This joint ITC-OECD report presents a comprehensive, flexible, and value-neutral typology framework that aims to fostering a shared understanding of the multifaceted landscape of sustainability initiatives. By considering the diversity and complexity of sustainability initiatives, the typology framework offers a structured system of parameters and a common language that helps policy makers, private sector operators, NGOs, and other stakeholders not only understand the differences among sustainability initiatives but also better navigate and engage with them in various contexts.
As new efforts to engage with sustainability initiatives grow across policy areas, a common framework and definitions to navigate their landscape can promote a harmonised approach in creating synergies between sustainability initiatives and public policies. Further work is needed to advance the ongoing debate on how sustainability initiatives can be integrated, e.g. in trade policy or mandatory due diligence legislation. Establishing a shared understanding of the key parameters that differentiate sustainability initiatives, and the reasons behind these differences, is a crucial step toward developing coherent strategies and actionable policies that effectively integrate these initiatives into broader regulatory frameworks.
A shared system and language to identify with descriptive and value-neutral terms different types of sustainability initiatives is also useful for public, private and international organisations in developing, benchmarking, and promoting sustainability initiatives. Through this typology framework, the ITC and the OECD have developed a supporting tool with the aim to contributing to more responsible and sustainable supply chains.