Denmark to announce candidate for Secretary-General of the OECD, Ulrik V. Knudsen

OECD Deputy Secretary-General Ulrik V. Knudsen – former Permanent Secretary of State of the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Danish Ambassador to the OECD – has a proven track record in the field of global cooperation and possesses unparalleled insight into the workings of the OECD.

“OECD is a vital international organisation that helps its 37 Member countries and over 100 developing countries envision and craft policies that foster equality, prosperity and new economic and social opportunities. A strong OECD is more important than ever. The OECD needs a proven leader who knows the organisation and its members – the problems, the perspectives and the potential. Ulrik V. Knudsen is that leader,” says Danish Minister for Foreign Affairs Jeppe Kofod.

Ulrik V. Knudsen has more than 25 years of experience in international cooperation and a true global outlook. He has consistently demonstrated the ability to find solutions through compromise and to build fact-based consensus, while maintaining a commitment to delivering excellence and innovation.

The OECD is a key multilateral institution working to establish evidence-based international standards and find solutions to social, economic and environmental challenges. The OECD’s role in shaping international economic policy will be more critical than ever in light of COVID-19.

“We need a strong and ambitious OECD – a reliable and evidence-based pillar of multilateral cooperation – putting compromise over ideology, facts over rhetoric and analysis over presumption,” says Ulrik V. Knudsen.

Nominations for the post of Secretary-General of the OECD will close at the end of October, followed by interviews and consultations. Announcement of the new appointment is expected in early 2021.

Press opportunity //
Members of the press are invited to attend Minister for Foreign Affairs Jeppe Kofod’s official launch of Mr Ulrik V. Knudsen as Denmark’s candidate for Secretary-General of the OECD. The Foreign Minister and the Deputy Secretary-General will be available for questions from the press after the official launch.

Date & time: Wednesday 21 October 2020 at 16:30 hrs
Place: Eigtveds Pakhus, Asiatisk Plads 2G, Hall III
Please bring a valid press card.

About the OECD:
The OECD provides a forum and knowledge hub for data and analysis on topics including education, fighting international tax evasion, economic performance, industry and innovation. The OECD also facilitates the exchange of best practices and experiences, and advises on public priorities and international standard-setting.
The OECD comprises 37 Member countries in Europe, North America, Latin America and the Pacific. The work of the OECD also benefits over 100 developing and emerging countries.

Contacts
Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs Press Office: pressevagten@um.dk