...the report argues that balanced regulation should highlight the importance of a publicly recognised set of performance indicators, of which the GRI provides a global reference framework. It also stresses the need for independent verification, stakeholder engagement, and the role of government in enforcing a level playing field and introducing incentives such as relieving reporting companies from obligations to report separately to individual government departments...[refers to Nike] [Includes cases studies on Brazil, EU, Denmark, India, Japan, South Africa, USA. Also refers to reporting requirements, standards & guidelines in other countries].