The OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises are described by OECD staff as the ‘gold standard’ of corporate social responsibility code. Whether this is true or not, it is undeniable that the Guidelines play a crucial role in practice. They are regularly used as a baseline by companies and states constituting the minimum standard that needs to be met by corporations if they are to engage in responsible business conduct. However, due to their formally non-binding nature, they are also often overlooked or sidelined at universities and their functioning is rarely studied in depth. Consequently, professionals active in the RBC field regularly lack a sophisticated understanding of their history, substance and practical operation. This is the gap that this Masterclass proposes to fill.
During this three-day digital training, participants will acquire in-depth knowledge on the origins and substance of the Guidelines, as well as hands-on know-how on their practical implementation. The aim will be for the participants to gain a deep understanding of the historical and political context behind the Guidelines, of their normative content and institutional operationalization. In addition to acquiring a solid background knowledge on the Guidelines, the participants will engage with a number of practitioners to better grasp how the Guidelines work in practice and the challenges faced by both companies and NGOs in implementing/leveraging the Guidelines. The Masterclass is structured around different teaching and learning formats, ranging from general lectures to a practical workshop. It will provide dedicated moments for exchanges and dialogue between the speakers and the participants, as well as amongst the participants.
This Masterclass is designed for young professionals who are active in the corporate social responsibility field be it on the side of NGOs, corporations, international organizations or governments.
Speakers
Rashad Abelson
Rashad Abelson is a Legal Expert in the OECD Centre for Responsible Business Conduct. Relevant projects of his include monitoring of government implementation of OECD commitments, fostering law enforcement cooperation on minerals related crime, and exploring the linkages between technology and responsible business conduct.
Dorothy Lovell
Dorothy Lovell is a Policy Adviser in the Responsible Business Conduct team at the OECD, supporting the OECD’s work on Due Diligence for Responsible Supply Chains in the Garment and Footwear Sector. Dorothy is experienced in social and environmental risk assessment and due diligence across varied supply chain structures, and a range of social and environmental issues, including traceability and transparency, human rights, social impacts, animal welfare, upstream land use issues, restricted substances and manufacturing waste streams. At the OECD she has contributed to reports on Blockchain and Responsible Supply Chains, and SMEs and Due Diligence, among others.
Marian Ingrams
Marian Ingrams specialises in helping individuals and communities achieve remedy for corporate human rights abuses through the OECD’s non-judicial grievance mechanism. Marian coordinates the strategic and logistical activities of the OECD Watch network, advises complaints and appeals filed through National Contact Points. Marian also supports SOMO’s Rights, Remedy and Accountability team through research and advocacy on other alternative dispute mechanisms.
The coordinator
Dr Antoine Duval is a senior researcher at the Asser Institute and the coordinator of the Doing Business Right project in the framework of which he has organised numerous trainings and events related to corporate social responsibility and business and human rights. He regularly publishes in academic journals on issues of business and human rights.
Certificate
After the successful completion of this Masterclass, you will receive a professional certificate from the T.M.C. Asser Instituut.
Terms and conditions
Read the terms and conditions for the masterclass series.
T.M.C. Asser Instituut - lifelong learning opportunities for professionals and academics globally
Coronavirus policy
The Asser Institute follows the official guidelines of the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) and the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The format of our events may be subject to change. Please check our website and social media platforms for updates. You can also sign up to our Educations & Events mailing list to be informed about COVID-19 updates.
