A New Deal for Africa
|
|
- Ira Warren
- 7 years ago
- Views:
Transcription
1 A New Deal for Africa David Mepham Africa has rarely been higher on the international political agenda. Along with climate change, it was a central focus at the recent G8 Summit in Gleneagles. The campaigning efforts of the international civil society campaign, the Global Call to Action against Poverty (GCAP), and of highprofile media events like Live 8, have helped to focus public and political attention on Africa. In March this year, the Commission for Africa set up by Tony Blair in 2004 published its excellent report, Our Common Future, providing a comprehensive analysis of the challenges facing the continent and of the policy responses that might help to tackle them. And the development A New Deal for Africa David Mepham needs of the continent will feature prominently at the forthcoming UN Millennium Review Summit in September. But will any of this heightened international interest really lead to improvements in the lives of Africa s people? A lot depends on how Africans themselves respond to these new political opportunities. An important part of the explanation and responsibility for the current condition of Africa rests with Africa s elites and with the state of politics and governance across the continent. This has too often been denied or downplayed by progressives in rich countries, who have tended to depoliticise the development process or put exclusive emphasis on external economic relationships. But no amount of aid or debt relief will improve Africa s circumstances if African states are grossly mismanaged, if Africa s poor are denied a voice in the political systems of their countries, and if African governments don t get serious about the threat posed by HIV/AIDS. Over recent decades there have been many cases in which Africa s elites have pursued ruinous economic and social policies that have impoverished their people, widened inequality and increased injustice and discrimination. In some cases, these elites have been blatantly predatory, amassing enormous wealth for themselves and their associates through theft and corruption. And some of the worst human rights violations in Africa have been carried out by Africa s rulers against a section of their own people. These profound failings of governance and politics in many African states since independence and the need to develop more accountable and capable states are now openly acknowledged by reformers amongst African governments, civil society, the private sector, and regional organisations. The formation of the New Partnership for Africa s Development (NEPAD) in 2001 signalled a clear intention on the part of a group of African countries to break with the mistakes of the past. The launch of the African Union (AU) in 2002 has been another positive development, with the AU making clear commitments to promote better governance across the continent. There is also evidence of improvements in governance in some African countries 27 progressive politics vol 4.2 vol 4.2 progressive politics 27
2 A New Deal for Africa David Mepham in recent years. The 2004 Governance Report of the UN Economic Commission for Africa, based on detailed studies in 28 countries, No amount of aid or debt relief will improve Africa s circumstances if African states are grossly mismanaged, if Africa s poor are denied a voice in the political systems of their countries and if African governments don t get serious about the threat posed by HIV/AIDS. suggests that there is more democracy across the continent, greater space for African civil society and better economic and financial management in many countries. The establishment of the NEPAD Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) is another welcome initiative. So far 24 African countries have signed up to the process. Under the APRM, countries are expected to subject themselves to the scrutiny of their peers through a process involving consultations with government, NGOs, and the private sector. There is clearly much more still to do to improve governance across Africa, but the persistence of gross abuses in some countries, not least Sudan, Zimbabwe and the DRC, should not detract from these more positive developments elsewhere. But if Africa s governments and people must take more responsibility for the state of their continent, so too must the governments of rich countries. There are many areas in which action by them could enhance Africa s development prospects. This article focuses on four: trade, aid and debt, conflict, and investment and corruption. Fairer global rules of trade While international trade has the potential to bring huge benefits to Africa, the existing international trade rules are heavily stacked against Africa s interests. EU and US agricultural subsidies and the dumping of surplus agricultural produce is destroying the livelihoods of large numbers of African farmers. Many African countries suffer the effects of tariff escalation, with countries like Ghana facing much higher tariffs on processed chocolate than on unprocessed cocoa beans when they try and export into developed country markets. African exporters are also hampered by rules of origin. These are intended to ensure that the goods imported under a particular trade agreement are genuinely produced in the country in question. However, when these rules are applied too restrictively they damage Africa s trading opportunities. For example, Lesotho now exports 20 times less to the EU than to the US because rules of origin in the former are so much more onerous than in the latter. Another trade agreement, the Agreement on Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property (TRIPS), has the effect of pushing up the cost of technology and other essential goods, including the price of drugs for treating HIV/AIDS. At the G8 summit in Gleneagles, world 28 progressive politics vol 4.2
3 leaders failed to set a deadline for ending agricultural export subsidies. At the World Trade Organisation meeting in Hong Kong in December, progressives should be looking for a clear and time-bound agreement to scrap these subsidies. They should be pressing for an end to tariff escalation and the introduction of more liberal rules of origin. They should also support reform to existing intellectual property rules and measures to ensure that product standards and regulations do not damage Africa s opportunities to trade. And they should uphold the concept of Special and Differential Treatment for poor countries in Africa The formation of the New Partnership for Africa s Development (NEPAD) in 2001 signalled a clear intention on the part of a group of African countries to break with the mistakes of the past. and elsewhere, giving these countries greater space to determine their own trade and development strategies. Special attention also needs to be given to the development problems posed for Africa by the growth of China and India. China, in particular, now dominates developing country exports of all types. The longer-term challenge for African economies is to diversify, boost productivity and break into new markets. In the short term, however, African countries are likely to need transitional financial support to cope with a changed international trading environment. Investing in people Reducing poverty in Africa will require significant additional investment in Africa s people, in their health, education and skills. Some of this should come from better use of domestic resources and from higher levels of economic growth. But many of the poorest African countries are going to remain dependent on aid flows in the short to medium term, not