"UN Global Compact Reaffirms Support for Mandatory Human Rights and Environmental Due Diligence", 17 November 2025

In light of the ongoing debate and the upcoming trilogue negotiations on the EU’s omnibus proposal, the United Nations Global Compact reaffirms its support for advancing business respect for human rights through mandatory due diligence requirements, anchored and aligned with international standards. 

As the UN Global Compact, we are firmly committed to mobilizing businesses to take action for a better, fairer and more sustainable world. We believe that a smart mix of both voluntary and mandatory measures to advance human rights and environmental due diligence is consistent with our Ten Principles and with the global expectation that all businesses operate responsibly and transparently in their supply chains.

As part of our accountability framework, all participants of the UN Global Compact are required to report annually through the Communication on Progress (CoP). This reporting process captures how companies are integrating the Ten Principles into their strategy, operations and governance. It also reinforces transparency and accountability, helping to ensure that corporate commitments translate into meaningful and measurable actions.

We remain deeply committed to listening to our participants and supporting them in implementing sustainable business practices that are grounded in international norms and standards.

We also take this opportunity to reaffirm our previously stated positions, including:

• Our February 2025 declaration reaffirming steadfast support for mandatory human rights and environmental due diligence aligned with international standards, and
• The August 2025 joint statement to EU policymakers, endorsed by over 480 organizations — including more than 200 businesses and investors — calling on the EU to preserve the core principles of the EU’s sustainable finance and due diligence frameworks.

At this pivotal moment for Europe and the global economy, we urge all stakeholders to stay the course. Sustainability is not a burden — it is a strategic imperative, essential for long-term competitiveness, resilience and shared prosperity.