Council of Europe works to support state actions in incorporating human rights and environmental protection into business operations across public and private sector directly contributing to the achievement of SDG12. A Workshop on "Implementing human rights and environmental due diligence" was organised in December 2022 in the framework of the CDDH 97th meeting, enabling to discuss notably the Committee of Ministers’ CM/Rec(2016)3 on human rights and business and CM/Rec(2022)20 on human rights and the protection of the environment, as well as the role of the Council of Europe in ensuring a meaningful dialogue with business enterprises and stakeholders. Work is continuing on these matters both at the intergovernmental/standard-setting level (including in CDDH-ENV) and through co-operation activities. A cooperation project “Human Rights and Environmentally Responsible Business Practices” is aimed at (i) supporting states to develop/improve their policy frameworks, (ii) enhancing access to justice through strengthening institutions, and raising awareness on the available judicial and non-judicial remedies for the victims of the human rights violations caused by business operations and (iii) empowering businesses to conduct thorough human rights and environmental due diligence. The project’s actions are envisaged in 4 directions:(1) Knowledge organisation and exchange, including modernisation of the online platform for Human Rights and Business  in order to consolidate key resources of the Council of Europe related to the subject, case law of the European Court of Human Rights and international standards. (2) Capacity building, including update of HELP course on Business and Human Rights. (3) Legal analysis and practical tools update or development, as well as (4) awareness-raising campaigns.

The approach of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities is based on three key principles: achieving SDGs is the shared responsibility of all levels of government; local and regional authorities must have the necessary competences and financial autonomy to achieve the goals in their respective areas; citizens must always remain at the heart of the action.

For the sustainability of our societies, it is important to ensure resource efficiency, access to basic services and a good quality of life for all. Congress contributes to the economic, environmental, social and competitive development of cities, which must opt for sustainable consumption and production.

The Congress adopted the following texts in relation to SDG 12: