Networks and training

The Berlin CSR Consensus on Corporate Responsibility in Value and Supply Chains

The Federal Government’s National CSR Forum is a high-level expert panel comprising representatives from the business sector, trade unions, civil society, academia and federal ministries. It advises the Federal Government on the development of the national CSR strategy and the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights, and conveys the business sector’s need for support directly to policy-makers who can make decisions. As a concrete outcome of this advisory work, the Forum adopted the Berlin CSR Consensus [PDF, 468KB] in 2018 as a practical guide to responsible supply chain management.

Competence Centre for Human Rights Due Diligence

The Competence Centre for Human Rights Due Diligence supports global and national trade unions, as well as workers’ organisations, in the strategic application of due diligence legislation. The platform pools expertise to enforce compliance with labour and human rights in global supply chains effectively, particularly freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining. Through a specialised helpdesk and targeted pilot programmes (for example, in the clothing and critical raw materials sectors), the Centre provides practical advice and capacity-building support. In doing so, it serves as a hub for the effective, worker-centred implementation of human rights due diligence obligations under global labour law.

ILO Helpdesk for Business on International Labour Standards

The International Labour Organization’s Helpdesk for Business on International Labour Standards provides free support to businesses on the correct interpretation and application of core international labour standards. The service covers all eight ILO core conventions, ranging from freedom of association and collective bargaining to the elimination of forced and child labour. These standards form the binding reference framework for human rights risk assessments.

Partnerships 2030

The Partnerships 2030 platform, coordinated by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and Engagement Global (formerly bengo), brings together companies, government bodies and civil society organisations to form multi-stakeholder partnerships in line with the UN 2030 Agenda. Its services include advising on legal and process issues, counselling on funding, and facilitating dialogue sessions on sustainable business models in global supply chains.

Alliance for Integrity

The Alliance for Integrity is an international multi-stakeholder initiative driven by the business community that acts as an interface between the private sector, policymakers and civil society organisations. The Alliance offers compliance training, practical publications and concrete tools for implementing anti-corruption measures in global supply chains. These resources are particularly relevant for companies that need to demonstrably embed their integrity and governance processes.

Amfori Business Social Compliance Initiative (BSCI)

The Amfori Business Social Compliance Initiative provides a globally recognised audit system for social standards in global supply chains. Member companies from the retail and manufacturing sectors use the standardised audits and the associated training programme to systematically improve and document working conditions at their suppliers.

UN Global Compact Network Germany

The UN Global Compact Network Germany is the country's largest private-sector sustainability network, bringing together companies that are committed to the ten relevant principles on human rights, labour, the environment and anti-corruption. It offers practical training programmes, thematic training formats and intensive peer-learning exchanges for companies of all sizes. Serving as a link between private-sector engagement and the UN’s sustainability framework, the network enables due diligence processes to be directly tied to the SDGs.

econsense – Forum for Sustainable Development in German Business e.V.

The sustainability network econsense e. V. brings together companies operating globally to jointly develop practical sustainability solutions in specialised working groups.

Through its sustainability Competence Program, econsense also provides small and medium-sized enterprises with practical knowledge on relevant sustainability topics. The programme focuses on creating a space for dialogue, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises. Across all sectors, this space facilitates the exchange and development of concrete approaches, methods and experiences in collaboration with companies.

Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI)

The Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) is a British multi-stakeholder alliance comprising businesses, trade unions and non-governmental organisations that campaigns for the respect of workers’ rights in global supply chains. Through the ETI Base Code, a code of conduct based on ILO standards, and practical training programmes, the initiative supports member companies in implementing social standards. This support is particularly relevant for companies operating in supply chains involving the UK that also need to comply with the UK's Modern Slavery Act.

ISEAL Alliance – a global umbrella organisation for sustainability standards

The ISEAL Alliance is an international umbrella organisation for credible sustainability standards and certification schemes. As a quality assurance body, it sets out global best practices for the development and application of standards, enabling a meaningful comparison of different certification schemes.

Responsible Business Helpdesk (RBH) – Network

The Responsible Business Helpdesk (RBH)’s network supports local businesses in partner countries around the world by providing training and information on human rights and environmental due diligence. A free, interactive e-learning programme on the Atingi platform teaches the basics of the field through country-specific case studies; these are currently available in English, Khmer, Mandarin, Spanish, Turkish and Vietnamese. To get in touch with the relevant Responsible Business Helpdesk, please use the Contact Data Sheet.

