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Benchmarking innovation in Latin America: Buenos Aires Meeting

from 30-Sep-2009 to 01-Oct-2009

Leading experts from Latin American and OECD countries met in Buenos Aires on 30 September and 1 October to discuss new ways of benchmarking innovation in the region, with a focus on how innovation policies can help boost development.

Workshop on Migration in Central America in Costa Rica

18-Jun-2009

In preparation of the next Latin American Economic Outlook 2010, the OECD Development Centre Poverty Reduction and Social Development Unit is co-organising with FLACSO a regional workshop on migration in Central America, taking place next 25 June in San José de Costa Rica.

Democracy and fiscal legitimacy in Latin America

09-Jun-2009

Latinobarometro and the OECD Development Centre organised a joint seminar on democracy and fiscal legitimacy in Latin America on 29 May at the Maison de l'Amérique latine, in Paris. Renowed experts discussed public attitudes towards democratic institutions in the region and the impact of fiscal policy on democratic legitimacy.

Latin America and the Global Economic Crisis: What are the Prospects?

20-May-2009

The IDB and the OECD Development Centre co-organised a seminar entitled "Latin America and the Global Economic Crisis: What are the Prospects?" on 20 May at the Maison de l’Amérique latine in Paris. The discussion focused on the challenges that the current economic crisis poses to the region, and provided some general policy principles for governments and international institutions. 

Experts invited to discuss migration challenges in Latin America

15-May-2009

On 18-19 May, experts from Latin American and OECD countries met in Paris to discuss how the international crisis is affecting migration and remittances, and its various implications for development in the region. Conclusions and recommendations will feed into the forthcoming Latin American Economic Outlook 2010, to be published in late November of this year.

Challenges ahead for public debt management in Latin America

17-Apr-2009

Public debt levels are still high in Latin America, although considerable progress has been made during the last decade. Today, both the public and private bond markets face important challenges as a result of foreign exchange volatility, reduced liquidity and forthcoming elections. Development Centre Economist Sebastian Nieto presented these issues in Montevideo, at the Annual Meeting of Debt Management Specialists organised by the IADB and the Uruguayan Ministry of Finance.

Fiscal policy takes central stage at WEF in Rio

14-Apr-2009

A press conference presenting the Development Centre’s work on fiscal policy in Latin America took place on 15 April at the World Economic Forum regional meeting in Rio de Janeiro. OECD Development Centre Director, Javier Santiso, explained which reforms can help boost growth while combating inequality. He was accompanied by Joaquim Levy, Secretary of Finance of the State of Rio de Janeiro, and by Arminio Fraga, former Governor of Brazil's Central Bank.

OECD work on Latin American Fiscal Policy discussed in Washington

25-Mar-2009

OECD Development Centre Director Javier Santiso made several presentations of the Latin American Economic Outlook 2009 in Washington DC, including at the U.S Department of State and the U.S. Congress. Santiso brought attention to the need to strenghten regional efforts to reform fiscal policy with a view to boosting development and well-being. Public presentations were also held at the Inter-American Dialogue and the Organisation of American States.

Chinese translations of Development Centre's reports presented in Beijing

12-Mar-2009

OECD Deputy Secretary General Thelma Askey participated on March 2 at the Beijing International Forum on Latin America and the Caribbean 2008-2009, organised by the Institute for Latin American Studies and attended by high-level officials from the Chinese Government. The Chinese version of the Latin American Economic Outlook 2009  was presented at this important policymaking seminar, together with other publications on Latin America by the Development Centre.

Is fiscal policy back?

09-Mar-2009

The economic crisis has hit the entire world economy, with governments stepping in to rescue financial systems and kick-start economic growth. This adds up to a triumph for government fiscal policy, though fiscal policy must be used audaciously, not least in Latin America.

Colombian Foreign Minister praises Development Centre's work on Latin America

05-Mar-2009

At the presentation of the Latin American Economic Outlook 2009 in Bogota, Colombian Minister of Foreign Affairs Jaime Bermúdez praised the report for having a "priceless value for development in the region". With more than 300 people in attendance, Minister Bermúdez also highlighted the importance of Colombia's recent accession to the OECD Development Centre, in July 2008.

Paris Forum examined Latin America's economic challenges in 2009

on 26-Jan-2009

As the global financial crisis hits Latin American and Caribbean economies, leading policymakers and business leaders gathered in Paris on 26 January to discuss the region's economic outlook, the impact of fiscal policy on development and the role the private sector can play in fostering progress in the continent.

Latin American Economic Outlook presented in Berlin

on 19-Jan-2009

OECD Development Centre Economist Christian Daude presented the main conclusions of the Latin American Economic Outlook 2009 to a selected audience of academics and policymakers in Berlin, on 19 January 2009, at a seminar hosted by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.

