China’s National Human Rights Action Plan Encourages Companies to Follow UN Global Compact Principles and ESG Standards

The UN Global Compact welcomes the inclusion of the UN Global Compact in China's newly released National Human Rights Action Plan (2026-2030), which encourages companies to align their operations with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), integrate environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles into their global strategies, and follow both the UN Global Compact and the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

Released by the Government of China on 11 June 2026, the Action Plan sets out the country's priorities for advancing human rights over the next five years across economic, social, cultural and environmental dimensions. The Plan serves as a key national policy framework and is aligned with China's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), reinforcing the close connection between sustainable development and human rights.

The Action Plan specifically calls on enterprises to strengthen responsible business practices by incorporating ESG principles into corporate strategies and promoting sustainable development in line with international frameworks, including the UN Global Compact.

As the world's largest corporate sustainability initiative, the United Nations Global Compact supports companies in aligning their operations and strategies with its Ten Principles on human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption, while advancing progress toward the SDGs.

The reference to the UN Global Compact in the Action Plan underscores the increasing importance of responsible business conduct and sustainable development as part of national and global efforts to promote human rights and inclusive economic growth.

China is home to one of the largest communities of UN Global Compact participants globally, with companies across sectors working to embed sustainability into their business strategies and contribute to national and international development priorities.

Notes to Editors

About the United Nations Global Compact

As a special initiative of the United Nations Secretary-General, the UN Global Compact is a call to companies worldwide to align their operations and strategies with Ten Principles in the areas of human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption. Our vision is clear: to mobilize business to transform sustainability ambition into action at the scale the world demands. With more than 25,000 participants and a presence in over 100 countries through 5 Regional Hubs and more than 70 Country Networks and expansion territories, the UN Global Compact is the world's largest corporate sustainability initiative.

For more information, follow @globalcompact on social media and visit our website at unglobalcompact.org