The OECD Ministerial Council Meeting 2024 was held on May 2-3, 2024, under the theme “Co-creating the flow of change: Leading Global Discussions with Objective and Reliable Approaches towards Sustainable and Inclusive Growth,” with Japan serving as the chair. The key issues included:
Ministerial representatives attending the OECD Ministerial Council Meeting 2024 jointly discussed addressing global challenges, including demographic structural changes, climate change, social inequality, lack of access to digital information systems, and budget shortages for building sustainable and inclusive economies through evidence-based data analysis and high, reliable standards, with the aim of creating quality societies that embrace all lives comprehensively. The meeting also emphasized critical missions in various areas, including: improving productivity and employment quality; supporting science and technology; fostering innovation; investing in research and development; utilizing technology for sustainable transition; strengthening multilateral cooperation between OECD and the United Nations, G20, G7, APEC, ASEAN, and other international organizations; recruiting new members from various regions, particularly the Indo-Pacific region; establishing a comprehensive and fair Multilateral Trading System (MTS) with the WTO; promoting flexible and stable economic cooperation; advancing safe, secure, and trustworthy advanced artificial intelligence (AI) systems by supporting the Hiroshima AI Process endorsed by G7 leaders; reforming tax systems to align with the digital economy through the Two-Pillar Solution principles discussed by OECD with G20; implementing the Declaration on International Investment and Multinational Enterprises to create transparent investment environments; controlling global temperature rise to no more than 1.5 degrees Celsius to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions according to the Paris Agreement; securing funding for sustainable transition alongside transparent carbon markets (high integrity carbon markets); supporting circular economy and business models; respecting human rights and fundamental freedoms; promoting gender equality through comprehensive and reliable practices and data analysis; achieving Sustainable Development Goals; and implementing comprehensive data-driven policies to support the work of the OECD Secretariat.
Additionally, Thailand was welcomed for submitting a letter of intent to apply for OECD membership, with appreciation expressed for Argentina and Indonesia being in the process of adapting according to the Accession Roadmap, and commendation for countries currently in the accession process such as Brazil, Bulgaria, Croatia, Peru, and Romania, as well as congratulations to Costa Rica for chairing next year’s MCM.
International Strategy and Cooperation Division
Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council