Presentation of the Latin American Economic Outlook 2009 in Chile

01-Dec-2008

The Latin American Economic Outlook 2009 was presented in Santiago de Chile on 28 November 2008. Two presentations of the report took place at the Chilean capital. The first one hosted by the Ministry of Finance and the second by the Universidad Católica de Chile.

Presentation of the Latin American Economic Outlook 2009 in Madrid

27-Nov-2008

The director of the OECD Development Centre, Javier Santiso presented the Latin American Economic Outlook 2009  in Madrid on 18 November 2008, at a seminar hosted by Casa de América. This is the second year that the Spanish presentation of the report takes place in this well-known Madrid venue.

Improving social cohesion in Latin America: making the most of globalisation

09-Oct-2008

While the global economy has created immense opportunities for Latin America, it has not reduced deep inequalities. In his remarks at a Euro-Latin American Forum in Paris, OECD Secretary-General Angel Gurría stressed that improvement in three crucial areas of public policy -fiscal policy, education and regional development- can foster social cohesion in the region.

The future of the middle class in Latin America

OECD Development Centre staff will participate at sessions on Latin America's socioeconomic prospects and the quality of education spending in the region at the fourth Ibero-American Development Agenda seminar taking place in Barcelona.

Quality of life in Latin America: the urban dimension

22-Sep-2008

Latin America is the only region in the developing world where the majority of the population lives in urban areas. OECD Development Centre Director, Javier Santiso, participated in this OECD/Inter-American Development Bank seminar analysing the results of a research project assessing efforts to improve the quality of life in Latin America's rapidly growing cities.

Spain strengthens support for Centre's Latin America and Africa work

16-Sep-2008

The Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation will support the Development Centre’s Latin America and Africa desks with a grant worth €450,000.  The signature of the Memorandum of Understanding pledging this voluntary contribution took place on the occasion of the visit by the Spanish Ambassador to the OECD, Cristina Narbona, to the Centre.

How can Latin America benefit from the boom in commodity prices?

09-Sep-2008

Natural resources and development can go hand in hand. An OECD Development Centre Policy Brief and shorter Policy Insight analyse how countries like Chile and Norway offer lessons on how to use the bonanza from commodity exports to foster the economy and improve living conditions. The key policies: good governance, fiscal responsibility and future vision.

Presentation on the macro management of commodity booms, UNU-Wider project meeting, Johannesburg, 5-6 September

09-Sep-2008

OECD Development Centre researcher Rolando Avendaño made a presentation based on the Centre's resent work on the macro management of commodity booms in Africa and Latin America at the UNU-WIDER meeting on Southern engines of global growth that took place on 5-6 September in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The emerging force of Latin American multinationals

02-Sep-2008

In this article published by the CEPAL Review, OECD Development Centre Director Javier Santiso analyses how Latin American multinationals, or multilatinas, compete with the largest conglomerates from the developed world in terms of their manufacturing and financial strength.

Colombia joins the OECD Development Centre

30-Jul-2008

Colombia is the 10th non-OECD member to join the Development Centre. Colombia's engagement in the Centre provides a great opportunity for the country and the OECD to learn from each other and strengthen collaboration (view the slideshow). Earlier this year, Poland, Egypt, Israel and Vietnam  took their seats at the Centre’s Governing Board as well.

Work on Sovereign Debt Crises at World Congress of the International Economic Association

03-Jul-2008

OECD Development Centre Economist Sebastian Nieto presented  his work "Sovereign Debt Crises through the Prism of Primary Bond Market" at the 15th World Congress of the International Economic Association, in Istanbul on 28 June 2008

Work on Telecommunications at the 12th EADI General Conference

02-Jul-2008

Economist Juan Ramón de Laiglesia presented  his work on telecommunications and development at the 12th General Conference of the European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes, at Geneva, on 25 June 2008.

OECD Development Centre at the G-20 Workshop on Fiscal Space

from 19-Jun-2008 to 20-Jun-2008

Javier Santiso, Director of the OECD Development Centre, was invited to participate in the G20 roundtable on Fiscal Space for Stability, Growth and Social Inclusion taking place in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on 19 and 20 June 2008.  Mr Santiso presented  the findings of the Latin American Economic Outlook report.

China and India in Iberoamerica: Economic Complementarity?

04-Jun-2008

OECD Development Centre Director Javier Santiso presented the Centre's research on China's and India's economic impact in Latin America at this seminar organised by Casa America and Casa Asia in Madrid, on 17 June 2008.

