“This year marks the 40th anniversary of the LEED Programme. Borne out of a previous job crisis, LEED has always worked at the cutting edge of local development, taking on topics such as women’s entrepreneurship, the social economy, skills use, and culture before they became mainstream. Today, as we emerge from another crisis, LEED has never been so relevant. To respond to today’s challenges and those ahead, LEED will continue to help governments at all levels create good jobs in great places.”
Denis Leamy | Chair of the OECD LEED Directing Committee
Events
Conference
On 15-17 June, the 2022 edition of the OECD Local Development Forum will debate the issues needed to create “Better strategies for stronger communities".
Webinars
4 May - Private sector leadership and the future of local economic development
OECD Local Development Forum 15-17 June 2022, Cork, Ireland
On the occasion of the 40th Anniversary of the OECD’s Local Employment and Economic Development programme, the 2022 edition of the OECD Local Development Forum will debate the issues needed to create “Better strategies for stronger communities. Join us on 15-17 June in Cork and take part in this important discussion.
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Tell your story
Do you want to feature your work at the Cork Forum on 15-17 June? We want to feature local programmes and initiatives that have been impacting and show innovation in building more inclusive, resilient and sustainable communities. Submit your application today! For further information, please contact us.
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A brief history
Four decades ago, OECD governments were facing a jobs crisis. As the 1982 OECD Economic Outlook described, “the rise in unemployment over the last three years has been severe, and in Europe, it has seemed inexorable”.
In response, the French government proposed the creation of a new programme to learn from the types of innovative approaches to local job creation that were appearing across OECD countries, particularly in light of entrenched challenges in some communities.
Twelve countries plus the Commission of the European Communities joined the call, and the OECD Co-operative Action Programme on Local Employment and Economic Development was born.
Explore our contributions
The workers leaving cities in favor of the countryside – and what it means for business
Two years after the onset of COVID-19, the future of work remains a topic of lively, even heated, debate. Early in the pandemic, some were quick to announce the demise of the centre-city office. But the perceived urban COVID threat receded, and many have returned to urban life.
Read the full story
Strengthening the social economy: an investment in our future
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the social economy has supported those in need, championed change and inspired us. In the wake of the pandemic, policy makers need to invest in it to build a better future for us all.
Read the full story
For more information, contact Anna.Rubin@oecd.org | Follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter @OECD_local #GoLocal