The MNE Declaration is the only ILO instrument that provides direct guidance to enterprises (multinational and national) on social policy and inclusive, responsible and sustainable workplace practices. Its principles are addressed not only to multinational and national enterprises, but also to the governments of the home and host countries of multinational enterprises (MNEs), as well as employers’ and workers’ organizations. The principles cover employment, training, living and working conditions, industrial relations and general policies. It is the only global instrument in this area that has been drawn up and adopted by governments, employers and workers from around the world.
The MNE Declaration paves the way for cross-border dialogue by providing guidance to governments, employers’ and workers’ organizations of the home and host countries of MNEs on social policies to further social progress and decent work. The MNE Declaration specifically encourages both host and home country governments of multinational enterprises to have consultations with each other, whenever the need arises, on the initiative of either (home-host country dialogues – paragraph 12 of the MNE Declaration).
To promote the implementation of the principles of the MNE Declaration by all parties, a set of operational tools have been adopted, most of which create opportunities for bipartite or tripartite social dialogue across borders. Regional follow-up is one of these operational tools.
During ILO regional meetings, a special session on the MNE Declaration provides a dialogue forum for governments, employers and workers to discuss further promotional activities at the regional level. A regional report on the promotion and application of the MNE Declaration – prepared based on inputs from tripartite constituents – feeds into this tripartite regional discussion. ILO regional meeting outcomes include specific actions in relation to the MNE Declaration.
See here the outcomes of the most recent regional meetings including a reference to the MNE Declaration.