Share

Investment for development

Weak Governance Zones - Risk Awareness Tool for Multinational Enterprises - OECD

 

The OECD Risk Awareness Tool for Multinational Enterprises in Weak Governance Zones was adopted by the OECD Council on 8 June 2006. It aims to help companies that invest in countries where governments are unwilling or unable to assume their responsibilities. It poses a range of questions addressing risks and ethical dilemmas that companies are likely to face in weak governance zones, in such areas as:
 

  • obeying the law and observing international instruments
  • heightened care in managing investments
  • political activities
  • knowing clients and business partners and dealing with public sector officials
  • speaking out about wrongdoing
  • business roles in weak governance societies

The Risk Awareness Tool complements the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and was developed in response to the request made by the 2005 G8 Summit for developing OECD guidance for companies operating in zones of weak governance and the UN Security Council's call on OECD members to promote observance of the OECD Guidelines in response to the 2002 UN Expert Panel's report on illegal exploitation of natural resources in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

   
See also OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas

 

Documents and links

OECD Risk Awareness Tool for Multinational Enterprises in Weak Governance Zones (pdf, 636 KB) French (pdf, 480 KB), 2006
 

Resources for companies working in weak governance zones
 

Conducting Business with Integrity in Weak Governance Zones: Project Outline, 2004
 

Illegal Exploitation of Natural Resources in the Democratic Republic of Congo: Public Statement by CIME, 12 February 2004
 

Multinational Enterprises in Situations of Violent Conflict and Widespread Human Rights Abuses, 2002 [ English / français ]

The UN Security Council stressed the importance of the OECD Risk Awareness Tool for promoting responsible business conduct and avoiding the illegal exploitation of natural resources in countries in conflict. On 14 January 2008, the UN Secretary-General called on governments to do more to forcefully and constructively promote conflict-sensitive practices in their business sectors. The 2007 G8 Heiligendamm Declaration on Growth and Responsibility in the World Economy affirmed support for the OECD Risk Awareness Tool and pledged to promote its wider understanding in the mining sector.

 

Meetings

 

Related Documents