Multinational Enterprises and Enterprise Engagement Unit (MULTI)
The Unit receives direct guidance from the ILO Governing Body, more specifically the MNE Segment of the Policy Development section, previously the Subcommittee on Multinational Enterprises, which reviews on a regular basis the overall strategy and underlying activities to promote the instrument together with governments, employers’ and workers’ organizations in ILO member States.
The key means of action of the unit are:
- Awareness raising and training activities on the MNE Declaration and its operational tools in the current context of globalized production (investment and supply chains).
- Regional follow-up reports on the promotion and application of the MNE Declaration.
- The ILO Helpdesk for Business on International Labour Standards: the ILO’s one-stop shop for company managers and workers on how to better align business operations with international labour standards and build good industrial relations.
- Support to tripartite appointed national focal points for the promotion of the MNE Declaration at the country level and of national tripartite processes leading to such appointment.
- Country-level assistance to governments, employers, workers and enterprises in ILO member States, including through development cooperation projects and activities that facilitate evidence-based dialogue and collective action among all actors and among home and host countries.
- Development of resources and tools for governments, social partners and enterprises on a wide range of issues covered by the MNE Declaration.
- Facilitation of dialogues between multinational enterprises and trade unions, when the Office receives a joint request for such dialogue facilitation under the MNE Declaration.
- Coordination across the ILO of policies and initiatives related to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)/Responsible Business Conduct (RBC).
- Collaboration and partnerships with international organizations on the CSR/RBC agenda in the context of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. The unit has established collaboration with the UN Global Compact, the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), UNDP, UN Women, UNCTAD, OECD, WAIPA amongst others.
What's new
Forum
2023 UN Responsible Business and Human Rights Forum, Asia Pacific
The ILO is co-organising the 2023 United Nations Responsible Business and Human Rights Forum, Asia-Pacific.
Forum
4th UN South Asia Forum on Business and Human Rights
The ILO co-organised the 4th UN South Asia Forum on Business and Human Rights (Kathmandu, Nepal, 20-22 March 2023).
Forum
4th United Nations Responsible Business and Human Rights Forum Asia-Pacific
The 4th UN Responsible Business and Human Rights Forum co-organized by ILO and other UN agencies under the theme “Harnessing Levers of Changes” took place in Bangkok, Thailand from 20-22 September 2022.
News
VII Regional Forum on Business and Human Rights in Latin America and the Caribbean (13-15 July, Bogotá, Colombia) attracted 2000 participants from 54 countries
Participants included policy makers, employers’ and workers’ organizations, enterprises, indigenous and afro-descendants’ peoples, human rights defenders, civil society organizations and academia to discuss the status of the business and human rights agenda in the region and share their experiences on progress made and remaining challenges for its implementation in the region.
Report
Investment Promotion Agencies and SDG 8
Foreign direct investment can play a critical role in helping countries to achieve SDG 8 on decent work and inclusive economic growth. The ILO and the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA) surveyed Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) to find out how they integrate SDG 8 in their promotional activities and services; and what types of support IPAs need to accelerate progress in attaining this goal. Read the report and summary.
Video
We promote responsible business conduct in Latin America and the Caribbean
ILO Chief Technical Advisor, Olga Orozco, speaks from Peru about the Responsible Business Conduct project in Latin America and the Caribbean (RBCLAC), which aims to promote smart, sustainable and inclusive growth in the EU and in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Forum
3rd UN South Asia Forum on Business and Human Rights
The ILO is co-organising the 3rd UN South Asia Forum on Business and Human Rights to be held from 28-30 March 2022 in Dhaka, Bangladesh in a hybrid format.
News
Nepal appoints a national focal point for the promotion of the MNE Declaration
Nepal is the second country in Asia to appoint a national focal point for the promotion of the MNE Declaration and the application of its principles.
Self-assessment tool for enterprises
A self-assessment tool for enterprises based on the Tripartite Declaration of Principles concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy (MNE Declaration)
This self-assessment tool for enterprises has been developed by the ILO, together with the International Organisation of Employers (IOE), to support enterprises that seek to benchmark their corporate social policies and practices against the guidance provided in the Tripartite Declaration of Principles concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy (MNE Declaration).
