The government has initiated discussions on corporate responsibility management in response to the spread of artificial intelligence (AI) and the restructuring of global supply chains. As managing human rights, labor, and environmental risks has emerged as a key factor for sustainable growth and international market entry, the aim is to share relevant standards and case studies between the public and private sectors.
On July 14, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy held the '2026 Public-Private Joint Seminar on Corporate Responsibility Management' in collaboration with the National Human Rights Commission and the UN Global Compact Network Korea.
Corporate responsibility management refers to responsible business practices across the economy and society, including human rights, labor, and environmental considerations, in accordance with the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. Established in 1976, these guidelines aim to minimize the negative impacts of multinational corporate activities on human rights, labor, and the environment while promoting responsible business management.
This seminar was organized to mark the 50th anniversary of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. It aims to reflect on the significance of these guidelines, which have become an international standard for corporate responsibility management over the past five decades, and to enhance the capacity of Korean companies to respond in the age of AI and supply chains.
Topics discussed at the seminar included responsible AI usage, managing human rights and labor risks in critical mineral supply chains, support policies for human rights management in companies expanding overseas, and examples of corporate AI governance. Notably, since the OECD's AI Due Diligence Guidance was released in February, responsible AI usage and internal governance have been key agenda items.
Korea has established a National Contact Point (NCP) to support the implementation and dissemination of the OECD Guidelines. Set up in 2001 within the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, the Korean NCP is responsible for promoting and educating about the guidelines, handling complaints, and participating in OECD and global NCP network activities. Since its establishment, it has received a total of 40 cases, of which 12 have gone through mediation procedures.
Corporate responsibility management requires systematic oversight rather than merely declarative ESG activities. As the EU's supply chain due diligence guidelines, critical mineral regulations, and AI ethical standards gain traction, companies face expanding human rights, labor, and environmental risks associated with their suppliers and overseas operations. This can directly impact exports, investments, and business relationships.
With the rapid spread of AI usage, issues such as algorithmic bias, data privacy, labor surveillance, and accountability have emerged as new challenges in corporate responsibility management. Companies must not only accelerate the adoption of technology but also establish principles for responsible use and internal control systems.
Kang Gam-chan, Director of the Trade and Investment Bureau at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, stated, "The Korean NCP will continue to expand education and promotion to ensure that the OECD Guidelines for Corporate Responsibility Management are firmly established in our companies. We will also strengthen support for dispute resolution related to the implementation of the guidelines."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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