Accountability

The Zero Hunger Private Sector Pledge is committed to ensuring accountability of pledging companies through a biennial reporting cycle.

Reporting companies are required to submit means to verify the disbursements made, in alignment with the Ceres2030 intervention areas and priority countries. Voluntary reporting also includes information on the impact and challenges related to the implementation of their commitment. 

The accountability process, including data collection and analysis, is led by independent consultants. 

The first accountability report was published in 2023, and the second is scheduled for publication in 2025.

Read the Reporting Framework

Read the 2023 Accountability Report

Reporting Framework FAQs

📝 Is the pledge legally binding?

 No, it is a non-binding commitment of intent.

📝 What is the reporting framework?

 The full reporting framework of the Zero Hunger Private Sector Pledge (ZHP) is available here.

Reporting and Accountability Requirements

📊 What is the reporting period?
All investments deployed between 1 January 2023 and 31 December 2024 should be reported. If your company follows a different fiscal calendar, you may input data for the relevant months; the verification team will apply pro-rata adjustments as needed.

📊 What is the reporting deadline?

How to Report

🖋️ How do I report?
 You will receive an email with a link to your dedicated Jotform submission. You are welcome to share this link amongst your team. But data will be overwritten if multiple users submit without creating separate user logins.

🖋️ How do I upload documents?
 Compress (in a .zip file) and title documents clearly, organising them into one folder per project.

🖋️ Is there anything new in this reporting cycle?
 Yes, the use of Jotform to automate reporting and the introduction of an impact indicator for tracking.

🖋️ How long will it take to fill the form?
 If your documentation is ready, submission should take no more than 10 minutes.

🖋️ I am not in charge of filling out the form; can I forward it to a colleague? 
Yes, but please also notify zhp@walkthetalk.eco in writing so we can update our records.

🖋️ Can I edit my submission after clicking on “submit it”?

Yes. You will have until the 31st of July to edit your submission. 

🖋️ Who do I contact if I have technical issues with the form?

Please email zhp@walkthetalk.eco with a description and screenshot of the issue.

After Submission

✅ What happens next?
 Independent evaluators will review your data, which will then be included in the public Accountability Report.

🚨 What if I miss deadlines?
 If this is your first time missing the deadline, your company will simply not be featured in the current reporting cycle. If your company misses reporting for two cycles, it will be removed from the public list of signatories. The ZHP Coordinator will inform you of this decision.

🗓️ When and where will the final report be published?
 The report will be released in autumn 2025, on the ZHP website and partner platforms.

Case Studies

📖 How can I be featured?
In addition to the mandatory reporting process, you may also voluntarily submit a project story, including photos, evidence, and testimonials, for feature in the 2025 Accountability Report and/or future ZHP communications campaigns. Guidelines are available here.

Impact Indicator 

📊 Why are you asking for an impact indicator for this cycle of reporting?

The intention is to reveal trends and insights on impact measuring by ZHP companies across the ten Ceres2030 areas of intervention, as well as support the development of a community of practice around impact reporting through the ZHP.

📝 Is it mandatory to report on outcomes or can we report outputs only?
Yes the emphasis is on outcome indicators. 

Do we need to use only the indicators from the reference list?
No. While the reference list serves as a guide, you may report custom indicators that are more relevant to your investment, as long as you select at least one custom indicator.

📑 Are we required to submit data for the selected indicator in 2025?
You are not expected to report for any programme at this stage. One well-chosen indicator aligned with a Ceres2030 area of intervention relevant to your pledge is sufficient for the baseline year.

📑 Can we report indicators for multiple programmes or just one?
You are not expected to report for each programme at this stage. One well-chosen indicator per Ceres2030 area of intervention is sufficient for the baseline year.

📊 Can we use indicators as collected by our implementing partners?
Yes, companies can rely on partner-reported information, combining quantitative and qualitative evidence as appropriate.