Foreword by Mathias Cormann Secretary-General of the OECD

Photo: OECD

Foreword by Mathias Cormann Secretary-General of the OECD

Well balanced and effective multilateralism is essential to addressing the most pressing global policy challenges of our time. The issues and specific policy challenges we face today have naturally evolved since the OECD’s founding in 1961, but the need for sound, evidenced based policy making has not.

Today, the OECD’s 38 Member countries span from North and South America to Europe and the Asia-Pacific. On behalf of and with our Members, we facilitate international co-operation, provide comparative data and policy analysis and evidence based advice, and set standards across a great many areas of economic and policy activity.

The value and credibility of our work reflects the dedication and participation of our Members through our Committees, guided by the Council, the OECD’s overarching decision-making body.

The OECD’s Committee structure is part of our "DNA". It is unique among international organisations, incorporating around 300 bodies in total and covering an expansive range of topics from improving economic performance and creating jobs to fostering strong education, tackling inequality and youth unemployment and fighting international tax evasion.

Through our Committees, we bring together and create communities of expert policymakers in every area of OECD activity, providing the opportunity for our Members to assess data, to engage in peer review and to exchange – with each other and with the OECD’s experts – on common challenges and on best practices for addressing them.

"Inside the OECD: Committees and their Chairs"provides valuable insights into the scope and role of each OECD Committee. It will help all those interested in better understanding how the OECD works and how our Members make best use of this Organisation. I commend it to you.