Leaders' Summit
UN Global Compact Leaders' Summit
Business leaders, government officials, civil society leaders, academia and more gather for virtual summit including various sessions addressing decent work issues. 16 June 2021 6:00 - 7:00 am CET: South Asia Response to Global Issues: Decent work, Labour and Consumer Rights with the participation of the Director of the ILO Decent Work Team South Asia and India9:30 - 9:45 am CET: High-level dialogue - Human Rights and Labour Principles with the participation of the ILO Director General9:45-10:30 am CET: Business Leadership in times of rising risks of child labour, session organized in collaboration with the Child Labour Platform
Online training course
Investment Facilitation, Sustainable Development and Building Back Better
This course provides practical guidance to IPAs and other institutions with a mandate in investment promotion and facilitation to address the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and strategic thinking on how recovery can contribute to building back better in line with national and regional development priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals.
ILO Brief
COVID-19 and multinational enterprises: Impacts on FDI, trade and decent work in Asia and the Pacific
Multinational enterprises (MNEs) and their supply chains have been heavily affected by the COVID-19 crisis, with millions of workers suffering adverse impacts. This brief provides evidence on the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on FDI and trade in Asia and the Pacific. The brief also discusses the impact on MNEs and decent work and highlights how social dialogue can inform the design and implementation of policies to ensure a human-centred recovery.
GB.341/POL/5
Promotional activities with regard to the Tripartite Declaration of Principles concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy and related developments outside the ILO
This document seeks guidance from the Governing Body on the promotional activities to further the recognition and implementation of the Tripartite Declaration of Principles concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy among Member States, social partners, and enterprises, including in the context of the global “Building Back Better” response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the ILO’s engagement with other international organizations(see the draft decision in paragraph 44).
Progress report
Enabling Environment for Sustainable Enterprises and promotion of business linkages between MNEs and local enterprises in Sierra Leone
Series of publications
Responsible Business: Key Messages from International Instruments
The Empowering Women at Work series presents key guiding frameworks and over 100 illustrative policies and practices by stakeholders of the world of work in promoting gender equality at work in G7 and EU countries
Policy brief
Policy brief - Restructuring for recovery and resilience in response to the COVID 19 crisis
This brief provides guidance to companies on good practices on restructuring in response to the COVID-19 crisis, consistent with provisions of international labour standards.
Publication
Family-friendly policies and other good workplace practices in the context of COVID-19: Key steps employers can take
This document offers (interim) recommendations for employers to mitigate the negative consequences stemming from COVID-19.Authored by: UNICEF and International Labour Organization, with contributions by UN Women
ILO/UNCTAD Report
Enhancing the Contribution of Export Processing Zones to SDG 8 on Decent Work and Inclusive Economic Growth: A review of 100 zones
This study examines the extent to which EPZs explicitly use labour policy and practices as marketing tools, or refer to such policies and practices in their communications with outside stakeholders. The findings suggest that most EPZs are not currently promoting labour policy and practice as part of their public communications as a strategy to attract potential investors, despite the growing pressure on companies to respect core labour rights, including in global supply chains.
Regional follow-up
Information gathering on the MNE Declaration started in preparation for the report and special session on the MNE Declaration during the 17th Asia and the Pacific Regional Meeting
At its 329th session (March 2017), the ILO Governing Body adopted a revised MNE Declaration text with two annexes.In preparation of the 17th Asia and the Pacific Regional Meeting, questionnaires are being sent by the International Labour Office directly and simultaneously to the Governments and Employers' and Workers' organizations of the participating ILO member States.
Training course
Multinational enterprises, development and decent work: the approach of the ILO MNE Declaration
Video
What is RBCLAC?
Report
Multinational enterprises, development and decent work
Report on the promotion and application of the Tripartite Declaration of Principles concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy in Africa
Report
Report of the expert advice service and web site, March 2019
Since its creation, the ILO Helpdesk expert service has answered 1,089 individual queries. More than half a million users have visited the ILO Helpdesk for Business web site.
Video
Labour issues in Responsible Business Conduct
Testimonials of resources persons and participants to the training course organized by ILO, in collaboration with OECD and funded by the European Union.
