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In depth I  Financing for Development The changing face of global development finance Source: Halifax Initiative Coalition In February 2008, the Halifax Initiative organized a conference on “The Changing Face of Global Development Finance – Impacts and implications for aid, development, the South and the Bretton Woods Institutions”. May 2008 (pdf).[see more]   print    send   Correct  ADD YOUR COMMENT >> Follow-up International Conference to Review the Implementation of the Monterrey Consensus on Financing for Development Doha, Qatar, 29 November - 2 December 2008 The Financing for Development (FfD) process, led by the United Nations (UN), was launched within the context of the Asian crisis in the 1990s. In 1997-1998, the UN General Assembly agreed to convene an International Conference on Financing for Development which was finally held in March 2002 in Monterrey, Mexico. The Conference was characterised by the active participation of the World Bank (WB), the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Trade Organisation (WTO). The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTD), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the five regional commissions and other bodies within the UN system, as well as representatives of civil society and the private sector also participated in the Conference and its preparatory process. Monterrey encompassed a significant variety of financing for development-related issues that are of concern to civil society, such as debt relief and financial crises, the Official Development Assistance (ODA), foreign direct investment and the relationship between international trade and development. It also included systemic issues such as the governance of international financial institutions and the representation and relative power enjoyed by developing countries in those institutions. The Conference was carried out on the basis of a clear aim: to halve world poverty by 2015, as set forth in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) approved in the Millennium Summit (September 2000). The then UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, said that without progress in the area of financial resources towards poor countries, the goals universally agreed to by the 147 Heads of State and 191 nations taking part in that Summit were in jeopardy. The formal outcome of the Conference was the “Monterrey Consensus”, implicitly supported by the fifty Heads of State that participated in the event. Developing countries committed themselves to introduce sound economic and social policies, improve governance, eradicate corruption and create a domestic regulatory environment aimed at the development of the private business sector. On the other hand, industrialised countries pledged to take measures to provide the financial resources that might be required, in addition to the mobilisation of domestic resources in developing countries, to meet the MDGs. These measures included a pledge to strive to provide official development assistance equal to at least 0.7% of each developed country’s gross domestic product, to improve market access for developing country exports, to complete the development dimension of the Doha round of the WTO, to provide debt relief in order to prevent debt service from becoming an obstacle to development, to facilitate the impact of foreign direct investment on development through greater technology transfer, and to improve the international financial architecture in order to predict and prevent financial crises. Multilateral development agencies, for their part, celebrated the end of “aid fatigue” and welcomed the announcement made by the European Union and the United States regarding the increase of their development cooperation budgets. However, in spite of the increase in ODA, it still falls far short of the amount required to achieve the MDGs. Weaknesses, limitations and opportunities Civil society organisations gathered at the Global Social Forum – parallel to the Monterrey Conference – with the participation of thousands of representatives, criticised the outcome of the Conference, claiming it endorsed “neo-liberal” economic policies and made no progress in “systemic issues”. Although it was acknowledged that the Conference represented an unprecedented effort to build a consensus among multiple stakeholders, it was also stated that the Monterrey Consensus was not a finished product but rather a point of departure. And that the credibility of the follow-up process would depend on its ability to overcome the rhetoric of the Consensus with specific proposals that would make the availability of development resources effective. According to John Foster, researcher at the North-South Institute in Canada, who has followed the UN’s FfD process since 2000, this process “has obvious weaknesses and limitations. However it offers opportunities for engagement which are not present elsewhere, particularly for those who are concerned with governance, democracy and transparency, with how the different parts of the system work either for or against development. It can also be a forum in which new proposals are put forward and support built.” A major weakness of the Monterrey Consensus is that it has a very weak follow-up mechanism, due largely to the extreme reluctance of some large developed countries to give a high profile to finance work at the UN. The follow-up currently comprises a one annual dialogue session between UN members and the secretariat heads of the IMF, World Bank and WTO; and a three-day High-level Dialogue on FfD every two years. A new world conference on FfD is scheduled to take place from 29 November to 2 December 2008 in Doha (Qatar), aiming at reviewing the implementation of Monterrey’s decisions and determining the new initiatives that would be necessary to meet the increasingly compromised MDGs. Since 2002, an outstanding change has been noticed in terms of the discourse on FfD and the international architecture of development cooperation. For instance, the Paris Ministerial Conference on Innovative Development Financing