Business points to critical role of recovery, foresight, and resilience efforts at OECD Ministerial in Paris
 

The global business community actively participated in the 2021 OECD Ministerial Council Meeting, chaired by the United States, addressing the theme of “Shared Values” to build a green and inclusive future. Representing the private sector in all aspects of OECD policymaking, Business at OECD (BIAC) conveyed recommendations to OECD Ministers calling for coherent multilateral approaches, evidence-based policymaking, and public-private collaboration.
 

CONTACT - Nicole Primmer
 

Our active involvement in the Italian B20 Summit
 

Last week, over five Italian Ministers together with Prime Minister Mario Draghi exchanged with business participants on the takeaways from the B20 recommendations as the Italian G20 Presidency prepares for its Heads of State Summit at the end of the month. Our Chair Rick Johnston and Senior Director Ali Karami-Ruiz participated in the event and met with our business constituents.

Mr. Johnston and Mr. Karami-Ruiz also met with the incoming Chair of the B20 Indonesian Presidency Shinta Kamdani, and outlined ways to further our cooperation and continuity. At the Summit, Rick Johnston spoke on the need for effective advocacy and reinforced dialogue between business and governments, and the role business plays as main sources of employment and financing. Our Board Member Klaus Moosmayer and our Employment Committee Chair Renate Hornung-Draus also participated in high-level panel discussions.

Reflecting our strategic input as network partner in five of the B20 taskforces, our SME Committee Chair Patrik Kovacs and Finance Committee Vice Chair Gianluca Riccio also represented us at the event. We congratulate our Italian member Confindustria and Italian B20 Sherpa Marco Felisati for making this Presidency a success.

 

CONTACT - Ali Karami Ruiz & Hideaki Ozu
 

Business calls for clear rules and realistic timelines as OECD reaches landmark tax deal
 

We welcome the OECD/G20 Inclusive Framework landmark deal 136 jurisdictions signed on the Taxation of the Digitalization of the Economy, which establishes a new framework for international tax reform.

"We have reached a significant milestone in the project with this important political agreement," said Will Morris, Chair of our Taxation Committee. "This is now a very broad agreement, but it will also need to deepen if we are to restore stability to the international tax system."

 

CONTACT - Nicole Primmer
 

Joint Business at OECD (BIAC) - OECD roundtable on mobilizing private sector finance and investments for affordable and clean energy in developing countries
 

Later this month, we will host a virtual roundtable in collaboration with the OECD on promoting access to clean energy in the developing world. The meeting on 26 October will feature a range of high-level speakers including the Chair of our Development Committee David Croft, the Chair of the OECD Development Assistance Committee Susanna Moorehead, and Director of the OECD Development Co-operation Directorate Jorge Moreira da Silva.

Participants will be able to discuss success factors and host country prerequisites for leveraging much needed private sector efforts including in the context of innovative financial instruments such as blended finance. The event will also outline public and private sector perspectives and experiences on approaches that aim to affordable and clean energy in developing countries.

 

CONTACT - Ina Sandler
 

Business at OECD calls for adequate support of developing countries during Covid-19
 

Last week, our Development Committee published a statement on supporting the developing world in coping with the economic ramifications of the Covid-19 pandemic. The policy note reassesses the situation in developing countries and outlines potential challenges ahead, including looming debt levels, uneven access to vaccination, and the growing investment gap.

The paper also provides practical recommendations to the OECD on how the Organization can help to address the crisis and support resilience-building in developing countries going forward, leveraging the potential of its existing tools and instruments, and engaging business as a solutions partner.
 

CONTACT - Ina Sandler
 

Member event: Cybersecurity - The Transatlantic Reboot
 

Next month, our Irish member Ibec hosts their international cybersecurity event 'Cybersecurity: The Transatlantic Reboot' on 18 November which brings together international law enforcement and security, government, and industry experts from both sides of the Atlantic to discuss approaches to cybersecurity, exploring cooperation and partnerships, and the role of industry.
 
Confirmed speakers include Head of Cabinet of European Commission Vice-President Despina Spanou, NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană, and Director of Cybercrime at INTERPOL Craig Jones. The event is targeting business leaders and decisions makers in government and security and law enforcement and we encourage interested members to register on the dedicated Ibec webpage.

 

CONTACT - Jack Bowerman
 

Reshaping tourism for a more resilient and sustainable tomorrow
 

Earlier this week, the OECD Tourism Committee met virtually to discuss reshaping tourism for a more resilient and sustainable tomorrow, supporting the transition to a green tourism economy, and preparing the tourism workforce for the digital future.
 
The Committee is also preparing for the upcoming inaugural Global Forum on Tourism Statistics, Knowledge, and Policies, which will take place on 2-5 November 2021.
 
We invite members interested in the OECD work on tourism to join our Business at OECD Contact Group on Tourism.

 

CONTACT - Rokas Morkunas
 

Upcoming: OECD Science and technology meetings
 

Later this month, interested business delegates are invited to participate in the OECD Science, Technology and Innovation Policy Committee taking place on 21-22 October and the OECD Global Science Forum on 28-29 October. The meetings will discuss technology policy for resilience, transitions mobilizing science in times of crisis, and integrity and security in the global research ecosystem.

Participants will be able to discuss OECD Science, Technology and Innovation Policy and the OECD Global Science Forum program of work, which will serve as an opportunity for delegates to brainstorm and share ideas on priorities for inclusion in the future work of the organization.

 

CONTACT - Rokas Morkunas
 

Upcoming: TISK Joint Dialogue Forum
 

This week, the Chair of our Employment, Labor, and Social Affairs Committee Renate Hornung-Draus will speak in our Turkish member TISK's annual Joint Dialogue Forum bringing together government institutions and employers to find mutual solutions for the most pressing issues of the Turkish labor market and society.

Participants at the Forum on 14 and 15 October will discuss the challenges posed by the changing dynamics of the world of work on women, youth, and formal employment as the main topics of discussion.

 

CONTACT - Jack Bowerman