Welcome addresses and opening speeches

In a changing geopolitical context, and in view of fundamental shifts in the economy and corporate conduct linked to responses to global challenges, the importance of responsible business conduct (RBC) as a baseline for open, inclusive and sustainable rules-based trade is expected to continue to grow. Wider implementation of RBC standards in the market will be essential to align private sector action with policy goals, among others, on climate change, digital transformation, the SDGs, COVID-19 recovery, quality infrastructure investment and response to the consequences of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. The session would discuss effective and scaled implementation of practical RBC instruments in global supply chains. It would also set the scene for thematic discussions that follow.

Ministers will be invited to discuss the following issues: • The importance of alignment around international standards on RBC to ensure clear expectations for business and effective implementation. • Current challenges in building resilient, sustainable and inclusive supply chains including labour standards and the challenge of addressing forced labour • Recognising the role of International Organisations in working together to encourage coherence through their capacity building, training and technical support activities

Ministers will be invited to discuss the following issues: • Instrumentalising RBC standards and tools to promote responsible transitions to net-zero and exploring business responsibility regarding mitigation and adaptation. • Considering the role of business in supporting a Just Transition promoting consideration of human rights, labour rights, and stakeholder partnerships (e.g. supply chains, NGOs, employee groups, affected communities).

Ministers will be invited to discuss the following issues: • Role of RBC standards in supporting ESG risk management and sustainability objectives in institutional investment and finance • Promoting RBC standards in development and infrastructure finance • Applying RBC standards to support and track uptake of climate-related due diligence in the financial sector • Integrating RBC into metrics, ratings and disclosures to drive meaningful sustainable finance.

Ministers will be invited to discuss the following issues: • Responsible development and use of data and tech • Open and rights-respecting digital economies • Benefits for all from responsible global supply chains through the use of tech • Opportunities to increase transparency and accountability of companies’ alignment with RBC standards.

In recent years, key market economies have introduced a smart mix of regulatory actions regarding due diligence including some mandatory due diligence requirements. In a context of growing focus on RBC standards, and in view of the OECD’s continued leadership in the field, governments are increasingly invited to respond to calls for policy coherence and alignment of RBC policies and market-based mechanisms, to avoid a multitude of different standards and resulting obligations for business. This plenary session would start by reflecting on the outcomes of discussions during the 1st day of the Ministerial Meeting. The session would then focus on discussing key ways of incentivising RBC at national and international levels through a ‘smart mix’ of policies, regulations, and practice in the market.

National Contact Points (NCPs) for Responsible Business Conduct are key to the implementation of the OECD Guidelines. They play a key role in promotion of RBC, including in policy development, and in providing a non-judicial grievance mechanism for resolving RBC issues. As a result of the low barriers to using the specific instance mechanism, a wide range of actors have sought the support of NCPs in relation to corporate impacts in the past 22 years. Meanwhile, other grievance mechanisms are emerging in the field of remedy, including for example, national human rights institutions and ombudspersons. RBC matters are also increasingly subject to judicial proceedings. This plenary session would look at this broader landscape.

16:00-16:15: Opening remarks on the role of RBC in aligning business and finance with broader policy goals and the outcomes of the Ministerial Meeting on RBC • Ms. Amélie de Montchalin, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of France to the OECD • Mr. Jack Markell, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of the United States to the OECD • Mr. Carmine Di Noia, Director, Directorate for Financial and Enterprises Affairs, OECD 16:15-16:55: Moderated panel: From momentum to mainstream - scaling up responsible business conduct in the decade to come • Moderator: Mr. Allan Jørgensen, Head of the OECD Centre for Responsible Business Conduct • Ms. Veronica Nilsson, Acting General Secretary of TUAC • Mr. Winand Quaedvlieg, Chair, Committee on Investment and Responsible Business Conduct, Business at the OECD (BIAC) • Marian Ingrams, Global Coordinator, OECD Watch Insight from expert speaker on enabling a just transition through responsible business conduct: Professor Nick Robins, London School of Economics and Political Science 16:55-17:25: Q&A with the audience 17:25-17:30: Closing remarks: Policy cooperation on responsible business conduct and the road paved ahead in the Ministerial Declaration • Professor Christine Kaufmann, Chair, OECD Working Party on RBC