Interview video
Ending Violence and Harassment against Women and Men in the World of Work
At the 3rd Tokyo 2020-ILO Sustainability Forum, the ILO new Convention was presented.
Training
International labour standards and corporate social responsibility: the labour dimension of human rights due diligence
This five-day course aims to strengthen the capacity of participants to understand the principles of international labour standards as they relate to company operations (including due diligence related to labour rights) and how those principles can be most effectively implemented in company operations.
Video
Effective investment facilitation and sustainable development, June 2019
Testimonials of resources persons and participants to the annual training course “Effective investment facilitation and sustainable development” organized at the International Training Center of the ILO in Turin in June 2019. This training course was organized jointly by WAIPA (World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies) and the International Labour Organization (ILO).
Video
Multinational enterprises, development and decent work: the approach of the ILO MNE Declaration
Testimonials of resources persons and participants to the annual training course Multinational enterprises, development and decent work: the approach of the ILO MNE Declaration organized at the International Training Center of the ILO in Turin in May 2019. The training course looks at how governments, enterprises and the social partners are encouraged to put policies in place and engage with each other through dialogue to maximize the positive contribution of multinational enterprises to socio economic development and decent work.
Responsible Supply Chains in Asia
Responsible Business and Human Rights Forum 12-13 June 2019, Bangkok
The Responsible Business and Human Rights Forum (#RBHR Forum) is a multi-stakeholder event addressing an array of priority issues under the Responsible Business Conduct and Business and Human Rights agendas.The #RBHR Forum will take place during the Bangkok Business and Human Rights Week, 10-14 June. The #RBHR Forum is co-organized by the Royal Thai Government, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), International Labour Organization (ILO), and with the participation of the Working Group on Business and Human Rights.
Press release
China to benefit from responsible business conduct in supply chains
Delegates to a technical seminar on CSR in the electronics and textiles sectors discuss challenges and practices
Regions and countries
Government of Georgia lines up for Decent Work through Corporate Social Responsibility
Over 20 representatives from different line ministries gathered in Borjomi, Georgia to discuss decent work and responsible labour practices and its implications for Government within the framework of the ILO Tripartite Declaration of Principles concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy (MNE Declaration).
Regional follow-up
Information gathering on the MNE Declaration started in preparation for the report and special session on the MNE Declaration during the 14th African Regional Meeting
At its 329th session (March 2017), the ILO Governing Body adopted a revised MNE Declaration text with two annexes.In preparation of the 14th African Regional Meeting (Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, 3–6 December 2019), questionnaires are being sent by the International Labour Office directly and simultaneously to the Governments and Employers' and Workers' organizations of the participating ILO member States.
2018 Annual Forum on Business and Human Rights
ILO Director General addresses 2018 Annual Forum on Business and Human Rights
This year’s Annual Forum on Business and Human Rights focused on Corporate human rights due diligence - emerging practices, challenges and ways forward. ILO Director-General, Guy Ryder, spoke in the high-level panel “Building coherence and reaching scale on human rights due diligence – International organizations’ leadership perspectives” highlighting how the ILO is contributing to the business and human rights agenda as part of the broader decent work agenda and the need to scale up efforts in the context of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.In addition to the DG’s intervention, the ILO led a panel on labour-rights and human rights due diligence and ILO experts contributed to the discussions in various other panels of the Forum.
Responsible supply chains
ILO, EU and OECD join forces for responsible supply chains
The ILO launches a new project on responsible supply chains in the Philippines with the EU and the OECD to promote corporate social responsibility and responsible business conduct with regard to decent work, international labour standards, environmental sustainability and respect for human rights.
Responsible business practices
First Symposium co-hosted by Keidanren / ILO / OECD Regarding Responsible Supply Chains in Asia Held in Tokyo in October 2018
Report
Report on the promotion and application of the Tripartite Declaration of Principles concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy in the Americas
Training
International Labour Standards and Corporate Social Responsibility: Understanding workers’ rights in the framework of due diligence
This five-day course aims to strengthen the capacity of participants to understand the principles of international labour standards as they relate to company operations (including due diligence related to labour rights) and how those principles can be most effectively implemented in company operations.
