Geopolitical tensions and the growing trend of de-globalisation pose serious risks to the progress made through multilateralism. As economic nationalism, state interventionism and protectionist policies are on the rise, the OECD must become a more effective advocate for the benefits of open, free, fair trade and investment. As a ‘like-minded’ community committed to open markets, the OECD should focus again on what the business community actually needs, rather than what they should be required to do.