GRI scales up sustainability know-how for Argentinian SMEs
Published date: 21 April 2026
New GRI-SECO regional program to equip companies with tools and expertise in decision-useful sustainability reporting
GRI is expanding its presence in Latin America with the launch of a new program in Argentina to enable small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to access the strategic benefits of sustainability reporting.
Supported by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), the ‘Enhancing Sustainability Reporting for SMEs’ initiative builds on GRI’s successful approaches already implemented in Colombia and Peru, as well as previous engagement with Argentinian companies.
The program recognizes that, while SMEs form the backbone of Argentina's economy, measuring and communicating sustainability impacts is a significant challenge for many businesses. The program will address this gap through practical tools and technical training in sustainability reporting using internationally recognized standards.
For larger Argentinian companies, GRI reporting is already well established. A 2025 study SMS Buenos Aires found that 96% of companies listed on the National Securities Commission (CNV) that report on sustainability use the GRI Standards, yet none of the listed SMEs disclose with global frameworks.
“Argentina’s SMEs have a critical role in advancing sustainable development in the country, as well as wider relevance in value chains throughout Latin America and beyond. This expanded new program is about empowering organizations to harness sustainability reporting to build trust and credibility, with practical insights that shape both sustainable outcomes and business success. We are grateful to SECO for their continued collaboration in the region.”
Andrea Pradilla, Director of GRI Latin America“The collaboration’s expansion comes at exactly the right time for Argentina. As we move through the ratification process of the Free Trade Agreement between EFTA and Mercosur, a shared understanding of sustainability reporting between Swiss and Argentine companies will help make business transactions even more seamless. This alignment will enable both sides to fully benefit from the agreement while responding to the growing expectations of investors, customers and the public for transparency across value chains and borders.”
Andrea Semadeni, Switzerland’s Ambassador to Argentina“Argentina has enormous potential to lead in regional sustainability. My goal is for SMEs to see sustainability reporting not as an administrative burden but as a strategic management tool that opens doors to financing and international markets.”
Lara Lovero, GRI LatAm Senior Programs CoordinatorUnder Enhancing Sustainability Reporting for SMEs in Argentina, in 2026 GRI will engage business networks, financial institutions and policy actors to foster an enabling environment for SME reporting, including workshops, capacity-building sessions and multi-stakeholder dialogues. A key priority is to embed reporting into everyday operations, ensuring companies can respond to increasing expectations from investors, regulators and value chain partners.
At the region-wide level, this SECO-funded program has already delivered significant results, supporting more than 3,250 SMEs. In Colombia, it has engaged 525 suppliers, facilitated the publication of more than 120 sustainability reports, and brought together over 19 large companies in collaboration with their suppliers. In Peru, the program reached over 550 SMEs, with more than 880 sustainability reports published so far, and over 25 large companies working alongside their suppliers on reporting.