LEO and Bertelsmann Foundation present research on Latin America

04-Jun-2008

The Latin American Economic Outlook team presented the main conclusions of its 2008 report and some preliminary findings of the 2009 study at a seminar in Berlin hosted by the Bertelsmann Foundation, on June 5.

International Transport Forum 2010

The International Transport Forum 2010 will be held from 26-28 May in Leipzig, Germany under the theme of Transport and Innovation: Unleashing the Potential. The Forum will focus on the essential role of innovation in building the transport sector.

Lower blood alcohol levels can save lives

23-Oct-2009

Ireland has proposed to reduce blood alcohol limits to 0.5 g/l for general drivers, as is already the case in nearly all EU countries.

Transpark: The Trucking Industry's On-Line One-Stop-Shop

20-Oct-2009

Geneva: The International Road Transport Union (IRU) and the International Transport Forum (ITF) are pleased to announce the launch of TRANSPark, a webbased platform providing a full range of services to all actors involved in goods transport by road.

Asia Needs to Act on Road Crashes

22-Sep-2009

“Crashes result in an unacceptable burden of deaths and serious injuries on the roads in all countries”, said Jack Short, Secretary General of the International Transport Forum, explaining the purpose of the 4th IRTAD Conference in Seoul on safety data collection and analysis. “In Asia over 2000 people die on the road every day, accounting for 60% of casualties at global level. It is essential that all governments in the region treat the issue as a major policy priority”.

Electric Vehicles are no Short-Term Solution: Improvements of Combustion Engines Needed and Feasible

22-Sep-2009

“Electric vehicles are not a short-term solution for the challenges of climate change,” said the Secretary General of the International Transport Forum Jack Short at the opening day of the International Motor Show (Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung – IAA) in Frankfurt. They are certainly on the way but even optimists think that they will account for less than 10% of sales by 2020. “So, 90% of new cars that year and a much larger share of the fleet will still use internal combustion engines.”

Jack Short: The Bottom has been Reached

15-Sep-2009

For the transport sector to emerge stronger from the crisis, the Secretary General of the International Transport Forum said three conditions had to be met: First, “investment is needed but priorities need to be revised.” Stimulus packages are working, delivering quick improvements and protecting jobs. But according to Mr. Short, “they are still needed.” Read the full press release

Road Safety Improved in 2008

27-Jul-2009

After a slowdown in the pace of improvement in road safety in 2007, road fatalities in most countries for which data are available show a large reduction in 2008 compared to the previous year (see Table 1 and Figure 1). A number of countries recorded further sharp decreases in road fatalities in
the first quarter of 2009 (see Table 2). See full press release and statistics

Key Ministerial Messages emerging from International Transport Forum 2009

02-Jun-2009

Key Messages emerging from the Ministerial discussion of the International Transport Forum 2009: Transport for a Global Economy: Challenges and Opportunities in the Downturn emphasised the importance of:
• efficient transport systems and sound investments;
• maintaining progress towards open markets;
• addressing unintended environmental and social consequences of globalisation;
• finding adequate funds for transport and prioritising scarce resources; and
• reliable and secure supply chains.

International Transport Sector Confident to Provide Transport's Central Role in Stimulating Economies Around the World

02-Jun-2009

800 delegates from around the world, including 52 Transport Ministers and industry leaders discussed the future of global transport at the 2009 International Transport Forum in Leipzig, Germany. In the face of the global economic downturn, transport will play a key role in supporting economic growth and in the creation of new confidence in the world’s economic future, the delegates of the 2009 International Transport Forum (ITF) agreed.

Finding Ways Forward for Global Transport in the Face of the Economic Downturn

02-Jun-2009

Bringing together 52 Ministers and top business leaders from around the world, the global transport sector will be convening today at the main political meeting of the International transport Forum (ITF) in Leipzig, Germany. Today’s three panels will be one of the highlights of the Forum, presenting the most important issues of the conference, i.e. how the current downturn is affecting transport and the appropriate policy responses, the role for transport in effective stimulus packages, the risks of a return to protectionism etc.

New Thinking in the Face of the Economic Downturn Required

27-Apr-2009

“Difficult times require new thinking”, said the Secretary General of the International Transport Forum (ITF) Jack Short in Berlin on Friday, “because in the face of the current economic downturn, global transportation faces major challenges.” But at the same time, Mr. Short added, there are also opportunities for sustainable change. Together with the German Minister of Transport Wolfgang Tiefensee and the Turkish Minister of Transport Binali Yıldırım the Secretary General of ITF, Mr Jack Short, presented the programme of this year’s International Transport Forum. See Programme

Investments in Infrastructure need to be More Efficient

16-Mar-2009

“The economic crisis has put transportation at the crossroads: We urgently need to address the prioritisation of investment serving the most productive activities and notably international trade in goods and services”, said Jack Short, Secretary General of the International Transport Forum (ITF), at the EIB Forum in Barcelona.

