CAPA supports the call put forth by the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) to G20 countries to balance COVID-19 response with a focus on the long-term and other urgent global priorities.

Many countries, including the G20, have responded with significant short-term actions to support people and economies battling the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. According to IFAC CEO, Kevin Dancey, whilst the immediate response to COVID-19 is paramount, it is important that actions taken do not put other urgent priorities and progress at risk. “The decisions we make now and the actions we take are crucial as we work to build strong, sustainable economies and realise the opportunities of the 21st century for all,” he commented.

IFAC calls on G20 leaders to strengthen commitments to sustainability, inclusion, integrity and global collaboration through these four actions:

• Accelerate sustainability and inclusion
• Focus on public sector transparency and integrity
• Resist regulatory fragmentation
• Recommit to global collaboration

CAPA agrees that there is no better time than now to ensure that countries remain focused on long-term priorities that will strengthen the global economy during and well beyond the global COVID-19 response. The accountancy profession has played an active and important role during this period helping fellow professionals, businesses and governments to cope with the challenges and mitigate risks. Therefore, CAPA urges member organisations to continue its effort and initiatives to assist its own jurisdictions and others within the region, as well as the global profession as a whole, to assist countries to achieve the call to action.

IFAC further explains each of the four actions mentioned above on its website at: https://www.ifac.org/news-events/2020-07/ifac-calls-g20-balance-covid-19-response-focus-long-term-future-and-other-urgent-global-priorities-1