least to meet the huge additional costs posed by the HIV/AIDS pandemic. HIV/AIDS constitutes not just an African health crisis, but a humanitarian, social, political and security one cutting life expectancies in some countries by 50 per cent, reversing development gains built up over decades and weakening government systems. The World Health Organisation has suggested that an extra $7 billion a year is needed to provide life-sustaining anti-retroviral treatment to the millions of Africans living with HIV and AIDS. But $7 billion represents about half of what Africa currently receives in international aid. International aid is also needed to assist African countries to tackle illiteracy and ill-health, and for improvements in agriculture, infrastructure and the provision of clean water and safe sanitation. The G8 summit in Gleneagles made important commitments to increase aid volume and deepen debt relief. On the basis of these commitments, there will be an increase in development assistance to Africa of $25 billion by 2010, more than doubling aid to Africa compared to This follows an important commitment made earlier in the year by the EU. EU governments have now agreed to reach the UN aid target vol 4.2 progressive politics 29
4 A New Deal for Africa David Mepham of 0.7 per cent of GDP by At Gleneagles, G8 leaders also agreed to cancel 100 per cent of the outstanding debts of eligible Heavily Indebted Poor Countries to the IMF, the World Bank, and the African Development Bank. These commitments on aid and debt are very welcome, though additional resources will still be required to meet the G8 s new commitments fully, particularly on health. At the Summit, G8 leaders committed themselves to providing universal access to HIV prevention, treatment and care for all who need it by 2010, as well as making much greater progress against malaria. G8 leaders made less progress on new forms of finance for development. For several years now, the UK Chancellor, Gordon Brown, has put forward the idea of an International Financing Facility (IFF). The essence of the IFF is that donors promise to frontload their aid flows and sustain these flows over a period of time. On the basis of this donor guarantee, bonds would be While international trade has the potential to bring huge benefits to Africa, the existing international trade rules are heavily stacked against Africa s interests. issued on the international capital markets, raising new resources for development. Despite winning support for this innovative idea from some other European countries, the IFF was blocked by others, not least the US. The French Government has also put forward an interesting proposal for a voluntary levy on plane tickets, with the resources earmarked for development. But again, G8-wide agreement on this proposal was not secured. Progressives should support these new initiatives for raising additional finance for development. They also need to ensure that the EU and Gleneagles pledges on aid volume and debt relief are met in full and that those additional aid resources are well used. Too often in the past, and too frequently still, the impact of aid is much less than the potential. In some countries this is because aid has been misused by recipient governments, expropriated by Africa s elites at the expense of Africa s poor. But it is also because rich countries have often allocated aid in accordance with narrow strategic, commercial or political interests rather than focusing it on the goal of poverty reduction, or because aid has been spent in the wrong countries, on the wrong things and in the wrong ways. Wherever possible, aid resources should be provided in support of African countries national development strategies or poverty reduction plans. Donors also need to significantly improve the quality of their development assistance by ending tied aid, simplifying reporting requirements and implementing the Rome Declaration on good donor practice, including more predictable levels of aid funding. Aid to African states with very poor human rights records or very poor standards of governance obviously raises more difficult issues. In general, it is important to stay engaged with such countries, to use whatever 30 progressive politics vol 4.2
5 leverage exists to help promote reform, better governance and greater observance of human rights. But there will clearly be circumstances Zimbabwe is a current example in which it will not be appropriate to provide direct government-togovernment aid, particularly if this might strengthen a repressive government or if the resources would be misused. Tackling conflict Despite recent, and welcome moves towards peace in countries such as Angola and Burundi, significant parts of Africa continue to be affected by war and violent conflict. Over the last couple of decades, Africa has been the most conflict-affected region of the world. Millions of Africans have been killed, injured or displaced as a consequence of this armed conflict. Much of this violence has been deliberately targeted at civilians rather than armed groups. A clear example is the devastating situation in Darfur, where civilians have been the primary victims of the violence engulfing that region of Sudan. Several million people have also died in the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The causes of conflict in Africa are complex. Many of these causes are rooted in national structures and political systems, including authoritarian rule, the exclusion of groups from the political process, socio-economic deprivation combined with inequity, and weak states that lack the institutional capacity to manage normal political and social conflict. But rich countries also impact on Africa s propensity towards conflict, not just through the colonial legacy but in the present too, for example, through irresponsible arms transfers. Weapons flows to Africa come from a variety of sources both licit and illicit and through a wide variety of different means. But rich countries are an important part of this trade. Many of the arms fuelling violence in Africa are transferred by arms brokers, traffickers and transport agents, many of which are based in rich countries. Of the world s seven largest direct exporters of small arms, four are members of the G8. In addition, G8 and other rich countries export heavier forms of arms and military equipment, such as tanks, aircraft and artillery to African governments. While some of these transfers are defensible, allowing legitimate governments to meet their legitimate security needs, other more questionable transfers have been approved. HIV/AIDS constitutes not just an African health crisis, but a humanitarian, social, political and security one cutting life expectancies in some countries by 50 per cent, reversing development gains built up over decades and weakening government systems. While leaders at the Gleneagles Summit pledged to improve the effectiveness of controls over small arms and light weapons, they were less specific about how this would be done. Progressives should support an International Arms Trade Treaty, setting high common standards governing arms transfers to conflict-affected regions in Africa and elsewhere. vol 4.2 progressive politics 31
