The World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) strongly urges European Union (EU) Member States to support the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) in the final vote at the Committee of the Permanent Representatives of the Governments of the Member States to the European Union (COREPER) meeting. WBCSD brings together over 225 of the world’s largest, most forward-thinking companies working together to accelerate the transition to a sustainable world.  

The world is increasingly turning to business and holding it accountable for its progress on sustainable solutions.  The CSDDD is a critical multi-year legislative initiative that has broad support and been in development with EU Member States, the business community and civil society. It will play an important role in establishing a level playing field for sustainability due diligence across the EU, driving better business decisions and enhanced corporate accountability in line with our recently published CEO Guide to the Climate-related Corporate Performance and Accountability System (CPAS).  

These benefits include:  

• Supporting financial institutions and corporates in risk assessment and impact analysis of their supply chains, which will have a reach far beyond the borders of the EU due to the global reach of value chains.   
• Aligning with existing international standards. Most notably, the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, which are included in WBCSD’s membership criteria. 
• Not introducing any additional sustainability disclosures for companies beyond the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).  
• Ultimately, providing businesses with a clear and consistent sustainability due diligence framework across the EU, which will play a significant role in improving corporate performance and accountability on sustainability across supply chains.  

WBCSD strongly encourages Member States to support the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) in the European Council vote.