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

03 July 2026

Third yearly progress report International RBC Agreement Renewable Energy Sector: Charged Together For Change

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.

11 June 2026

Mid-Term Evaluation Highlights Progress and Challenges for the IRBC Agreement for the Renewable Energy Sector

An independent mid-term evaluation of the International Responsible Business Conduct (IRBC) Agreement for the Renewable Energy Sector identifies progress since its launch in 2023, while also pointing to few key challenges for the coming years.

14 April 2026

Three new members International RBC Agreement for the Renewable Energy Sector

The IRBC Agreement is happy to welcome its newest members: Alliander N.V., DeepOcean AS and Boskalis Wind Nederland B.V. This brings the total number of companies, organisations and governments involved to 65.

News overview