Selection of the Next Secretary-General of the OECD:
Outcome of the Second Stage of Consultations

November 8, 2005

1. At the Meeting of Heads of Delegation (HOD) of the OECD held on November 8 (French time), Chairman Wilhelm B. Jaggi, Swiss Ambassador, Permanent Representative to the OECD, reported on the outcome of the second stage of consultations regarding the selection of its next Secretary-General.
2. As a result, Mr. Marek Belka, the candidate from Poland, and Mr. Angel Gurria, from Mexico, who received the highest level of support from Members countries, will move on to the next stage. Ms. Sawako Takeuchi, from Japan, who received a constant honourable level of support from Members, decided to withdraw her candidature in order to facilitate the building of a final consensus. The clear and articulate views on the future role, priorities and challenges for OECD, presented by Ms. Takeuchi, were highly appreciated as the useful contribution to OECD's reform discussions.
3. At the third stage of consultations to be held during the week of November 21, each Member country is asked to give the preference for one of two candidates.