International agencies launch 50% global fuel economy plan to key industry players at Geneva Motor Show

05-Mar-2009

The ’50 by 50’ Global Fuel Economy Initiative (GFEI) report shows how annual savings of six billion barrels of oil and 2 gigatonnes of CO2 – equivalent to half the total current annual emissions of the EU - are achievable through an ambitious world wide programme.

The report sets out a path to a reduction in fuel consumption per kilometre of 50% by 2050 – with intermediate goals in 2020 and 2030 - in line with suggestions made by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

International Expert Meeting on “The school of the future, today – a systemic approach to technology-based school innovations"

from 18-Nov-2009 to 20-Nov-2009

An International Expert Meeting on “The school of the future, today – a systemic approach to technology-based school innovations” held in Santa Catarina (Brazil) conjointly with the Secretariat for Education of the State of Santa Catarina and the OECD Centre for Educational Research and Innovation on 18-20 November 2009. (Website in Portuguese)

International Conference on the New Millennium Learners

from 21-Sep-2009 to 23-Sep-2009

This International Conference jointly organised by the OECD and the Flemish Ministry of Education took place at the Flemish Ministry of Education & Training in Brussels.

Innovating education

12-Mar-2009

A professor of a well-known business school in Spain once remarked that the one thing people forget to do in a crisis is “think”. He could have added “think innovatively”. For 40 years, that is precisely what OECD’s Centre for Educational Research and Innovation (CERI) has been doing: helping educators and policymakers think and so better tackle challenges and prepare for the future.
 - OECD Observer -

Higher Education to 2030: What Futures for Quality Access?

It is crucial to start imagining today the possible – as well as the desirable – roles for higher education in tomorrow’s societies. The OECD/France conference Higher Education to 2030 was held on 8 and 9 December 2008 in Paris with a view to present and discuss possible and desirable futures for higher education.

Innovating to Learn, Learning to Innovate

13-Nov-2008

OECD economies have experienced the transformation from their traditional industrial base to the knowledge era, in which learning and innovation are central. Yet, many of today's schools have not caught up: they continue to operate as they did in the earlier decades of the 20th century. How can learning within and outside schools be reconfigured in environments that foster the deeper knowledge and skills so crucial in the 21st century?

Schooling for Tomorrow: Final International Conference

28-Oct-2008

This conference took stock of the lessons learned over the decade of "Schooling for Tomorrow" and looked ahead through the major trends impacting on the future. The conference was also an opportunity to learn about the Finnish experience with futures thinking in education complemented by visits to 21st century learning environments in and around Helsinki.

Trends Shaping Education

Education is influenced by the world we live in. The new OECD book "Trends Shaping Education" looks at specific impacts on schooling of things happening elsewhere in our lives, from climate change and the growth of the Internet to changing lifestyles and family structures. Does the diversification of family forms mean a changing balance of responsibilities between the school and the home? And what is the impact on schooling of other phenomena, from the rise of obesity to the spread of mobile phones?

CERI Expert Meeting: Return to Gender: Gender, ICT and Education

from 02-Jun-2008 to 03-Jun-2008

As part of the New Millennium Learners Project (NML), the OECD's Centre for Educational Research and Innovation (CERI), together with the Norwegian Ministry of Education and Research organised an Expert Meeting on Gender, ICT and Education on 2-3 June in Oslo, Norway.

Teaching, learning and assessment for adults: how to improve foundation skills

11-Feb-2008

Adults with low skills in language, literacy and numeracy are numerous in many OECD countries. The consequences of these low foundation skills span the economic, health and social well-being of individuals, families and communities. Investment in this sector of adult education is therefore crucial. A new OECD report looks specifically inside the programmes for these adult learners, with a focus on formative assessment.

Cross-border higher education is emerging to become a fascinating but very complex phenomenon

28-Jan-2008

The last two decades have seen a significant growth in the mobility of higher education programmes and providers through physical and virtual modes of delivery. This presents many new opportunities, but also a certain number of challenges, as shows the new report "Cross-border Tertiary Education: A Way towards Capacity Development", published jointly by OECD/CERI and the World Bank. 

Pension Funds Recovering in 2009, says OECD

26-Oct-2009

Pension funds staged a partial recovery in the first half of 2009, generating investment returns of 3.5% in nominal terms. But, as of 30 June 2009, total pension funds assets still remained 14% below their December 2007 levels, according to the latest edition of OECD Pensions Markets in Focus.