Mechanisms – convened by French President Jacques Chirac in February 2006 – saw progress on issues such as ODA, the levies on international transactions and air tickets, and the search for additional funds for health care and, specifically, the struggle against HIV/AIDS. The political challenge faced by governments lies in achieving specific agreements at the Doha Conference well beyond the minimum Monterrey Consensus. Versión en español share:   print    send   correct  ADD YOUR COMMENT >>  Financing for development process in the United Nations  The Millennium Development Goals  International Conference on Financing for Development – Monterrey 2002  Follow-up to Monterrey  Multilateral development institutions  Other multilateral institutions  Civil society information resources  Civil society statements  Globalization and development  Financing for development and gender  Official Development Assistance (ODA)  The Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness  Innovative mechanisms  The road to Doha   News Up-to-date current affairs information. Fri Nov 23 2007 Concerns about Financing for Development presented to High Level Dialogue Fuente: AWID In-depth reports Detailed reports on key issues Gender in economics Notwithstanding the fact that economic, trade and labour policies have differentiated impacts on men and women, the concept of gender has been systematically ignored by the analysis and formulation of these policies. External debt In the last two decades, the external debt has been a huge problem that third world countries have to face. This situation has generated a “spiral of poverty” where once inside it, is very difficult for developing countries to get out. Poverty Although there is a wide array of perspectives on poverty at world level, no agreement has been reached about its character. In spite of having a common basis, there are multiple definitions and concepts on this issue. The G8 Summit 2005 The Group of Eight (G8) Summit 2005 held in Gleneagles, Scotland from 6 to 8 July was aimed to focus on poverty in Africa and climate change but the leaders commitments fell far short of the expectations. World Bank The World Bank's main self-proclaimed objective is to eradicate poverty. Yet, evidence suggests that its programmes often harm the poor and the environment. International Monetary Fund - IMF The IMF is one of the most powerful international organizations. Its policies change the lives of millions of people in developing countries. New Partnership for African Development - NEPAD Promoted by African governments and supported by the G8, NEPAD has been largely criticized by civil society organizations. World Trade Organization - WTO Trade at the service of people, or people subjected to trade? The WTO makes the difference. Millennium Development Goals - MDGs A comprehensive list of resources from the United Nations and civil society organizations. Campaigns NGO-organised actions Build a global united front for HIV prevention and treatment in South Africa Reform of International Institutions Stop Global AIDS      Financing for development process in the United Nations The United Nations (UN) has several programmes and agencies devoted, either from their perspective or specific themes, to the issue of financing for development in the poorest countries. This section offers links to their websites as well as some relevant papers especially prepared within the framework of the process towards the UN Conference on Financing for Development. Follow-up process to the International Conference on Financing for Development Source: United Nations The objective of the Financing for Development Office is to provide effective secretariat support for sustained follow-up within the United Nations system to the agreements and commitments reached at the International Conference on Financing for Development, as contained in the Monterrey Consensus, as well as financing for development-related aspects of the outcomes of major United Nations conferences and summits in the economic and social fields, including the development goals set out in the United Nations Millennium Declaration. World Economic and Social Survey Source: United Nations The World Economic and Social Survey (WESS) provides objective analysis of pressing long-term social and economic development issues, and discusses the positive and negative impact of corresponding policies. The analyses are supported by analytical research and data included in the annex. United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) UNDP is the UN's global development network, an organization advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. We are on the ground in 166 countries, working with them on their own solutions to global and national development challenges. As they develop local capacity, they draw on the people of UNDP and our wide range of partners. United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Established in 1964, UNCTAD promotes the development-friendly integration of developing countries into the world economy. UNCTAD has progressively evolved into an authoritative knowledge-based institution whose work aims to help shape current policy debates and thinking on development, with a particular focus on ensuring that domestic policies and international action are mutually supportive in bringing about sustainable development. United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) UNCDF offers a unique combination of investment capital, capacity building and technical advisory services to promote microfinance and local development in the Least Developed Countries (LDCs). International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) IFAD's mission is to enable the rural poor to overcome poverty. It is dedicated to eradicating rural poverty in developing countries. Seventy-five per cent of the world's poorest people - 800 million women, children and men - live in rural areas and depend on agriculture and related activities for their livelihoods.    