Press release
Taking steps to promote decent work in global supply chains
The Ministry of Human Resources (MORHSS) and the ILO organised in Beijing a stakeholders’ meeting to discuss public and private initiatives geared toward responsible business conduct.
News
Decent work in global supply chains: MOU signed between China and the ILO
The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security (MOHRSS) of China and the IILO signed a Memorandum of Understanding sealing their cooperation on the promotion of decent work in global supply chains. Both parties agree to cooperate on the implementation of an EU funded Project on Responsible Supply Chains, and of an INDITEX funded Project on Promoting Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work in Cotton Supply Chains. The ILO MNE Declaration will serve as a key document for this cooperation.
Press release
Concluding Seminar of the Project: More and Better Jobs through Socially Responsible Labour Practices in Sports Goods Sector in Sialkot-Pakistan
This Project funded by Japan strengthened understanding and increased awareness among the stakeholders of the ILO MNE Declaration, Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work and Occupational Safety and Health.
News
ILO, Tokyo 2020 sign agreement to promote decent work in run-up to the Games
The international Labour Organization and Tokyo 2020 sign an agreement to promote socially responsible labour practices in the run-up to the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games in the Japanese capital.
Country-level assistance
Advancing decent work in Vietnam: strengthening dialogue along the global electronics value chain
Rapid growth in Viet Nam’s electronics product manufacturing sector has transformed the labour market and created a significant number of jobs. Yet as new employment opportunities emerge, so does attention to the working conditions of the primarily low-skilled, largely female assembly workforce. Since 2015, the ILO has been forging a unique partnership approach in this sector dominated by multinational enterprises (MNEs) to engage all stakeholders to advance decent work.
News
Sialkot sports goods sector promotes a level playing field
The Employers Federation of Pakistan in collaboration with Baidarie and with the technical assistance of ILO under the Japan Government funded Project on "More and Better Jobs through Socially Responsible Labor Practices in sports goods industry in Sialkot" held a sensitization event with stakeholders on the importance of sports activities to achieve decent work.
Regional follow-up
Information gathering on the MNE Declaration started in preparation for the report and special session on the MNE Declaration during the 19th American Regional Meeting
At its 329th session (March 2017), the ILO Governing Body adopted a revised MNE Declaration text with two annexes.In preparation of the 19th American Regional Meeting (Panama City, Panama, 2-5 October 2018), questionnaires are being sent by the International Labour Office directly and simultaneously to the Government and Employers' and Workers organizations of the participating ILO members States.
Partnering in Asia
Promoting responsible supply chains in Asia
A new joint action by the European Union, the ILO and the OECD on responsible supply chains will promote corporate social responsibility (CSR)/responsible business conduct (RBC) with regard to decent work, environment sustainability and respect for human rights.
Country-level assistance
Forging a partnership for sustainable and responsible practices in the Sialkot sporting goods industry: a winning startegy
Working papers
Methodologies for collecting data on MNE contributions to decent work in host countries
Training
Multinational enterprises, development and decent work: the approach of the MNE Declaration
This five-day course looks at how governments, enterprises and the social partners are encouraged to each put policies in place and engage with each other through dialogue to maximize the positive contribution of multinational enterprises to socio-economic development and decent work.
Training
Effective investment facilitation and sustainable development
This five-day course will help investment promotion agencies to strengthen their investment promotion and facilitation capacities, expand their after-care services and, more broadly, enhance the development impacts of FDI flowing into their countries, particularly as regards the creation of more and better jobs. The course is run jointly by WAIPA (World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies) and the International Labour Organization (ILO).
Country Study
More and Better Jobs through Socially Responsible Labour and Business Practices in the Electronics Sector of Viet Nam
This report seeks to contribute to the question of how enterprises can generate more and better jobs through socially responsible labour and business practices in the Vietnamese electronics sector, taking into account the evolving transnational production system as Viet Nam is further integrated in the global economy. Electronics has become the largest export-oriented industry in Viet Nam and is primarily led by major multinational enterprises (MNEs) producing in Viet Nam.
