The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), based in Paris, is a successor to the Organisation for European Economic Co-operation (OEEC) and currently includes 38 member countries. It serves as a forum for member states to jointly address the economic, social and environmental challenges of globalisation.
In its role of international standard setter, the OECD publishes comparative analyses and studies from which best practices can be identified. In line with its founding mandate, the OECD contributes in particular to the promotion of policies aimed at sustainable global economic development, rising living standards, the expansion of world trade, the development of scientific and technological resources, and the promotion of research and education. In addition, the OECD has established itself as an important player in the global governance architecture and contributes to policy making in a globalised world as an advisor together with other international organisations (e.g. G7/G20 meetings).
The focus of the work of the OECD is on fiscal and economic policy, but employment and social policy issues are becoming increasingly important. They are coordinated by the Employment, Labour and Social Affairs Committee (ELSAC) in cooperation with the OECD Secretariat. Every year, the Employment Outlook, which contains OECD projections on growth, employment and wages, is published. In addition, the regular OECD country reports (economic surveys) examine labour market and social policies and reform efforts in the member countries.