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In a tight fiscal environment, governments are expected to use their resources increasingly efficiently and effectively. Public procurement represents an average of 13% of GDP in OECD countries and makes government the primary buyer in sectors such as construction, health and education. Public procurement has modernised significantly in recent years, but much more can be expected from governments in this area.
The Global Public Procurement Forum aims at reviewing cutting edge public procurement practices across the world to ensure that public procurement is best used to achieve desired economic and social outcomes, while delivering substantial savings.
Once viewed solely as a back-office function only expected to be fair, transparent and efficient for government functions, public procurement is nowadays widely recognised also as a powerful strategic tool to support a more resource-efficient economy, stimulate innovation, support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and promote social values and environmental outcomes.
Citizens also hold high expectations for what institutions in democratic systems can deliver. Particularly in times of multiple global crises, people increasingly look to public institutions not only to act swiftly and decisively but also to deliver sustainable well-being, while ensuring accountability and engaging citizens meaningfully. Public procurement plays a critical role in these efforts, directly impacting health, climate, and social outcomes, and serving as a key tool for reinforcing trust in government and for providing appealing economic opportunities for the private sector.
Jointly organised by the Infrastructure and Public Procurement Division (IPP) and the Methodology for Assessing Procurement Systems Secretariat (MAPS), the Global Public Procurement Forum will showcase the transformative power of public procurement to the wider public, highlighting its role in tackling global challenges. By convening a wide range of stakeholders, including policymakers, experts, business leaders, civil society, academia, the Forum will highlight public procurement as a vehicle for positive economic, environmental, and social outcomes and raise awareness about how strategic procurement choices can contribute to building resilient and sustainable societies.