First Sustainability Forum "Achieving Sustainable Development through Decent Work towards 2020"
Business, Sustainability and Decent Work: Our Common Agenda for 2020 and 2030
Key note address by Githa Roelans, Head, Multinational Enterprises and Enterprise Engagement Unit
Country case study
ILO supports a partnership approach in the Zambian mining sector to create jobs and stimulate inclusive growth
Mining is one of the main sources of formal employment in Zambia. Copper mining, for example, has attracted substantial foreign investment and seen robust growth over the past decade. Nevertheless, its full potential for the indirect creation of jobs has yet to be harnessed. The ILO is working with the government, and employers’ and workers’ organizations in the country, as well as with the Chamber of Mines and the mining companies to strengthen dialogues that can result in broader job creation and enterprise development. It is helping to identify new ways of establishing business linkages between large mining companies and local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that will strengthen the sector’s capacity to create jobs.
Country case study
Argentina takes the lead in partnering with multinational enterprises to create more and better jobs
Over the past decade, the government of Argentina has played a leading role in establishing an alliance between the state and the private sector to address youth unemployment and enterprise development. Multinational enterprises (MNEs) have been strategic partners in helping overcome these national challenges. The ILO has provided technical assistance to the government’s efforts to create more and better jobs within MNEs and their suppliers in the country.
Report
Sustainable Mining: How good practices in the mining sector contribute to more and better jobs
The international policy and academic debate about mining investment in developing countries has increasingly focused on the non-fiscal impacts of large mining projects. Particularly relevant in this regard are government and corporate policies and practices that aim to support broader wealth and job creation. The present report is intended to provide an overview of good practices towards these objectives.
Training
Multinational enterprises, development and decent work: the approach of the MNE Declaration
24 participants from 14 countries from the Latin American and Caribbean region gathered in the ILO Regional Office in Lima for a one-week training on the ILO Tripartite Declaration of Principles concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy.
Report
Report on the promotion and application of the Tripartite Declaration of Principles concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy in Europe and Central Asia
The ILO DW for SDGs Notes Series
Engaging the Private Sector on Decent Work - Business Operations and Investments
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development recognizes the importance of engaging enterprises on decent work in order to achieve sustainable development and inclusive growth. It specifically highlights the importance of partnerships and the role the private sector can play, ranging from micro, to cooperative, to multinational-enterprises (MNEs) in meeting the goals and targets. Engaging with enterprises is important for the realization of all sustainable development goals and targets, but is of particular relevance to SDG 8. Enterprises contribute, first and foremost, by respecting workers’ rights and promoting productive employment priorities through their day-to-day operations and investments. In some cases, the engagement of enterprises in a given country can lead to the creation of public-private partnerships that address specific decent work deficits or identify good job opportunities, and might also complement or lead to specific projects and programmes.
News
G20 agrees on policies to shape the future of work for inclusive growth and development
Ministers adopted policy recommendations on skills development, social protection and working conditions for countries to shape a future that works for people around the globe. The Ministerial Declaration refers to the Tripartite declaration of principles concerning multinational enterprises and social policy (MNE Declaration).
News
Tokyo 2020 and the ILO agree unique partnership to promote Decent Work
The Organizing Committee and the UN Agency for the world of work will sign an agreement to promote socially responsible labour practices among the delivery partners of the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020. Socially responsible labour practices will be promoted in all delivery partners of the Games, taking guidance from the ILO Tripartite Declaration of Principles covering multinational enterprises and social policy and will include technical seminars and symposiums on CSR practices.
Study
Multinational enterprises and inclusive development: Harnessing national social dialogue institutions to address the governance gap
This paper is a part of the research project of the Social Dialogue and Tripartism Unit of the Governance and Tripartism Department (DIALOGUE/GOVERNANCE) and the Multinational Enterprises and Enterprises Engagement Unit of the Enterprises Department (ENT/MULTI) whose main objective is to analyse and document country experiences in the area of tripartite social dialogue and multinational enterprises (MNEs) and foreign direct investment (FDI). The paper presents some examples of national social dialogue institutions advancing the principles of the ILO Tripartite Declaration of Principles concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy, and also areas where they could potentially become engaged.
