This month’s edition features news from March, with highlights from Australia, Luxembourg, South Africa, Switzerland, and more. Compiled by the SSE initiative, these monthly updates provide an overview of the latest developments in capital markets and sustainability.
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SSE & SSE PARTNER NEWS
S&P Global Energy and the United Nations Sustainable Stock Exchanges (UN SSE) today announced a knowledge partnership agreement aimed at advancing energy transition in capital markets by better equipping exchanges and the marketplace with the data, insights, and capacity building solutions needed to confidently engage with the growing range of energy transition products being traded on global markets. Key focus areas of the collaboration agreement include electrification, carbon-accounted commodities, carbon pricing and infrastructure, clean fuels (i.e. renewables, biofuels, sustainable aviation fuel, hydrogen) and battery metals.
Get involved by registering to attend the upcoming May 14, 2026, Market Insights Webinar: Carbon Markets and Renewable Energy Credits and applying to join the Commodity Markets and Energy Transition Expert Group.
UN SSE Launches New Training Program to Help SMEs Get Started with Sustainability
The UN Sustainable Stock Exchanges (SSE) initiative, in collaboration with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Ethical Supply Chain Program, has launched a new training program getting back to the basics of sustainability management. The new workshop — Getting Started with Sustainability: An Introduction for SMEs and Beginners — is designed to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and capital market participants with limited sustainability experience, begin integrating sustainability into their governance, strategy, operations, and disclosures. The program builds on the Model Guidance for SMEs to integrate sustainable business practices and the Action plan on how exchanges can promote sustainable SMEs, published in 2025 by the UN SSE in partnership with the IFC and the support of the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO).
The program is now available at no cost for SSE Partner Exchanges to host for their listed companies and market participants. Exchanges interested in hosting this training are encouraged to contact the SSE Academy team directly at [email protected].
TNFD Discussion paper on state of nature measurement
The Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD), alongside partners including GRI and SBTN, launched a consultation on measuring the “state of nature.” The paper proposes approaches to standardize nature-related metrics across disclosure, risk assessment, and target-setting. It aims to improve consistency in how biodiversity and ecosystem impacts are quantified. This marks a key step in advancing nature as a core pillar of ESG reporting.
Second Annual Global “Ring the Bell for LGBTIQ+ Equality” Taking Place in May 2026
The UN Sustainable Stock Exchanges Initiative (UN SSE) and its partners — UN Global Compact, UN Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner (OHCHR), Koppa —The LGBTI+ Economic Power Lab and Open for Business — announced the second global edition of Ring the Bell for LGBTIQ+ Equality, to take place between 14-23 May 2026. The campaign invites stock exchanges worldwide to host in-person or virtual bell-ringing ceremonies around the International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, and Pride month. Building on 2025’s inaugural edition that involved 15 exchanges, the initiative aims to mobilize capital-market actors, companies and investors in supporting LGBTIQ+ inclusion, equal rights, and non-discrimination in global markets and workplaces.
By taking part, exchanges signal their commitment to diversity, inclusion and human rights - reinforcing that inclusive markets are also stronger markets.
For more information on how to participate in Ring the Bell for LGBTIQ+ Equality 2026, please contact the UN SSE secretariat.
SSE Advisory Group on Child-Lens Investing
Children are a forgotten, but consequential business stakeholder. One whose relationship with markets cuts both ways, carrying risks and opportunities that most corporate disclosure and investment frameworks have yet to capture. The SSE and UNICEF Child-Lens Investing Model Guidance is working to help change that. As we enter the final review stage, we are looking for additional voices to strengthen the guidance before it is finalised. This should require limited time, but will have a meaningful impact on this new area of work. The final draft will go out for review at the end of May. If you or a colleague would like to join, please register here by the end of May or contact the UN SSE secretariat.
SSE ACADEMY UPCOMING WORKSHOPS & NEWS
The following SSE Academy workshops are coming up soon!
SSE Academy workshops are hosted by SSE Partner Exchanges and invitations are managed directly by the exchange. If you wish to register, please visit the event page. For all upcoming workshops, visit SSEinitiative.org/sse-academy/
- The Egyptian Exchange Workshop on IFRS Sustainability Standards - 19 May
- Trinidad & Tobago Stock Exchange Workshop on Sustainability for SMEs and Beginners - 27 May
- The Egyptian Exchange Workshop on Managing and Reporting on Nature - 4 June
- Chittagong Stock Exchange Workshop on IFRS Sustainability Standards - 16 June
- NSE India Workshop on Managing and Reporting on Nature - 18 June
- Colombo Stock Exchange Workshop on IFRS Sustainability Standards - 23 June
UN SSE Academy Expands Training on Nature, SMEs and Board Oversight
The UN Sustainable Stock Exchanges Initiative Academy has opened registration for stock exchanges to host three new training programmes: “Managing and Reporting on Nature”, “Getting Started with Sustainability: An Introduction for SMEs and Beginners”, and “Board Oversight of ISSB-Aligned Reporting.”
