COGITO Talks… Roots of Wisdom: Indigenous Perspectives for Policy Makers

Rural populations are shrinking. In 11 of the 29 OECD countries included in the OECD Reinforcing Rural Resilience report (https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/reinforcing-rural-resilience_7cd485e3-en.html), rural populations are declining, not only as percentage of national populations but also in absolute numbers. Rural regions close to cities are also exposed to this trend, particularly if their populations tend more easily to move to urban areas. Despite not being an OECD Member country, Kazakhstan is experiencing similar trends. During the Soviet Union, its urban population was 53% but today that percentage has increased to 63%. Now only 37% of its population is living in rural areas, with only 5% of its GDP coming from the agricultural sector. Discussing all things decentralisation, digitalisation and democracy in Kazakhstan, Shayne MacLachlan from the OECD has a conversation with Zhanerke Kochiigit. This conversation took place at the 2025 OECD Latin American Rural Development Conference, Rural-Urban Connections: Pathways to Sustainable Development (https://www.oecd.org/en/events/2025/11/oecd-latin-american-rural-development-conference.html) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Have a listen. Zhanerke Kochiigit is a researcher in Nazarbayev University, located in Astana, Kazakhstan. She works in the Graduate School of Public Policy and is dedicated to studying rural development in northern regions of Kazakhstan, where there is very low population density. Her recent papers include: "Analysis of Migration Processes and Recommendations on Regulation of Internal Migration from Southern to Northern Regions of Kazakhstan" https://www.researchgate.net/publication/345845312_Analysis_of_Migration_Processes_and_Recommendations_on_Regulation_of_Internal_Migration_from_Southern_to_Northern_Regions_of_Kazakhstan?_tp=eyJjb250ZXh0Ijp7ImZpcnN0UGFnZSI6InByb2ZpbGUiLCJwYWdlIjoicHJvZmlsZSJ9fQ and " Actual aspects of population migration from labor surplus to the labor-deficit regions of Kazakhstan and state regulation of migration processes" https://www.researchgate.net/publication/328552379_Actual_aspects_of_population_migration_from_labor_surplus_to_the_labor-deficit_regions_of_Kazakhstan_and_state_regulation_of_migration_processes. She previously worked at Eli Lilly and Company as a Product Manager. https://www.linkedin.com/in/zhanerke-kochiigit-7ab130b9/?originalSubdomain=kz **** To learn more, visit OECD Latin American Rural Development Conference https://www.oecd.org/en/events/2025/11/oecd-latin-american-rural-development-conference.html and the OECD's work on Rural Development https://www.oecd.org/en/topics/policy-issues/rural-development.html. Find out more on these topics by reading Reinforcing Rural Resilience https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/reinforcing-rural-resilience_7cd485e3-en.html and Rural Innovation Pathways https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/rural-innovation-pathways_c86de0f4-en.html. To learn more about the OECD, our global reach, and how to join us, go to www.oecd.org/about/ To keep up with latest at the OECD, visit www.oecd.org/ Get the latest OECD content delivered directly to your inbox! Subscribe to our newsletters: www.oecd.org/newsletters

The 2025 OECD Report Reinforcing Rural Resilience reveals that OECD regions have seen a significant loss of forests, with approximately 10% of their forest cover disappearing between 2000 and 2020. This decline is driven by a combination of factors, including land conversion for agriculture, urban expansion, and the increasing demand for natural resources. Some countries and regions have experienced even more severe losses, particularly in areas where deforestation and forest fires have been widespread. This loss of forest cover has profound implications for biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and the overall health of ecosystems highlights the changes in forest cover across different OECD countries and regions, providing a snapshot of the environmental challenges faced by rural areas. To discuss solution-based approaches to this issue, we do not need to necessarily turn to new innovations or technologies, but rather we can look to past wisdom of indigenous knowledge in how to care for nature in a long-sustaining manner. To discuss such approaches, Shayne MacLachlan from the OECD sits down with two impressive scholars, Edson Krenak from Cultural Survival, Brazil and Adwoa Serwaa Ofori, from University College Dublin. This conversation took place at the 2025 OECD Latin American Rural Development Conference, Rural-Urban Connections: Pathways to Sustainable Development in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Have a listen. To learn more, visit OECD Latin American Rural Development Conference and the OECD's work on Rural Development. Find out more about Cultural Survival and Citizen Rural Research Lab. To learn more about the OECD, our global reach, and how to join us, go to www.oecd.org/about/ To keep up with latest at the OECD, visit www.oecd.org/ Get the latest OECD content delivered directly to your inbox! Subscribe to our newsletters: www.oecd.org/newsletters

