In May 2009 Retirement Commissioner Diana Crossan attended a high level international conference on financial education in Paris, France, hosted by the OECD.

The main objective of this conference was to advance and elevate dialogue on financial education in the international arena, with a special focus on the current financial climate.

At the Paris meeting, OECD secretary general Angel Gurria said:

“… the low level of financial literacy observed in most countries has been, if not a direct cause of the crisis, at least one of the aggravating factors”.

The head of the Financial Affairs Division at the OECD, André Laboul, outlined a need for financial education to improve financial literacy. His call to action included the development of national strategies and public-private partnerships.

Diana Crossan's address, was entitled 'Recent developments and priorities - New Zealand'.