Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)

The OECD provides a forum in which its 38 member states can come together to discuss, review and improve their policy on economic matters, finance, education, science, social affairs, the environment and development. Against the background of globalisation, it allows governments to exchange information and experiences and work together to seek solutions to common problems, with a particular emphasis on better coordination and more coherence in national and international economic policy.

Image of the entrance of the Conference Centre at OECD Headquarters in Paris
Main entrance of the Conference Centre at OECD Headquarters in Paris. © OECD

What is the OECD?

 
  • Established in 1961
  • Headquartered in Paris
  • 38 member countries
  • Annual budget of EUR 363 million
  • Secretariat staff 3'200
  • 250 publications per year

Official OECD website

OECD member countries

What does the OECD do?

The mission of the OECD is to help its member countries to:

  • Support sustainable economic growth
  • Boost employment
  • Raise living standards
  • Maintain financial stability
  • Assist other countries' economic development
  • Contribute to growth in world trade

OECD activity fields

How does the OECD work?

The governments of member countries meet regularly in committees to :

  • Compare experiences ("peer reviews")
  • Seek solutions to common problems
  • Identify good practices
  • Develop international standards
  • Coordinate their national and international policies

The OECD and its secretariat collect data, analyse and forecast economic and social trends and developments.

What benefits does the OECD offer Switzerland?

  • International platform for advocating Switzerland's interests
  • Opportunity to be involved in defining international standards
  • Peer learning
  • Arguments for structural reforms which are necessary but politically difficult
  • Areas of particular interest: investment, competition, tax, development, health and innovation

The future of the OECD

  • Status quo: risks losing influence and economic clout to new actors
  • Aim: globalisation hub
  • One candidate country for accession: Costa Rica. Negotiations with Russia are postponed.
  • Enhanced engagement with the "global players" of tomorrow: Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, South Africa 

Last update 11.03.2024

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