Pension supervisors strengthen global oversight

19-Oct-2009

The International Organisation of Pension Supervisors (IOPS) approves a series of guidelines and reports designed to strengthen the supervisory oversight of global pension systems and protect vulnerable pension fund members and retirees in the face of challenging and volatile economic conditions.

Calendar of meetings and events for 2009 - 2011

This page contains a list of meetings and events taking place within the programme of work of the International Organisation of Pension Supervisors.
 

Private pensions need long-term, appropriate performance benchmarks

19-Oct-2009

The OECD and the World Bank today announced the preliminary results of their project evaluating the financial performance of pension funds around the world.

The project aims to examine how to measure financial performance of pension funds taking into account the link between participants’ benefits to the performance of financial markets.

Private pensions in Latin America have emerged stronger after the financial and economic crisis

16-Oct-2009

Participants at the annual IOPS/OECD Global Forum on Private Pensions discussed the impact and policy responses to the financial and economic crisis on the pension industry, with a particular focus on the major policy developments in the Brazilian pension industry.

IOPS Caribbean Regional Workshop on Private Pension Supervision, 8-9 October 2009

from 08-Oct-2009 to 09-Oct-2009

The IOPS Workshop on Private Pension Supervision was held in Jamaica on 8-9 October 2009. This was the first time that the IOPS organised a workshop for the Caribbean region in the framework of its global outreach activities. The discussion at the workshop focused on the following key areas: impact of the global financial crisis on pension funds; risk-based supervision; regulation and supervision of payout phase; use of intervention, sanction and enforcement powers; financial education; discussion on the development of a regional association of pension supervisors.

OECD/IOPS Global Forum on Private Pensions: Pension Reform and Developments in Latin America, 14-15 October 2009

English |  View long abstract

14-Oct-2009

The Global Forum examined reform progress in the Latin American region and Brazil in particular, focusing on the main challenges facing DC private individual pension schemes – the main type of retirement arrangements in the region.

Promoting commercial agriculture in Africa

02-Oct-2009

Discover the latest edition of the "OECD Journal: General papers", edited by Kiichiro Fukasaku, that includes articles on commercial agriculture in Ghana, Mali, Senegal, Tanzania, and Zambia.

Lessons for Africa in new aid conditionality study

29-Sep-2009

The African Economic Outlook 2009 found Africa strengthening trade and development relations with emerging market economies including Brazil, China and India. A new Development Centre study, "Policy Ownership and Aid Conditionality in the Light of the Financial Crisis", discusses how all aid recipient countries should exploit the arrival of these and other new donors to demand fewer conditions on aid and adopt a more proactive approach to donors relations. For donors, the case is made that a more ‘arms-length’ relationship with recipient countries would be beneficial.

The Crisis and ICT take the stage at 2009 Africa Forum

on 05-Jun-2009

On Friday 5 June 2009, most of the 600 participants in the IXth International Economic Forum on Africa entered the congress hall willing to challenge the high-level invited panelists. There were very critical questions stating that the majority of the benefits of the economic growth goes to foreign multinationals. The panelists reacted that economic indicators demonstrated gains in employment, economic growth and macroeconomic stability. Couldn't make it? Revisit the event online!

African Economic Outlook 2009

28-May-2009

The 2009 edition of the African Economic Outlook (AEO) covers 47 African countries, up from 35 last year. The report finds the region gravely affected by the global economic downturn. Following half a decade of above 5 per cent economic growth, the continent can expect only 2.8 per cent in 2009, less than half of the 5.7 per cent expected before the crisis.

OECD Development Centre to produce domestic resource mobilization study

24-Apr-2009

The Africa and Middle East Desk of the OECD Development Centre is undertaking a study on how African states can more effectively mobilise domestic resources. A key objective is to offset the public financing shortages created by the current fall in global economic activity and the collapse of commodity prices. Contact: dev.africa@oecd.org

Innovation in Information and Communication Technology in Africa

on 15-Dec-2008

The Development Centre and the African Development Bank are inviting ICT specialists to contribute their expertise to the preparation of the thematic focus of the African Economic Outlook 2009. They will reflect on the progress achieved in deploying ICT for development, assess the extent and sustainability of the sector’s contribution to Africa’s growth, review best practices in public policies, regulation and financing, and provide recommendations for meeting future challenges.

AEO 2008 at European Development Days 2008

on 17-Nov-2008

The Development Centre will present the findings on education and skills development of the AEO 2008 at the European Development Days 2008 (Strasbourg, 15-17 November). The special session 'Better Education & Training - Creating Opportunities for the Young in Africa and Latin America' will take place on Monday 17 November at 12:30.

