|
30/03/2005 - OECD countries have begun their search for a new Secretary-General of the Organisation to succeed Donald. J. Johnston, who will step down in May 2006 after 10 years in the post. A decision on his successor, taken by consensus, is expected by 1 December 2005.
Ambassador of Finland, Mr. Jorma Julin, Dean of the Heads of Delegations to the OECD informed that Member Governments have been asked to put forward candidates by 15 July 2005. Selected candidates will be given the opportunity to set out their vision for the Organisation in a meeting with the Member Countries. Their names and details will be posted on the OECD website. Consultations aiming at an agreement will be conducted in Paris under the chairmanship of the Dean of the Ambassadors.
The prime challenge facing the next OECD Secretary-General during his/her 5-year tenure will be to lead the Organisation as it strengthens its activities against a background of increased economic interdependence both among the OECD countries and between OECD and non-OECD countries. Globalisation is reshaping long-lasting structures and patterns in the world economy. In this context, the OECD also has a duty to strengthen its co-operation with non-OECD countries by sharing policy advice and best practices shaped through its work.
For further comment, journalists are invited to contact Nicholas.Bray@oecd.org, Head of Media Relations at the OECD (tel. 33 1 45 24 80 90).
Background Notes:
Mr. Johnston, a former senior Cabinet Minister in the Canadian government and former President of the Canadian Liberal Party, took office in June 1996 with a mandate to improve the Organisation's managerial efficiency and political responsiveness in a global environment. He has led a process of modernisation and reform, while expanding the Organisation's horizons to cover new areas from electronic commerce to health policy. During his tenure, the OECD added Poland, Korea and Slovakia as members, and established relations and programmes with over 100 other countries.
The OECD today groups 30 countries spanning Asia, Europe and North America which share a commitment to democratic government and the market economy. Its work covers a range of economic and social issues from macroeconomics to trade, education, development and science and innovation. Best known for its publications, statistics and country reviews in several policy areas, the OECD has relations with some 70 countries, as well as with business, trade unions and civil society, giving it a global reach. Further information about the OECD and its mandate and objectives can be found at www.oecd.org/about/
|