News
ILO revises its landmark Declaration on multinational enterprises
The revised Tripartite Declaration of principles concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy (MNE Declaration) adds principles to the Declaration addressing decent work issues related to social security, forced labour, transition from the informal to the formal economy, access to remedy and compensation of victims, inter alia. It provides enhanced guidelines for fostering the contribution of multinational enterprises to achieve decent work for all.
Report
Multinational Enterprises, Development and Decent Work
Report on the promotion and application of the Tripartite Declaration of Principles concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy in Asia and the Pacific
Foreign investment
ILO and WAIPA sign agreement to assist IPAs in attracting sustainable FDI that promotes decent jobs.
Agreement is expected to lead to the generation of decent jobs, sustainable businesses, more inclusive growth and better sharing of the benefits of foreign direct investment (FDI).
Chlid Labour Platform Meeting
Tackling child labour in supply chains
ILO Governing Body decides on modalities to review the Tripartite Declaration of Principles concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy
At its 326th session in March 2016, the ILO Governing Body decided to establish a tripartite ad hoc working group of eight members representing Governments, four members representing Workers and four members representing Employers that will meet twice before March 2017 to review the text of the MNE Declaration including its annex and addenda and the interpretation procedure. The recommendations of the working group, arrived at through consensus, will be presented for possible adoption at the 329th Session (March 2017) of the Governing Body.
ILO Policy Brief
Inclusive business practices in Africa's extractive industries
The policy note presents key factors contributing to inclusive growth linked to the extractive industries in Africa, reflecting on the distinctive yet complementary roles of governments and multinational enterprises. The document considers the types of economic linkages to local communities and national economies that contribute towards employment, enterprise development, infrastructure, and ultimately to the economic transformation required for sustainable development. The factors are explained with reference to lessons learned from African countries at various stages of development of their mining, oil and gas sectors.
Child Labour Platform Meeting
Tackling child labour in supply chains
The December meeting of the CLP will include a panel discussion on the role of investors in eliminating child labour in supply chains, both from the perspective of companies and investors themselves. The meeting will also provide an opportunity for discussion on key themes, including remediation, impact assessment and the role of multi-stakeholder initiatives and due diligence. New CLP tools and research will be presented, with a focus on detailed training material on child labour being developed by a member company, with the support of the ILO.
Report
Multinational enterprises, development and decent work
Report on the promotion and application of the Tripartite Declaration of Principles concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy in Africa.
4th UN Forum on Business and Human Rights
The International Labour Organization (ILO) is participating in a series of sessions at the 2015 UN Forum on Business and Human Rights “Tracking progress and ensuring coherence”.
ILO Global Business and Disability Network
Launch of the Business Charter on Disability
During this high level global event, the ILO Global Business and Disability Network will launch its Business Charter on Disability - the first global charter on disability inclusion in the workplace. The charter will be signed by the ILO Director General and representatives from multinational enterprises asserting their commitment to create inclusive workplaces for people with disabilities around the world. Participants will share country-specific initiatives and will discuss the contemporary issue of mental health at the workplace.
2015 Interagency Round-table on Corporate Social Responsibility
Implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The 2015 Interagency CSR Round-table is meeting to discuss the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), evaluate the role that the private sector can play, and look at how the UN can foster private sector contributions to SDGs.
News
The global employer community reaffirm its firm commitment to the implementation of the MNE Declaration
An historic Declaration has been signed on 7 October 2015 at the first Global Employers Summit in Bahrain, in which the business community expresses its support to the recently adopted Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As part of the business contribution to the efforts on shared progress, the global employers community reaffirms its commitment to engage with trade unions and all other stakeholders in dialogue and negotiations that contribute to more and better jobs, growth and prosperity. The Declaration also reaffirms the global employer community's endorsement of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the ILO Tripartite Declaration of Principles concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy (MNE Declaration) and firm commitment to their implementation.
New publication
Multinational enterprises, development and decent work: An annotated bibliography on the application of the Tripartite Declaration of Principles concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy
This annotated bibliography provides a succinct overview of the significant amount of research, analysis, and guidance documents on the activities of multinational enterprises (MNEs) that has been published by the ILO and others from 2005 to 2015. The publication presents a solid collection of works relevant to the ILO MNE Declaration and provides a range of information on labour and employment issues to parties interested in translating the principles of the Declaration into action. It will be of interest to ILO constituents, ILO staff members and researchers who deal with issues related to investment, MNEs and decent work. Those interested in MNEs, CSR, the role of the private sector in development and FDI more broadly, may also find this bibliography useful in their work.
Child Labour Platform (CLP) Meeting
Tackling child labour in supply chains
CLP members and ILO experts will review the policies and procedures a member company has in place to address child labour and consider how these could be strengthened.
Baltic Rim Economies Review
"Corporate Social Responsibility and Decent Work" by ILO Director-General
Corporate Social Responsibility has the stated aim of encouraging the positive contribution of business to socio economic development and reducing the risk of possible negative impact, including along the complex systems of global supply chains, thus becoming an intrinsic part of the way business does its business. This approach recognizes that enterprises have a responsibility to ensure that jobs are decent, workplaces are safe and inclusive, proper wages are being paid and workers have a voice to come up for their rights. At the same time genuine CSR seeks to encourage the positive impact of the private sector as a major player in society creating jobs that provide incomes and learning opportunities. To fully harness the potential of the private sector, the ILO was one of the first international organizations to adopt an instrument that introduces a social dimension to the forces shaping globalization, The Tripartite Declaration of Principles concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy (MNE Declaration). In the 1970s it was ahead of its time and today it is more relevant than ever to engage with business and achieve a fair globalization.
Country-level assistance
New service to promote Corporate Social Responsibility in Bolivia
The employers’ organization Confederación de Empresarios Privados de Bolivia (CEPB) has established a new CSR Unit (Unidad de Responsabilidad Social Empresarial, URSE) with the technical assistance of the ILO Bureau for Employer’s Activities (ACT/EMP) and the ILO Country Office for the Andean Countries. The unit aims at providing technical and specialized assistance to its member companies, giving visibility to their efforts on this area, creating a space for enterprises to share knowledge on CSR, and building the capacity of corporate executives through certified courses. The Multinational Enterprises and Enterprise Engagement Unit (MULTI) supported CEPB in the launch of its CSR Unit when participating in a series of activities in La Paz in February 2015, highlighting the global and regional trends in CSR and the approach of the ILO MNE Declaration.
Country-level assistance
Engaging multinational enterprises on job creation for young women and men in Cote d’Ivoire
As the economy of Côte d’Ivoire slowly recovers after a long period of crisis, building a bright future for the young generation is crucial. The increasing number of multinational enterprises (MNEs) operating in the country are a promising yet largely untapped source for local job creation. Until now, jobs have been mainly filled by foreigners due to limited skilled labour available locally. The ILO provides assistance to the government, employers and workers organizations to address the situation by engaging MNEs on this national priority.
Child Labour Platform (CLP) Meeting
Tackling Child Labour in Supply Chains
The Child Labour Platform helps companies identify obstacles in implementing the ILO and Global Compact child labour principles in supply chains and surrounding communities and advises on practical ways of overcoming them. The next meeting of the CLP will include a peer review of the policies and procedures to address child labour of a member company. The meeting will also offer a “deep dive” into specific issues, such as sub-sector collaboration, audits and certification, and applying due diligence to tackle child labour.
2014 UN Annual UN Forum on Business and Human Rights
New ILO standards on the elimination of forced labour– A multi stakeholder approach to address contemporary forms of forced labour and trafficking
Side event organized by the International Labour Organization (ILO), in collaboration with the Working Group on Business and Human Rights at the occasion of the 3rd annual United Nations Forum on Business and Human Rights.
Inter-agency Roundtable on Corporate Social Responsibility
Sustainable public procurement on the rise
Comment by Emmanuel Julien, Deputy-Director, Enterprises Departement
Inter-agency Roundtable on Corporate Social Responsibility
CSR Roundtable- Public Procurement Policies
The annual CSR Rountable is a joint initiative co-organized by the ILO, UNCTAD and OECD. It brings together CSR experts from international organizations, developments agencies, governments representatives as well as leading academics. The aim is to promote policy coherence and facilitate collaboration among the international organizations. The Roundtable this year is hosted by the ILO and will discuss public procurement policies as a mechanism for fostering sustainable and responsible business conduct.
