How it works
Since its creation in 1961, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has been a multilateral international organisation working to establish "better policies for a better life".
The OECD offers governments a forum for dialogue, as well as unique expertise, thanks to all the studies and statistics produced by its various departments. The OECD’s work is based on close collaboration between the Secretariat and Committees. The studies, carried out by the Secretariat in response to requests from the Committees, are then submitted to them for assessment. The various committees thus play a dual role of stimulating and validating the work.
The Secretariat in Paris employs nearly 3,400 people, specialists in each of the organisation’s major areas of expertise (economists, statisticians, lawyers, scientists). Headed by Mathias Cormann since 1 June 2021, it is organised into a number of departments and special bodies (see organisation chart). It produces analyses in the economic, scientific, social and environmental fields, as well as authoritative comparative studies between countries. It also provides one of the largest statistical databases in the world.
The Committees and related working groups bring together experts from the national administrations of each of the Member States. They are also open to representatives of non-member countries invited to work with the organisation on specific subjects. They provide a framework for identifying common issues, highlighting good practice and drawing up recommendations for governments. They also relay member states’ requests to the Secretariat, and validate the studies carried out before any public communication.
Certain bodies, such as the Executive Committee, the External Relations Committee and the Budget Committee are linked to the operation of the OECD. Bringing together, on a regular basis, the Permanent Representatives of the member states or their collaborators, they are responsible for the management of the organisation and its relations with non-member states.
Finally, the Council is the OECD’s decision-making body and provides strategic direction. Chaired by the Secretary-General, it brings together the Permanent Representatives of the thirty-eight member states and the Permanent Representative of the European Commission, which is associated with its work. All decisions are taken by consensus. Once a year, it meets at ministerial level to set the broad guidelines and determine the organisation’s priorities in the light of the main global challenges.
For a video presentation of the organisation, please click here