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In an increasingly integrated world economy, the prosperity of OECD member countries depends not only on the development of their own economies but also on global economic development.
It is therefore essential that the Organisation promotes, on a global scale, those principles, values and policies that lead to sound, sustainable growth and poverty reduction.

Mandate

Global reach has been an integral part of the OECD from its beginning in 1961. Its global nature was already expressed in the original OECD Convention. The Convention’s Article 1 states that members “should contribute to sound economic expansion in member as well as non-member countries in the process of economic development.” To do so, Article 12 stipulates that the Organisation may:

  • Address communications to non-member states or organisations;
  • Establish and maintain relations with non-member states or organisations;
  • Invite non-member governments or organisations to participate in activities of the Organisation.

The "Revised Council Resolution on a New Governance Structure for the Organisation" reaffirms the Organisation’s engagement with non-members, in particular large emerging economies, to share best practices and to promote economic development. The OECD offers members and non-members a platform for discussion, and the exchange of experiences and insights.

Strategic Framework

Recognising that the OECD's relationships with non-member economies are even more fundamental in today's interdependent world than they were when the Organisation was founded, the OECD in 2005 adopted a strategic framework to guide its global relations. This framework allows for flexibility in individual areas of work while encouraging a coherent overall OECD approach to global relations. OECD's co-operative activities with non-members aim to support the following strategic framework:

Contribute to the harmonious functioning of the global economy

  • By promoting worldwide policy coherence;
  • By engaging major global actors as well as significant actors in specific policy fields outside of OECD membership in the work of the OECD;
  • By reducing risks of tensions and preventing conflicts through comparative research and policy dialogue;

Promote shared prosperity

  • By facilitating the integration of economies outside of OECD membership in the global economy;
  • By capitalising on the comparative advantages of the OECD;
  • By enhancing the economic prospects and standards of living of economies outside of OECD membership, taking into account of their desire and capacity to co-operate/benefit from relevant policy dialogue and related activities;

Encourage shared knowledge for better public policy

  • By drawing from experiences outside of OECD membership to anticipate significant new issues relevant to the OECD mission;
  • By capturing and disseminating good practices that are relevant to the mission of the OECD beyond the OECD membership.