The COVID-19 pandemic has unleashed the worst health, economic and social crisis in the 60-year history of the OECD. Governments around the world have put in place unprecedented measures to save lives and preserve livelihoods, trying to cushion the impact of the crisis on the economy, firms and workers, with a special focus on the most vulnerable. Alongside direct economic effects, and in a context of high uncertainty, the pandemic has highlighted and, in some cases exacerbated, other global challenges including inequalities and digital divides. Meanwhile, the world’s environmental challenges, including climate change, remain as pressing as ever. National governments have been at the forefront of response and recovery efforts, but the crisis has also underscored the need for stronger international co-operation to collaborate in the development and widespread distribution of treatments and vaccines, co-ordinate economic responses or promote greater resilience in global value chains, just to cite a few examples. While containing the virus remains a top priority for policy-makers, the recovery is also an opportunity not just to jumpstart growth and job creation but also to undertake transformative action to “build back better.”

Our 2020 Ministerial Council Meeting, chaired by Spain with Chile, Japan and New Zealand as vice-chairs, will gather Leaders and Ministers on 28-29 October 2020 in virtual format. It follows a series of preparatory ministerial roundtables and other events. Leaders and Ministers will discuss their priorities for domestic recovery plans and their expectations for international co-operation in support of a strong, resilient, green and inclusive recovery. They will also discuss the role that the OECD can play in supporting member and partner countries in these challenging times in policy areas ranging from macroeconomic policies, to employment and social protection, trade and investment or the actions needed for a green recovery.

> Opening Remarks by Angel Gurría, OECD Secretary-General

> Key issues paper

> 2020 Strategic Orientations of the Secretary-General

> Compendium of Policy Good Practices for Quality Infrastructure Investment

> OECD's global relations - Making OECD standards and policies count on a global scale

> Standard-setting progress report

> Recommendation of the Council on financial literacy

> 2020 Ministerial Council Statement

> Chair's Statement - 2020 Ministerial Council

Background paper on Gender

Background paper on Development

Business Recommendations ahead of 2020 OECD Ministerial Council (Business at OECD)

A roadmap for fair and sustainable recovery (TUAC)

Economic Outlook

Employment Outlook

OECD Policy Brief - Making the green recovery work for growth, income and jobs 

Business and Finance Outlook

The Circular Economy in Cities and Regions

> Watch the Opening and Leaders' Session of the 2020 Ministerial Council Meeting

• 2019 Harnessing digital transition for sustainable development: opportunities and challenges
  
• 2018 Reshaping the Foundations of Multilateralism for more responsive, effective and inclusive outcomes 
  
• 2017 Making globalisation work: Better lives for all
• 2016 Enhancing productivity for inclusive growth
• 2015 Unlocking investment for sustainable growth and jobs
• 2014 Resilient economies and inclusive societies: Empowering people for jobs and growth 
• 2013 It's all about people: jobs, equality and trust
• 2012 All on board: Policies for inclusive growth and jobs
• 2011 Better policies for better lives
• 2010 From recovery to sustained growth
• 2009 The crisis and beyond: Building a stronger, cleaner, fairer world economy
  
• Communiqués from 1976 to 2008
  
  

More information on the OECD