As part of the implementation procedures for adopting international professional standards in the Kingdom, the Saudi Organization for Chartered and Professional Accountants (SOCPA), represented by the Auditing Standards Board, held a roundtable meeting to discuss International Standard on Sustainability Assurance (ISSA 5000), “General Requirements for Sustainability Assurance Engagements,” on Monday, 28/04/1447 AH, corresponding to 20/10/2025. The meeting was attended by representatives of the technical team of the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB), along with a distinguished group of specialists, stakeholders, and representatives from relevant supervisory authorities.
The meeting was opened by SOCPA Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Ahmad bin Abdullah Al-Mughames, who welcomed the participants and emphasized the importance of the implementation procedures undertaken by SOCPA to adopt international professional standards in the Kingdom. He also highlighted the significance of the standard, which addresses the assurance of sustainability information. The meeting included a presentation on the new international standard (ISSA 5000), delivered in Arabic by representatives of the IAASB, who provided a detailed explanation of the standard. During the session, the participants’ comments and questions regarding the requirements of the standard were received and addressed.
Prior to the meeting, SOCPA had published the Arabic translation of the international standard on its website, along with the Auditing Standards Board’s initial recommendation regarding its adoption, in order to gather feedback from stakeholders and specialists. SOCPA also communicated directly with relevant supervisory authorities to obtain their feedback. The Auditing Standards Board will continue the necessary procedures to finalize the adoption of the international standard in the near future.
The presentation file for International Standard on Sustainability Assurance (ISSA 5000) can be accessed by clicking here.