6 And they should agree common extra territorial controls over arms brokers, traffickers and transport agents, paving the way for the establishment of an international, legally binding agreement on arms brokering at the crucial UN Small Arms Review Conference in Rich countries should also help strengthen Africa s own capacity to prevent, mediate and resolve violent conflicts on the continent. The Gleneagles Summit reaffirmed previous G8 commitments to train and equip some 75,000 troops by 2010, with a sustained focus on Africa. And it made new commitments to provide technical assistance to the African Standby Force, and resources for the AU s Continental Early Warning System and the AU Panel of the Wise. The last two bodies are intended to help address and mediate conflicts before they erupt into violence. It is critical that the G8 and other rich countries should honour these commitments in full. A particular priority for immediate support should be greater international assistance for the AU force in Darfur. Promoting investment, curbing corruption International companies have an important role to play in helping Africa to make greater progress in the reduction of poverty and the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals. Rich countries should work with African countries to reduce real or perceived barriers to investment in Africa. This should include support for better political and corporate governance, action against crime and lawlessness, investment in infrastructure and human capital, and a reduction in the costs of doing business in Africa. Action in all these areas would not only generate increased economic activity and inward investment, it should also help Over the last couple of decades, Africa has been the most conflict-affected region of the world. Millions of Africans have been killed, injured or displaced as a consequence of this violence, much of which has been deliberately targeted at civilians rather than armed groups. to counter the problem of capital flight. It is estimated that the stock of capital flight from sub-saharan Africa is $148 billion and represents around 33 per cent of the private wealth of the continent. This compares with less than 10 per cent in Asia or Latin America. But it is also important to recognise that poor governance of the international corporate sector can distort and damage Africa s development prospects. Despite widespread bribery in Africa involving western companies, rich country governments have done far too little to implement their commitments under the OECD Convention against the Bribery of Foreign Public Officials. Moreover, not a single G8 country has yet ratified the UN Convention against Corruption. Nor has enough been done to tackle the role of rich country 32 progressive politics vol 4.2
7 companies in financing conflict in Africa through the purchase of commodities like oil, diamonds, timber or coltan. And much of Africa s stolen wealth is deposited in rich country banks or laundered through the international financial system. G8 leaders at Gleneagles pledged to make progress on corruption but no timescales were set for the ratification or strengthening of key anti-corruption agreements and bodies. Progressives should press for an end to the loopholes in the OECD Convention on the Bribery of Foreign Public Officials, early ratification by governments of the UN Convention against Corruption and support additional resources to investigate and prosecute international companies that engage in corruption in Africa. They should press for tougher action against money laundering and the theft of African assets. They should also support a strengthening of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative and the Kimberley Process on conflict diamonds. Delivering for Africa At the Gleneagles Summit, at previous G8 meetings and in other international forums, the world s rich countries have made a series of ambitious commitments to Africa. In the years to come, it is vital that they deliver on these commitments, as well as making further progress in other areas, particularly on trade, arms transfers and corruption. Continuing pressure from civil society organisations, and a regular published audit of rich countries policies towards Africa, could play an important role in holding governments to account for the promises they have made to Africa. At the same time, African governments need to make real progress on the commitments they have made, to the international community and, most of all, to their own people. That means accountable government, better economic management, respect for human rights, and greater honesty and openness about HIV/AIDS. Continuing pressure from civil society organisations, and a regular published audit of rich countries policies towards Africa, will play an important role in holding governments to account for the promises they have made to Africa. There has never been a better opportunity for making serious development progress in Africa. There is a clear moral obligation to address Africa s poverty. But it is also in our common interest to do so. The consequences of Africa s poverty will not remain confined within Africa s borders. Poverty and underdevelopment create fertile conditions for a new set of security threats, including violent conflict, crime and terrorism, and the trafficking of people, arms and illicit drugs. A more stable and prosperous Africa would also bring enormous benefits, opening up opportunities for mutually beneficial trade, investment and cultural exchange and the more effective management of common problems. Africans and the wider international community need to rise to this challenge: to end those policies that stymie Africa s development prospects and to build a deeper and more equitable partnership for development, democracy, human rights and peace. David Mepham is the Head of the International Programme at the Institute for Public Policy Research (ippr). He is co-author with James Lorge of a recent ippr report Putting our house in order recasting G8 policy towards Africa, available from vol 4.2 progressive politics 33
UN Human Rights Council UNITED KINGDOM 2014-2016 candidate
UN Human Rights Council UNITED KINGDOM 2014-2016 candidate The UK is a passionate, committed and effective defender of human rights. We are seeking election to the UN Human Rights Council for the term
More informationDublin Declaration. on Partnership to fight HIV/AIDS in Europe and Central Asia
Dublin Declaration on Partnership to fight HIV/AIDS in Europe and Central Asia Against the background of the global emergency of the HIV/AIDS epidemic with 40 million people worldwide living with HIV/AIDS,
More informationNEW ZEALAND MISSION to the UNITED NATIONS
NEW ZEALAND MISSION to the UNITED NATIONS UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY FIFTY-NINTH SESSION GENERAL DEBATE STATEMENT BY THE HONOURABLE PHIL GOFF MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND TRADE OF NEW ZEALAND TUESDAY
More informationINTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE SUSTAINABLE DISARMAMENT FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT THE BRUSSELS CALL FOR ACTION. 13 October 1998, Brussels, Belgium
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE SUSTAINABLE DISARMAMENT FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT THE BRUSSELS CALL FOR ACTION 13 October 1998, Brussels, Belgium The international Conference on Sustainable Disarmament for
More informationFINAL. World Education Forum. The Dakar Framework for Action. Education For All: Meeting our Collective Commitments. Revised Final Draft
28/04/2000, 3 P.m. FINAL The Dakar Framework for Action Education For All: Meeting our Collective Commitments Revised Final Draft World Education Forum Dakar, Senegal, 26-28 April 2000 1 1 The Dakar Framework
More informationEducation for All An Achievable Vision
Education for All An Achievable Vision Education for All Education is a fundamental human right. It provides children, youth and adults with the power to reflect, make choices and enjoy a better life.
