Minister Sjoerdsma announces expansion of Responsible Business Conduct support
During the 2026 Annual Conference of UN Global Compact NL, Minister Sjoerd Sjoerdsma announced that the programme supporting SMEs in responsible business conduct will be expanded.
By UN Global Compact NL
28.05.2026, 16:00
The Hague, 28 May 2026 - During the 2026 Annual Conference of UN Global Compact NL, Sjoerd Sjoerdsma, Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, announced that the programme supporting SMEs in responsible business conduct will be expanded.
With this expansion, entrepreneurs will receive additional support to map their value chains, identify and address risks, and make their businesses future‑proof. More information and application details can be found at: https://www.rvo.nl/subsidies-financiering/svom. The number of available grants will be doubled, with new grants available from July onward.
During the conference, Monique Lempers (CEO, Fairphone) was elected as the new Chair of the Board of UN Global Compact NL, and the new long‑term strategy for 2031, From Uniting to Mobilizing Business toward Global Impact, was presented. The diverse programme was hosted by moderator Harm Edens and featured pitches from Schijvens Corporate Fashion, TNO, ABN AMRO and UN Youth, as well as various breakout sessions led by FrieslandCampina, The WageIndicator Foundation, Arcadis and CTalents.
‘In times like these, we should use the Sustainable Development Goals as our compass. With responsible business as our toolbox.’
Sjoerd Sjoerdsma, Minister van Buitenlandse Handel en Ontwikkelingssamenwerking
For more information, please contact:
UN Global Compact NL
Leonine Brunink, Communications Officer
About the UN Global Compact
The UN Global Compact Network Netherlands (NL), based in The Hague, is the Netherlands country network of the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative. The network serves as a catalyst for ambitious businesses committed to upholding the Ten Principles and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals, Initially launched in 2007 and operating as an independent organization since 2023.
Through a diverse range of programmes, online learning, and events, the network aims to foster meaningful partnerships and empower organisations across the Netherlands to amplify their positive impact and drive sustainable change.