Risk: definition (ISO/UNDP 53001)
Risk (French: risque) is the effect of uncertainty on expected results, whether unfavourable or favourable. In an ISO 53001 system, the organisation identifies the risks that could prevent it from delivering its contribution to the SDGs, or cause negative effects on those goals, then decides how to treat them.
Updated: · edition covered: ISO/UNDP 53001:2026
In an ISO/UNDP 53001 audit
The auditor looks for a risk-based approach that is proportionate and tied to the context. No method is imposed; what counts is that the risks retained flow from the issues and expectations identified, are assessed against an explicit logic, and that the planned actions are built into processes.
Particular attention goes to risks the business poses to the SDGs themselves, for example to working conditions at suppliers. Ignoring obvious ones can lead to a finding under subclause 6.1, Actions to address risks and opportunities, as in every harmonized-structure standard. The frame is clause 6 of the ISO/UNDP 53001 standard.
Two directions of risk
Two directions are examined. One is the classic view: what could stop the organisation reaching its SDG objectives. The other looks outward: what harm its activities could cause to people or the environment. The auditor expects both in the register, without the outward risks being reduced to their reputational cost.
See also
- Opportunity: definition (ISO/UNDP 53001)An opportunity (French: *opportunité*) is a favourable circumstance an organisation can use to achieve or exceed its intended results.
- Context of the organization: definition (ISO/UNDP 53001)The context of the organization (French: *contexte de l'organisme*) covers the internal and external issues that shape an organisation's ability to contribute to the SDGs: market, regulation, supply chain, location, internal culture.
- Impact: definition (ISO/UNDP 53001)An impact (French: *impact*, the same word) is a change, positive or negative, that an organisation causes or contributes to for people, society, the economy or the environment.
- ISO/UNDP 53001 clause 6: what the auditor checksISO 53001 clause 6 deals with planning.