More informationNOTE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE WORLD BANK
DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE (Joint Ministerial Committee of the Boards of Governors of the Bank and the Fund On the Transfer of Real Resources to Developing Countries) INTERNATIONAL BANK FOR WORLD BANK RECONSTRUCTION
More informationTAXATION AND AID FOR DOMESTIC RESOURCE MOBILIZATION (D.R.M.) AID: HELPING OR HARMING DOMESTIC RESOURCE MOBILIZATION IN AFRICA
TAXATION AND AID FOR DOMESTIC RESOURCE MOBILIZATION (D.R.M.) AID: HELPING OR HARMING DOMESTIC RESOURCE MOBILIZATION IN AFRICA My presentation deals with i. Definition and Importance of Domestic Resource
More informationECOWAS COMMON POSITION ON THE ARMS TRADE TREATY
COMISSÂO DA CEDEAO ECOWAS COMMISSION COMMISSION DE LA CEDEAO ECOWAS COMMON POSITION ON THE ARMS TRADE TREATY COTONOU, DECEMBER 2010 1 BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION 1. During its 55 th plenary meeting on
More informationOne Hundred Ninth Congress of the United States of America
S. 2125 One Hundred Ninth Congress of the United States of America AT THE SECOND SESSION Begun and held at the City of Washington on Tuesday, the third day of January, two thousand and six An Act To promote
More informationBangkok Declaration Synergies and Responses: Strategic Alliances in Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice
Bangkok Declaration Synergies and Responses: Strategic Alliances in Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice We, the States Members of the United Nations, Having assembled at the Eleventh United Nations Congress
More informationHuman Resources Development for Economic Development examples and lessons from ACP countries
A presentation to the ACP EU Economic and Social Interest Group, Brussels, 5 March 08 : Human Resources Development for Economic Development examples and lessons from ACP countries Brenda King Member of
More informationRESOLUTIONS ADOPTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY. [without reference to a Main Committee (A/53/L.79)]
UNITED NATIONS A General Assembly Distr. GENERAL A/RES/53/243 6 October 1999 Fifty-third session Agenda item 31 The General Assembly, RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY [without reference to a
More informationCHAPTER 11: The Problem of Global Inequality
CHAPTER 11: The Problem of Global Inequality MULTIPLE CHOICE 1. The claim that poverty is unethical is essentially a. Normative c. political b. theoretical d. scientific 2. Self-interest is an important
More informationPeaceful and Just Societies: A Key Factor in Financing for Sustainable Development
Peaceful and Just Societies: A Key Factor in Financing for Sustainable Development Input to the third Financing for Development Conference Published: May 2015 Recommendations: 1. Include language in the
More informationIBIS Global Strategy for Democratic Governance, Citizens Rights and Economic Justice 2012-2017
1. Introduction IBIS Global Strategy for Democratic Governance, Citizens Rights and Economic Justice 2012-2017 IBIS believes that the direct participation and influence of a well organised, competent and
More informationDeclaration of the Ministerial Conference of the Khartoum Process
Declaration of the Ministerial Conference of the Khartoum Process (EU-Horn of Africa Migration Route Initiative) Rome, 28 th November 2014 We, Ministers of the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria,
More informationConflict management Funmi Olonisaki King s College London
Conflict management Funmi Olonisaki King s College London 1 Key messages conveyed by conflict and conflict management trends in Africa Regional and sub-regional organisations are an integral part of the
More informationFAST FACTS. 100 TO 140 MILLION girls and women in the world have experienced female genital mutilation/ cutting.
