International RBC Agreements

Agreements promoting international Responsible Business Conduct (international RBC) involve partnerships between businesses, trade associations, government, unions and NGOs. Together, these partners work to identify and prevent abuses like exploitation, animal suffering and environmental damage. Since 2016, the Dutch RBC Agreements have gained experience with implementing the due diligence expectations of the OECD Guidelines. Please check the websites of the individual agreements for practical tools and guidelines.

Cotton pickers in action. Illustration for the Dutch Agreement on Sustainable Garments and Textile.

Why conclude IRBC agreements?

International business dealings may involve complex problems such as environmental pollution and child labour. By concluding agreements, businesses work with other stakeholders to tackle these problems.

Background

In 2014, the Social and Economic Council of the Netherlands (SER) recommended concluding multistakeholder agreements in each relevant sector. By cooperating, stakeholders can concentrate their efforts to combat abuses.

OECD Guidelines

Watch a short video about the OECD Guidelines here. Together with the UNGPs, these form the framework for international RBC.

Agreements

All agreements

News

07 October 2025

Signatory Companies Show Progress in Annual Due Diligence Assessment

The International Responsible Business Conduct (IRBC) Agreement for the Renewable Energy Sector has completed its annual assessment of signatory companies. The 2025 progress assessment, conducted between March and July, builds on the 2024 baseline and evaluates how companies have advanced in applying the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Business Conduct.

02 September 2025

The IRBC Agreement for the Renewable Energy Sector celebrates their 60th member: Oxfam Novib

We are very pleased to announce the membership of Oxfam Novib to the IRBC Agreement for the Renewable Energy Sector. In the Agreement, solar and wind energy companies, trade unions, NGOs and the Dutch government work together with the aim of promoting international responsible business conduct (IRBC) in the renewable energy sector.

17 July 2025

Second yearly progress report International RBC Agreement Renewable Energy Sector: Powering change together

In the Agreement, wind and solar energy companies, industry associations, trade unions, civil society organisations, knowledge institutions and the Dutch government work together with the aim of promoting international responsible business conduct (IRBC) in the renewable energy sector.

News overview