The Millennium Development Goals Finding the money to eliminate world poverty Source: International Development Committee (IDC), UK UK government commitee finds that meeting the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) will require an additional US$50 billion in aid per year, a doubling of current aid levels. The United Nations Conference on Financing for Development offered less than a quarter of the funds needed to meet the MDG targets (pdf version). Choike in-depth report Source: Choike A comprehensive list of resources from the United Nations and civil society organizations.    International Conference on Financing for Development – Monterrey 2002 Fifty heads of state implicitly supported the “Monterrey Consensus” by taking part in the first UN Conference on Financing for Development held in that Mexican city from March 18-22, 2002. This was the first time that the United Nations (UN) called a meeting to examine the main issues related to global economic development. The Monterrey Consensus Source: United Nations The final text of agreements and commitments adopted at the International Conference on Financing for Development Monterrey, Mexico, 18-22 March 2002 (pdf version). Eldis Aid Quality Guide Source: ELDIS The Monterrey Conference: long on intentions Source: Network IDEAs The so-called "Monterrey Consensus" is long on intentions, but lacks quantifiable goals or deadlines. Issues like debt relief, historically-generated structural constraints on development and global policies in areas like health and education are hardly addressed.    Follow-up to Monterrey A weak point in the “Monterrey Consensus” is that it has quite a frail follow-up mechanism, due largely to the extreme reluctance of some developed countries to give a high profile to finance work at the UN. The follow-up currently comprises a one annual dialogue session between UN members and the secretariat heads of the IMF, World Bank and WTO; and a three-day High-level Dialogue on Financing forDevelopment every two years. A new world conference is scheduled to take place in the second half of 2008, aiming at reviewing the implementation of those mechanisms agreed in Monterrey in 2002. Chronicle of an announced failure and challenges for post-Monterrey Source: Third World Network Africa Zo Randriamaro The International Conference on Financing for Development held in Monterrey can be described as a five-day official ceremony for an event which substance had already been decided and known many weeks ago, during the fourth PrepCom meeting in January 2002. June 2002. Report on UN Financing for Development Interactive Dialogue Source: Third World Network Martin Khor A one-day high level interactive dialogue took place on Financing for Development at the United Nations in New York on 30 October 2003. It was part of the follow up of the FFD Conference of Monterrey in March 2002. The discussions covered a wide range of issues, including the reverse transfer of funds South to North, external debt, the trade system after Cancun, lack of participation of developing countries in decision-making, and the need for stronger follow-up mechanisms. October 2003. Stronger UN mandate and capacity needed for FfD process Source: Third World Network Martin Khor At the end of the Financing for Development Dialogue at the United Nations in New York (October 2003), the President of the UN General Assembly presented his Chairman's Conclusions. The report on these Conclusions also provides an analysis of the 3-day series of FFD events, pointing out the weak mandate and capacity for the UN in this follow up to the Monterrey Conference, and the need to strengthen this UN mandate. October 2003. FFD Multi-stakeholder Consultations on Systemic Issues 2004-2005 Source: New Rules for Global Finance "Systemic Issues" refers to paragraph F 52-53 of the Monterrey Consensus (A/CONF.198/11). These multi-stakeholder consultations examined issues, exchanged information and promoted best practices related to advancing rules for global finance to meet the Millennium Declaration development goals (MDGs) of sustained economic growth, poverty eradication and sustainable development. Financing for Development: The Abuja Commitment to Action African Finance Ministers, along with a number of African Education Ministers, the UK Chancellor of the Exchequer, international financial institutions, UN agencies, development partners, the Archbishop of Cape Town, Bono and other representatives of civil society met in Abuja (Nigeria) on 21-22 May 2006 (pdf version).    Multilateral development institutions World Bank - Official site World Trade Organization (WTO) International Monetary Fund (IMF)    Other multilateral institutions Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Andean Development Corporation (CAF) Multilateral financial institution that supports the sustainable development of its shareholder countries and regional integration. The OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID) The OPEC Fund for International Development is an intergovernmental development finance institution established in 1976 by the member states of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries.    Civil society information resources This section offers links to civil society networks monitoring country development policies, as well as to relevant papers on financing for development submitted by civil society. Social Watch Social Watch is an international network informed by national citizens' groups aiming at following up the fulfillment of the internationally agreed commitments on poverty eradication and equality. These national groups report, through the national Social Watch report, on the progress -or regression- towards these commitments and goals. The global financial and economic crisis Source: Third World Network A collection of articles and reports on the causes of the crisis, its effects and proposals to reform the financial system. South Bulletin 32 Source: South Centre The South Centre is an intergovernmental body of developing countries; this issue of the South Bulletin is devoted to the Financing for Development Conference held in Monterrey. Global Policy Forum This page contains information on the different ways to mobilize finances for