Using the UN SDGs strategically – with support of the OECD Guidelines

The 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises together form a strong foundation for sustainable and responsible business. While the SDGs define a global target vision, the OECD Guidelines provide concrete operational guidance for companies. A strategic link between the two approaches enables companies to effectively drive forward their sustainability efforts and communicate them successfully. 

Background: the UN Sustainable Development Goals as a global vision 

In 2015, the United Nations adopted the 2030 Agenda – with the aim of promoting sustainable development on a global scale in ecological, economic and social terms. The 17 SDGs address key challenges of our time: poverty, education, climate protection, sustainable production, gender equality and much more. Although they were originally formulated as political goals, they also specifically call on companies to take action.

SDGs and OECD Guidelines: two perspectives, one goal

The OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises provide concrete standards for responsible business conduct - from human rights and labour standards to environmental and consumer protection. Among other things, they require companies to identify risks, facilitate complaints and take remedial action - along the entire value chain.

➤ You can read more about the content and its significance for companies in our blog post on the OECD Guidelines.

In combination with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, there are practical and measurable scopes of action for sustainable transformation: the SDGs provide the vision, the OECD Guidelines the tools. Together, they form an effective duo for responsible corporate behaviour.

Linkage in practice

• The SDGs define which global sustainability goals are to be achieved.
• The OECD guidelines describe specific requirements for processes, behaviour and transparency within companies. 

➤ Example: A company wants to credibly integrate SDG 12 (‘sustainable consumption and production’) into its sustainability strategy. The OECD Guidelines provide specific guidance on product responsibility, supply chain communication and fair marketing.

The integration of the UN Sustainable Development Goals with the OECD Guidelines on Responsible Business Conduct makes it easier for companies to fulfil legal obligations (e.g. the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, CSDDD) and meet the requirements of key stakeholders.

Three strategic areas of application

1. Designing a well-structured sustainability strategy

The SDGs help companies to align their sustainability goals with internationally recognised guidelines and identify key company-specific areas of impact in global sustainability issues. The OECD guidelines make it possible to translate these goals into concrete corporate processes - e.g. via stakeholder dialogues, environmental management or due diligence systems.

➤ Example: A company addresses SDG 13 (climate action) by using the OECD Guidelines to establish a transparent energy and emissions management system with verifiable environmental indicators.

2. Integrating SDGs and OECD guidelines into sustainability reporting 

• The SDGs serve as a framework for impact measurement and goal orientation – e.g. ‘How does our business model contribute to SDG 12 or SDG 5?’
• The OECD guidelines structure the responsible implementation of these goals – for example in the form of risk analyses, complaint mechanisms or continuous monitoring.

➤ This combination increases transparency, creates comparability and strengthens the trust of investors, banks and business partners.

3. Embedding supply chain due diligence systematically 

The European Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) obliges companies to identify and address human rights and environmental risks along their supply chains.

➤ The SDGs provide the target perspective here (e.g. SDG 8: decent work), while the OECD Guidelines define specific requirements for implementation/prevention, communication and remedial measures. 

Your next step towards a sustainable future 

The challenges of our time require solutions that are not just written on paper. The UN Sustainable Development Goals offer a vision of a fairer, more climate-friendly and resilient world. The OECD Guidelines can be used as a tool to translate them into corporate action.

• from structured target and action planning,
• from compatibility with various sustainability reporting standards,
• from regulatory compliance (CSDDD), and
• from a lasting impact – both internally and externally.

Another advantage: In contrast to the dynamics of ESG regulation (see: EU Omnibus Initiative), the SDGs are considered proven and internationally recognised. They offer companies reliable guidance with global connectivity.

Outlook

Would you like to find out more about the strategic use of the SDGs or OECD guidelines or specifically anchor sustainability in your organisation? The EurA sustainability consulting team will be happy to support you.

You do not have an acute need for advice, but are interested in better understanding and advancing your sustainability performance? For this purpose, we recommend our free EurA sustainability check for companies.

Text: Carolin Ridder