On her first overseas visit since being appointed an FCDO Minister in September, Amanda Milling will attend the OECD’s annual Ministerial meeting today at their headquarters in Paris.
The high-level forum brings together ministers of finance, economy, foreign affairs, trade and other government departments from the Organisation’s Member and Partner countries, as well as by representatives of other International Organisations.
Marking its 60th year in 2021, the OECD has served as an effective international group for likeminded, market-based democracies to work together and find solutions to the most pressing economic challenges.
The UK was one of the founding members of the OECD in 1961 and the organisation has played a major role in the enormous growth in living standards in all regions of the world since it was formed.
The theme for the two day forum (5-6 October) is ‘Shared Values: Building a Green and Inclusive Future’ and will be chaired by the United States, with Korea and Luxembourg as Vice-Chairs.
Minister Milling will take part in a session on shared values, chaired by the US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken. The UK intervention will cover climate change ahead of the UK hosting COP26 next month, our G7 Presidency, closer engagement with the Indo-Pacific region and the UK’s Integrated Review.
Speaking ahead of the Ministerial meeting Minister Milling said:
As a founding member of the OECD 60 years ago, the UK has played a pivotal role in working with our international partners to find solutions to major global challenges and support sustainable growth in the world’s emerging as well as developed economies.
The Ministerial meeting will be an opportunity to further explore cooperation between OECD members on the climate crisis, promote the transition to net-zero, and build an inclusive digital transformation for all.
The Minister will also attend a session to promote the UK’s COP26 and climate objectives at a building a green future and getting to net zero session. She will participate in a discussion on building an inclusive digital future, focusing on closing the digital divide for women and underrepresented groups. She will also attend a session on promoting trade for all which will focus on tackling the challenges posed to the international trading system.
Amanda Milling was appointed FCDO Minister for Asia on 15 September, with her ministerial portfolio including economic, cooperation and growth.
Notes to editors
-
The UK Delegation (UKDEL), based in Paris, represents the United Kingdom at the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
-
The OECD Ministerial Council Meeting, taking place on 5-6 October, is part two of the annual meetings between members. Part one took place virtually on 31 May and 1 June and marked the handover in leadership of the OECD, reflected on lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and shared priorities for the near-term recovery.
-
The UK will host the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow on 31 October – 12 November 2021. The climate talks will bring together heads of state, climate experts and campaigners to agree coordinated action to tackle climate change.
-
The UK government’s Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy was published on 16 March.
