In accordance with its mandate, the Standing Parliamentary Delegation for Participation in OECD Activities (PD-OECD) took part in the plenary meeting of the OECD Global Parliamentary Network, which was held in Paris from 3–4 April. The delegation was represented by its president, National Council member Sophie Michaud Gigon (The Greens, VD), its vice president, Council of States member Erich Ettlin (The Centre, OW), National Council members Michael Graber (SVP, VS) and Paolo Pamini (SVP, TI), and Council of States member Eva Herzog (SP, BS).

Each year, the plenary meeting of the Global Parliamentary Network provides parliamentarians with an opportunity to discuss with OECD experts topical issues within the OECD's areas of expertise. The range of topics covered in Paris was wide and varied, and included the global economic outlook, the results of the latest PISA survey, the challenges facing the world trading system, and current efforts to regulate artificial intelligence. In a session dedicated to the environment, the OECD presented its work on climate and the environment, highlighting the interdependence of the climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution crises. During the exchange, the delegation’s president informed her counterparts of the various parliamentary efforts under way (20.433, 23.4316, 23.4345) to promote the circular economy in Switzerland.

The delegation members spoke with the economists who drafted the OECD Economic Survey of Switzerland, which was published on 14 March 2024. The exchange provided an opportunity to discuss the recommendations for action made to Switzerland in the report.

The Swiss delegation also held high-level bilateral talks on the sidelines of the official meeting, notably with Secretary-General Mathias Cormann and International Energy Agency Executive Director Fatih Birol. The discussions covered general issues (stakes, challenges, OECD strategy) as well as specific areas of activity of particular parliamentary interest either because of their implications (taxation), their topicality (green transition, development in the energy sector) or possible differences of opinion between Switzerland and the OECD (anti-corruption).

Council of States member Eva Herzog, National Council member Sophie Michaud Gigon, president of the delegation, and National Council member Paolo Pamini (from left to right) at the OECD meeting in Paris. © OECD​

Participants at the meeting of the Parliamentary Network with OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann. © OECD​

The plenary session of the Parliamentary Network at the OECD Conference Centre. © OECD​

​