Suchergebnisse

Health is higher on the international agenda than ever before. Concern for the health of poor people is a central development issue. In addition to the intrinsic value of health for individuals, investment in health is an important and previously underestimated means of economic development; substantially improved health outcomes are a prerequisite if developing countries are to break out of the cycle of poverty. This DAC Reference Document on Poverty and Health, jointly published by the OECD and WHO, extends the analysis and recommendations of the DAC Guidelines on Poverty Reduction by setting out the essential components of a pro-poor health approach.

Corruption is a serious concern in many parts of the world. In Eastern Europe and Central Asia, transition processes provided particularly rich ground for corruption. It has spread to all spheres of life, ranging from petty bribery of traffic police to large kick-backs for public procurement or privatisation contracts, to buying votes during election campaigns or seats in parliaments. Although political leaders and governments in these countries make declarations and adopt programmes to fight corruption, progress is limited and common citizens do not see results. Is the situation hopeless, or are there solutions that can bring improvements? This volume analyses a broad range of anti-corruption measures recently implemented in Eastern Europe and Central Asia and identifies where interim progress has been achieved, and where further or reinforced action is needed. The book covers such areas as: anti-corruption strategies, and action plans and mechanisms to monitor their implementation; as well as anti-corruption criminal legislation and its application in practice, including the key role of specialised, independent and well-resourced anti-corruption law-enforcement bodies. The volume also examines a diverse range of measures to prevent corruption among public officials, in political parties, and in the private sector. It is rich with country data and practical examples, and will provide a useful source of information for anti-corruption decision makers and practitioners in Eastern Europe and Central Asia and beyond.

National Accounts of OECD Countries: General Government Accountsis an annual publication, dedicated to government finance which is based on the System of National Accounts 1993 (SNA 1993). It includes tables showing government aggregates and balances for the production, income and financial accounts as well as detailed tax and social contribution receipts and a breakdown of expenditure of general government by function, according to the harmonized international classification, COFOG. These detailed accounts are available for the general government sector. Data also cover the following sub-sectors, according to availability: central government, state government, local government and social security funds.This edition covers 29 of the 30 OECD countries. Data are expressed in national currencies and cover the period from 1995 to 2006.

Anti-Corruption Network for Eastern Europe and Central Asia International anti-corruption treaties, including the UN Convention against Corruption, require member states to establish two types of anti-corruption institutions – one to prevent corruption and the other to combat corruption through law enforcement. The treaties also establish standards for such anti-corruption institutions – they should be independent, specialised and have sufficient resources to meet their challenging tasks. This book analyses the main functions of prevention and combating corruption and discusses practical ways to ensure the independence, specialisation and resources of anti-corruption bodies. The book further studies the different forms of specialisation which exist in different countries and describes 14 anti-corruption agencies from around the world, including preventive, law-enforcement and combined or multipurpose agencies. Analysis of key factors which can lead anti-corruption bodies to success or failure, together with a rich body of country specific information, practical facts and contact details will make this book a useful tool for those policy-makers who seek to strengthen anti-corruption institutions in their countries.

Few other countries feature the combination of very low population densities and difficult topography that hinders communication, in addition to a variety of contrasting climates. But the "Nordic welfare model" strives, with a good degree of success, to offer equal living conditions to all citizens by providing proper access to quality public services across the country. This comes, however, at great cost. This publication asks whether such a model can be sustainable in the long run, when population ageing and the reduction of petroleum reserves will reduce the leeway that the rapidly growing economy offers. It examines whether competitiveness and innovation could be further developed, given the high share of resource-based and traditional activities and whether urban policy could be better integrated into regional policy so as to better harness the energy of regional growth engines in different areas of the country, including the northern most parts. Lastly, it looks at whether impending regional reform could facilitate the necessary adaptations by transferring more power to regional councils.

The debate on a market-based economy has now entered a new phase in Brazil, addressing the broader context of quality regulation and the reduction of regulatory risk. The improved macroeconomic situation and the progress made by the sectoral regulatory agencies have paid off, and there is also wider social participation in the improvement of the regulatory framework with a stronger consumer engagement. But Brazil still needs to further improve its capacities for regulatory quality and increase transparency and accountability in the system to reinforce regulatory performance.This review analyses the challenges of strengthening regulatory governance in Brazil to improve economic growth, with appropriate regulatory frameworks for core infrastructure sectors. Improved institutional capacities would also enhance support for regulatory policy across various government areas. Setting up an appropriate architecture for sectoral regulatory agencies and balancing autonomy with accountability will contribute to improved governance. Challenges include consolidating the autonomy and status of Brazilian regulatory authorities, reinforcing the strategic organisation for planning and decision making, increasing social accountability mechanisms, and improving co-ordination with competition authorities. Regulatory reform will help Brazil boost growth opportunities, and improve the quality and value of core services provided to its citizens.Brazil requested this broad review by the OECD of its regulatory practices and reforms. The review presents a general picture of the overall frameworks to assure high quality regulation with a special focus on four core infrastructure sectors: power, private health insurance, land transport and telecommunications.

