OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development)

Intergovernmental body shaping global ESG and responsible business standards.
Members: 38 countries, including US, EU, UK, Japan, Australia.
Member Countries
38
Advanced & emerging economies (2025)
Guidelines First Issued
1976
Most comprehensive government-backed ESG code
Sector Guidance
8+
Minerals, agriculture, finance, more
Green Finance Centre
2016
Hub for climate and sustainable finance policy
OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises
AreaKey PrinciplesSample Disclosure/Action
EnvironmentStewardship, pollution prevention, resource efficiencyReport on GHG emissions, energy, water, waste
Human RightsRespect, due diligence, remediationDisclose grievance mechanisms, impact assessments
LaborFreedom of association, non-discrimination, safetyWorkforce data, labor policy transparency
Anti-BriberyZero tolerance, controls, reportingAnti-corruption policy, incident reporting
DisclosureMaterial ESG risk reporting, transparencyPublic ESG reports, supply chain due diligence
OECD Sector-Specific Guidance
SectorKey GuidanceFocus
MineralsResponsible supply chains from conflict/high-risk areasTraceability, due diligence, human rights
AgricultureOECD-FAO Guidance for Responsible Supply ChainsLand use, labor, environmental impacts
FinanceDue diligence for responsible lending/investmentESG integration, anti-corruption
Garment & FootwearResponsible supply chain managementLabor rights, supply chain transparency
ExtractivesStakeholder engagement, environmental managementCommunity impact, remediation
OECD Influence on Global ESG Policy
Number of major policy frameworks referencing OECD guidance (2010-2025, est.).
OECD Integration and Impact
  • Policy alignment: G20, FSB, UN, IFRS Foundation
  • Green finance: Climate bonds, blended finance, capital allocation
  • Disclosure: Supports SDG, CSRD, ISSB, TCFD, GRI frameworks[1]
  • Due diligence: Minerals, agriculture, finance, garment, extractives
  • Regulatory influence: Informing laws, supervision, trade agreements

About the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)

The OECD is a leading intergovernmental body shaping global policy on sustainability, ESG, and responsible business conduct. Its guidelines for multinational enterprises, sector-specific due diligence frameworks, and green finance research are widely referenced by national regulators, development banks, and private sector actors. The OECD’s influence is seen in the alignment of disclosure standards (CSRD, ISSB, TCFD, GRI) and the integration of ESG principles into economic and regulatory systems worldwide[1].

Note: All data reflects official OECD and industry updates as of May 2025.

OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development)