development, and provides information on the international conference on financing for development, its preparation, and follow-up. Social Watch Report 2006: Impossible Architecture Source: Social Watch Invisible to citizens in the North or the South, subterranean channels divert huge flows of money to tax havens. The nets of the revenue services catch the small fish easily, but let the sharks through untouched. The two global intergovernmental institutions that are supposed to preside over world finances and regulate their flow do the opposite of what is expected from them: instead of channelling money towards development, the World Bank receives more from developing countries than what it disburses to them; instead of ensuring global financial stability, the International Monetary Fund is now rooting for a financial crisis to erupt or it will not have enough business to pay for its own staff. The current global financial architecture thus looks like the impossible building designed by MC Escher in his famous “Waterfall” etching, where the water that seems to be falling actually flows up, against all rules of logic. Eldis Finance Policy Resource Guide Eldis aims to share the best in development, policy, practice and research. IFIwatchnet IFIwatchnet is a groundbreaking initiative in international NGO networking. It connects organisations worldwide which are monitoring international financial institutions (IFIs) such as the World Bank, the IMF, and regional development banks. Thinking Globaly: Why is FFD important to US groups? Source: Urban Justice Center The importance of community involvement in UN processes cannot be overstated. US groups must take advantage of this international platform to address injustices pepertrated by the US government (pdf version). Gone offshore Source: Inter Pares Peter Gillespie As corporations and wealthy individuals shift their assets into offshore tax havens, the loss in global tax revenues is now estimated to be at least $500 billion a year, more than enough to finance the UN's Millennium Development Goals. Civil society groups are challenging the offshore financial system and the social costs that tax evasion is imposing on societies around the world. June 2007. Civil society perspectives on the Paris Declaration and aid effectiveness Source: INTRAC Kasturi Sen While civil society organisations (CSOs) were present during the singing of the Paris Declaration in March 2005, there have been growing concerns about the lack of an active civil society role in the process, to ensure that aid effectiveness can be measured in relation to its actual impact on the ground in alleviating poverty and improving livelihoods of poor and marginalised communities. Whilst this is of foremost priority there is also keen interest among civil society to ensure that budget allocations are not utilised to remove further the goals of human rights, democracy and sustainable development that includes a focus on gender equality. October 2007 (pdf version). Whither EC Aid? Source: ActionAid - ECDPM Both ActionAid and ECDPM have long track records of working on EU development policy. This project aims at taking stock of current perceptions and contributing to the discussion on where the pledged aid increases should be directed and how the EU should evolve as a donor. The main objective of the joint ECDPM-ActionAid project “Whither EC Aid?” (WECA) is to re-position the debate on monitoring the effectiveness of EC development cooperation. Influencing international aid policy Source: Forum on the Future of Aid Simon Burall and Ajoy Datta In light of increased access to policy dialogue about the reform of the international aid architecture, this paper explores ways in which southern researchers can maximise their input in to the debate. The authors argue that the current aid system is changing significantly, not only in terms of the increasing amounts of money which are likely to flow through the system, but also because of the range of new donors and funding vehicles which are joining it. This change is making the system more complex, and could potentially reduce the effectiveness of the aid that flows through it, but it also offers significant opportunities for reform. Specifically a number of decision-making fora have recently opened up which offer the chance for greater participation by southern organisations, particularly research institutes and think-tanks. February 2008 (pdf version). The changing face of global development finance Source: Halifax Initiative Coalition The emergence of alternative international development institutions, new sources of development funding, and alternative mechanisms for financing development are occurring in the context of two major international processes relating to aid: the Accra meeting on the Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness, and the Doha meeting on Financing for Development. In February 2008, the Halifax Initiative organized a conference on “The Changing Face of Global Development Finance – Impacts and implications for aid, development, the South and the Bretton Woods Institutions”. May 2008 (pdf). Southern perspectives on reform of the international development architecture Source: North-South Institute The future of multilateral and bilateral co-operation for development is in question. It is either in crisis or in the process of reinvention. Launched in 2005, the Southern Perspectives project of The North-South Institute (NSI) addresses these issues. 2007 (pdf).    