Conference report: OECD Global Forum on Local Development 27 – 28 May 2026

The OECD Global Forum on Local Development brought together policymakers, practitioners, researchers, and business representatives to discuss how regions can navigate an increasingly uncertain world. Across two days, discussions centred on the implications of geopolitical tensions, demographic change, digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI), labour shortages, and the green transition for local development. While topics ranged from cross-border cooperation to public employment services and from place branding to entrepreneurship, a consistent message emerged: resilience depends on strong local partnerships, investment in students and workers and their skills, and the ability of regions to adapt to rapid economic and social change.

The forum also demonstrated the value of international cooperation and peer learning, providing a platform for exchanging experiences and learning from diverse local development practices across countries and regions.