603 MILLION women live in countries where domestic violence is not yet considered a crime. Women and girls make up 80% of the estimated 800,000 people trafficked across national borders annually, with
More informationThe London Conference on Afghanistan 4 December 2014. Afghanistan and International Community: Commitments to Reforms and Renewed Partnership
Communiqué The London Conference on Afghanistan 4 December 2014 Afghanistan and International Community: Commitments to Reforms and Renewed Partnership 1. We, the National Unity Government of the Islamic
More informationDECLARATION ON STRENGTHENING GOOD GOVERNANCE AND COMBATING CORRUPTION, MONEY-LAUNDERING AND THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM
MC.DOC/2/12 Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Ministerial Council Dublin 2012 Original: ENGLISH Second day of the Nineteenth Meeting MC(19) Journal No. 2, Agenda item 7 DECLARATION ON
More informationThe South Africa-European Union Strategic Partnership Joint Action Plan 1
COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION Brussels, 15 May 2007 9650/07 (Presse 105) The South Africa-European Union Strategic Partnership Joint Action Plan 1 Relations between South Africa and the European Union
More informationSecurity Council. United Nations S/2008/434
United Nations S/2008/434 Security Council Distr.: General 3 July 2008 Original: English Special report of the Secretary-General pursuant to Security Council resolution 1806 (2008) on the United Nations
More informationAGREEMENT ON STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE KINGDOM OF DENMARK AND THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF AFGHANISTAN
AGREEMENT ON STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE KINGDOM OF DENMARK AND THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF AFGHANISTAN The Governments of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and the Kingdom of Denmark (hereinafter
More informationSub-Saharan Africa. Strategy for Sweden s regional development cooperation in 2016 2021 MFA
MINISTRY FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS, SWEDEN UTRIKESDEPARTEMENTET Strategy for Sweden s regional development cooperation in Sub-Saharan Africa 2016 2021 MFA 103 39 Stockholm Telephone: +46 8 405 10 00, Web: www.gov.se
More informationAdopted by the Security Council at its 5916th meeting, on 19 June 2008
United Nations S/RES/1820 (2008) Security Council Distr.: General 19 June 2008 Resolution 1820 (2008) Adopted by the Security Council at its 5916th meeting, on 19 June 2008 The Security Council, Reaffirming
More informationG20 ANTI-CORRUPTION WORKING GROUP PROGRESS REPORT 2013
G20 ANTI-CORRUPTION WORKING GROUP PROGRESS REPORT 2013 September, 2013 G20 Anti-Corruption Working Group Progress Report 2013 ANTI-CORRUPTION WORKING GROUP PROGRESS Introduction 1. The renewal of the G20
More informationRwanda. Strategy for Sweden s development cooperation with 2015 2019 MFA
MINISTRY FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS, SWEDEN UTRIKESDEPARTEMENTET Strategy for Sweden s development cooperation with Rwanda 2015 2019 MFA 103 39 Stockholm Telephone: +46 8 405 10 00, Web site: www.ud.se Cover:
More informationFinancing For Development by Sir K Dwight Venner, Governor, ECCB (3 August 2001)
The Caribbean countries now find themselves having to make fundamental adjustments to the structure of their economies and financial systems in response to changes at the global level. The region is not
More information22 ND ANNUAL MEETING OF THE ASIA-PACIFIC PARLIAMENTARY FORUM RESOLUTION APPF22/RES 01
22 ND ANNUAL MEETING OF THE ASIA-PACIFIC PARLIAMENTARY FORUM RESOLUTION APPF22/RES 01 POLITICAL AND SECURITY MATTERS IN ASIA PACIFIC (Sponsored by Australia, Indonesia, the Republic of Korea and the Russian
More informationCPA Roadshows Speaking Notes
CPA Roadshows Speaking Notes SLIDE 1 We are delighted to visit the [Insert name of school/university] here in [insert country name] along with colleagues from the [insert name of CPA Branch]. My name is
More informationAdopted by the Security Council at its 5430th meeting, on 28 April 2006
United Nations S/RES/1674 (2006) Security Council Distr.: General 28 April 2006 Resolution 1674 (2006) Adopted by the Security Council at its 5430th meeting, on 28 April 2006 The Security Council, Reaffirming
More informationUNITED NATIONS AND ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
OPTIONAL MODULE - 1 Political Science 32 UNITED NATIONS AND ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT T he UN and its affiliated agencies play an important role in the promotion of international co-operation in
More informationCountry Ownership of Policy Reforms and Aid Effectiveness: The Challenge of Enhancing the Policy Space for Developing Countries in Aid Relationships
Country Ownership of Policy Reforms and Aid Effectiveness: The Challenge of Enhancing the Policy Space for Developing Countries in Aid Relationships Statement by Louis Kasekende, Chief Economist, African
More informationOuagadougou Action Plan to Combat Trafficking In Human Beings, Especially Women and Children
Ouagadougou Action Plan to Combat Trafficking In Human Beings, Especially Women and Children Introduction This booklet contains the Ouagadougou Action Plan to Combat Trafficking in Human Beings, Especially
More informationEquality between women and men
Equality between women and men Gender equality means an equal visibility, empowerment, responsibility and participation of women and men in all spheres of public and private life. It also means an equal
More informationTHE PROCESS OF PLANNING AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR POVERTY REDUCTION STRATEGY: THE CASE OF UGANDA.