Employment in the ICT sector continues dropping

17-Nov-2009

Employment is continuing to drop in the information and communications technology (ICT) goods sector and remaining flat in most ICT services, according to a new OECD report.

OECD events at the Internet Governance Forum (IGF)

from 14-Nov-2009 to 18-Nov-2009

The OECD is organizing several events at the IGF in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, including workshops on 'Global ICT services sourcing post-crisis', on 'Expanding access to the Internet and broadband for development' and on 'Using ICTs and the Internet to meet environmental challenges', as well as an open forum on 'The importance of Internet Access and Openness for a sustainable economic recovery'.

Global ICT Services Sourcing Post-Crisis: Trends and Developments

on 14-Nov-2009

This workshop, to be held in Egypt, will address developments in international ICT services sourcing enabled by the Internet, analyse the impacts of the economic crisis, and suggest frameworks for development and supply of these services from developing countries. A live webcast is available.

“Green ICT” side-event at UN Climate Change talks in Barcelona

on 05-Nov-2009

Innovation in ICTs is key to achieving ambitious CO2 emissions reductions. At the UN Climate Change talks in Barcelona - four weeks ahead of COP15 - the OECD, ITU, GeSI and international partners discussed how ICTs can help combat global warming.

ICCP Technology Foresight Forum - "Cloud Computing: The Next Computing Paradigm?"

28-Oct-2009

First launched in 2005, Technology Foresight Forums are an annual event organised by the OECD Committee for Information, Computer, and Communications Policy to help identify opportunities and challenges for the Internet Economy posed by technical developments.  Foresight forums represent a collaborative effort of policy makers from member and non-member governments, business, civil society, and the Internet technical community.  Past forum topics include RFID, Participative Web, and Next Generation Networks.

The impact of the crisis on ICT and ICT-related employment

28-Oct-2009

This paper provides an overview of short-term and long-term developments in ICT employment trends. Preliminary analysis of available indicators shows that employment is dropping in the ICT sector - notably in ICT goods sectors and mostly remaining flat in ICT services. The paper also highlights some niche ICT activities where ICT employment is increasing despite the crisis.

Workshop on Policy Coherence in the Application of Information and Communication Technologies for Development

from 10-Sep-2009 to 11-Sep-2009

Information communication technologies (ICTs) are crucial to reducing poverty, improving access to health and education services and creating new sources of income and employment for the poor. But there are substantial discrepancies in access to ICTs between, but also within, countries, depending on key factors such as gender, rural coverage, skills and educational levels. This workshop, organised jointly by the World Bank/infoDev and the OECD, aimed to share best practices in coherent approaches to meeting development objectives laid out by Ministers.

OECD Communications Outlook 2009

11-Aug-2009

This new edition presents the most recent comparable data on the performance of the communication sector in OECD countries and on their policy frameworks. The 2009 edition analyses the communications sector over the years following the "dot com bubble" crisis and explores future developments. It provides an extensive range of indicators for the development of different communications networks and compares performance indicators such as revenue, investment, employment and prices for service throughout the OECD area.

Improving measurement of links between ICT and environmental outcomes

31-Jul-2009

This report explores available statistics and data from official statistical sources and from product life cycle studies, suggests a conceptual framework for the statistical field “ICT and the environment” and makes recommendations on how to improve statistical collection.

ICT industry poised to rebound, says new OECD report

28-Jul-2009

Is the ICT industry recovering?   Global production and trade of information and communications technology goods turned up sharply in May and June – and ICTs may be among the first of crisis-stricken industries to start growing again, according to a new OECD report. After plunging 30-40% earlier this year, Asian production is now showing month-to-month improvement and China is up nearly 3%
year-on-year.

Piracy of Digital Content

28-Jul-2009

This new book covers the piracy of content, such as music, films and software that does not involve the use of physical media; in other words essentially piracy over the Internet. The study highlights the unique market characteristics of digital piracy where large number of suppliers are willing to provide pirated content at virtually zero price. This poses new and difficult challenges to copyright owners and policy makers.

OECD releases Guide to Measuring the Information Society 2009

08-Jul-2009

The newly released Guide to the Information Society 2009 covers the definition of industries producing ICT goods and services (the "ICT sector"), a classification for ICT goods, the definitions of e-commerce and Internet transactions, and model questionnaires and methodologies for measuring ICT use and e-commerce by businesses and households/individuals.

Ministers stress the role of ICTs as part of global green growth agenda

26-Jun-2009

Clean technologies and smart ICT applications are key to effectively fight climate change, protect biodiversity and manage our water resources. In the declaration on green growth, ministers from OECD countries and beyond underscore that “green” and “growth” can go hand in hand.