Recent OECD data show that around one in ten people across member countries have no one they can rely on in times of need, underscoring the growing urgency of loneliness and social isolation. In today’s episode, we explore how one Parisian neighbourhood has decided to push back through the creation of a vibrant community movement that’s reshaping daily life. Recorded with Patrick Bernard founder of La République des hypers voisins, and Marion Lagadic, an OECD colleague who is also a member of the collective, this conversation dives into how a small gathering in a local restaurant blossomed into a powerful neighbourhood network grounded in trust, conviviality, and mutual support. From organising a 1 500-person street banquet to creating WhatsApp groups that connect thousands of residents, Patrick and Marion share how intentional social ties can strengthen safety, wellbeing, and even help older neighbours remain in their homes. Hosted by Amal Chevreau, Head of the Social Economy and Social Innovation Unit at the OECD, this episode also highlights the growing evidence on why community relationships matter, revealing how local initiatives can influence quality of life, reinforce social cohesion, and inspire new approaches to public policy. **** To learn more, visit the OECD’s Social economy and social innovation webpage. https://www.oecd.org/en/topics/sub-issues/social-economy-and-social-innovation.html Follow the great work of La République des Hyper Voisins on Facebook and Instagram. https://www.facebook.com/hypervoisins/?locale=fr_FR https://www.instagram.com/hypervoisins/?hl=en To learn more about the OECD, our global reach, and how to join us, go to www.oecd.org/about/ To keep up with latest at the OECD, visit www.oecd.org/ Get the latest OECD content delivered directly to your inbox! Subscribe to our newsletters: www.oecd.org/newsletters

Recent OECD data shows that less than 40% of young people aged 18 to 30 feel they have the skills and experience needed to start a business. https://www.oecd.org/content/dam/oecd/en/publications/reports/2019/12/the-missing-entrepreneurs-2019_668840b2/3ed84801-en.pdf In today’s episode, you’ll not only hear inspiring stories about young people who have turned their enterpreneurial dreams into realities, but we will discuss how youth entrepreneurship policies are helping bridge the skill and experience gap. Recorded during the youth entrepreneurship policy academy (YEPA) Summit in Brussels, this session captures YEPA’s mission through an inspiring panel of three young entrepreneurs who share their journeys - including the highs, hurdles, and lessons learned. The discussion is moderated by Baptiste Mandouze, Social Economy Policy Officer at the European Commission, and features Adrian Davies, Elina Cohen-Periano, and Mateo de Bardeci. Let’s dive in and hear their stories. **** To learn more, visit the YEPA hub. https://yepa-hub.org/ Find out about the OECD's work on inclusive entrepreneurship https://www.oecd.org/en/topics/inclusive-entrepreneurship.html and the Missing Entrepreneurs 2023 Report. https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/the-missing-entrepreneurs-2023_230efc78-en.html

Even though 40% of young people would prefer to be self-employed, the reality does not match their aspirations. If young people were as active in entrepreneurship as 30- to 49-year-old men, there would be an additional 3.6 million more young entrepreneurs across OECD countries. This episode of OECD podcast features Joni Rakipi from ETH Zürich and is hosted by Shayne MacLachlan from the CFE. Joni, originally from Albania and now based in Zürich, explains deeptech as solving complex problems through scientific breakthroughs, emphasising its long-term impact. He highlights barriers young entrepreneurs face, such as limited access for foreign nationals and regulatory hurdles, advocating for open doors and deregulation to foster innovation. The episode encourages young entrepreneurs and policymakers to engage with these insights. Tune in to hear from a young entrepreneur, in his own words. As Public Affairs and Communications Manager, Shayne MacLachlan engages with policy issues concerning SMEs, tourism, culture, regions and cities to name a few. He has worked on a number of OECD campaigns including “Going Digital”, "Climate Action" and "I am the future of work". Joni Rakipi holds a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Mechanical Engineering from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) and a Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Management, Technology & Economics (METC) from ETH Zürich. He currently holds the role of Investor Connect Program Manager at ETH Zürich; an initiative of ETH Entrepreneurship aimed at connecting investors with spin-offs of ETH Zürich. From 2022 – 2024, he served as President at the ETH Entrepreneur Club. He is heavily involved in the start-up and entrepreneurial ecosystem of Switzerland and other neighbouring countries. To learn more, visit the YEPA hub https://yepa-hub.org/ Find out about the OECD's work on inclusive entrepreneurship https://www.oecd.org/en/topics/inclusive-entrepreneurship.html and the Missing Entrepreneurs 2023 Report https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/the-missing-entrepreneurs-2023_230efc78-en.html To learn more about the OECD, our global reach, and how to join us, go to www.oecd.org/about/ To keep up with latest at the OECD, visit www.oecd.org/ Get the latest OECD content delivered directly to your inbox! Subscribe to our newsletters: www.oecd.org/newsletters

