Only a few days to go to Forum 2001, the annual global meeting of government, business, labour and civil society, 14-16 May 2001.

The theme is a front burner: sustainable development and the new economy. The aim, according to the Forum director, John West, is to build on the momentum of Forum 2000 and to provide participants with a platform of open and inclusive dialogue.

In the same week two major OECD reports will be delivered to ministers on this occasion, the first on the new economy, and the second on sustainable development, forming the analytical background to the debate. Forum participants will have the opportunity to discuss OECD findings with ministers, experts, business leaders and civil society organisations. Parallel sessions, briefings and keynote addresses will be constructed around topics such as climate change, conservation of bio-diversity, sustainable development of natural resources, "Is a New Economy Taking Shape?", skills in the new economy, e-government: the transformation of government-citizen connections, managing risks in the electronic age, dot.com entrepreneurs, and much more.

More information can be obtained by contacting: john.west@oecd.org; paul.paradis@oecd.org.

©OECD Observer May 2001