Addis Ababa, 29 November 2024 (ECA) – The 23rd Plenary Meetings of the OECD Initiative for Policy Dialogue on Global Value Chains (GVCs), Production Transformation, and Development convened at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) on 27-28 November 2024. The event brought together policymakers, business leaders, and international partners to discuss pressing global economic issues.
Launched in 2013, the OECD Initiative serves as a platform for multi-stakeholder dialogue and knowledge exchange on industrialization, globalization, and development. Hosted by the OECD Development Centre in collaboration with partners such as United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), the African Union Commission (AUC), and ECA, the initiative is instrumental in shaping strategies for sustainable economic transformation worldwide.
The plenary opened with a focus on Africa’s aspirations for industrialization, delving into the AUCùs Vision 2063 and its integration with key initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Discussions highlighted strategies to de-risk investments in Africa thereby promoting economic diversification. Additionally, leveraging the Production Transformation Policy Reviews (PTPRs) was stressed as a crucial tool to achieve continental goals.
Sustainability through trade also featured prominently, with debates on how international agreements like the Agreement on Climate Change, Trade, and Sustainability can promote environmentally conscious practices. Furthermore, participants emphasized the critical role of quality infrastructure systems in strengthening sustainable trade and enhancing resilience in developing economies.
Other critical discussions revolved around leveraging Africa’s rich reserves of critical minerals to drive green industrialization. The plenary further examined how to fulfill international commitments for Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), particularly under frameworks like the Doha and Vienna Programmes of Action.
Concluding the sessions, a focus on pandemic preparedness drew lessons from COVID-19, emphasizing strategies to enhance resilience against future global health crises. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to fostering global collaboration and promoting sustainable economic development through innovation, inclusivity, and resilience.