Responsible business conduct is about ensuring that business activities improve people's lives while protecting the planet. It means building workplaces where people are treated with dignity, can freely associate, and have a meaningful voice. It means developing safe and reliable products and technologies, safeguarding the environment, and contributing to the communities in which businesses operate. Above all, it reflects a commitment to continuously eliminate harmful practices – including child and forced labour – and to advance sustainable and inclusive growth.
Published on the 50th Anniversary of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises on Responsible Business Conduct (MNE Guidelines), this inaugural edition of the OECD Responsible Business Outlook shows a growing commitment by businesses and policymakers around the globe to responsible business practices.
Today, more than two-thirds (69%) of the world's 10 000 largest listed companies have made a commitment to responsible business conduct. OECD standards for risk-based due diligence help companies turn these commitments into action. But implementation is lagging. Only a minority of companies conduct the due diligence needed to effectively implement responsible business conduct.
Governments can support businesses in bridging this gap. As our report shows, 84% of OECD Member countries have introduced regulation on environmental and social due diligence. Many more governments are taking policy action to incentivise, enable and support it.
Adherents to the MNE Guidelines have a valuable opportunity to further harness the OECD National Contact Points for Responsible Business Conduct (NCPs). This unique, non-adversarial grievance mechanism has already addressed nearly 1 000 cases across more than 100 countries and territories. By fostering dialogue, promoting learning, and strengthening accountability, NCPs play a vital role – one that could be amplified with more resources.
The MNE Guidelines, updated in 2023, remain the global reference point for responsible business conduct, supporting governments and businesses in advancing practices that strengthen resilience, foster inclusive growth, and deliver sustainable prosperity.
Mathias Cormann,
OECD Secretary-General