DEV: OECD Development Centre – Core Contribution 2013–2014

The Development Centre (DEV) is the “think tank” of the OECD development cluster. Its overall objective is to propose guidance to policy makers for innovative policy solutions to global, regional and national challenges of development and poverty alleviation, as well as increasingly inform and communicate relevant information regarding development challenges and achievements to the general public. It functions as a platform for dialogue and mutual learning between OECD and non-OECD countries.

The rationale for Switzerland’s support to DEV is its reputation for being an inclusive platform for evidence-based policy dialogue. On the global level, Switzerland has an interest that such evidence is shared and used to develop new and adapt existing policies to increase effectiveness on reducing poverty. At the internal level, it is expected that evidence provided by DEV is used to increase the relevance of Swiss cooperation strategies and Global Programs, but also that the Cooperation Offices make use of such evidence when engaging in policy dialogue with partner countries.

Due to its inclusive partnership approach, DEV managed to leverage its evidence-based policy recommendations far beyond OECD member countries, encompassing global, regional, governmental and non-governmental institutions. DEV’s Perspectives on Global Development Reports were crucial for informing the OECD Development Strategy (approved in 2012).

Relevant guidance for the development of thematic and geographic strategies on themes such as inclusive green growth, social cohesion, competitiveness, taxation and fiscal policy.

The guidance provided to policy makers for innovative policy solutions to global, regional and national development challenges is expected to foster evidence-based international dialogue between OECD members and non-members, increasingly involving new actors from emerging economies. In addition, it is expected that the evidence provided by DEV is used to inform the implementation of the OECD Development Strategy, thus contributing to OECD’s (sectoral) policy advice that fosters Policy Coherence for Development.

Perspectives on Global Development Reports: Switzerland is particularly interested in getting and following up on policy oriented research content provided by DEV, focusing on development challenges such as inclusive growth and measuring development beyond GDP. This research shall be used to inform Switzerland’s position on the post-2015 development framework. DEV’s research on the nexus between migration and development, aiming at mainstreaming migration into development policies, shall contribute to the operationalization of SDC’s medium term strategy of the Global Program on Migration. The policy recommendations provided by the Regional Economic Outlook Reports shall support the development of sound cooperation strategies within the regions of concern.

Total contributions Programme of Work and Budget 11/12: 7 (50)

50 members. Top five: Germany, France, UK, Spain and Italy

To be identified on a case by case basis.

Phase 7 01.01.2013 - 31.12.2014   (Completed)