Action Alliance for Sustainable Bananas (Aktionsbündnis für nachhaltige Bananen) (Agricultural and Food Industry)

The Action Alliance for Sustainable Bananas is committed to ensuring that the entire value chain for bananas sold in Germany complies with social and environmental standards. The alliance brings together retailers, importers, non-governmental organisations and government bodies, and offers information events and online courses on human rights due diligence in the agricultural sector.

Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) (Metals / Packaging industry)

The Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) sets global sustainability standards across the entire aluminium value chain, from bauxite mining to recycling. Through an independent certification system and practical training programmes, it helps companies in the metals and packaging sectors fulfil their due diligence obligations for raw materials related to aluminium.

Better Buying in the Retail Sector (Retail / Purchasing Practices)

The rating platform Better Buying collects anonymous feedback from suppliers on their experiences with the purchasing practices of global brands and retailers. Systematically analysing the data delivers unmatched, evidence-based visibility into problematic practices such as last-minute order changes, unrealistic delivery deadlines, and unfair pricing. For procurement teams, it serves as a ready-to-use tool for spotting due diligence breaches in their own sourcing practices.

Better Cotton Initiative (textile and clothing industry)

The Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) is the world’s largest initiative for sustainable cotton production. With over 2,500 member organisations, it improves working conditions and environmental practices in cotton-growing regions through training, field programmes and a global verification system. Better Cotton Initiative membership helps companies in the textile and clothing industry to demonstrate their due diligence regarding raw materials.

Better Work Programme (textile and clothing industry)

The Better Work Programme is a joint initiative of the ILO and the International Finance Corporation, which carries out practical factory consultations, training and independent assessments in key textile-producing countries. By bringing together governments, trade unions, factory owners and brands that source goods globally, the programme delivers measurable improvements to structural working conditions. The programme’s results provide sourcing companies with robust evidence of due diligence.

Blue Competence (Mechanical and Plant Engineering)

The Blue Competence sustainability initiative of the VDMA (the German Engineering Federation) promotes the embedding of sustainability standards within the German mechanical engineering sector. Events and member activities help companies to highlight sustainable solutions and technologies throughout their supply chains and to raise awareness of them across the industry.

Chemie³ (Chemical and Pharmaceutical Industry)

Under the umbrella of Chemie³, the Verband der Chemischen Industrie e. V. (VCI for short, which is the German Chemical Industry Association), the IG BCE (Mining, Chemical and Energy Industrial Union) and the German Federation of Chemical Employers’ Associations (BAVC) are committed to embedding the three dimensions of sustainability within the chemical and pharmaceutical industry. The network provides an industry-specific standard for implementing the Act on Corporate Due Diligence in Supply Chains, online tools and an active dialogue forum for the implementation of statutory due diligence obligations in chemical supply chains.

Drive Sustainability (Automotive Industry)

The Drive Sustainability partnership brings together leading carmakers to collectively raise social, ethical and environmental standards across global automotive supply chains. Through joint training formats, industry-wide sourcing principles and a practical implementation guide, suppliers can efficiently demonstrate their due‑diligence compliance to multiple OEM customers at once.

European Partnership for Responsible Minerals (EPRM) (Mining / Raw Materials)

The European Partnership for Responsible Minerals (EPRM) is a multi-stakeholder initiative working to improve the living and working conditions of mine workers and promote socially responsible mineral sourcing in conflict-affected and high-risk areas. Through its integrated Due Diligence Hub, the EPRM helps companies identify how to meet their due-diligence obligations throughout mineral supply chains and determine which practical measures are best suited to mitigating risks.

Fair Wear Foundation (garment industry)

The non-profit Fair Wear Foundation (FWF) works closely with member companies, trade unions and NGOs to improve working conditions in the global garment industry. Its services include a brand performance check, an online wage comparison tool and detailed guidance on certification processes and complaint mechanisms. FWF membership is internationally recognised as proof of the implementation of human rights due diligence in the textile sector.

German Initiative on Sustainable Cocoa (Agriculture and Food Industry)

The German Initiative on German Initiative on Sustainable Cocoa is a multi-stakeholder initiative founded with state support. Under the leadership of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity and the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, it works to ensure that the entire value chain of cocoa products traded in Germany meets sustainability standards. Members from businesses, associations and civil society commit to making verifiable progress on human rights, paying a living wage and environmentally sound farming practices in producing countries.

Forum Sustainable Palm Oil (Agricultural and Food Industry)

The Forum Sustainable Palm Oil is a multi-stakeholder partnership comprising over fifty companies, associations, non-governmental organisations, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity and the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development. Its secretariat is based at the Global Nature Fund. The Forum is committed to improving certification systems within the global palm oil supply chain. Member companies from the food manufacturing, agrochemical and consumer goods sectors receive practical support in conducting risk analyses for palm oil raw material supply chains through regular working groups and events.

Global Battery Alliance (Batteries / Electric Mobility)

The Global Battery Alliance was founded by the World Economic Forum and brings together companies from across the entire battery value chain from cobalt and lithium mining through battery cell production to recycling alongside governments, NGOs and the academic community. The aim is to eliminate human rights and environmental risks in battery manufacturing. Membership in the Alliance is a key tool for car manufacturers and electronics companies in meeting their raw material traceability obligations.

Global Network Initiative (telecommunications and ICT sector)

The Global Network Initiative is an industry-specific alliance of telecommunications and technology companies, NGOs and academic institutions. It is committed to freedom of expression, data protection and respect for human rights in the digital sphere. Through reports, training programmes and structured multi-stakeholder dialogues, it supports telecommunications and technology companies in fulfilling their due diligence obligations in the context of the EU AI Act and the CSDDD.

International Accord for Health and Safety in the Textile and Garment Industry

The International Accord is a legally binding agreement between global textile brands and international trade unions aimed at ensuring safe working conditions in garment factories. It obliges member companies to carry out independent factory inspections, fund safety improvements and establish effective complaint mechanisms in several producing countries. The Accord is regarded as the world’s most effective legally binding instrument for implementing human rights due diligence obligations in the textile sector.

Metal Alliance for Responsible Sourcing (Metals / Raw Materials Industry)

The Metal Alliance for Responsible Sourcing (MARS) offers European companies in the metals and raw materials industry individual consulting and support services to help them comply with corporate due diligence obligations. The initiative provides support in identifying sources of raw materials, assessing human rights and environmental risks, and developing tailor-made risk management systems.

Responsible Business Alliance (RBA)

The Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) is the world’s largest non-profit coalition for responsible supply chains in the manufacturing industry. Member companies commit to a comprehensive code of conduct covering labour, health, safety and environmental standards, as well as anti-corruption measures in global supply chains. The Alliance organises audits, training programmes and a standardised data management system to document due diligence for regulatory authorities.

Responsible Mica Initiative (Mining – Mica / Cosmetics and Electronics Industries)

The Responsible Mica Initiative (RMI) is a global coalition comprising over 100 member organisations. It campaigns to end child labour and improve living conditions in India’s mica mining industry by developing certification programmes, capacity-building projects for mining communities and transparency tools for purchasing companies in the cosmetics, automotive and electronics industries.

ResponsibleSteel (Steel industry)

The ResponsibleSteel initiative is a global, multi-stakeholder certification scheme bringing together steel producers, suppliers, customers and NGOs to establish measurable, verifiable human rights and environmental standards throughout the entire steel value chain.

Roundtable Human Rights in Tourism

The Roundtable Human Rights in Tourism focuses on the implementation of corporate human rights responsibility in the tourism sector. The initiative offers an industry-specific online tool for human rights impact assessments, as well as practical training programmes for integrating the UN Guiding Principles into travel product development and hotel procurement.

Sector dialogues

The Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs brings together companies, civil society organisations and trade unions in sector dialogues, to develop measures for fair supply chains as part of a multi-stakeholder partnership. The initiative is aimed at sectors with international operations that face particular human rights challenges. To date, dialogues have been launched with the automotive industry, the energy sector, the grocery sector and the food industry. The aim is to support companies in fulfilling their due diligence obligations in accordance with the UN Guiding Principles, thereby enhancing the protection of human rights throughout global value chains. By publishing examples of good practice, the sector dialogues also provide guidance to other companies and sectors on the practical implementation of due diligence obligations.

Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC) (textile, clothing and footwear industry)

The Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC) brings together brands, retailers, suppliers and trade associations from the textile, clothing and footwear industries. With the standardised Higg Index, the Coalition has developed a globally recognised tool for measuring environmental and social impact across entire value chains.

Textile Dialogue

The Dialogue and Impact for Sustainable Textiles was launched in 2026 as a multi-stakeholder network for sustainable textile supply chains. It builds on more than eleven years of joint effort by the former “Partnership for Sustainable Textiles”. As part of the network, the Federal Government works alongside companies, industry associations, non-governmental organisations, trade unions, research institutions and multi-stakeholder partnerships to drive social and environmental improvements across the global textile and garment supply chain. The overarching goal is to raise environmental standards and enhance living and working conditions, particularly in countries where textiles are produced.

Together for Sustainability (TfS) (chemicals sector)

The business network Together for Sustainability (TfS) brings together global players in the chemical sector to improve environmental and social standards in chemical supply chains. The network has developed a standardised, global supplier assessment system for ESG audits, eliminating the duplication and extra cost of parallel supplier audits conducted by different buyers.