OECD Development Centre
In 1961, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development created a new platform called the OECD Development Centre. This entity emerged as an independent body designed to facilitate knowledge sharing between member countries and developing economies. The initial goal was simple yet ambitious: allow these distinct groups of nations to interact on equal footing. Before this moment, policy dialogue often favored established industrial powers over emerging markets. The centre sought to change that dynamic by establishing a neutral ground for discussion. It did not begin with grand declarations but rather with a structural decision to separate its operations from standard OECD committees. This independence allowed it to focus exclusively on bridging the gap between rich and poor nations.
Today the organisation comprises fifty-four countries in total. Twenty-five of these are members of the OECD itself. The remaining twenty-nine are non-OECD countries that joined at different times throughout history. Brazil became a full member in March 1994. India followed later during February 2001. Romania joined in October 2004 while Thailand entered the fold in March 2005. South Africa became part of the group in May 2006. Egypt and Viet Nam both joined their ranks in March 2008. Indonesia arrived in February 2009. Mauritius, Morocco and Peru all joined together in March 2009. The Dominican Republic joined in November 2009. Senegal became a member in February 2011. Argentina and Cabo Verde joined in March 2011. Panama entered in July 2013. Côte d'Ivoire, Kazakhstan and Tunisia joined in January 2015. The People's Republic of China joined in July 2015. Ghana and Uruguay joined in October 2015. Paraguay joined in March 2017. El Salvador and Guatemala joined in February 2019. Togo, Rwanda and Ecuador joined in May 2019. Albania was the most recent addition in June 2023.
The Global Forum on Development serves as a high-level venue for exchanging perspectives on poverty reduction. It brings together policy makers and civil society to discuss current challenges. In 2013 and 2014, the forum focused its discussions on preparing for the Post-2015 World. Participants explore opportunities and learn lessons about fostering social cohesion. The event attracts governments, international organisations, foundations, think tanks, media outlets, corporations and academia. These groups gather to share experiences on how to improve development cooperation. The forum does not produce binding treaties but rather facilitates open dialogue. This approach allows diverse voices to influence national strategies without political pressure from traditional power structures.
Multi-dimensional Country Reviews function as tools that contribute to the implementation of OECD Strategy for Development. They directly engage non-member countries to help them design their own paths forward. National policy makers receive inputs needed to create nationally owned development strategies. These reviews identify concrete steps to address key constraints across all dimensions of national development. The process helps countries maintain momentum for social and economic progress. It also builds effective strategies to achieve inclusive growth that improves well-being for all citizens. The effectiveness of this review process ensures the quality of the resulting strategy. Policymakers use these findings to guide future investments in infrastructure and education.
The centre produces annual thematic flagship publications titled OECD Perspectives on Global Development. It also creates regional economic outlooks in partnership with international organisations. African Development Dynamics covers economic trends across the continent. Latin American Economic Outlook focuses on South and Central America. An Economic Outlook for Southeast Asia, China and India examines Asian markets. These reports cover statistics and indicators regarding revenue in Africa, Latin America and Asia. They analyze social cohesion policy reviews alongside gender issues and migration patterns. The documents also examine youth inclusion, competitiveness and global value chains. Taxation policies and middle-class dynamics form another core component of these studies. Innovation and territorial development appear frequently within the text of these reports.
Common questions
When was the OECD Development Centre created?
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development created the OECD Development Centre in 1961. This entity emerged as an independent body designed to facilitate knowledge sharing between member countries and developing economies.
Which countries joined the OECD Development Centre after 2015?
Paraguay joined in March 2017, El Salvador and Guatemala joined in February 2019, Togo, Rwanda and Ecuador joined in May 2019, and Albania became the most recent addition in June 2023. These nations expanded the total membership count to fifty-four countries.
What is the purpose of the Global Forum on Development?
The Global Forum on Development serves as a high-level venue for exchanging perspectives on poverty reduction. It brings together policy makers and civil society to discuss current challenges without producing binding treaties.
How do Multi-dimensional Country Reviews assist non-member countries?
Multi-dimensional Country Reviews directly engage non-member countries to help them design their own paths forward through nationally owned development strategies. National policy makers receive inputs needed to create concrete steps that address key constraints across all dimensions of national development.
What are the main regional economic outlooks produced by the centre?
African Development Dynamics covers economic trends across the continent while Latin American Economic Outlook focuses on South and Central America. An Economic Outlook for Southeast Asia, China and India examines Asian markets alongside statistics regarding revenue and social cohesion policy reviews.