The OECD’s unique guidelines

A main goal of the OECD Guidelines is that enterprises should contribute to sustainable development, regardless of where they operate. By carrying out due diligence in line with the Guidelines, companies can prevent and address adverse impacts on people, society and the environment. In this way, they can also contribute to meeting several of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Guidelines are recommendations to enterprises, and there is a clear expectation on the part of the governments that have endorsed them that they are implemented. The OECD Guidelines cover all the areas that a responsible and sustainable business should address:

• Transparency and reporting
• Respect for human rights
• Labour rights
• The environment and climate
• Anti-corruption
• Consumer interests
• Taxation
• Competition
• Science, technology and innovation

A core element of the OECD Guidelines is the expectation that companies carry out due diligence. Due diligence is about identifying, preventing, mitigating and accounting for how businesses address actual and potential adverse impacts associated with their operations, supply chains and business relationships.

The OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Business Conduct (2018) provides practical guidance to companies on due diligence in line with the OECD Guidelines.