The Role of Digital Identity Management in the Internet Economy: A Primer for Policy Makers

18-Jun-2009

This primer aims to provide policy makers a broad-brush understanding of the various dimensions of digital identity management (IdM). Consistent with the Seoul Ministerial Declaration, it also aims to support  efforts to address public policy issues for securely managing and protecting digital identities, with a view to strengthening confidence in the online activities crucial to the growth of the Internet Economy.

Innovation at risk from crisis, says OECD

10-Jun-2009

The current crisis is the first of this severity to hit OECD countries, since they have shifted to knowledge-based service economies. As part of its strategic response to the economic crisis, the OECD has analysed the likely impact of the downturn on the drivers of long term economic growth & innovation and related items in policy responses as part of national stimulus packages.

OECD releases new ICT product definitions

10-Jun-2009

This document presents the OECD definition of Information Economy Products based on the Central Product Classification Version 2.

Conference on “ICTs, the environment and climate change”

from 27-May-2009 to 28-May-2009

On 27-28 May 2009, the Danish Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation hosted a high-level OECD conference on the potential of information and communication technologies to combat climate change and improve environmental performance. Live webcast and Twitter feed available. Internet users had the possibility to send in questions for speakers.

Towards Green ICT Strategies

22-May-2009

Improving environmental performance, tackling global warming and enhancing resource management are high on the list of global challenges that must be urgently addressed. This report analyses government programmes and business initiatives on ICT and the environment to address environmental challenges, particularly global warming and energy use.

The role of communication infrastructure investment in economic recovery

19-May-2009

Policy makers need to evaluate the costs and benefits of any public investment in telecommunication infrastructure and select projects which can stimulate current demand but simultaneously expand the productive capacity of the economy in the longer term.

Using Sensor-Based Networks to Address Global Issues: Policy Opportunities and Challenges

from 08-Jun-2009 to 09-Jun-2009

This conference, to be held in Lisbon, aims to help policy makers understand sensor networks and their potential to help address global challenges. It will explore the conditions for and consequences of innovation in this area including economic aspects, privacy and information security as well as infrastructure issues.

Network externality premiums and international telecommunication traffic exchange

17-Apr-2009

The aim of this paper is to examine the economic impact of proposals to add a non-cost “premium” to international telecommunication charges. This work follows up on earlier OECD work which examined international traffic exchange.

Policy Dialogue on High Food Prices: Outlook and Donor Mid-term Response

from 12-Feb-2009 to 13-Feb-2009

This event, organised jointly by the OECD and the Global Donor Platform for Rural Development, focused on how donors should best respond to foster pro-poor agricultural production to sustain access to affordable food in developing countries.

Pro-Poor Growth and the Role of Agriculture in Mali

03-Dec-2008

Most of the poor people in Mali make their living in the agriculture sector - a key sector for the economy as it contributes to 38% of GDP. But the agriculture sector has greater potential and could become the driver of stronger growth that enhances the ability of the poor to participate in and benefit from economic activity. However, new approaches are needed to support the sector and increase productivity which, at the same time, impact on poverty reduction. A POVNET workshop was held in Bamako to help strengthen the contribution that agriculture makes to pro-poor growth in Mali.

Infrastructure for Pro-Poor Growth: Addressing the Challenges in Cambodia

02-Apr-2008

Growth alone is not enough to meet MDG poverty reduction targets in Cambodia. Most poor people still live in rural areas and have not benefited sufficiently from the growth process driven by garment exports, tourism and construction. Expanding and maintaining infrastructure assets is central to making growth more pro poor. Priority areas where development partners can help Cambodia to increase the impact of infrastructure on pro-poor growth include supporting a country led implementation framework, aligning their programmes with it, and developing infrastructure maintenance systems.

Mobilising Financing for the Environment in Russia

06-Oct-2008

The report provides an update of some of the developments in environmental expenditure and finance in the Russian Federation. It presents the latest available data on trends in environmental expenditure and reviews a series of instruments to finance environmental policies in Russia, namely, revenues from economic instruments, user charges for water supply and sanitation, environmental funds, intergovernmental transfers, local capital markets and environmental assistance.

Policy Brief - Making Environmental Spending Count

27-Sep-2007

What is the rationale for public environmental expenditure? How can improved management practices contribute to lowering the costs of achieving environmental benefits? A set of practical tools have been developed to support government efforts in implementing good international practices for managing public environmental expenditure programmes.

