, UNGPs & SDG frameworks.
• Engage stakeholders systematically and meet disclosure expectations.
• Prepare robust data for external assurance.
• Align digital reporting formats for CSRD.
• Prepare with the exclusive FBRH mock exam—free for all course participants—and take the next step to pass the GRI ESRS Certification Exam and become a recognised ESRS sustainability expert.

Feeling overwhelmed? That’s normal.

Most professionals reading this are not trying to become sustainability experts.
They simply want to:

• avoid mistakes
• meet expectations
• build something they won’t have to redo next year

That’s exactly how SustainCase is designed.

If any of these sound like you, start here:

 I’m new and don’t know where to begin
 I need to report, but only proportionately
 I’m under time pressure
 I want to do this once and do it properly

How to Begin Sustainability Reporting — Safely

A short, practical orientation used by professionals before they commit time or budget.

The complete course bundle

Six GRI Certified Courses Delivered by Expert Trainers

• Introduction to the CSRD and Reporting with the ESRS
  Learn the structure of the CSRD and ESRS, and how to plan your reporting process.
• Stakeholder Engagement for ESRS Reporting
  Master techniques to identify, prioritise, and engage stakeholders effectively.
• Double Materiality Assessment under the ESRS
  Conduct impact and financial materiality assessments aligned with regulatory expectations.
• How to Collect and Report Material Information under the ESRS
  Learn systems and tools for capturing relevant, verifiable sustainability data.
• Preparing for External Assurance for ESRS Reporting
  Understand assurance standards, evidence requirements, and how to reduce audit risk.
• Digital Reporting under the CSRD
  Explore digital tagging, ESEF/HTML formats, and how to prepare machine-readable reports.

Outcomes you can expect

• GRI Certified ESRS Pathway Completion
  Gain certificates from GRI and CPD. Full preparation for the GRI ESRS Certification Exam.
• Immediate Practical Skills
  Receive templates, case studies, and an FBRH action plan to implement what you learn.
• Professional Recognition
  Become a GRI Certified ESRS Sustainability Professional—your name listed on the GRI website.

Learning formats

Classroom Delivery: London School of Economics (3 Days)
Remote Learning: Live via Zoom (3 Days)

Includes group exercises, breakout sessions, expert feedback, and live Q&A.

Course fees

Full Bundle Price:

£2400* (Classroom Delivery: London School of Economics)
£1300* (Remote Learning)

Includes all six certified courses, free mock exam access, templates, and course completion certificates.

*VAT where applicable

VAT applies to UK participants and all participants taking the UK based classroom course. Group discounts available.

Expert trainer: Simon Pitsillides

• MBA (Oxford Brookes University)
• University of Cambridge business courses: “Sustainable Finance”, “Sustainable Supply Chain Management”
• GRI Nominated Trainer
• Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals (ISEP) Trainer
• Fellow of Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals (ISEP)
• Fellow of Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM)
• Member of the Chartered Institute of Journalism (CIoJ)
• 200+ Course Reviews ★★★★★
• Practical, clear, implementation-driven instruction
• Editor: www.sustaincase.com

Free mock exam

All participants receive exclusive access to the FBRH GRI ESRS Certification Mock Exam—test your readiness and reinforce your learning.

Register Now

What happens next (if you want this to work):

1. Get oriented
2. Decide scope
3. Build once, not twice
4. Grow capability over time

SustainCase exists to support that journey — proportionately.

The post Stakeholder Engagement for ESRS Reporting appeared first on SustainCase - Sustainability Magazine.

Register Now

Introduction to the CSRD and Reporting with the ESRS overview: 

Start smart. Understand the why, what, and how of ESRS reporting.

Feeling behind in preparing for your first ESRS report? Or just starting your journey into EU sustainability reporting? This FBRH-designed course is the perfect launchpad.

Get a clear, practical overview of what the CSRD and ESRS really mean for your organisation. Learn how to go from confusion to confidence—with step-by-step guidance and a real-world case study from a company already on the path.

In this introductory course, you’ll:

• Understand the CSRD’s role in shaping sustainability reporting across Europe
• Master the structure and logic behind the ESRS
• Learn how to organise your first reporting cycle with confidence
• Gain practical tips from real-life ESRS preparation stories

Who is it for?

Perfect for professionals new to ESRS or anyone needing a solid, structured overview of Europe’s new sustainability reporting landscape—sustainability teams, compliance officers, project managers, and consultants alike.
Straightforward breakdown of complex standards
Real-world insights from companies already reporting
Practical tools for launching your ESRS reporting process

At FBRH, we don’t just explain—we prepare you to act.
Join us to make your first step into CSRD and ESRS a strong one.

