The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has undertaken to develop an international guidance document on social responsibility called ISO 26000. This standard aims to develop an instrument that will foster greater awareness and wider observance of principles in the area of social responsibility. It is expected to be available in early 2008 and will be designed as a set of guiding principles only, and will not involve third party certification. The ISO signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the ILO to “establish between the Parties cooperation with a view to ensuring that any ISO International Standard in the field of SR, and any ISO activities relating thereto, are consistent with and complement the application of international labour standards world-wide, including fundamental rights at work”. ISO thereby recognizes the ILO as the competent body to establish and supervise international labour standards, and the MNE Declaration as an international instrument related to CSR. In accordance with the agreement, the ILO participates in the working group that is developing ISO 26000.
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