The DAC is a key forum in which major bilateral donors work to increase the effectiveness of their common efforts to support sustainable development. The DAC concentrates on how international development co-operation contributes to the capacity of developing countries to participate in the global economy and the capacity of people to overcome poverty and participate fully in their societies.

Created in 1962, the Development Centre brings together the knowledge and experience in Member countries of economic development and policy formulation; adapts such knowledge and experience to the real needs of countries or regions in the process of development; and puts the results at the disposal of the international community, policy makers, academics, the business community and civil society.

Together with governments, regional institutions and civil society/private sector organisations, the Sahel and West Africa Club (SWAC) supports the development and implementation of action-oriented policies and investments that take into account the complementarities between local, national and regional levels. It supports West African initiatives to promote medium- and long-term development. The SWAC also helps identify strategic questions on the region’s future and facilitates exchanges between regional actors and OECD member countries that lead to concrete actions on the ground.

The Centre for Co-operation with Non-Members promotes and co-ordinates the OECD's policy dialogue and co-operation with a wide range of transition and emerging economies and some developing countries to share institutional and policy options between Members and non-Members (120 activities) and to promote the latter's participation in OECD Committees and adherence to OECD norms and instruments.