This third edition of Carrots and Sticks is the result of expert inputs from individuals and the original four core project partners: The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), KPMG Climate Change & Sustainability Services, and the Centre for Corporate Governance in Africa. By providing up-to-date information on governmental and regulatory requirements for sustainability reporting, the project partners hope that Carrots and Sticks provides a useful tool for governments and regulators wanting a better understanding of the regulatory environment for sustainability reporting; financial institutions and businesses wanting to stay informed about the regulatory environment; and stakeholders such as Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), academics, and others interested in the sustainability reporting landscape in their country, region or internationally.The first edition of Carrots and Sticks covered developments in 19 countries, and the second in 32 countries: This third edition covers 45 countries and regions. In the seven years of the series, the amount of policy and regulation has markedly increased. This includes a notable increase in the number of mandatory reporting measures. In 2006, 58 percent of policies were mandatory; now, more than two thirds (72 percent) of the 180 policies in the 45 reviewed countries are mandatory. The United Nations now requests that governments stimulate sustainability reporting through best practice.