Integrating Sustainable Development Goals in corporate reporting: An international analysis of the financial sector

Ribeiro, João Paulo de Castro

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.8/9671

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Authors

Ribeiro, João Paulo de Castro

Advisor(s)

Eugénio, Teresa Cristina Pereira

Santos, Eulália Maria Mota dos

Abstract(s)

The United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) represent an[t1] holistic framework aimed to foster global sustainability by 2030, spanning critical social and environmental objectives. Achieving these goals necessitates collaboration between governments and the private sector. However, the financial industry role in supporting SDG attainment remains a subject of exploration. This dissertation investigates the evolution of the SDG theme within the financial industry and explores potential disparities based on bank ownership. Utilizing textual analysis of annual and integrated reports from 2015 to 2022, drawn from a diverse database encompassing Latin American, American, and Asian banks, and considering bank ownership as an independent variable, this study addresses two key research questions: 1) How has the SDG theme evolved within the financial sector? and 2) Are there differences in the SDG disclosure on annual reports based on bank ownership? The study adopts a threefold analysis approach: first, individual assessment of each SDG; second, a holistic examination of all SDGs collectively; and third, categorization by environmental, social, and economic dimensions within the financial sector. Statistical analyses are performed using software tools like Microsoft Excel and IBM SPSS Statistics 28. These findings provide critical insights for policymakers, stakeholders, and financial institutions navigating the complex landscape of sustainable banking and disclosure. Applying Pearson correlation and t-tests to examine the inclusion of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in banks' reports, the findings reveal a significant upward trend in SDG incorporation in the banking sector over time, particularly for SDG7 and SDG15. Public banks consistently mention more SDGs in their reports compared to private banks, when analyzed all SDGs collectively and when grouped by Environmental, and Social pillars. However, no significant differences were found when grouped by the Economic pillar.