Why should corporate managers comply with international law? International agreements, customary international law, and non-binding recommendations are sources of norms that, if adopted, could address many of the harms that corporations create for society and the planet.

Corporations are increasingly exposed to a variety of reputational, legal, regulatory, and other risks when they operate in a manner inconsistent with society’s expectations. Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues are priorities at many corporations, but managers struggle with how to implement them. Fortunately, many international laws offer the blueprint for ESG strategies. For example, the United Nations Guiding Principles recognize the “corporate responsibility to respect” that involves human rights due diligence. By complying with these due diligence requirements, corporations can improve how they treat individuals and communities around the world. Similarly, corporations can improve their environmental impacts by adhering to the Paris Climate Agreement’s framework for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.