Utilizing the structure and guidelines of the Sustainable Development Goals, we propose to extend the existing ESG Externalities and True Value Toolkit to introduce these defining goals and couple them with identified externalities. This extensive could be created as an addendum to the existing toolkit and/or a standalone addition to the Toolkit repository.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) and ESG Externalities Toolkit will provide a simple, engaging way to embed ESG (sustainability) issues into the academic experience for accounting faculty as well as for KPMG professionals seeking new topics to deliver to university stakeholders. Since the SDG’s focus on global goals instead of accounting metrics or theory, the material is agnostic to all majors/disciplines. The concepts are easily digestible for all students at all levels of education, from freshman year to the final semester in a master’s program. Using the framework developed by the United Nations (UN), the SDG’s can offer students an informed understanding of the challenges facing corporations and society globally.  Furthermore, the introduction of the sustainability related material may generate a greater interest to the field of accounting or accounting related majors. Lastly, the toolkit could also elevate KPMG’s commitment to supporting faculty with innovative resources for evolving issues pertaining to ESG.

Learning Objectives

•            Introduce the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) focusing on the four dimensions

•            Understand the purpose of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s)

•            Identify the relationship between SDG’s and corporate externalities

•            Appreciate the current trends in ESG/sustainability reporting practices

•            Develop critical thinking regarding nonfinancial information challenges pertaining to risks and opportunities associated with externalities

•            Recognize corporate, social and environmental responsibilities and corporation’s impact on society

•            Understand The United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) principles as they relate to the SDG’s operationally for human rights, labor standards, environmental actions, and anti-corruption