Tackling the financial and economic crisis

The global economic crisis is affecting families and communities across the planet. Restoring stability, confidence and growth is the priority: the OECD is working with the world’s governments and other organisations to get economies moving again.

Society at a Glance reveals evolving social trends in OECD countries

04-May-2009

The French spend more time sleeping than anyone else in OECD countries. They also devote more time to eating than anyone else and nearly double that of Americans, Canadians or Mexicans. These are some of the insights into the differing ways in which OECD countries use that most fundamental of resources, time, in the latest edition of Society at a Glance.

Ensuring food security for the world’s poor: Questions and Answers

on 06-May-2009

The number of malnourished people around the world is estimated to rise to nearly one billion this year as the economic crisis takes its toll on developing countries. How to ensure food security for the world’s poor was the subject of a high-level meeting organised jointly by the OECD and the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).

Trade flows collapse in Q4 2008 but signs of falls easing in early 2009

30-Apr-2009

Merchandise trade volumes of the Group of Seven (G7) took an unprecedented drop in the last quarter of 2008 compared with the previous quarter. However, provisional monthly data for January and February 2009 measured in value terms suggest a slowing down of the rate of decline.

OECD Economic Survey of France 2009

28-Apr-2009

How is France affected by the global economic crisis and how can it eliminate the budget deficit? Can it raise employment rates for youth and older workers and should private research and development be supported by public funding? The Economic Survey looks at the policies needed to help pull the country out of the  recession and restore sustained growth.

Tax haven crackdown will benefit developing countries, says OECD’s Gurría

24-Apr-2009

A crackdown on tax havens and cross-border tax evasion will help developing countries to raise more revenues to pay for much-needed schools, roads and hospitals, according to OECD Secretary-General Angel Gurría. In an article published on the OECD’s website ahead of the 2009 spring meetings in Washington of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund, Mr. Gurría said improving the effectiveness of developing countries’ tax systems is the “new frontier” in development policy.

Schools must do more to motivate tomorrow’s scientists, OECD study shows

28-Apr-2009

Across OECD countries, close to 40% of high-school students who come top in science subjects have no interest in pursuing a science-related career, while almost 45% do not want to continue studying science, according to a new OECD report.

Building a Cleaner World: Tools and Good Practices for Fostering a Culture of Integrity

on 04-May-2009

The Secretary-General of the OECD, Angel Gurria, and Siim Kallas, EC Commissioner for Administrative Affairs, Audit and Anti-fraud will outline the main challenges and strategies for greater government integrity, transparency and accountability. This Global Forum on Public Governance will map risks of corruption, particularly related to public procurement, lobbying and conflict of interest.

Coordination of export credit support agreed to help boost trade flows

24-Apr-2009

Thirty-five countries have agreed to co-ordinate export credit support to help boost international trade and investment during the economic crisis. The OECD will host regular meetings to exchange information and monitor progress.