Over the past few years, most Asian jurisdictions have substantially revamped their laws, regulations and other corporate governance norms. However, enforcement remains a significant challenge and "an unfinished agenda". This publication offers a unique snapshot of how corporate governance is being enforced in Asia. It provides policy makers, judges, investors, board members and stakeholders with cases studies and analysis that illustrate how regulators deal with enforcement in practice.

This publication presents comprehensive statistics on aid flows in support of HIV/AIDS control. The analysis of aid flows covers the years 2000-2006, including trends in donors' aid and the degree of targeting to countries most in need, estimates are provided for year 2007. The publication also records the relevant aid activities reported by DAC members and multilateral institutions to the CRS Aid Activity database (Creditor Reporting System).The information is based on individual commitments and disbursements of Official Development Assistance (ODA) to HIV/AIDS control.

This fact-filled reference book brings the reader the latest available economic information for most of the economies of Africa. Drawing on the expertise of both the African Development Bank and the OECD, it opens with an overview that examines the international environment, macroeconomic performance, progress towards attaining the Millennium Development Goals, and governance and political issues. This edition includes a special focus on technical and vocational skills development. The second part provides individual country reports for 35 countries. Each country report provides an assessment of recent economic performance, projections for 2008 and 2009, an examination of structural issues, and a discussion of the political and social context. The statistical annex presents 24 tables comparing economic and social variables across all the countries of Africa.

Improving the performance of youth on the labour market is a crucial challenge in OECD countries facing persistent youth unemployment. As labour markets become more and more selective, a lack of relevant skills brings a higher risk of unemployment. Whatever the level of qualification, first experiences on the labour market have a profound influence on later working life.This report on Canada contains a survey of the main barriers to employment for young people, an assessment of the adequacy and effectiveness of existing measures to improve the transition from school to work, and a set of policy recommendations for further action by the public authorities and social partners.

This OECD publication provides statistics on international trade in services by partner country for 28 OECD countries plus the European Union (EU) , the euro area, and Hong Kong (SAR China) as well as definitions and methodological notes. The data concern trade between residents and non-residents of countries and are reported within the framework of the Manual on Statistics of International Trade in Services. This book includes summary tables of trade patterns listing the main trading partners for each country and by broad service category. Series are shown in US dollars and cover the period 2002-2005.

The purchasing power parities and real expenditurescontained in this joint Eurostat - OECD publication cover 55 countries including the 30 OECD Member countries, the 27 EU countries, ten CIS countries, six Western Balkan countries and Israel. They are based on price and expenditure data for 2005 and have been calculated using the EKS aggregation method. International comparisons of price levels and real GDP can be made using the price and volume measures presented in this publication. This publication includes StatLinks, URLs under each graph and table providing links to Excel® spreadsheet files containing the underlying statistical data.

This directory provides official information on the mandates, dates of creation and durations of current mandates, composition of member countries and observers, and chairmanship of the OECD Council and its related committees, sub-committees, working groups, expert groups, and ad hoc groups. It includes coverage of the International Energy Agency and the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency and is updated annually. It is, in effect, a guide to country participation in the many activities of the OECD.

Taxing Wages provides unique information on income tax paid by workers and social security contributions levied on employees and their employers in OECD countries. In addition, this annual publication specifies family benefits paid as cash transfers. Amounts of taxes and benefits are detailed program by program, for eight household types which differ by income level and household composition. Results reported include the marginal and effective tax burden for one- and two-earner families, and total labour costs of employers. This year's issue includes a Special feature entitled "Tax reforms and tax burdens 2000-2006".

This conference proceedings highlights the key risks and opportunities that policy makers need to address relative to fisheries globalisation so that on the one hand, the opportunities that are created are not missed while, on the other, the risks are addressed appropriately. It presents a wide range of experiences and points of view from every part of the value chain of the fisheries industry, including fishers, processors, consumers, NGOs, restaurant and retail chains, as well as government and academic experts.