Civil society statements NGO statement on Financing for Development Source: Choike Statement by Roberto Bissio, director of the Third World Institute, on behalf of Social Watch and the International Facilitating Group of NGOs on the Financing for Development (FfD) follow-up at the high-level dialogue on Financing for Development, United Nations General Assembly. October 2003. NGOs call on EU to keep ODA promises Source: Development Through Dialogue Alison Marshall, Advocacy Manager at BOND, said: “Europe is so important in the worldwide battle against global poverty. EU countries currently provide 52% of all development aid. Europe is also the world’s largest trade block, so is pivotal to efforts to make trade fair and just for developing countries.” In 2005, European and G8 governments pledged to increase aid dramatically, particularly to Africa, and 80% of this new aid was to come from the EU. Yet overall aid increases have been very slow, and aid volumes to Africa have been static since 2004. June 2007. Domestic and global policy linkages for enhancing the role of Middle Income Countries in financing for development Source: DAWN Statement issued by the Development Alternatives with Women for A New Era (DAWN) at the Special High-Level Meeting of the ECOSOC with the BWIs, WTO and UNCTAD, 14 April 2008. Increasing international financial and technical cooperation for development Source: AFRODAD For the second year in a row, global ODA figures have fallen, and very few countries have met the target of 0.7% of GNP. Most donors have not made the substantial increases in ODA required to meet the Millennium Development Goals and the commitments from the Monterrey consensus. NGO statement - Informal Review Session on Chapter IV, "Increasing international financial and technical cooperation for development". 15th – 16th April 2008 (pdf version).    Globalization and development New financial architecture as a global public good Source: UNDP Stephany Griffith-Jones This paper regards international financial stability and efficiency as very important public good, especially for developing countries (pdf version). Trade and development Source: Choike Alternative approaches and paradigms to the management of trade –national, regional and international– are essential to achieve development. In-depth report. The precarious state of public finance Source: Global Policy Forum Jens Martens To decrease their dependency on rich countries and achieve long-term development, poor countries must raise revenue domestically. In this paper, author Jens Martens looks at a range of different obstacles that prevent governments of poor countries from raising sufficient public revenue and spending it on development. For example, governments of rich countries pressure poor countries to liberalize trade, thus reducing customs revenues. Also, ineffective tax systems exempt transnational corporations, landowners and rich individuals from paying taxes to poor countries. July 2007 (pdf version). The persistent confusion between growth and development Source: Americas Program - Center for International Policy (CIP) Eduardo Gudynas and Carolina Villalba Medero Once again Latin America is confusing development with economic growth, and economic growth with increased investments and exports. These same ideas have come up again and again over the last 50 years, and although subjected to criticism to the point of losing credibility, they return again. To get beyond this confusion, it's necessary to review the various debates about development. August 2007. The finance and trade Nexus: systemic challenges Source: Third World Network Celine Tan The Third High-level Dialogue on Financing for Development was held from 23 to 25 October 2007 at United Nations Headquarters in New York. In this context, CSOs attended an Informal Hearings of Civil Society on Financing for Development, and Celine Tan participated in the panel on behalf of the Third World Network. In her statement, entitled "The Finance and Trade Nexus: Systemic Challenges", she pointed out that "the systemic deficiencies within the international trade and financial architecture continue to undermine efforts to meet the objectives of the Monterrey Consensus". December 2007.    Financing for development and gender Gender and FfD Source: INSTRAW INSTRAW promotes analyses on the agreements and actions surrounding financing for development, from a gender perspective. Following is a brief review of the contents of such agreements, the advances made in their implementation stages, and of the most important areas needed to guarantee gender equality in the different stages of the financing for development process. Civil society and the new aid modalities: addressing the challenges for gender Source: DAW - IGTN Caribbean Mariama Williams The new regime of aid effectiveness, harmonization and alignment and its three planks of poverty reduction,country ownership and participation of key stakeholders in national planning process would seem to purport well for democracy and participation. But this, as discussed with poverty reduction, social and gender equality concerns, can not be automatically assumed as the end results of the various instruments of aid modalities undertaken within the operational framework of the new aid regime. June 25, 2007. Financing for Gender Equality Statement to the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Dialogue on Financing for Development. October 22, 2007. Aid effectiveness and women's rights Source: Association for Women's Rights in Development - AWID Cecilia Alemany The Paris Declaration is the most recent framework for international cooperation agreed by the donor community at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) level. In September 2008 donor countries and recipient countries will meet for a High Level Forum in Accra, Ghana, to assess progress in the implementation of the Paris Declaration, and to agree a new "agenda for action". This will be the first opportunity for donor and recipient countries, and civil society organizations, to review the progress on the implementation of the Declaration. If women's rights advocates don't push for gender equality and women's rights to be understood as development priorities, nobody will. It is vital to ensure women's voices, proposals and participation are infused throughout the whole process. December 2007. Implementing the Paris Declaration: implications for the promotion of women’s rights and gender equality Source: AWID Cecilia Alemany, Nerea Craviotto, Fernanda Hopenhaym The Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness (PD) aims to reform the delivery and management of aid. The main goal of aid effectiveness is framed as poverty reduction and the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The PD is said to be unique in that it establishes overarching principles to redefine the relationship between donor and recipient countries. The practical implication of these commitments is a shift in the mechanisms or ‘modalities’ that channel aid. Despite changes in how aid is delivered to partner governments, civil society organisations contend that the Paris Declaration remains an unjust and unequal framework for understanding and implementing the aid effectiveness agenda. Among other concerns, the Paris Declaration is gender blind, and as a result, fundamentally flawed. January 2008 (pdf version).    