The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) was established in 1961 as a forum for governments to share experiences and seek solutions to common economic and social problems. Today, approximately 50 industrialised and emerging-economy countries have joined the OECD as members or adherents.
Photo: OECD / Michael DeanThe OECD acts on behalf of and in collaboration with its member governments “to promote policies that will improve the economic and social well-being of people around the world.” In practice, the OECD promotes free market policies and trade.
OECD member and adhering governments carry out their work through a number of committees and working parties. OECD Watch engages primarily with the OECD Investment Committee. That is because the Investment Committee has oversight responsibility for the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises (OECD Guidelines).
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The Investment Committee and its Working Party on Responsible Business Conduct promote the Guidelines and help strengthen the government offices – called National Contact Points (NCPs) – that handle complaints.