Lessons Learnt from Experience with Debt-for-Environment Swaps in Economies in Transition

21-Sep-2007

Debt-for-environment swaps can help simultaneously reduce fiscal stress, stimulate economic growth and increase domestic resources for environment. This report summarises the major lessons learnt from the experience with designing, negotiating and implementing debt-for-environment swaps in CEE and EECCA countries. The analysis presents a possible model that indebted low-income countries and their creditors could use to channel finance to address environmental problems of international significance.

Trends in Environmental Finance in Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia

24-Jul-2007

The report builds on the analysis of environmental financing in Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia (EECCA) prepared within the framework of the “Environment for Europe” ministerial conferences. It provides a comprehensive picture of financial flows for the improvement of the environmental conditions in the EECCA region based upon the assessment of domestic environmental expenditure as well as donors’ assistance and lending from International Financial Institutions (IFIs).

Lessons Learnt from Financing Strategies for the Municipal Waste Management Sector in Selected EECCA Countries

27-Aug-2007

The publication sketches a realist portrait of the municipal waste management sector in EECCA based on field work, presents lessons learnt from the financing strategy case studies, and proposes recommendations on policies which could be implemented in EECCA countries to promote a more financially sustainable municipal waste sector.

Handbook for Appraisal of Environmental Projects Financed from Public Funds

15-Jun-2007

The Handbook proposes a set of management tools and approaches to designing realistic public environmental expenditure programmes and selecting and financing the most cost-effective projects supported with public funds. It focuses on appraising investment projects in the water sector. It is tailored to the perspective of the public financier, not the project promoter.
 

Implementation of a National Finance Strategy for Water Supply and Sanitation Sector in Armenia

31-Aug-2007

Water supply and sanitation (WSS) infrastructure in Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia is often critically deteriorated, involving significant risks for human health and the environment. Achieving the Millennium Development Goals on water supply and sanitation is therefore a serious challenge in many countries in the region. Armenia, one of the poorest countries in the region, faces many of these challenges as well as serious financial constraints related to affordability issues in households and public budgets.

First Training in Appraisal of Environmental Projects Financed from Public Funds

19-Feb-2007

The first training on Appraisal of Environmental Projects Financed from Public Funds was held 16-19 January 2007 in Chisina, Moldova.

Tenth Meeting of the EECCA Environmental Finance Network

08-Dec-2006

The EAP Task Force is preparing the tenth annual meeting of the EECCA Environmental Finance Network. The meeting will be held on 22-23 February 2007 at the OECD Headquarters in Paris.

Mechanisms for Managing Public Environmental Expenditure in Selected OECD Countries

27-Nov-2006

Public environmental expenditure programmes play a key role in environmental finance in most OECD member and non-member countries. This report presents different institutional options for managing such programmes, with a focus on the water sector in four OECD countries, namely: Austria, Belgium (the Region of Flanders), France and Germany. The analysis uses the Good Practices for Public Environmental Expenditure Management, a performance review framework, developed by the OECD.

Performance Review of the State Environmental Protection Fund of Ukraine

28-Sep-2006

This report analyses the performance of the State Environmental Protection Fund of Ukraine. The OECD Good Practices for Public Environmental Expenditure Management have been used as a benchmark for this evaluation. The Fund has been analysed in terms of environmental effectiveness, good budgetary practices and management efficiency. The Review has identified the strengths and weaknesses in the Fund's governance structure and has proposed possible reform measures for its institutional strengthening.

Financing Water Supply and Sanitation in Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia: Ministerial Conference Proceedings

06-Jul-2006

On 17th-18th November2005, OECD and the Government of Armenia co-organised a conference of Ministers of Economy/Finance, Environment and Water.
This document presents the conference proceedings. Ministers discussed how to address the critical situation of the water sector in EECCA countries, particularly how to finance much-needed improvements. The meeting examined progress in light of a set of guiding principles they had adopted at an earlier meeting in Almaty in 2000.

Debt-for-Environment Swap in Georgia: Pre-feasibility Analysis, Institutional Options and Potential Project Pipelines

28-Feb-2006

The first part of this report assesses the feasibility for implementing a debt-for-environment swap between Georgia and some of its creditors. Under certain conditions, such a swap could be feasible and mutually beneficial for both sides. The second part of this study presents five project pipelines in priority environmental sectors that could be co-financed by a debt-for environment swap. Such projects are likely to carry most weight with creditors interested in such swaps.

Pre-feasibility Study for Debt-for-Environment Swap in the Kyrgyz Republic

24-Nov-2005

This report assesses the feasibility for implementing a debt-for-environment swap between the Kyrgyz Republic and its creditors. It concludes that such a swap could be feasible and mutually beneficial if specified conditions are met. The analysis presents a possible model that other indebted countries and their creditors could use to address environmental problems of international significance. Well-designed projects could simultaneously help to alleviate poverty and improve living standards.