This paper presents the opportunities and challenges relating to the recognition between multi-stakeholder, government and industry initiatives (‘sustainability initiatives’). It is based on research and interviews, and the OECD’s extensive experience since 2011 working with and evaluating initiatives in relation to implementation of OECD responsible business conduct (RBC) standards, including through the OECD alignment assessments of sustainability initiatives. This paper is part of the work the OECD carries out with respect to assessments to evaluate the extent to which sustainability initiatives are aligned with the recommendations of OECD due diligence guidance on RBC and associated credibility criteria, consistent with priorities identified in the 2023 OECD RBC Ministerial Declaration on Promoting and Enabling Responsible Business Conduct in the Global Economy.