Deputy Prime Minister for EU Funds Management Atanas Pekanov and Deputy Minister of Education and Science Maria Gaidarova took part in the Ninth Meeting of the OECD Global Strategy Group
14 December 2021 Events and Discussions
The ninth meeting of the OECD Global Strategy Group took place on 7-8 December 2021. As a candidate for OECD membership, Bulgaria is participating for the first time in this format, where solutions to the global problems of the 21st century are being sought. The inclusion of our country in these important discussions provides an opportunity to exchange experiences and good practices, as well as to express a clear position on topics that affect all economies in the world. Due to COVID-19 restrictions in Paris, the meeting was held entirely online.
During his participation, Deputy Prime Minister Atanas Pekanov pointed out that the transition to a virtual workplace can have positive effects on productivity, leisure and well-being of citizens, if the protection of working conditions is provided, as well as a guarantee that separate groups, professions and regions will not be affected negatively. It is also important to make sure that differences in access and skills with digital technologies do not increase inequalities. This includes a clear strategy for the digital transition, as well as providing high-quality internet access to citizens. In this regard, Deputy Prime Minister Pekanov pointed out that the Recovery and Resilience Plan includes a project that addresses remote regions where high-speed Internet is an issue, and serious funds are allocated to support the digitalization of the business, especially small and medium businesses.