Methodology

The Methodology for the 2026 Social Benchmark

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This methodology lays out the 18 core social indicators that the World Benchmarking Alliance will use to assess and rank the 2,000 most influential companies, also known as the SDG2000, in our 2026 Social Benchmark.

The aim of this benchmark is to drive corporate accountability on the fundamental aspects of socially responsible business conduct.

This methodology was initially developed through consulting with stakeholders. We updated it in 2024 to remain relevant and integrate learnings and stakeholder input, as well as to ensure further alignment with our other benchmarks.

We will publish the next iteration of the Social Benchmark in early 2026.

How does the World Benchmarking Alliance assess the most influential companies globally on fundamental social issues?

The World Benchmarking Alliance has a set of benchmarks to assess companies on their responsibility to respect human rights, provide and promote decent work and act ethically.

Our Social Benchmark assesses the initial steps that all 2,000 companies that make up our SDG2000 should take to meet their responsibility.

Our Corporate Human Rights Benchmark and Gender Benchmark examine in greater depth how a subset of these companies in high-risk sectors address the catalytic issues of human rights and gender equality.

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