Guidance and Support for Responsible Business [473 KB]
The Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs (EB) provides guidance, promotion and support for responsible business practices, engaging the private sector, labor groups, non-governmental organizations, and other governments, based on international best practices. EB advances responsible business conduct through the OECD and the Secretary’s annual Award for Corporate Excellence, and houses the U.S. National Contact Point, which offers a dispute resolution mechanism under the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. By helping U.S. companies promote human rights, respect for rule of law, sustainability, and investments in local communities, governments and consumers around the world seek U.S. products, services, and investments. The Office of Investment Affairs (IFD/OIA) promotes responsible business conduct through work at the OECD and housing the U.S. National Contact Point for the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. The Office of Commercial and Business Affairs coordinates the annual Award for Corporate Excellence.
U.S. National Contact Point
The U.S. National Contact Point for the OECD Guidelines helps promote awareness on issues such as labor rights, human rights, anti-corruption, supply chain due diligence, and more. The U.S. National Point of Contact team offers a dispute resolution and mediation mechanism that can assist companies, labor groups, and NGOs when issues arise related to implementing responsible business conduct in a company’s operations.
Managing Adverse Risks to Women in Supply Chains: Recommended Actions for Companies
This is a set of recommendations for companies to strengthen respect for women’s rights while addressing adverse risks to businesses in their supply chains. Companies have important roles in addressing the unique risks and challenges women face within complex supply chains. Businesses should take steps to identify, prevent, mitigate, and remedy human rights abuses of women and girls that businesses cause or contribute to, or are directly linked to through their activities. Empowering women and girls is the best way to achieve positive economic and inclusive social development outcomes.
Secretary of State’s Award for Corporate Excellence
The Secretary of State’s annual Award for Corporate Excellence (ACE) recognizes and honors U.S. companies that uphold high standards as responsible members of their communities and represent American values in the way they do business in their overseas operations.
U.S. National Action Plan on Responsible Business Conduct
We are updating the National Action Plan in light of the U.S. government’s commitment to promoting fair play, the rule of law, and high standards for global commerce in line with democratic values. Learn more here: https://www.state.gov/responsible-business-conduct-national-action-plan/