Together, these programmes aim to build capacity across capital markets by addressing key dimensions of sustainability. The Nature programme supports participants in aligning with the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures, helping them assess and disclose nature-related risks and opportunities. The SMEs-focused course provides practical, accessible guidance for companies beginning their sustainability journey, while the board oversight programme developed in collaboration with the International Finance Corporation, IFRS, and Chapter Zero - equips current and future senior leaders with the knowledge needed to oversee sustainability reporting aligned with evolving global standards.
Through expert-led sessions, case studies and hands-on exercises, participants gain practical tools to integrate sustainability into reporting, corporate strategy and risk management. Delivered online and free of charge to host exchanges, the programmes are designed for listed companies, investors and capital-market professionals working across sustainability, finance, governance and risk functions.
Stock exchanges interested in hosting a session are encouraged to contact the UN SSE Academy team.
EXCHANGE NEWS
SIX Launches the New Indices SPI ESG 25 and SMI Equal Weight: SIX Group has launched a new ESG-focused equity benchmark, the SPI ESG 25, aimed at meeting growing investor demand for more concentrated sustainable investment products. The index selects 25 Swiss companies with the strongest combination of market size, liquidity, and ESG performance, using sustainability ratings from Inrate and strict exclusion criteria for controversial sectors such as fossil fuels, weapons, and tobacco. Only companies meeting robust ESG standards including compliance with UN Global Compact principles and minimum sustainability ratings are eligible, reinforcing alignment with global responsible investment frameworks.
Exchange of the Year title returns to LuxSE for the 8th time: The Luxembourg Stock Exchange has been named “Exchange of the Year” at Environmental Finance’s Sustainable Debt Awards 2026, marking the eighth time it has received the honour. The award recognises the exchange’s continued leadership in sustainable finance, including new initiatives launched in 2025 such as the Transition Finance Gateway and the EU Taxonomy Issuers Window. LuxSE also expanded its education and data platforms, with the LGX Academy delivering training globally and the LGX DataHub growing to cover over 23,000 sustainable bonds.
Johannesburg Stock Exchange lists Africa’s first nature-linked bond: The Johannesburg Stock Exchange listed Africa’s first nature-linked bond tied to water security outcomes. The structure links investor returns to environmental performance, introducing outcome-based financing in African capital markets. It represents a shift from traditional green bonds toward more sophisticated sustainability-linked instruments. The deal highlights innovation in ESG financing across emerging markets.
Johannesburg Stock Exchange Sustainability Training Programme: Climate Change & the Net-Zero Transition: The Johannesburg Stock Exchange, in collaboration with GCX, is offering a two-part online training on climate change and the net-zero transition. Designed for professionals in sustainability, finance, and governance, the course explores climate risk, disclosure expectations, and regulatory developments. Participants will gain practical tools to assess organisational readiness and build credible climate transition plans aligned with global best practice. Sessions will take place on 20 and 27 May 2026 (09:00–11:00), with 3 CPD points awarded upon full attendance.
REGULATOR AND STANDARD SETTER NEWS
ASIC And AASB Team Up To Help Smaller Companies Get Ready For Sustainability Reporting: The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and the Australian Accounting Standards Board (AASB) have partnered to help smaller companies prepare for upcoming sustainability reporting requirements, particularly as ESG disclosures expand beyond large firms. Their initiative includes educational resources and practical support aimed at building understanding of climate-related financial disclosures and broader sustainability frameworks. This effort reflects the phased rollout of mandatory ESG reporting in Australia, where smaller and mid-sized companies will soon need to develop capabilities in governance, data collection, and climate risk assessment.
ISO 14001:2026 published – raising the bar for environmental performance: The International Organization for Standardization released an updated version of ISO 14001, its flagship environmental management standard. The revision strengthens integration of climate change, biodiversity, and resource efficiency into corporate management systems. It also enhances requirements around governance, lifecycle thinking, and value chain impacts. The update aligns environmental management more closely with evolving ESG expectations and global sustainability priorities.
ISSB agrees on the proposed way forward for nature-related disclosures: The International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) has during its April board meeting in Beijing agreed to propose requirements for nature-related disclosures in the form of an IFRS Practice Statement. The ISSB’s existing Standards already require companies to provide material information about all sustainability-related risks and opportunities, including nature-related risks and opportunities that could reasonably be expected to affect a company’s prospects. The Practice Statement would complement IFRS S1 General Requirements for Disclosure of Sustainability-related Financial Information and IFRS S2 Climate-related Disclosures, without changing the requirements in the Standards.
EFRAG submits its Sustainability Reporting Work Programme 2026 to the European Commission: The European Financial Reporting Advisory Group outlined its 2026 priorities for advancing sustainability reporting in Europe. Key areas include support for ESRS implementation, development of standards for non-EU companies, and simplified approaches for SMEs. EFRAG also emphasized interoperability with global frameworks like ISSB and GRI. The work programme reflects ongoing efforts to operationalize and scale the EU’s sustainability reporting regime.
GRI-CDP disclosure that is more aligned and decision-useful: The Global Reporting Initiative and CDP released updated mapping between their respective climate and energy indicators. The initiative aims to reduce duplication and fragmentation in ESG reporting by aligning key disclosure requirements. It supports companies in responding more efficiently to investor and stakeholder demands. The effort is part of a broader trend toward harmonization across sustainability frameworks.