The Council is the OECD’s decision-making body. Composed of one representative from each Member Country as well as from the European Union. It is chaired by the Secretary-General, and provides the strategic direction for the Organisation and its work. An annual Ministerial Council Meeting, chaired by one or more Members, brings governments together to discuss the world’s major policy challenges and set the OECD’s priorities for the year ahead.

More than 300 substantive bodies propose solutions, develop standards, assess data and policy successes, and review policy actions. Focused on major policy challenges from climate change and the economy to trade and tax, specialists from countries, academia, business and civil society groups play a vital role in setting common global standards in public policy. 

 

The Secretariat, comprising more than 3,500 employees from across multiple directorates and led by the Secretary-General, carries out the work of the OECD from its headquarters in Paris. Economists, lawyers, scientists, political analysts, digital experts, statisticians and other specialists work with government experts to provide insights and expertise to help guide evidence-based policymaking in close co-ordination with Members.