World Investment Forum 2014
Foreign Direct Investment: Getting it right
Comment by Aenas Chuma, ILO Regional Director for Africa.
World Investment Forum 2014
The creation of more and better jobs through investment
The ILO is organizing, in cooperation with UNCTAD, a dialogue on maximizing the positive impact of foreign direct investment (FDI). The discussion will facilitate exchange of experiences on policies, strategies and incentives to encourage multinational enterprises to promote more and better jobs in their operations abroad. Participants will include investment policy makers, negotiators and promotion agencies of host and home countries of multinational enterprises.
Report
Multinational enterprises, development and decent work
Report on the promotion and application of the Tripartite Declaration of Principles concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy in the Americas.
ILO-OECD High-Level Roundtable on Responsible Supply Chains in the Textile and Garment Sector
This roundtable will provide a forum for dialogue on building responsible supply chains in the textile and garment sector that contribute to inclusive growth and sustainable development, in line with the recommendations of the ILO Tripartite Declaration of principles concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. The roundtable will also identify challenges and possible areas for future collaborative action.
Interview with Sam Gurney, Governing Body Workers’ Spokesperson (MNE Segment) on the new follow-up mechanism to the MNE Declaration"
Sam Gurney, Governing Body Workers’ Spokesperson (MNE Segment) explains the increasingly important role multinational entrerprises play in today’s globalized economy and underlines the importance of the new follow-up mechanism to the Tripartite Declaration of Principles concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy (MNE Declaration) adopted by the ILO Governing Body in March 2014.
Promoting intercontinental social dialogue between China and Africa
The China-African Trade Union Leaders Seminar on the “Labour relations and role of trade unions in MNCs” was held in Beijing from 15-16 May 2014. Tim De Meyer, Director of ILO Country Office for China and Mongolia addressed the participants and underlined the importance of dialogue between the Chinese companies and the African trade unions with the increasing Chinese investment in Africa. He encouraged the Chinese companies to draw on the Tripartite Declaration of Principles concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy (MNE Declaration) in their development in Africa.
CSR Roundtable - Promoting Responsible Inverstment
The annual CSR Roundtable is a joint initiative co-organized by the ILO, UNCTAD and OECD, that this year was hosted by the ILO. The Roundtable brings together CSR experts from international organizations, development agencies, Governments representatives as well as leading academics and is aimed at promoting policy coherence among the international organizations. This year’s theme is “Promoting Responsible Investment”. For more information, visit the Roundtable’s website:www.csrroundtable.org
II World Forum of Local Ecomonic Development
The II World Forum of Local Economic Development aims to facilitate dialogue and exchanges between local, national and international actors on the efficiency and impact of local economic development in tackling current challenges. The role of the private sector in local economic development will be addressed as part of the theme “Local Development Economic Strategies: the great challenges”.
Strengthening CSR policies in Latin America and the Caribbean
On 11 October 2013, the first European Union (EU)–Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) Seminar on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) took place in Brussels as a joint initiative of the European Commission External Action Service (EEAS) and CELAC. This high-level seminar was organized as a follow-up to theDeclaration adopted by the European, Latin American and Caribbean Heads of State and Government who met during the 1st EU-CELAC Summit / 7th EU-LAC Summit Government in Santiago (Chile) on 26-27 January 2013 to address an Alliance for Sustainable Development to Promote Investments of Social and Environmental Quality.
Child Labour Platform – an International Labour Organization - Global Compact initiative
This panel discussion will introduce the Child Labour Platform as a business-led forum of frank exchange to eliminate child labour in global supply chains.
Further Information
Contact list
Responsible Business: Key Messages from International Instruments
Factsheet: Engaging multinational enterprises on more and better jobs
The ILO DW for SDGs Notes Series: Engaging the Private Sector on Decent Work - Operations and Investments
The labour Principles of the United Nations Global Compact – A Guide for Business
Conclusions concerning the promotion of sustainable enterprises - International Labour Conference, June 2007
Tripartite declaration of principles concerning multinational enterprises and social policy (MNE Declaration)
E-learning module on the 2017 version of the MNE Declaration