Official Development Assistance (ODA) The official development assistance, and policies defining it, are of key importance to the struggle against poverty in the Third World, and represent the best demostration of North-South solidarity. Notwithstanding this, funds allocated to development assistance by Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries fell 30% in the 1990s, thus giving rise to an unprecedented crisis. 2. The Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness, adopted in March 2005 by an intergovernmental High Level Forum convened by the OECD, aims at taking "far-reaching and monitorable actions to reform the ways we deliver and manage aid". Why development aid is not the same as poverty reduction Source: WWF International Claude Martin Has the UN Conference on Financing for Development in Monterrey, Mexico, really been a turning point in development aid, as some commentators have maintained, or was that just “spin” to camouflage the disappointing commitments made by the rich nations? April 2002. Rich nations broke aid pledge Source: Third World Network - IPS Thalif Deen The promises of increased aid to poor nations, made by the rich nations at the International Conference on Financing for Development in Mexico in 2002, have not been kept. Financing development: time for a new approach? Source: id21 Why has aid failed to achieve development? Should other forms of financing for development (FfD) be emphasised instead for narrowing the wealth and income gaps between developing and developed countries? Are developed countries and international financial institutions (IFIs) doing enough to help developing countries mobilise domestic resources, encourage foreign investment and expand earnings from trade? A paper entitled ‘Financing for Development: Perspectives and Issues’ looks at how the widening gap between the incomes of people in developed and developing countries might be narrowed. Overcoming the crisis of ODA Source: UNA-Denmark Jens Martens There is a broad consensus among the development community that official development assistance (ODA) continues to be of vital importance for many countries in the global South. To some extent its volume reflects the political commitment of the North to greater global justice. Of course, ODA is not the only but just one financial instrument to fight poverty and to promote sustainable development. ODA cannot be a substitute for other necessary actions, for example further debt relief, improved trade conditions for developing countries and reforms in the international financial system. November 2000. Africa does not need more Western philanthropy Source: ZNet Mukoma Wa Ngugi In addition to providing raw materials, labor, and markets for finished products, Africa also cleanses the conscience of Africanist scholars, evangelists and missionaries, the rock and roll musicians who want to save Africa through orphan adoption, and philanthropists with Mother-Theresa complexes. "Africa does not need more Western military intervention, more debt forgiveness or more Western philanthropy. What we need is equal trade between nations and economic justice inside nations". April 2007. Hold the applause! EU governments risk breaking aid promises Source: Eurodad In 2002 and again in 2005 European Union governments committed to substantial increases in the amount of aid they give to poor countries. According to official figures most European countries are living up to their aid promises. But European citizens should hold their applause. European governments continue to make misleading claims about their aid figures: nearly one third of Europe’s reported Official Development Assistance (ODA) was not in fact genuine aid. May 2007. Financing for development in the Arab region: a case of a region at crossroads Source: Arab NGO Network for Development The Arab region has been the subject of heightened international attention after the 9/11 attacks, especially from the United States and the European Union. There has been a growing perception that terrorism threats are rooted in radical Islamic movements that are entrenched in the Arab region, due to lack of good governance and democracy. This assumption does not reflect the real problem behind the rise of terrorism, which is linked among others to the feelings of humiliation and despise that the citizens of this region are facing when it comes to continuing foreign occupation of their land, expanding military bases, and consistent double standards in the implementation of the international laws and resolutions related to their rights. This report was presented at the workshop of Financing for Equity and Development held in Beirut, Lebanon, in March 2006. Should we dump the North-South lens? Source: The Drum Beat Jon Tinker Here Jon Tinker, founder of Earthscan (which later became the Panos network), and current Executive Director of Panos Canada, puts a spotlight on the "North-South" paradigm for viewing development. He considers its origins and explores some ways it may no longer be appropriate, suggesting instead a "commonalities" lens as a new tool for development. July 2007. Deceptive development cooperation Lou Keune and Francine Mestrum In most Western-European countries, feelings about development cooperation are rather strong. Heads of government are proud of their achievements. Many small and larger organisations are active in developing countries. But this enthusiasm cannot conceal the fact that we, the generous donors, are in fact ‘takers’. We, in