"This new report is an opportunity to learn from local stakeholders and experts on how to improve th

The new framework on rural well-being launched in 2020 by the OECD5 offers a helpful categorization of different types of rural areas to capture some of the diversity of rural experience: ∙ Rural inside metropolitan areas: These rural areas are an integral part of the commuting zone of the urban centre and their development is fully integrated within a functional urban area.6 ∙ Rural close to citi. [...] The new strategy embraces a “whole of community approach for rural economic development” and outlines investments meant to strengthen places and people, and to enable partnerships.15 The strategy is complemented by the creation of regional Ministers of Economic Development, new investments in the Regional Development Agencies and more ministries with staff complements deployed outside the National. [...] The newest rural economic development framework from the OECD — Rural Well-Being: Geography of Opportunities23 — emphasizes the value of place-based approaches and highlights the importance of quality of life and the importance of investing in local community assets, high-quality public services, and the well-being of residents. [...] This includes investing in social infrastructure, investing in digital connectivity so that services are available, and updating funding formulae to encourage innovation and digital service delivery in rural communities.35 The opportunities to deliver better health outcomes in rural and remote communities continue to grow and governments at all levels need to make it easier to deliver telemedicine. [...] The release of its Rural Economic Development Strategy, the funding of the Centre for Rural Economic Development, the expansion of RDAs and the critical role that the latter played during COVID-19 economic response and recovery are all positive steps.