MESSAGE OF THE AMBASSADOR ESEN ALTUĞ

Dear Visitors,

Welcome to the website of the Permanent Delegation of Türkiye to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

I am glad to have taken up my new post as the Permanent Representative of Türkiye to the OECD on November 1, 2024.

The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) was established in 1960 by 20 countries including Türkiye, as a descendent of the Organisation for European Economic Co-operation (OEEC)*.

OECD works under the motto “better policies for better lives” to foster prosperity and sustainable development for all. It is a unique forum and knowledge-hub for data, analysis and best practices aiming to set international standards and support their implementation. With its multi-disciplinary expertise, the OECD advises governments on policies that can support resilient, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment growth, high living standards and financial stability. Through evidence-based policy analysis and recommendations, standards and global policy networks, the OECD helps to advance reforms and multilateral solutions to global challenges.

This international organisation mainly covers economic growth, prosperity and development policies. In addition, analysis and evaluations are performed in areas such as education, skills, ageing population, migration, environment and climate change, energy, statistics, tax transparency and cooperation, global value and supply chains, digital transition and most recently artificial intelligence.

The OECD is complemented by the International Energy Agency, the Nuclear Energy Agency and the International Transport Forum on energy transition, transport, mobility and logistics.

Over 60 years OECD standards have become global references for member and non-member states. Today with 38 members, the OECD aims to increase its global reach and aspires to disseminate its standards. To this end, it is actively engaged with many partners around the world through country and regional programs as well as through its collaboration with the G20, G7, and the UN. Given the current geopolitical tensions, uncertainties and rising risk of fragmentation in the global economy, the OECD, taking advantage of its convening power, aims to serve as a bridge to facilitate policy dialogue and multilateral co-operation between countries at all stages of development.

The Permanent Delegation of Türkiye started its work under the OEEC in 1952 and continued to operate under the OECD since 1961 to date. Currently career diplomats, advisers and experts from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Treasury and Finance, Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change and the Presidency of Strategy and Budget serve at our Permanent Delegation.

As a founding member of the OECD, Türkiye is committed to the attainment of the objectives of the OECD. Our Ministries and relevant institutions are actively participating in the work of substantive committees’ meetings and activities.

The OECD Istanbul Center serves as a hub for regional programs in Southeast Europe, Eurasia, and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region since June 2022 and contributes to the implementation of the OECD’s global engagement strategy.

We would be pleased to receive your feedback and comments to make our website more useful.You can e-mail us at “tr-delegation.oecd@mfa.gov.tr” or follow us on our X(twitter) account “Türkiye at the OECD” at @TC_OECDDT.

On behalf of myself and all staff members, I would like to express my best wishes.

Esen Altuğ

Ambassador

Permanent Representative

* The forerunner of the OECD was the Organisation for European Economic Co-operation (OEEC) which was formed after World War II to administer American and Canadian aid under the Marshall Plan for the reconstruction of Europe. The Convention transforming the OEEC into the OECD was signed on 14 December 1960 and entered into force on 30 September 1961.