GRI training 2024

GRI Certified Training Program: 2024 Retrospective

The 2024 GRI training series focused on equipping Zimbabwean professionals with the technical competencies required for international sustainability disclosures. These sessions transitioned from general ESG theory to the practical application of the GRI Universal Standards, ensuring that local reports meet global transparency expectations.

Foundations of Sustainability Reporting

This module introduced the modular system of GRI Standards, emphasizing the “In Accordance” criteria. Participants explored the foundational principles of accuracy, balance, and verifiability, which are essential for building trust with international investors and local regulators. The training focused on the initial steps of the reporting process, from defining a report’s boundary to ensuring data quality across economic and environmental metrics.

Materiality and Stakeholder Engagement

A critical component of the 2024 curriculum was the practical application of “Materiality.” Trainees participated in workshops to identify and prioritize the environmental and social impacts most significant to their specific organizations. This involved methodologies for engaging diverse stakeholder groups—such as local communities, employees, and shareholders—to ensure that reporting reflects the true impact of the business on sustainable development.

GRI Sector Standards and Specialized Disclosures

The training also covered the rollout of new Sector Standards, with specific focus on high-impact industries in Zimbabwe such as mining, agriculture, and oil and gas. Attendees learned how to use these specialized modules to address sector-specific challenges, ensuring that their disclosures capture the unique risks and opportunities inherent in their operations. This alignment helps businesses streamline their reporting while meeting the specialized information needs of sector-focused analysts and NGOs.