OECD to host WWU’s Laurie Trautman for opening remarks at Paris forum

Director of the Border Policy Research Institute to discuss international cross-border governance

November 8, 2024

Four people sit around a table, listening intently. One woman leans forward, taking notes. Another man looks thoughtful, while the other two are listening.

Laurie Trautman, center, will provide opening remarks at the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development's conference in Paris later this month.

The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has invited Laurie Trautman, Director of WWU’s Border Policy Research Institute, to provide opening remarks at a forum in Paris in late November on international cross-border governance.

Trautman will be hosted by the OECD and will share her expertise and experience working with organizations and initiatives in the Cascadia Region to advance cross-border cooperation. The Cascadia region is increasingly recognized as an international model of how regions can work together to transcend the barriers posed by an international border, and similar efforts in Europe provide an opportunity to exchange knowledge on these issues. The forum will foster a dialogue bringing together international perspectives on cross-border cooperation, including experts from the US – Mexico border, Peru, Europe, and other global regions.

The OECD, headquartered in Paris, is an international organization established 60 years ago that works to build better policies for better lives. Their goal is to shape policies that foster prosperity and opportunity, underpinned by equality and well-being. The OECD collaborates with policy makers, stakeholders and citizens in member countries to establish evidence-based international standards and to find solutions to social, economic and environmental challenges.

“It’s an honor to be invited to speak at such a prestigious global forum, and a credit to the international recognition of the work we do at WWU,” said Trautman.

Since its creation nearly 20 years ago, BPRI has been a leader in place-based research on the Canada – US border, working with numerous local, regional, and national initiatives on ways to minimize the friction of the border for our residents, businesses, and communities. More information on the event can be found here or at https://www.oecd.org/en/events/2024/11/international-dialogue-event-on-cross-border-governance.html.