THE PROCESS OF PLANNING AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR POVERTY REDUCTION STRATEGY: THE CASE OF UGANDA. By Margaret Kakande Poverty Analyst Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Government
More informationBenin, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Chile, Costa Rica, Georgia, Guatemala, Jordan, Nicaragua, Norway, Portugal and Qatar: draft resolution
United Nations A/64/L.58 General Assembly Distr.: Limited 30 June 2010 Original: English Sixty-fourth session Agenda item 114 Follow-up to the Outcome of the Millennium Summit Benin, Bosnia and Herzegovina,
More informationTHE SECRETARY-GENERAL S FIVE-YEAR ACTION AGENDA
U N I T E D N A T I O N S N A T I O N S U N I E S THE SECRETARY-GENERAL S FIVE-YEAR ACTION AGENDA 25 JANUARY 2012 The currents of change are transforming our human and physical geography. Demographic transformation,
More informationThe Cairo Declaration
The Cairo Declaration We, people with disabilities and disabled people s organizations (DPOs) representing 66 countries from around the world, have participated in the international conference titled United
More informationMILITARY VERSUS SOCIAL EXPENDITURE: THE OPPORTUNITY COST OF WORLD MILITARY SPENDING
MEDIA BACKGROUNDER MILITARY VERSUS SOCIAL EXPENDITURE: THE OPPORTUNITY COST OF WORLD MILITARY SPENDING The headline estimate for total world military spending for 2015 amounts to $1676 billion, or about
More informationIN LARGER FREEDOM: Towards Development, Security and Human Rights for All. Executive Summary
IN LARGER FREEDOM: Towards Development, Security and Human Rights for All Executive Summary Introduction: A Historic Opportunity in 2005 In September 2005, world leaders will come together at a summit
More informationIBIS Policy Extractive Industries
IBIS Policy Extractive Industries October 2009 The aim of the IBIS Policy on Extractive Industries is to: Empower people and their organisations to influence decision-making on activities aimed at the
More informationAdopted by the Security Council at its 6225th meeting, on 30 November 2009
United Nations S/RES/1896 (2009) Security Council Distr.: General 30 November 2009 Resolution 1896 (2009) Adopted by the Security Council at its 6225th meeting, on 30 November 2009 The Security Council,
More informationWorking together for global debt justice
Working together for global debt justice The choice facing us at the referendum on Scotland s future is the most important decision of our lifetimes. The decision we make will have significant consequences
More informationSPEECH FOR THE PANEL ON BUSINESS CLIMATE AND INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES, Support for Ukraine Conference, 28 April 2015
SPEECH FOR THE PANEL ON BUSINESS CLIMATE AND INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES, Support for Ukraine Conference, 28 April 2015 Ministers, friends, ladies and gentlemen, Ukraine has extraordinary potential. We all
More informationEUROPEAN UNION COMMON POSITION ON UNGASS 2016
EUROPEAN UNION COMMON POSITION ON UNGASS 2016 UNGASS 2016 is a key opportunity for the international community to take stock of the achievements of the international drug control system to date, to elaborate
More informationABUJA DECLARATION ON HIV/AIDS, TUBERCULOSIS AND OTHER RELATED INFECTIOUS DISEASES
Page 1 AFRICAN SUMMIT ON HIV/AIDS, TUBERCULOSIS AND OTHER RELATED INFECTIOUS DISEASES ABUJA, NIGERIA 24-27 APRIL 2001 OAU/SPS/ABUJA/3 ABUJA DECLARATION ON HIV/AIDS, TUBERCULOSIS AND OTHER RELATED INFECTIOUS
More informationReport: Southern African Peace and Security Network (SAPSnet) Workshop
Report: Southern African Peace and Security Network (SAPSnet) Workshop General On 21-22 February 2005 the Southern African Human Security Programme (SAHSP) at the Institute for Security Studies hosted
More informationBRUNEI DARUSSALAM'S SECURITY CONCEPTS AND PERCEPTIONS
ARF WORKSHOP 21-22 JUNE 2005 ULAANBAATAR, MONGOLIA BRUNEI DARUSSALAM'S SECURITY CONCEPTS AND PERCEPTIONS Overall, Brunei Darussalam security assessment remains peaceful and stable. However, the range of
More informationImplementing the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy in Central Asia Concept Paper
Implementing the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy in Central Asia Concept Paper Background The UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, unanimously adopted in September 2006 by the UN General
More informationTHE ROLE OF ECOWAS IN SECURITY SECTOR & JUSTICE REFORM AND REGIONAL DYNAMICS INFLUENCING EFFECTIVE SSR
THE ROLE OF ECOWAS IN SECURITY SECTOR & JUSTICE REFORM AND REGIONAL DYNAMICS INFLUENCING EFFECTIVE SSR 1. ECOWAS regional approach to SSR Insertion of security as insurance for and complement to regional
More informationm a s t e r o f s c i e n c e i n
m a s t e r o f s c i e n c e i n Global affairs The M.S. in Global Affairs is the flagship graduate program of the Center for Global Affairs (CGA), ranked by the Foreign Policy Association in 2010 and
More informationAdopted by the Security Council at its 6196th meeting, on 5 October 2009
United Nations S/RES/1889 (2009) Security Council Distr.: General 5 October 2009 (E) *0954255* Resolution 1889 (2009) Adopted by the Security Council at its 6196th meeting, on 5 October 2009 The Security
More informationSUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT, POVERTY AND THE ENVIRONMENT: A CHALLENGE TO THE GLOBAL COMMUNITY
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT, POVERTY AND THE ENVIRONMENT: A CHALLENGE TO THE GLOBAL COMMUNITY 1. BACKGROUND The World Summit on Sustainable Development is an important occasion for the world community to assess
More informationchapter 3 supporting good governance internationally
33 Incentives for good governance are heavily influenced by the international economy, the behaviour of other governments and the private sector. International co-operation is essential to tackle bribery,
More informationThe European Security Strategy Austrian Perspective
Erich Reiter and Johann Frank The European Security Strategy Austrian Perspective The following essay gives the Austrian view on the ESS from a security political perspective and analyses the needs and
More informationStriving for Good Governance in Africa
Striving for Good Governance in Africa This presentation will: Introduce the ECA project Measuring and Monitoring Progress towards good governance in Africa Present a synopsis of the Africa Governance
More informationMILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS
MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS Time Level Skills Knowledge goal 60 90 minutes intermediate speaking, reading to raise awareness of today s global issues and the UN Millennium Development Goals Materials
More informationSummary Overview: US National Security Strategy May 2010
Armenian Center for National and International Studies (ACNIS) Summary Overview: US National Security Strategy May 2010 Richard Giragosian Director Armenian Center for National and International Studies
More informationConcept Note and. Call for Papers
Concept Note and Call for Papers AFRICAN ECONOMIC CONFERENCE 2015 ADDRESSING POVERTY AND INEQUALITY IN THE POST 2015 DEVELOPMENT AGENDA Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo 2-4 November, 2015 1 1. Introduction
More informationFramework. Australia s Aid Program to Papua New Guinea
Framework Australia s Aid Program to Papua New Guinea 21 October 2002 Our Unique Development Partnership our close bilateral ties are reflected in our aid program Enduring ties bind Papua New Guinea with
More informationResolution adopted by the General Assembly on 8 September 2006. [without reference to a Main Committee (A/60/L.62)]
United Nations A/RES/60/288 General Assembly Distr.: General 20 September 2006 Sixtieth session Agenda items 46 and 120 Resolution adopted by the General Assembly on 8 September 2006 [without reference
More informationReaffirming Bearing in mind Recognizing
AFRICAN UNION MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING ON COOPERATION IN THE AREA OF PEACE AND SECURITY BETWEEN THE AFRICAN UNION, THE REGIONAL ECONOMIC COMMUNITIES AND THE COORDINATING MECHANISMS OF THE REGIONAL STANDBY
More informationA GLOBAL STRATEGY OF MIGRATION FOR DEVELOPMENT
A GLOBAL STRATEGY OF MIGRATION FOR DEVELOPMENT BEYOND THE MIDA APPROACH TO MOBILIZING AND SHARING OF HUMAN AND FINANCIAL RESOURCES OF THE OVERSEAS AFRICAN COMMUNITY 2006-2010 Geneva, June 2006 FOREWORD
More informationUnited Nations Programme on Youth. Interagency Expert Group Meeting on. Goals and Targets for Monitoring the Progress of Youth in the Global Economy
BACKGROUND PAPER United Nations Programme on Youth Interagency Expert Group Meeting on Goals and Targets for Monitoring the Progress of Youth in the Global Economy New York, 30-31 May 2007 INTRODUCTION
More informationANNEX FRAMEWORK OF COOPERATION FOR AFRICA TURKEY PARTNERSHIP
ANNEX FRAMEWORK OF COOPERATION FOR AFRICA TURKEY PARTNERSHIP The Heads of State and Government and Heads of Delegation of Africa, representing the Continent and the African Union and its Institutions;
More informationThe UK cyber security strategy: Landscape review. Cross-government
REPORT BY THE COMPTROLLER AND AUDITOR GENERAL HC 890 SESSION 2012-13 12 FEBRUARY 2013 Cross-government The UK cyber security strategy: Landscape review 4 Key facts The UK cyber security strategy: Landscape
More informationIsle of Man Government
Isle of Man Government Commitment to Combating Money Laundering and the Financing of Terrorism & Proliferation Council of Ministers June 2012 Isle of Man Government Commitment to Combating Money Laundering
More informationFacilitating Remittances to Help Families and Small Businesses
G8 ACTION PLAN: APPLYING THE POWER OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP TO THE ERADICATION OF POVERTY The UN Commission on the Private Sector and Development has stressed that poverty alleviation requires a strong private
More informationTUNISIA. United Nations General Assembly. 6o th Session. Speech by Mr. Abdelwaheb Abdallah, Minister of Foreign Affairs. (New York September 19, 2005)
TUNISIA United Nations General Assembly 6o th Session Speech by Mr. Abdelwaheb Abdallah, Minister of Foreign Affairs CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY (New York September 19, 2005) PERMANENT MISSION OF TUNISIA TO
More informationA full report of our recent meeting will be distributed to all the delegations. Let me briefly summarize some of the most salient conclusions.
Statement by the Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, ECLAC, Dr. José Antonio Ocampo, in the name of Regional Commissions of the United Nations It is a great
More informationFOURTH EU-AFRICA SUMMIT 2-3 APRIL 2014, BRUSSELS DECLARATIO
FOURTH EU-AFRICA SUMMIT 2-3 APRIL 2014, BRUSSELS DECLARATIO Introduction 1. We, Heads of State and Government of the European Union (EU) and Africa, the President of the European Council, the President
More informationFact Sheet: Youth and Education
Fact Sheet: Youth and Education 11% of the world s youth (15-24 years old) are non-literate. Data from 2005-2008 indicates that in developing countries, the percentage of nonliterate youth is 13%, with
More information17 Africa and the Washington Consensus
17 Africa and the Washington Consensus Brian Kahn 1 Introduction A lthough Africa remains marginal to the globalisation process, the continent s future development prospects are nevertheless profoundly
More informationPolicy Paper. Women and Peace and Security Agenda Progress and remaining challenges after 20 years of implementation
SYMPOSIUM ENHANCING WOMEN S SHARE IN PEACE AND SECURITY Good practice, gaps and challenges in the implementation of the women, peace and security agenda emerging trends and priorities in 21st century security
More informationE VIRO ME T Council meeting Luxembourg, 14 October 2013
COU CIL OF THE EUROPEA U IO EN Conclusions on Preparations for the 19th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 19) to the United ations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the 9th session
More informationHEALTH PROFESSIONALS GUIDE TO THE ATT
HEALTH PROFESSIONALS GUIDE TO THE ATT Promoting Signature, Ratification, and Implementation of the Arms Trade Treaty IPPNW International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War BACKGROUND ON THE ATT
More informationAn overview of Zambia's economic and poverty situation
Chapter 1: An overview of Zambia's economic and poverty situation Introduction Poverty is the most profound challenge that Zambia faces today. It is a social crisis with the majority of people denied a
More informationadvisory council INVESTMENT LEADERS SUPPORTING REGIONAL ECONOMIC INTEGRATION IN AFRICA An initiative supported by:
advisory council INVESTMENT LEADERS SUPPORTING REGIONAL ECONOMIC INTEGRATION IN AFRICA An initiative supported by: Executive Summary: Investment Leader s Supporting Regional Economic Integration in Africa
More informationETI PERSPECTIVE 2020: A FIVE YEAR STRATEGY
ETI PERSPECTIVE 2020: A FIVE YEAR STRATEGY Introduction This document is the final and Board approved version of ETI s strategic directions based on the ETI Board meeting discussion of 12 th March 2015.
