50th Anniversary Week on Responsible Business Conduct

Responsible business for a world in transition

The world is undergoing multiple transitions that will alter lives for current and future generations. Geopolitics are putting pressure on open markets and testing the security of supply chains. Technology is transforming societies and business models, bringing new opportunities and challenges. Planetary crises are threatening the resilience of economies and communities.

What is the role of responsible business conduct in a world of multiple transitions? How should responsible businesses navigate those opportunities and challenges? And how can policymakers create an enabling environment for them to succeed?

Fifty years after the OECD created the first international standard on responsible business conduct, the need for responsible business is as urgent as ever. 

2026 - A milestone for international co-operation on responsible business

The OECD adopted the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises on Responsible Business Conduct (or simply the MNE Guidelines) in June 1976. Over the past five decades, the MNE Guidelines have shaped how business is done across the global economy. Last updated in 2023, they remain the north star for responsible business in an ever-changing world – providing a common point of reference for businesses, policymakers and stakeholders in shaping economic, social and environmental progress. 

To mark this milestone, the OECD is organising the 50th Anniversary Week on Responsible Business Conduct. From 29 June – 2 July 2026, senior leaders will gather for a series of events at OECD headquarters in Paris to chart the future course for responsible business in a world in transition. Key questions will take centre stage:

• How can we create a level playing field for responsible businesses and avoid a race to the bottom in a global economy fragmented along geopolitical fault lines?
• How can we leverage responsible business due diligence to build fairer, more resilient and more secure supply chains with people at the centre?
• What policy frameworks and incentives are needed for responsible leaders to succeed - and for others to change?
• Where should we focus efforts in the coming decade to ensure effective and inclusive international co-operation on responsible business conduct?

A live webstream will be available for the events in the afternoon of 29 June  (symposium and report launch) and 30 June (Global Forum on Responsible Business Conduct and launch of the report: OECD Responsible Business Outlook 2026).

Click on the links (right column) for more details.

• 29 June: Symposium and report launch: What’s Next for National Contact Points for Responsible Business Conduct
• 30 June: High-level OECD Global Forum on Responsible Business Conduct 
  • 12:30-13:00 CEST - Report launch: OECD Responsible Business Outlook 2026 (inaugural edition)
• 1 July: 3^rd Meeting of the Inclusive Platform on Due Diligence Policy Cooperation (by invitation only)
• 2 July: Meeting of the OECD Working Party on Responsible Business Conduct (by invitation only)

The OECD is the leading international standard setter on responsible business conduct. We co-operate with governments, businesses and stakeholders to promote global implementation of responsible business conduct by improving public policies, advancing business due diligence and enhancing access to remedy.