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Ministers on regional resilience and the role of regional policy - Chair's Statement

21.05.2025

Climate change, digital transformation, geopolitical tensions - these are just some of the challenges facing OECD regions today. The answer is to be found in the modern regional policy, based on local potential and well integrated with the national development strategies. During the OECD Regional Development Policy Committee meeting, Poland which chaired the meeting, presented key conclusions for the future regional policy in a joint Chair's Statement developed with OECD countries.

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The Ministers agreed that the regional face of crises - from climate to geopolitical - requires actions tailored to specific territorial circumstances. The statement clearly indicates that regional development cannot merely complement national policies, but must form their foundation. This is particularly important in view of growing regional disparities, decelerating productivity growth and declining investment.

Three pillars of the effective regional policy

The Statement identifies three main directions of actions for regional policy:

  • Boosting competitiveness

The effective regional policy can and should strengthen productivity, boost investment and build economic resilience. The Ministers recognised that all regions - regardless of extent or degree of urbanisation - have the potential to contribute to the growth. It is crucial to carry out activities tailored to local needs and opportunities.

  • A new approach to investment and cooperation

Investing in one region does not mean undermining others. Territorial cooperation must be complementary, rather than competitive. Better cross-sectoral coordination and multi-level governance - from the national through the regional to the local level - is also important.

  • Responding to transformations and crises

The Ministers discussed, among others, the methods of combating the effects of climate change, strengthening digitalisation and innovation, as well as preventing depopulation and ensuring access to housing and public services. Particular attention was paid to less developed, border and crisis regions.

More investment and better coordination

The Ministers agreed that greater investment in infrastructure and the development of local businesses, as well as the strengthening of administrative competence - especially in peripheral regions and those affected by demographic change - was essential. They also identified the need for closer cooperation between central and local governments and the need for better coordination of public policies.

New OECD initiatives for regions and cities

The Ministers supported the proposal to organise annual OECD Regions and Cities Days and to develop analytical tools such as the Regions and Cities Climate Monitor. They also declared support for further efforts to implement the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement.

A common message

The ministerial meeting in Warsaw was concluded with a joint appeal for the need to continue working together towards a new model of regional policy - more strongly integrated with other public policies, more flexible and tailored to the specific nature of each region. The need to share experience and knowledge that strengthen resilience, competitiveness and territorial cohesion across the OECD area was highlighted.

Chair's Statement - full text: LINK

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