President: Slovak Public Should Pay More Attention to OECD

Paris, November 8 (TASR) - The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) should be more at the centre of attention of the Slovak public and the people should know the importance of Slovakia's membership of this institution and the extent to which it expands the professional capacity for informed decision-making and policy-making, President Peter Pellegrini said in his address at the OECD Council meeting in Paris on Friday. Membership of this organisation is, in his opinion, one of the most important achievements of our country. "Being part of the world's most prestigious intellectual power is something we can be really proud of," said the Slovak head of state, adding that he considers multi-lateralism to be a fundamental pillar of Slovakia's stability. According to him, the OECD is a constant source of information and support for our country, and in the past the institution's advice also helped with the economic transformation of our market. Pellegrini believes that Slovakia should also be an active contributor to this organisation, which should be helped by hosting the OECD Global Forum on the Future of Education and Skills next year. In this context, the President praised the cooperation between the organisation and Slovak universities, which enables short-term internships of Slovak students at various OECD headquarters. The growing technology of artificial intelligence (AI) could help. "Slovakia aims to remain one of the driving forces for managing AI fairly and responsibly. We see its potential to revolutionise education, boost productivity, support green policies and energy transitions, protect the environment, support small businesses, level regional disparities and shape the future of taxation as well as labour, social and pension policies," added the president. The OECD is an intergovernmental organisation of 38 of the world's most advanced democracies and market economies. Slovakia has been an OECD member since 2000. am/mcs