Who we are

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is an international organisation that works to build better policies for better lives. Our goal is to shape policies that foster prosperity, equality, opportunity and well-being for all. We draw on 60 years of experience and insights to better prepare the world of tomorrow.

Together with governments, policy makers and citizens, we work on establishing evidence-based international standards and finding solutions to a range of social, economic and environmental challenges. From improving economic performance and creating jobs to fostering strong education and fighting international tax evasion, we provide a unique forum and knowledge hub for data and analysis, exchange of experiences, best-practice sharing, and advice on public policies and international standard-setting.

Where: our global reach

The OECD is at the heart of international co-operation. Our Member countries work with other countries, organisations and stakeholders worldwide to address the pressing policy challenges of our time.

What we do: shape #BetterLives

This is a glimpse of how we help countries forge a path towards better lives while saving billions of dollars for taxpayers and boosting prospects for stronger, fairer and cleaner economies and societies.

Unemployment edges down – but at a slower pace

The unemployment rate in the OECD area fell for the sixth consecutive month to 5.7% in October 2021, from 5.8% in September – but at a slower pace than in previous months. It remains 0.5 percentage points above the pre-pandemic rate in February 2020.

For younger people aged 15 to 24, the unemployment rate saw a slight rise compared to September (12.1% vs. 12.0%), while for those 25 and above it fell (4.9% vs. 5.0%). Among women it was stable (6.0%), while for men it edged down (5.5% vs. 5.6%).

The total number of unemployed workers in the OECD area fell 200 000 to 38.3m, still 2.8m higher than the pre-pandemic level.

Subject Coverage

  • Agriculture and Food
  • Development
  • Economics
  • Education
  • Employment
  • Energy – IEA
  • Environment
  • Finance and Investments
  • Governance
  • Urban, Rural and Regional Development
  • Industry and Services
  • Nuclear Energy – NEA
  • Science and Technology
  • Social Issues, Migration and Health
  • Taxation
  • Trade
  • Transport – ITF