the rich countries, are taking far more from the developing countries than we are giving them. It is time to stop this charity and to start giving priority to the structural causes of poverty, inequality and ecocide. We need to have the courage to question our own wealth. What is wrong about that? Is there any reason to think that we are now happier than we were in 1979? October 2007 (pdf version). Asian models for aid: is there a non-western approach to development assistance? Source: Chr. Michelsen Institute Alf Morten Jerve Increasingly, Asia's emerging market economies are entering the landscape of international aid, joining Japan as major international donors. But how different are Asian countries' aid policies to those of Western countries, and what challenges and opportunities do they represent for the global development community? This paper considers these questions by examining four Asian donors: Japan, China, India and South Korea. The analysis is based on a seminar held in Oslo on 5 December 2006, which brought together experts on all four countries (pdf version). OECD Journal on Development: Development Co-operation Report 2007 Source: Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Has development aid improved the lives of people living in developing countries over the past five years? Yes, says the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)'s latest Development Co-operation Report, but slowly. Increased aid is helping very poor countries. In sub-Saharan Africa, fewer babies are dying and more children are going to school. But despite efforts by donor and recipient countries to use aid more effectively, progress is modest and problems such as inequality and climate change are growing. February 2008. The myth of western aid Source: D+C Kishore Mahbubani The story of Western aid to the Third World needs to be demystified. Western populations almost universally believe that the story of Western aid is of massive transfers of aid to poor Third World countries for purely altruistic reasons. They know that much of this aid has not resulted in successful development. But many believe that this is not the fault of the West. It is true that there is a huge scandal of corruption on Western aid that is waiting to be exposed. However, if and when this story is fully exposed, it is the West that will be deeply embarrassed. The full story will show that the wide-held belief of altruistic Western aid is nothing but a myth. February 2008. Security, the war on terror, and Official Development Assistance Source: North-South Institute Kwesi Aning Since the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the US and the subsequent declaration of a War on Terror (WOT), several international issues have been affected. One such issue-area is the disbursement of official development assistance (ODA). Although ODA was for several decades a critical factor in international politics and has been essential in its own right, with the initiation of the WOT, the determinants for the disbursement of ODA are being made secondary to the prerequisites of this war. Even though the traditional development criteria for the disbursement of ODA was sometimes undermined by Cold War competition and the geo-strategic calculations of donors, the end of the Cold War gave way to the emergence of an ODA architecture fundamentally geared toward the eradication of poverty. However, the new security imperatives of the post-9/11 era are leading to the securitization and politicization of ODA. September 2007 (pdf version).    The Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness The Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness, signed in March 2005 by an intergovernmental High Level Forum convened by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), is in theory a comprehensive approach to reforming and streamlining overseas development assistance (ODA).However, as far as civil society is concerned, the Paris Declaration is essentially an agreement between donors and recipient governments that needs to be monitored carefully to ensure that the long standing concerns of civil society organizations about the past failures of the aid system are not ignored. Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness Source: OECD The Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness expresses the international community’s consensus on the direction for reforming aid delivery and management to achieve improved effectiveness and results. It was signed in March 2005 by an intergovernmental High Level Forum convened by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Pdf version. The road to Accra: Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness Source: CIVICUS Kumi Naidoo and Henri Valot The Paris Declaration is the culmination of ten years of discussion on ways to improve aid effectiveness. The dialogue in Paris on the declaration was in the context of the preparations for the OECD High Level Ministerial Forum in September 2008 in Accra, Ghana. March 2007. 2006 survey on monitoring the Paris Declaration: country chapters Source: Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) The 2006 Survey on Monitoring the Paris Declaration was undertaken in 34 countries that receive aid. The results of the survey are presented in two volumes. Volume 1 provides an overview of key findings across 34 countries. Volume 2 presents the baseline and key findings in each of the 34 countries that have taken part in the survey. These chapters are based primarily on the data and findings communicated by government and donors to the OECD through the Paris Declaration monitoring process. A more detailed description of this process, how this chapter was drafted and what sources were used is included in Volume 1, Chapter 2. September 2007 (pdf version). Accountability and aid effectiveness Source: AFRODAD Charles Mutasa Aid has a critical role to play in the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals in many developing countries, especially when it is deployed effectively in an accountable manner as part of a wider development strategy; it makes a lasting