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The United States values its membership in the OECD, particularly in areas that require multilateral cooperation to solve international problems. The OECD provides an international forum for the U.S. Government to be proactive in addressing a number of key policy areas that affect the economic and social well-being of Americans, both at home and abroad.
Combatting Corruption
Corruption affects a staggering number of livelihoods and lives and erodes the faith of citizens in their governments and in the rule of law. The United States views corruption as a growing threat to the national security of our country and allies around the world.
Competition
The United States is committed to promoting competition as the organizing principle of modern, free-market economies. Vigorous market competition enhances efficiency and consumer welfare, boosts growth and makes economies more competitive and innovative.
Education
Education has long been considered the great equalizer and the engine of the American Dream. In today’s knowledge economy, education is more important than ever. The OECD provides a unique forum to compare performance, share expertise, best practices and innovative ideas in hopes of providing students with the know-how and career-readiness to compete in the global marketplace of the 21st century.
Energy
U.S. participation in the International Energy Agency (IEA) helps maintain stable U.S. oil supplies, and supports efforts world-wide to promote reliable, affordable and clean energy.
Export Credits
U.S. participation in OECD Export Credits agreement saves taxpayers an estimated $800 million per year and helps ensure a level playing field for U.S. exports.
Green Growth
The United States is shaping environmental discussions at the OECD and informing its new Green Growth Strategy. Adopted at the OECD Ministerial Council Meeting in May 2011, the basis of the Green Growth Strategy is that economic growth, job creation, and environmental protection are not a zero sum game – sustainable use of natural resources combined with environmental protection can and will improve economic performance and secure prosperous future.
Health
Health Ministries face huge challenges in ensuring that their citizens have access to high quality health care services at a time when our economies are still feeling the effects of the global economic crisis. This challenge is compounded by the realities of aging populations, increasing costs, and rising expectations.
Internet Economy
The United States is committed to preserving and nurturing an open Internet and shaping global Internet norms that support economic opportunity and that can promote human rights. By working with other OECD members, the United States develops and promotes policy and regulatory principles, guidelines and best practices for the future development of an open and free Internet Economy.
Outreach to non-OECD Countries
The OECD’s membership has grown from 24 Members in 1993 to 38 in 2022. However, in addition to full membership, the OECD continues to expand the involvement of non-Members in the Organisation’s committees, legal instruments, Global Fora and other meetings, and it has expanded relations with selected countries and regions of strategic interest using a variety of engagement tools.
Responsible Business Conduct
The global marketplace marketplace is becoming ever more connected, with firms searching for customers, sourcing materials, and investing around the world. The OECD’s Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises (MNEs) offer the most comprehensive, government-backed recommendations on responsible business conduct (RBC) today.
Trade
U.S. participation in OECD trade bodies contributes to maintaining open global markets for U.S. goods and services. The OECD serves a critical function in helping members advance their shared agenda of ensuring a strong and dynamic global trading system that can generate sustained economic growth and overcome the challenges of the global economic crisis.
Women & Families
For all the progress women have made around the world, many gaps persist – the wage gap, poverty gap, education gap, technology gap, access-to-capital gap. The United States is working with OECD member countries to close these gaps by showing that countries can increase equity and growth – and do so without breaking the bank.
