Decision-makers face a complex, uncertain world in which the assessment of the trends shaping our long-term future has become a formidable challenge. Economic, social and technological forces are combining to drive change along at great speed and in sometimes unexpected directions. A growing deluge of information is making it increasingly hard to discern the key factors affecting the long term.

The OECD International Futures Programme helps decision makers meet this challenge via improved monitoring of the long-term economic and social horizon; more accurate pinpointing of major developments and possible trend breaks; greater analytical appreciation of key long-term issues; and better dialogue and information-sharing to help set policy agendas and map strategy.

Established in 1990, the Programme is backed up by the OECD's unique experience and capacity for in-depth analysis across a wide range of policy areas of keen interest to governments. It operates under the responsibility of the Secretary General and is advised by an Informal Group of Ambassadors to the OECD.

The Programme is only partially financed through the ordinary budget of the Organisation. A major part of its funding is based on voluntary contributions from governments and on grants from enterprises and foundations.