difference in helping people to lift themselves out of poverty. Of key importance to aid delivery and management has been the issues of accountability and policy dialogue. December 2007. From Paris 2005 to Accra 2008: will aid become more accountable and effective? Source: Better Aid Civil society organisations (CSOs) were present in 2005 when donor country members of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development’s Development Assistance Committee (OECD DAC), developing countries and multilateral institutions signed the Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness. Since then, diverse CSOs have been engaged in tracking this agreement, both internationally and in developing countries. CSOs have been raising a range of issues and bringing in different perspectives, trying to ensure that this new framework for aid effectiveness translates into effective and accountable development processes. January 2008 (pdf version). The Paris Declaration and the Right to Development Source: IFIwatchnet Roberto Bissio The Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness (PD), as a non-binding document on ways to disburse and manage Official Development Assistance more effectively, does not deal with any of the commitments spelled out in Millennium Development Goal 8 (trade, finance, debt, increased aid) but it can be deemed to indirectly contribute to them if its goal of making aid more efficient is actually achieved. However, while relatively minor gains in efficiency could be obtained from avoiding duplications in delivery and simplifying reporting, the main causes of aid inefficiency (i.e. tied aid and unpredictability of aid income) are not properly addressed. There is a danger that the political momentum around the PD might deviate attention from the need of building global development partnerships around the still largely unmet commitments of MDG8. January 2008. Ownership and foreign aid in Latin America Source: Future of Aid Mariano Valderrama The subject of ownership has become one of the basic principles of International Cooperation policies. In Latin America, as in other regions, several pilot programs were fostered to implement the new paradigm. However, no systematic evaluation has been made of the experiences or of the obstacles encountered and in practice very limited overall progress is recorded. This paper examines in detail and with concrete examples, the situation with regards to ownership in four Latin American countries that have signed the Paris Declaration: Honduras, Nicaragua, Peru and Bolivia. February 2008 (pdf format). Turning the tables: aid and accountability under the Paris framework Source: European Network on Debt and Development This report focuses on progress against two principles of the Paris Declaration – ownership and accountability. These principles are the bedrock of aid reform but the area where least attention has been paid. While both donors and recipients have responsibilities to make aid more effective, this report concentrates on the responsibilities of donors to make sure aid contributes to address the many challenges faced by developing countries. March 2008. Fostering democratic ownership – towards greater impact on poverty Source: Alliance2015 Katie Wright This report has been commissioned by Alliance2015 as a contribution to preparatory discussions in advance of the third High Level Forum on Aid Effectiveness to be held in Accra in September 2008. It focuses on the extent to which the Paris Declaration – the subject of that High Level Forum – promotes “democratic ownership” in specific country contexts. Its point of departure is the absolute necessity for such ownership, which enables participation of civil society and parliaments in defining, implementing and monitoring development policies and strategies at local and national levels. The importance of linking aid effectiveness to actual impact on intended beneficiaries is a second point of departure reflected in the title itself. April 2008 (pdf version).    Innovative mechanisms At end-February 2006, and under the auspices of French President Jacques Chirac, a Ministerial Conference on Innovative Development Financing was held in Paris. Upon the verification that Millennium Development Goals – the most ambitious of which is to halve world poverty by 2015 – are unlikely to be met, some developed countries have promoted new initiatives aimed at generating resources, such as the levy on air tickes (already applied in France, Chile and other countries) and the Currency Transation Tax (CTT). However, some critical voices argue that the underlying problem is not about generating new financial resources but about having the political will to better distribute already existing resources. Solidarity and globalisation: Paris Ministerial Conference on innovative development financing mechanisms Source: North-South Institute John W. Foster The Paris Ministerial Conference was in several ways quite a remarkable event. The cross representation of themes and of ministries, the high-level and diversity of representation, the extensive participation of non-governmental personal all added to its interest and to the openness of debate. March 2006, pdf format. More information: General comments The idea of a Tobin Tax or a Currency Transactions Tax was very much “in the air”, in terms of financing the social development objectives of Copenhagen and the global struggle to eradicate poverty. Pdf format. NGOs, social and citizen movements meeting on international taxation for development This event was co-sponsored by ATTAC France and Coordination SUD (France) and co-organized by ABONG (Brazil), CIDSE (International), CNCD (Belgium), ll.ll.ll (Belgium), CONCORD (Europe), CTT European Network (Europe), Stamp Out Poverty (UK), Tax Justice Network (International), VANI (India) and Medecins du Monde (France). Pdf format. Joint motion for a resolution Building on the Monterrey Consensus: the growing role of public-private partnerships in mobilising resources for develop Source: World Economic Forum The World Economic Forum has issued a report calling governments to recogni