Even though 40% of young people would prefer to be self-employed, the reality does not match their aspirations. If young people were as active in entrepreneurship as 30- to 49-year-old men, there would be an additional 3.6 million more young entrepreneurs across OECD countries. In this episode of OECD podcasts, Alix Philouze chats to Elina Cohen-Peirano, CEO & founder of URONE and a young entrepreneur who founded her first company at the age of 17. They discuss all things youth entrepreneurship – from balancing entrepreneurship and studies to the policy challenges facing youth entrepreneurship and the legacy of the YEPA programme, tune in to hear from a young entrepreneur, in her own words. Alix Philouze is a communications co-ordinator at the OECD Centre for Entrepreneurship, SMEs, Regions and Cities, where she works with both the SME and Entrepreneurship division and the Cities, Urban Policies and Sustainable Development division. She holds a degree in European Studies from Trinity College Dublin. Elina Cohen-Peirano is a young serial entrepreneur driving systemic change in entrepreneurship education through Urone, her company which partners with academic, business and institutional actors across Europe. Its mission is to make entrepreneurship a lever for youth empowerment, innovation and inclusion. She is also a member of the Steering Committee of the Youth Entrepreneurship Policy Academy (YEPA), led by the OECD and the European Commission, contributing to international dialogue and policy action. To learn more: • The YEPA hub: https://yepa-hub.org/ • OECD work on inclusive entrepreneurship: https://www.oecd.org/en/topics/inclusive-entrepreneurship.html • The missing entrepreneurs: https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/the-missing-entrepreneurs-2023_230efc78-en.html To learn more about the OECD, our global reach, and how to join us, go to www.oecd.org/about/ To keep up with latest at the OECD, visit www.oecd.org/ Get the latest OECD content delivered directly to your inbox! Subscribe to our newsletters: www.oecd.org/newsletters #oecd #oecdpodcasts

How can we turn great ideas into lasting social impact? In this episode of the OECD Podcast, Shayne MacLachlan speaks with Jeroen Jutte, Head of the European Social Fund Coordination Unit at the European Commission. They explore how the EU is using its flagship funding instrument to support and scale social innovation—from pilot projects in disadvantaged communities to multi-country initiatives reaching millions. With funding of over €2 billion dedicated to social innovation, the ESF+ offers a powerful model for using public investment to solve social challenges. Tune in to learn how Europe is taking ideas from the ground and turning them into lasting change. To learn more on ESF+: https://european-social-fund-plus.ec.europa.eu/en https://european-social-fund-plus.ec.europa.eu/en/social-innovation Discover the Local Development Forum: https://www.oecd.org/en/networks/oecd-local-development-forum.html Read the report Starting, Scaling and Sustaining Social Innovation: Evidence and Impact of the European Social Fund: https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/starting-scaling-and-sustaining-social-innovation_ec1dfb67-en.html Host: Shayne MacLachlan, Public Affairs and Communications Manager at the OECD Centre for Entrepreneurship, SMEs, Regions and Cities Guest: Jeroen Jutte leads the European Social Fund Plus coordination unit in the Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion DG of the European Commission. He has also led units dealing with Romania/Bulgaria, the European Semester (EU economic governance), and one dealing with budget discharge as well as relations with the European Court of Auditors. Mr. Jutte is a macro economist by training. To learn more about the OECD, our global reach, and how to join us, go to www.oecd.org/en/about.html To keep up with latest at the OECD, visit www.oecd.org/ Get the latest OECD content delivered directly to your inbox! Subscribe to our newsletters: www.oecd.org/en/about/newsletters.html

For far too long, healthcare performance indicators have centred on inputs—like funding and infrastructure—or processes—like hospital admissions or waiting times—without adequately capturing the experiences and outcomes of the people receiving care. The OECD’s PaRIS Survey upends that dynamic, shining a light on how older people with chronic conditions feel about their care, how healthy they really feel, and how their everyday lives are affected. The latest figures are now out: with over 107K patients in over 1800 primary care practices across 19 countries, the survey highlights that living longer doesn’t always mean living better, especially if care experiences are poor and chronic conditions aren’t managed in a way that reflects patients needs. In this episode of the Behind the Numbers podcast, our host Ashley Ward is joined by OECD Health Economists Frederico Guanais and Michael van den Berg to explore the work behind this innovative survey. Learn how policymakers, healthcare providers, and patients themselves can use these data to drive more people-centred healthcare. Host Ashley Ward, Director’s Office Advisor and Communications Manager (OECD Statistics and Data Directorate) Guests Frederico Guanais, Deputy Head of Health Division (OECD Directorate for Employment, Labour and Social Affairs) Michael van den Berg, Senior Health Economist (OECD Directorate for Employment, Labour and Social Affairs) To learn more about policy area: https://www.oecd.org/en/about/programmes/patient-reported-indicator-surveys-paris.html To learn more about the OECD, our global reach, and how to join us, go to www.oecd.org/en/about.html To keep up with latest at the OECD, visit www.oecd.org/ Get the latest OECD content delivered directly to your inbox! Subscribe to our newsletters: www.oecd.org/en/about/newsletters.html

