The initiative is intended to address global gaps in the availability and visibility of responsible supply-chain data. Developed as part of the World Bank Institute’s Open Private Sector Platform, the Web-based and user-managed online tool will provide data that allows businesses to conduct online assessments of their suppliers and consumers, based on a series of governance and sustainability indicators. Sedex Global will develop content for the platform while OpenCorporates, an open database of global companies, will design the system’s architecture. According to the partners, the free-to-use platform will enable businesses of all sizes to upload, share and track core information related to business ethics, labor standards, environmental footprints and governance practices. Suppliers will be able to benchmark themselves against core international standards and receive guidance on areas of weakness. Buyers will be able to use the platform to search for and source goods and services from suppliers that have demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of sustainability requirements and commitments.

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