Raising the awareness of the OECD Guidelines
The NCP is tasked with raising awareness of the Guidelines and the OECD due diligence instruments among interested stakeholders (business, NGOs, trade unions, academia, etc.) and promoting their implementation by Swiss companies.
NCP priorities
The aim of the NCP is to raise awareness of the OECD Guidelines among companies based or operating in Switzerland and other stakeholders, and to contribute to their implementation. To this end, the NCP organises events, participates in stakeholder events, provides publications and communicates via social media. The NCP's communications strategy targets companies of all sizes and sectors, including SMEs, as well as other parties.
Swiss Forum on Business and Human Rights 2026
The Forum is a unique platform for exchange and dialogue between the federal government, the private sector, academia and civil society organisations. The Forum will examine current issues, including artificial intelligence and new technologies, the financial sector, raw materials, the just transition to a climate-neutral economy, and the role of boards of directors. It will also mark the 50th anniversary of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises on responsible business conduct and the 15th anniversary of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. These two global frameworks are indispensable for any company committed to sustainability. The forum is organised by SECO and the FDFA and will take place on 2 November 2026 at the Kursaal in Bern. The full programme and registration details can be found here: Swiss Forum “Business and human Rights”.
Presentation of the Results of the Peer Review of the Swiss NCP
At this hybrid event on 22 October 2026, members of the Swiss NCP Advisory Board will share their perspectives on the findings and recommendations of the Peer Review of the OECD. In addition, the NCP Secretariat will provide an update on the first steps taken to implement the recommendations. These steps include enhancing the visibility of the existing safeguards that ensure the impartiality of the NCP, as well as strengthening cooperation with civil society organisations and trade unions in promoting the OECD Guidelines. The OECD also recommends providing more targeted support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in implementing the Guidelines. Finally, the NCP should further improve the transparency of its procedures for handling submissions. The full programme and registration details can be found here: Results of the Peer Review of the Swiss National Contact Point for Responsible Business Conduct and the way forward.
International cooperation
In 2025, the National Contact Points of Germany, Austria and Switzerland decided to pool their efforts more closely going forward, including on raising awareness of the Guidelines:
Webinar on the complaints mechanism under the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises
The webinar held on 26 March 2026 provided an insight into the functioning, potential and limitations of the National Contact Points as a state-supported, out-of-court mechanism.
Webinar on deforestation and corporate due diligence in agricultural supply chains
At the webinar on 9 October 2025, representatives of Tchibo, the Forest Stewardship Council and WWF Switzerland discussed how producers through to processors and retailers of agricultural products can avoid risks and adverse impacts related to deforestation.
Webinar on engaging with local communities in companies' international operations
On 20 May 2025, companies (Energy Infrastructure Partners and Axpo Solar GmbH Deutschland) and an NGO (Society for Threatened Peoples Germany) discussed how to engage with local communities in the context of companies' international operations (e.g. energy, construction or other large-scale projects):
Webinar on corporate due diligence – good practices and the role of auditing and conformity assessment bodies
At the webinar on 5 November 2024, auditing experts (SQS and Deloitte) and a company (Doppelmayr) discussed the importance of due diligence and the OECD Guidelines for auditing and conformity assessment bodies, as well as tools for effective risk management and sustainability reporting:
Index
Events
Related topics
OECD Guidelines on Responsible Business Conduct
The guidelines include recommendations on risk-based due diligence in areas such as human rights, labour rights, the environment and anti-corruption.
Corporate Sustainability CSR
Corporate sustainability encompasses the impact of business activities on society and the environment. It is regarded as a contribution to sustainable development.
CSR Application Tools for Enterprises
CSR helps to identify sustainability risks in value chains. SECO supports tools that make it easier for SMEs to operate responsibly.
Contact
Foreign Economic Affairs Directorate
Special Foreign Economic Service / International Investment and Corporate Sustainability
Holzikofenweg 36
CH - 3003 Bern