What happens when we flip the urban planning script — putting people, not cars, at the heart of our cities and regions? In this 15-minute episode, Professor Carlos Moreno - creator of the “15-minute city” and now a leading voice behind the “30-minute region” - joins the OECD’s Soo-Jin Kim to explore how we can build more inclusive, connected and resilient places. From the sidewalks of Paris to rural areas reimagining public services, Carlos shares a bold vision of proximity, empowerment, and local opportunity. Tune in to hear how the future of urban and regional development might be just around the corner — literally. Host: Shayne MacLachlan, Public Affairs and Communications Manager at the OECD Centre for Entrepreneurship, SMEs, Regions and Cities Guests: Carlos Moreno is a Franco-Colombian researcher and Professor at the University of Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, internationally recognised for developing the 15-minute city concept. He is currently expanding his work through the “30-minute region,” a model designed to bring proximity and accessibility to entire territories beyond urban centres. Carlos serves as Scientific Director of the ETI Chair (“Entrepreneurship – Territory – Innovation”) and advises cities and international organisations on urban innovation and sustainable planning. Soo-Jin Kim is Head of the Urban Policies and Reviews Unit at the OECD Centre for Entrepreneurship, SMEs, Regions and Cities. Her work focuses on helping national and local governments shape more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient cities. She leads cross-country reviews, develops policy guidance, and brings international perspectives to urban development challenges. To learn more about policy area: https://www.oecd.org/en/topics/urban-development.html To learn more about the OECD, our global reach, and how to join us, go to https://www.oecd.org/en/about.html To keep up with latest at the OECD, visit https://www.oecd.org/ Get the latest OECD content delivered directly to your inbox! Subscribe to our newsletters: https://www.oecd.org/en/about/newsletters.html

What happens when First Nations take the lead in shaping the future of clean energy and infrastructure in Indigenous communities? In this episode, we hear from Mark Podlasly, CEO of the First Nations Major Projects Coalition (FNMPC) and member of the Nlaka’pamux Nation in British Columbia. He speaks with Sinead Teevan from the OECD about how the coalition is helping First Nations secure ownership in major energy and infrastructure projects. The FNMPC, now representing 175 communities across Canada, focuses on the economic, environmental, and public policy interests of its members. Together, they explore the power of Indigenous consent, the importance of equitable partnerships, and why integrating Indigenous values into policy and investment decisions isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s essential for reaching climate goals and long-term prosperity. With real-world examples, from clean energy projects to revenue-sharing agreements, this conversation highlights how economic reconciliation is not only possible, but already underway in Canada. Looking ahead, Mark shares a bold vision: Indigenous communities not only participating in, but leading, global investment through Indigenous-controlled capital. And the world is taking notice. Groups from Australia, New Zealand, the US, and Latin America are reaching out to learn how First Nations in Canada are achieving results. Host: Shayne MacLachlan, Public Affairs and Communications Manager at the OECD Centre for Entrepreneurship, SMEs, Regions and Cities Guests: Sinead Teevan is currently working as a Policy Consultant at the OECD, working on regional, rural and urban development. She is Indigenous from Curve Lake First Nation in Ontario, and has gained valuable experience in various roles, including as a Policy Intern at the Ministry of Energy in Ontario. Additionally, she been an active member of the Indigenous Student Association at Western University. Mark Podlasly, a member of the Nlaka’pamux Nation in British Columbia, is CEO of the First Nations Major Projects Coalition (FNMPC) in Canada. FNMPC is a national organization of 175+ Indigenous communities working to ensure environmental and economic values are reflected in major projects on traditional territories. He has global experience leading large-scale energy and infrastructure projects and has delivered strategy programs for companies like Unilever and Goldman Sachs. A frequent contributor on Indigenous-industry economic reconciliation, his work spans ESG, climate policy, and governance. To learn more about policy area: https://www.oecd.org/en/topics/regional-rural-and-urban-development.html To learn more about the OECD, our global reach, and how to join us, go to https://www.oecd.org/en/about.html To keep up with latest at the OECD, visit https://www.oecd.org/ Get the latest OECD content delivered directly to your inbox! Subscribe to our newsletters: https://www.oecd.org/en/about/newsletters.html