Understanding the Standard
About ISO 26000
ISO 26000 is the most accepted global framework to leverage the implementation of Social Responsibility and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Published in 2010 and confirmed without change through three systematic reviews, it remains the authoritative guidance for organizations of all types and sizes.
Why This Section?
As the ISO 26000 Stakeholders Global Network, a core part of our mission is to inform and educate about ISO 26000 itself. While our About page tells the story of our Network and organization, this section is dedicated to the standard — its framework, value, tools, and connections to global sustainability goals.
Explore ISO 26000
The ISO 26000 Framework
A comprehensive guide to the structure and content of ISO 26000 — from its seven principles of social responsibility to its seven core subjects and 37 SR issues.
Added Value of ISO 26000
Discover the unique value ISO 26000 brings — common terminology, agreed principles, connection to international frameworks, and practical implementation guidance.
SDG Voyager
A unique practical guide from Germany and India to align business excellence with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, using ISO 26000 and ISO 20400.
ESG and ISO 26000
How does ISO 26000 relate to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) standards? Insights from the 2022 information session with ISO's ESG Vice Chair.
Key Facts
Multi-Stakeholder Development
Developed by experts from over 90 countries and 40+ international organizations between 2005–2010, representing industry, government, labour, consumers, NGOs, and academia.
Not a Certification Standard
ISO 26000 is a guidance standard, not a management system standard. It cannot be certified — it provides recommendations and guidance, not prescriptive requirements.
Global Adoption
Adopted as a national standard in 88+ countries, translated into 30 languages, and adopted as European CEN standard (EN ISO 26000:2020) in October 2020.
Confirmed Relevance
Confirmed without change through three ISO systematic reviews, most recently in January 2025, affirming its continued relevance for organizations worldwide.
Additional Resources
For country-specific information, relationship with other ISO standards, development history, and extensive FAQs, visit the partner website iso26000.info, managed by SGN Web Ambassador Staffan Söderberg.
You can also browse our Resource Library for downloadable documents including linkage reports, brochures, and implementation tools.