The 2023 OECD Regional Outlook The Longstanding Geography of Inequalities provides evidence of growing inequalities within OECD countries, particularly between metro and non-metro regions. In light of this, many OECD governments are pursuing a more balanced development approach, supporting stagnant or lagging rural areas while maintaining prosperity in more dynamic regions. Rural areas facing persistent challenges such as demographic shifts, unemployment, and social exclusion, require investments in multiple areas, including housing, healthcare, education, and transport. Access to healthcare, affordable housing, broadband, transportation, education, and employment often fall outside the remit of rural or agricultural departments. As such, an integrated cross-government approach to rural development is necessary to support the balanced development approach.
While many countries support more co-ordinated efforts and integrated strategies for rural communities, evidence from OECD countries shows that there are often difficulties in achieving this approach. Rural areas are crucial for realising various social, cultural, economic, and environmental goals. However, policy actions must be effective in taking advantage of the opportunities rural regions present while also preventing marginalisation and discontent. Tools like rural proofing (also known as territorial proofing or rural lens) can be helpful when well designed, supported, and implemented. This stakeholder discussion will bring together government officials and experts to explore different ways to support and implement co-ordinated joined-up approaches to rural development at national, regional, and local levels in rapidly changing policy environments.
