📅 27 – 28 May 2026
Maastricht, the Netherlands
The 2026 Annual Meeting of the Forum will explore how communities can navigate shifting trade dynamics to seize local opportunities and drive growth.
International trade is a powerful driver of local productivity and job creation, but the benefits have been uneven, and recent shocks have exposed vulnerabilities. As trade flows are reshaped by technological change, geopolitical tensions, environmental pressures and supply disruptions, local communities face new risks — but also fresh opportunities to reinvent their economies. The Meeting will spotlight strategies by the private, public and non-profit sectors to support workers through transition, strengthen locally rooted production in strategic sectors, and help communities stay open, competitive and resilient in a rapidly changing global economy.
The meeting is structured around four pillars
PILLAR I: Leveraging data-driven insights to identify risks and opportunities for local labour markets
PILLAR II: Adapting local development strategies in an evolving global economy
PILLAR III: Facilitating upskilling and worker transitions amid changing industry needs
PILLAR IV: Enabling local business and entrepreneurs in new markets and value chains
What makes this event unique?
The event bridges high-level policy conversations, hands-on deep dives, and site visits to help you gain practical, actionable ideas. Whether you’re brainstorming in a deep-dive session or visiting a local incubator, the experience is built to energize, inspire, and connect. Insights and experiences shared by participants have a life beyond the event – they feed OECD work throughout the year, surfacing as good practices in reports and informing Committee discussions and high-level meetings.
