Volunteers are the beating heart of any event, from the Olympics to your local school sports day. But beyond the medals and podiums, what impact does volunteering have on individuals, communities, and the broader economy?

In this episode, we speak to Max Jablonowski and Betty Anne Bryce, who volunteered at the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. They share their behind-the-scenes experiences, the personal and professional skills they gained, and why volunteering is a powerful force for social good. They also explain what policy makers can do to support and sustain this essential activity.

So, join us as we explore the people-powered force behind the Olympics and discuss how we can harness its full potential for communities everywhere.

Host: Shayne MacLachlan, Public Affairs and Communications Manager at the OECD Centre for Entrepreneurship, SMEs, Regions and Cities

Guests:
- Max Jablonowski, Communications Manager for Business at OECD
- Betty-Ann Bryce, Senior Policy Analyst at the OECD (Centre for Entrepreneurship, Regions, and Cities in the Regional and Rural Unit)

To learn more about the report: https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/unleashing-the-potential-of-volunteering-for-local-development_deab71bd-en.html
Discover the OECD involvement: https://www.oecd.org/en/networks/oecd-local-development-forum.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

Winners without medals: The legacy of volunteers

https://www.hanf-magazin.com/allgemeines-zum-thema-hanf/gesellschaft-soziales/cannabisverbote-haben-nur-wenig-einfluss-auf-den-konsum/

Aktuelle Daten der Europäischen Kommission und der OECD zeigen, dass die nationale Gesetzgebung kaum Einfluss auf den Cannabiskonsum hat. In Frankreich, das eine der strengsten Verbotspolitiken Europas verfolgt, wird ähnlich viel Cannabis konsumiert wie in Spanien, das eine deutlich liberalere Politik hat. Die höchsten Konsumraten finden sich in der Tschechischen Republik, Italien, Frankreich und Spanien, während Länder mit harten Verboten wie Ungarn oder die Türkei zu den niedrigsten gehören. Gleichzeitig sinkt der Unterschied zwischen männlichen und weiblichen Konsumenten – ein Wandel, den Langzeitstudien bestätigen. Laut Epidemiologin Sabrina Molinaro zeigen ihre seit den 1990er Jahren laufenden Untersuchungen, dass sich Konsumgewohnheiten über Generationen hinweg kaum verändern. Die Zahlen machen deutlich, dass die Kriminalisierung von Konsumenten kein wirksames Mittel ist, um den Gebrauch einzudämmen. Fast ein Drittel der Europäer hat bereits illegale Drogen konsumiert – ein Umstand, der zeigt, dass Strafverfolgung nicht die Lösung sein kann. Malta hat Cannabis entkriminalisiert und gehört dennoch zu den Ländern mit dem geringsten Konsum. Die Debatte über eine sinnvolle Regulierung gewinnt somit weiter an Relevanz.

Cannabisverbote haben nur wenig Einfluss auf den Konsum

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

Power Shift: When First Nations Lead the Future

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

From the 15-minute city to the 30-minute region: Rethinking how we live and connect

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

Hope or hype: Can social innovation really deliver?

My guest this week is Casey Plunket formerly of Inland Revenue NZ after 25 years as a tax partner in major law firms. Casey is now off to Paris to work at the OECD.We discussed Casey's career, what prompted his move to Inland Revenue and his reflections on the state of the New Zealand system and the tax landscape here in New Zealand.

Former Inland Revenue Special Policy Advisor Casey Plunket on New Zealand and International tax landscape

More people are getting degrees than ever before, but family background has a big influence on whether people pursue university or another form of tertiary education. That’s one of the key findings of this year’s OECD report Education at a Glance. The report is the authoritative source of information on the state of education worldwide, with data on the structure, financing and performance of education systems across OECD countries and partner economies. In this edition of Top Class, the OECD’s Director for Education and Skills Andreas Schleicher speaks to OECD Editor Duncan Crawford about the main findings.

The state of global education, with OECD’s Andreas Schleicher

Join regular KB host Liz David-Barrett in conversation with Nicola Bonucci, a veteran public international lawyer who has been involved in the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention since its creation. This episode traces the convention's journey from its 1993 origins to current challenges, exploring how peer review mechanisms have transformed international business practices and examining the implications of recent changes in US enforcement policy. Essential listening for anyone interested in international law, corporate compliance, and the ongoing fight against global corruption.

137. Nicola Bonucci on the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention

This week the OECD releases its Tax Policy Reforms 2025 report, happy 40th Anniversary to Australia’s CGT, what does the public think about CGT and an international expert gives his view on the challenges facing our tax system. 

OECD Tax Policy Reforms 2025 report, happy 40th Anniversary to Australia’s CGT, & more

Le Chevalier de la Muette — a musical satire on the Council, the OECD, and the EU
Le Conseil ne danse pas
No English, sorry.
Go away — S’en aller!
It’s not our way.
Oh — qui pense-t-il être?
Heh heh — I know.

Le Chevalier De La Muette

I don’t write songs in the traditional sense. I prioritize sound and theme over grammar or logical narrative. I often look between the moments we usually skip — the pauses, the loops, the unfinished thoughts.

It’s immersive, like film music — but you have to imagine the film.

I listen to myself. I write down what the song says.
Sometimes it says:
Can. Can’t. Fight. Bite.
Sometimes it says:
Text the moon, please.

You’re not supposed to “understand” it.
But you’re welcome to feel what it means.

This style — I sometimes refer to it as Beat Listened.

hanf-magazin.com ist das größte deutschsprachige Magazin zum Thema Hanf.

Everything you need to know about teaching and learning in one podcast. Top Class, the OECD Education Podcast, interviews leading educators, researchers and policy experts about the big issues facing education systems around the world.




Disclaimer: The opinions expressed and arguments employed on the "TopClass" podcast and the recordings contained therein do not necessarily represent the official views of the OECD, its member countries, or non-members who have participated in any related work. This site may display third party videos or recordings. The inclusion of such videos or recordings does not imply any endorsement of, or responsibility for, the opinions, ideas, or information presented in these videos. The "TopClass" podcast is subject to the Disclaimers section of the General Terms and Conditions of the OECD website. http://www.oecd.org/termsandconditions/

How can we all help shape better policies for better lives? OECD Podcasts bring you insightful interviews with experts and well-known personalities on such pressing challenges as inequality and inclusive growth, the economy, jobs, the digital transformation, climate change, the environment, education, healthcare, tax, trade, international co-operation, and more.


NOTE: The opinions expressed and arguments employed in the content displayed herein do not necessarily reflect the official views of the OECD, its Member countries, or any stakeholders who have contributed to or participated in any related work.

This podcast series features in-depth interviews with a wide range of corruption experts, on questions such as:
What have we learned from 20+ years of (anti)corruption research? 
Why and how does power corrupt?
Which theories help to make sense of corruption?
What can we do to manage corruption?
How to recovery stolen assets?

Tax changes how business and people live and work.  Each week we discuss tax news and how it affects you.  Tax is an important policy lever for Government and cross-border tax for global corporations is an issue for Tax and Fairness.

New tracks tagged #oecd