The OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises are recommendations addressed by governments to multinational enterprises operating in or from adhering countries. They provide non-binding principles and standards for responsible business conduct in a global context consistent with applicable laws and internationally recognised standards. The Guidelines are the only multilaterally agreed and comprehensive code of responsible business conduct that governments have committed to promoting. The Guidelines’ recommendations express the shared values of the governments of countries from which a large share of international direct investment originates and which are home to many of the largest multinational enterprises. The Guidelines aim to promote positive contributions by enterprises to economic, environmental and social progress worldwide. The Guidelines are supported by a unique implementation mechanism of National Contact Points (NCPs), agencies established by adhering governments to promote and implement the Guidelines. The NCPs assist enterprises and their stakeholders to take appropriate measures to further the implementation of the Guidelines. They also provide a mediation and conciliation platform for resolving practical issues that may arise. On 4 May 2010, the governments of the 42 OECD and non-OECD countries adhering to the OECD Declaration on International Investment and Multinational Enterprises and related Decision started work on updating the Guidelines to reflect changes in the landscape for international investment and multinational enterprises since the last review in 2000. The changes agreed aim to ensure the continued role of the Guidelines as a leading international instrument for the promotion of responsible business conduct. The updated Guidelines and the related Decision were adopted by the 42 adhering governments on 25 May 2011 at the OECD’s 50th Anniversary Ministerial Meeting.