On 4-5 December 2023, we turned our attention to the MENA region as five leading economies came together to launch a new three-year regional programme on responsible business conduct (RBC), spearheaded by the OECD with the support of the governments of Germany and Switzerland.
This will be the first project of its kind and offers a unique opportunity to identify step-changes in government and across companies to ensure responsible business conduct becomes a reality in a new region close to Europe. A success of this program will ensure these nations can grow their exports to Europe bringing sustainable manufacturing closer to our market.
The OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises on Responsible Business Conduct are recommendations addressed by governments to multinational enterprises to enhance the business contribution to sustainable development and address adverse impacts associated with business activities on people, planet, and society. The Guidelines were updated in June 2023 to respond to urgent social and environmental priorities facing business and society today.
The Nordic Talks conducted by the Danish consulate in Istanbul and supported by Norwegian, Swedish and Finnish delegates focused on an exchange of best practices from the sectors of textiles and shoes, aiming to inspire the kick-off in a good direction.
Transparency and responsible business conduct with regard to environmental, social and governance responsibilities have become an integral part of any business vocabulary in the last decades. Companies who can show to internal guidelines, best practices and transparent processes of due diligence will have a competitive benefit and gain the trust of the consumers. At the same time, companies have increased in size and areas of operation, making them necessary global actors in ensuring human rights, anticorruption and sustainable development.
