OECD Ministers recognise that sustainable development is an overarching goal for their governments and the OECD. OECD countries bear a special responsibility in achieving sustainable development worldwide. OECD activities are overseen by the Annual Meeting of Sustainable Development Experts (AMSDE), who review special projects as well as progress in mainstreaming sustainable development concepts into the overall work of the OECD.

Most OECD activities relate to sustainable development, from climate change analysis to development co-operation to corporate social responsibility. On this website, there are links to a wealth of projects and information which illuminate certain dimensions of sustainable development.

For 2005/06, AMSDE has a specific work programme to carry out. The intent is to bring together OECD experts from different realms to address certain issues. The current work programme includes analysis and a workshop on reforming subsidies which have harmful economic, environmental and social effects. An attempt is being made to identify best practices in national sustainable development strategies in the 30 OECD countries, to be supplemented by a workshop with non-OECD countries, and to measure sustainable development through indicators, accounting approaches and other frameworks.

The OECD works closely with the UN Commission on Sustainable Development (UNCSD) and contributes specifically to activities on education for sustainable development, public/private partnerships for sustainable development and the special themes (which are climate change, energy and industry in 2006/2007).