SUSTAINABILITY REPORTING AND ESG AUDITING: EMERGING TRENDS IN CORPORATE ACCOUNTABILITY

The growing emphasis on sustainable development has fundamentally transformed the system of corporate
accountability, making sustainability reporting and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) auditing essential components
of modern business governance. This study examines emerging trends in sustainability reporting and ESG auditing, focusing
on their role in enhancing corporate transparency, stakeholder confidence, and long-term value creation. The research aims to
identify current developments in international sustainability reporting standards, analyze the evolving role of ESG assurance,
and assess the challenges associated with the implementation of non-financial reporting practices. The study employs
comparative, analytical, and systematic research approaches based on international regulatory frameworks, academic literature,
and global corporate reporting practices. The findings indicate that the transition from voluntary sustainability disclosures to
mandatory ESG reporting has significantly increased the importance of independent assurance and audit quality. Furthermore,
digital technologies, integrated reporting, and harmonized sustainability standards are reshaping corporate accountability and
improving the reliability of ESG information. The study concludes that effective ESG auditing contributes to better corporate
governance, strengthens investor confidence, and supports sustainable economic development. The research findings may
serve as a theoretical and practical basis for improving ESG reporting and auditing practices in developing economies, including
Uzbekistan.