This article explains the what and why.
Practical implementation is a separate step.

What participants are saying

“I started this journey with very little knowledge or idea of how to tackle our company reporting. Having completed the courses, I feel well equipped to take on the challenge. The fact that Simon is available for follow-up questions and advice is an added bonus!”
Anna Cook – CERN HSE Communications

Why choose this program?

As ESRS becomes the new norm under EU law, companies must adopt structured, transparent, and independently assured Sustainability Reporting. The course empowers you to:

• Train with FBRH—one of the original GRI Certified Training Providers, renowned for high-impact learning, over 200 five-star endorsements, and a trusted training partner to some of the world’s largest companies.
• Build and lead CSRD-compliant ESRS reports.
• Conduct rigorous ESRS double materiality assessments grounded in GRI, OECD, UNGPs & SDG frameworks.
• Engage stakeholders systematically and meet disclosure expectations.
• Prepare robust data for external assurance.
• Align digital reporting formats for CSRD.
• Prepare with the exclusive FBRH mock exam—free for all course participants—and take the next step to pass the GRI ESRS Certification Exam and become a recognised ESRS sustainability expert.

Feeling overwhelmed? That’s normal.

Most professionals reading this are not trying to become sustainability experts.
They simply want to:

• avoid mistakes
• meet expectations
• build something they won’t have to redo next year

That’s exactly how SustainCase is designed.

If any of these sound like you, start here:

 I’m new and don’t know where to begin
 I need to report, but only proportionately
 I’m under time pressure
 I want to do this once and do it properly

How to Begin Sustainability Reporting — Safely

A short, practical orientation used by professionals before they commit time or budget.

The complete course bundle

Six GRI Certified Courses Delivered by Expert Trainers

• Introduction to the CSRD and Reporting with the ESRS
  Learn the structure of the CSRD and ESRS, and how to plan your reporting process.
• Stakeholder Engagement for ESRS Reporting
  Master techniques to identify, prioritise, and engage stakeholders effectively.
• Double Materiality Assessment under the ESRS
  Conduct impact and financial materiality assessments aligned with regulatory expectations.
• How to Collect and Report Material Information under the ESRS
  Learn systems and tools for capturing relevant, verifiable sustainability data.
• Preparing for External Assurance for ESRS Reporting
  Understand assurance standards, evidence requirements, and how to reduce audit risk.
• Digital Reporting under the CSRD
  Explore digital tagging, ESEF/HTML formats, and how to prepare machine-readable reports.

Outcomes you can expect

• GRI Certified Pathway Completion
  Gain certificates from GRI and CPD. Full preparation for the GRI ESRS Certification Exam.
• Immediate Practical Skills
  Receive templates, case studies, and an FBRH action plan to implement what you learn.
• Professional Recognition
  Become a GRI Certified ESRS Sustainability Professional—your name listed on the GRI website.

Learning formats

Classroom Delivery: London School of Economics (3 Days)
Remote Learning: Live via Zoom (3 Days)

Includes group exercises, breakout sessions, expert feedback, and live Q&A.

Course fees

Full Bundle Price:

£2400* (Classroom Delivery: London School of Economics)
£1300* (Remote Learning)

Includes all six certified courses, free mock exam access, templates, and course completion certificates.

*VAT where applicable

VAT applies to UK participants and all participants taking the UK based classroom course. Group discounts available.

Expert trainer: Simon Pitsillides

• MBA (Oxford Brookes University)
• University of Cambridge business courses: “Sustainable Finance”, “Sustainable Supply Chain Management”
• GRI Nominated Trainer
• Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals (ISEP) Trainer
• Fellow of Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals (ISEP)
• Fellow of Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM)
• Member of the Chartered Institute of Journalism (CIoJ)
• 200+ Course Reviews ★★★★★
• Practical, clear, implementation-driven instruction
• Editor: www.sustaincase.com

Free mock exam

All participants receive exclusive access to the FBRH GRI ESRS Certification Mock Exam—test your readiness and reinforce your learning.

Register Now

What happens next (if you want this to work):

1. Get oriented
2. Decide scope
3. Build once, not twice
4. Grow capability over time

SustainCase exists to support that journey — proportionately.

The post Introduction to the CSRD and Reporting with the ESRS appeared first on SustainCase - Sustainability Magazine.