Dialog Axiata first telco in South Asia to adopt SASB & GSMA Standards

Dialog Axiata PLC, said yesterday it reached a significant milestone in its commitment to sustainability and transparency by becoming the first telecommunications service provider in South Asia to comply with the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) and Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA) reporting standards in addition to the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards.

Building on a legacy of 15 years of adherence to the GRI standards, recognised as a gold standard for sustainability reporting worldwide, Dialog also adopted the SASB and GSMA standards in 2023, which are specifically designed to address the unique challenges and opportunities within the telecommunications industry. By embracing these additional reporting frameworks, Dialog aims to further enhance its ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) agenda and reporting practices. As a leading ESG champion, Dialog is committed to driving positive change, exemplified by the Company’s ambitious sustainability goals, including achieving Net Zero CO2 emissions by 2050. Dialog’s latest sustainability report provides a comprehensive overview of the company’s sustainability performance in 2022, highlighting significant progress in areas such as climate action, social responsibility, and environmental stewardship.

Dialog Axiata PLC Group Chief Executive Supun Weerasinghe said: “We are proud to set a pioneering example in South Asia by embracing the SASB and GSMA reporting standards alongside our longstanding commitment to GRI standards. This milestone exemplifies our dedication to ESG excellence and reflects our unwavering dedication to sustainability and transparency, driving positive change in our industry and beyond. We are honoured to lead the change towards a more sustainable future.”

 Dialog has received multiple accolades for its dedication to sustainability and transparency. The Company was recognised as the Overall Winner and the Winner of the General Services category at the ACCA Sustainability Reporting Awards for its outstanding commitment to sustainability reporting in the 2021/2022 reporting cycle. Further, the company was recognised at the e-Swabhimani Awards 2021 for its digital inclusion and community investment initiatives, including Sayuru, Yeheli, and Saru, which promote inclusion, empowerment, and environmental sustainability. Additionally, Karuna.lk, powered by Dialog, received the National Award for ‘Best TECH FOR GOOD Software Innovation or Product’ at the SLASSCOM National Ingenuity Awards 2023 for its exceptional use of technology for positive impact.