About the event
Places are rethinking how to stay competitive on the global stage. Technological change, the green transition and shifting global value chains are reshaping local economies. The 2025 OECD Local Development Forum will explore the new drivers of local economic transformations. Discussions will explore opportunities in growing sectors such as green energy and the care economy, as well as how places can boost their global presence through hosting major events and place marketing. Beyond boosting local competitiveness, it will look at how to build new pathways for labour-market inclusion. The 2025 Forum will also go beyond the “classic conversation”, tackling the new playbook on AI, the night economy and women’s leadership in local development.
Barranquilla – Colombia’s “Golden Gate” – has its own impressive, transformation story. Its experiences in public-private collaboration, economic diversification, and social inclusion provides a compelling backdrop for these discussions. As the first ever OECD Local Development Forum held in Latin America, participants will also take a deep dive to gain first-hand insights into the region’s unique opportunities and challenges, including high rates of labour-market informality and a growing youth population.
Join us to take part in hands-on workshops, site visits and dynamic discussions with leaders driving change and gain practical ideas to transform your own community.
Agenda overview
Participants can look forward to an engaging schedule that includes panels, thought-provoking discussions, deep dives, site visits, group meals, and city tours.
This Forum presents a unique opportunity to connect with local policy makers and practitioners from across the globe against the backdrop of Barranquilla.
Join our partnership programme
Create long-standing relationships with the OECD by collaborating on research, building your network and increasing your visibility through the Local Development Forum Partners Programme.
PLACES Live: Local Initiatives Marketplace
Do you have a programme or project that deserves international recognition? In this exhibition-style session, participants can tell the story of how their local programmes, policies or initiatives are shaping the communities to an audience of hundreds of policymakers, practitioners, and experts.
Questions? Get in touch with the team
OECD Local Development Forum
local.forum@oecd.org
