Responsible Business Conduct: OECD gives Switzerland high marks
Bern, 17.06.2026 — The Swiss National Contact Point for Responsible Business Conduct, which is based within the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), has undergone an review by the relevant OECD committee. On 17 June 2026, the OECD recognised the Swiss National Contact Point for its high level of professionalism and effectiveness. At the same time, the report contains recommendations aimed at further strengthening the visibility, transparency and impact of the mechanism.
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has conducted a review of Switzerland’s National Contact Point (NCP) in 2025. It was carried out by representatives of the National Contact Points of the United Kingdom and Iceland, together with the OECD Secretariat. As part of the review, they held discussions with representatives from government, business, trade unions, non-governmental organisations and academia.
OECD recommendations
The report highlights the NCP’s professional and efficient work methods. Stakeholders perceive it as competent, fair and trustworthy. The OECD also commends the NCP’s implementation of solution-oriented dialogue and mediation processes, as well as its strong integration within the federal administration. This ensures that the OECD Guidelines are incorporated into various policy areas.
At the same time, the report contains recommendations for further strengthening the NCP. These include enhanced cooperation between the NCP and civil society organisations and trade unions in promoting the Guidelines. The OECD also recommends providing more targeted support to small and medium-sized enterprises in implementing the Guidelines. Finally, the NCP should make its procedures for handling submissions more transparent.
The NCP will implement the recommendations in consultation with the NCP Advisory Board and report the results to the OECD in 2027
Responsible business conduct
The OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises are the most comprehensive internationally recognised code of conduct for corporate sustainability. Signatory countries are required to establish a National Contact Point (NCP). The NCP publicises the Guidelines, promotes their implementation and acts as a platform for dialogue and a mediation body in response to complaints regarding alleged breaches of the Guidelines.