Description
Responsible business conduct explained – how companies, governments and citizens can drive fair and sustainable growth. Discover why 7 in 10 global firms make commitments, yet only roughly 1 in 5 take important actions in practice, and what must change.
Responsible business conduct means ensuring business activity improves lives while protecting people and the planet. It calls for safe products, fair working conditions, eliminating corruption, and the protection of ecosystems and communities. The OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises on Responsible Business Conduct set shared standards to help businesses contribute to economic, environmental and social progress while addressing negative impacts.
OECD experts highlight a critical gap between commitments and implementation. While many companies report policies on issues like corruption or pollution, far fewer report assessing their supply chain for social and environmental risk. Engagement on human rights remains limited, despite being widely recognised as a priority.
The OECD plays a central role by establishing standards for government and businesses through its Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises on Responsible Business Conduct and through its system of National Contact Points for Responsible Business Conduct, enabling concerns to be raised and resolved.
With at least 35 countries introducing laws by the end of 2025, governments are encouraging responsible business conduct.
Speakers
Allan Jorgensen | Head of the OECD Centre for Responsible Business Conduct
Barbara Bijelic | Head of Regulation and Standards, OECD Centre for Responsible Business Conduct
Nicolas Hachez | Head of Access to Remedy, OECD Centre for Responsible Business Conduct
Chapters
00:00 Why responsible business conduct matters | Allan Jorgensen
00:30 Core principles of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises on Responsible Business Conduct.
01:06 Commitments versus real action | Barbara Bijelic
02:07 Government support and action for responsible business conduct | Nicolas Hachez
What you will learn in this video
What is responsible business conduct?
Businesses can prevent and address the negative impacts of their activities, while contributing to the sustainable development of the countries and communities in which they operate.
Why does responsible business conduct matter for society?
It is key to ensuring sustainable and resilient economies with better lives for present and future generations.
What gap exists between company commitments and action?
7 in 10 make responsibility commitments, but on average less than 1 in 5 take critical action on impact.
How do governments and the OECD support responsible busines?
OECD Guidelines set standards, and government-backed National Contact Points for Responsible Business Conduct support their implementation, notably by acting a non-judicial grievance mechanism.
