Floriade provides flowers at OECD

Floriade provides flowers at OECD

The fiftieth anniversary of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) will be celebrated this week in Paris. This is being combined with the organisation's annual forum and ministerial meeting. The Floriade has adorned the congress centre with splendid floral displays. With that, the Netherlands and the Floriade are congratulating the OECD on its anniversary.

Ministers from across the world, representatives of business life, the employment market and the academic world converge at the forum to discuss policy and ideas from the various disciplines with one another. The Secretary of State of the United States, Clinton, chairs the ministerial meeting and German Federal Chancellor Merkel is its vice-chair. Many government leaders, including French premier Sarkozy are present there. Minister of Economic Affairs, Agriculture and Innovation Verhagen is taking part for the Netherlands. During the ministerial meeting, world leaders and ministers discuss important topics on the global agenda. The theme of the Floriade - 'Living Nature' - fits perfectly into the 'Green Growth' strategy that forms one of the topics during OECD Week 2011.

The congress centre has been decorated with floral displays, and flower arranging demonstrations are being provided today during the break. Yesterday, the participants in the forum were presented with bouquets and watched the promotional video for the Floriade.

The OECD has for 50 years been the platform for international cooperation. By exchanging analysis, advice and policy, the OECD tries to improve the standard of living for the world's population. The OECD Week 2011 is a moment to take stock of everything achieved over the past half-century and to prepare for what still needs to be done.