UN Global Compact Network Netherlands

EU Legislative Interests

European Green Deal; Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD); Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSD); and other EU Directives on corporate sustainability that are relevant to The Netherlands.

Communication Activities

Dutch companies operate in an increasingly demanding regulatory environment. Compliance with these regulations is not only a legal obligation, but also offers opportunities in terms of investment, trade relations, and innovation within a sustainable economy. UN Global Compact Network Netherlands (UNGC-NL) actively supports the transition of Dutch companies towards sustainable and future-proof business practices by promoting compliance with European regulations and strengthening corporate sustainability in the private sector. Our integrated approach helps companies become more resilient, future-proof, and better equipped to face global challenges. Key activities of UNGC-NL: Knowledge Sharing and Capacity Building Through our global online EU Navigator, we assist our participating companies in understanding and implementing key EU regulations, such as the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) and the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). We organize training sessions and masterclasses in which EU sustainability regulations are integrated. These help companies understand new obligations and effectively incorporate them into their operations. Our EU Peer Learning Groups facilitate knowledge sharing, capacity building, and collaboration, offering businesses practical insights and tools to comply with EU standards and enhance their competitiveness. At the same time, we raise awareness of the growing demand for sustainable products and services, encouraging Dutch companies to embed sustainability at the core of their strategies. Partnerships and Events On April 17–18, 2024, UN Global Compact organized a conference at the European Parliament in Brussels titled “UN Global Compact: Catalyst for EU Corporate Sustainability and Competitiveness.” Speakers included Members of the European Parliament Samira Rafaela, Heidi Hautala, and Pascal Durand, as well as representatives from the European Commission and the business sector. The event provided a platform for dialogue on how companies can align their strategies with the EU’s sustainability goals. Strategic Engagement with EU Institutions UNGC-NL maintains active relationships with EU institutions such as the European Commission and the European Parliament. We host gatherings such as a roundtable on the Clean Industrial Deal, enabling Dutch companies to engage directly with policymakers and take part in shaping the EU sustainability agenda. Publications and Practical Tools We develop supporting resources such as CSRD reporting guidelines, white papers on VSME (Very Small and Medium Enterprises) standards, and practical guides on the impact of regulation on international trade. Future Initiatives We are developing a Peer Learning Platform in which Dutch companies and their counterparts across the EU can exchange knowledge on sustainable business practices, compliance with relevant EU legislation, and explore opportunities for joint action.

Interests Represented

Promotes their own interests or the collective interests of their members

Member Of

UNGC-NL is a country network of the UN Global Compact. UNGC-NL has partnerships and/or close collaboration with the Sociaal-Economische Raad (SER), Rotterdam School of Management (RSM), Soapbox, Plan International Nederland, International Chamber of Commerce, Euronext Amsterdam, UN Women Nederland, SDG Nederland, VNO-NCW/MKB-Nederland and MVO Nederland.

Organisation Members

https://unglobalcompact.org/what-is-gc/participants/search?search%5Bcountries%5D%5B%5D=147&search%5Bkeywords%5D=&search%5Bper_page%5D=10&search%5Bsort_direction%5D=asc&search%5Bsort_field%5D=&utf8=%E2%9C%93

Additional Information

Costs of employing relevant staff (at 10%) and to host a roundtable.