More informationExpert Seminar. Engagement with Non-State Armed Groups in Peace Processes
Expert Seminar Engagement with Non-State Armed Groups in Peace Processes Sept. 14 th and 15 th, 2010, Berlin Background: Non-state armed groups (NSAG) conflict regions. By exercising armed violence and
More informationGleneagles: what really happened at the G8 summit?
Gleneagles: what really happened at the G8 summit? 29 July 2005 The G8 summit at Gleneagles in Scotland, from 7-8 July 2005, was a time of high drama, hope, and disappointment. A series of reports published
More informationGender Based Violence
Gender Based Violence Background and problem statement Background Gender-based violence (GBV) is violence that is directed against a person on the basis of gender (European Institute for Gender Equality,
More informationBuilding Public Trust: Ethics Measures in OECD Countries
Building Public Trust: Ethics Measures in OECD Countries Annex 1998 Recommendation of the OECD Council on Improving Ethical Conduct in the Public Service, 36 Including Principles for Managing Ethics in
More informationFirst of all, taking opportunity of the conference, I feel pleased to come together with you in distinguished and historical city, Belgrade.
SOUTHEAST EUROPE REGIONAL CONFERENCE ON COMBATING ORGANIZED CRIMES AND CORRUPTION (12 April 2013, Belgrad) Distinguished Participants; First of all, taking opportunity of the conference, I feel pleased
More informationAgricultural Growth Is the Key to Poverty Alleviation in Low-Income Developing Countries
International Food Policy Research Institute 2020 Brief 15, April 1995 Agricultural Growth Is the Key to Poverty Alleviation in Low-Income Developing Countries by Per Pinstrup-Andersen and Rajul Pandya-Lorch
More informationGlobal Alliance for Tax Justice
Global Alliance for Tax Justice Position Paper and for The Third UN Conference on Financing for Development 19 March 2015 www.globaltaxjustice.org Introduction The substantial problem of illicit financial
More informationGlobalisation and the Problem of International Debt
Globalisation and the Problem of International Debt The current state of international debt is a dangerous obstacle to human development. It forces the world's most impoverished countries to use scarce
More informationTITLE III JUSTICE, FREEDOM AND SECURITY
TITLE III JUSTICE, FREEDOM AND SECURITY Article 14 The rule of law and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms In their cooperation on justice, freedom and security, the Parties shall attach
More informationTHE GLOBAL AGENDA FOR SOCIAL WORK AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT COMMITMENT TO ACTION March 2012
THE GLOBAL AGENDA FOR SOCIAL WORK AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT COMMITMENT TO ACTION March 2012 OUR COMMITMENTS As social workers, educators and social development practitioners, we witness the daily realities
More informationDEVELOPING COUNTRIES. How the WTO deals with the special needs of an increasingly important group. 1. Overview. Chapter 6
Chapter 6 DEVELOPING COUNTRIES How the WTO deals with the special needs of an increasingly important group 1. Overview About two thirds of the WTO s around 150 members are developing countries. They play
More informationDelegations will find attached the conclusions adopted by the European Council at the above meeting.
European Council Brussels, 16 October 2015 (OR. en) EUCO 26/15 CO EUR 10 CONCL 4 COVER NOTE From: General Secretariat of the Council To: Delegations Subject: European Council meeting (15 October 2015)
More informationTrade justice or free trade?
Trade justice or free trade? Key points Trade justice campaigners are today holding a mass lobby of MPs, ahead of the key WTO meeting in Hong Kong in December. The lobby, organised by the Trade Justice
More informationThe BMZ initiative for an International Tax Compact. Keynote speech, held at the International Tax Compact Workshop (Brussels, 25-26 January 2010)
Dr. Ulla Mikota Deputy Director General German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) The BMZ initiative for an International Tax Compact Keynote speech, held at the International
More informationDear Delegates, It is a pleasure to welcome you to the 2016 Montessori Model United Nations Conference.
Dear Delegates, It is a pleasure to welcome you to the 2016 Montessori Model United Nations Conference. The following pages intend to guide you in the research of the topics that will be debated at MMUN
More informationHong Kong Declaration on Sustainable Development for Cities
Hong Kong Declaration on Sustainable Development for Cities 1. We, the representatives of national and local governments, community groups, the scientific community, professional institutions, business,
More informationPosition Paper: IBIS and Rights Based Approaches Approved by the Board of IBIS 18.12.07
Position Paper: IBIS and Rights Based Approaches Approved by the Board of IBIS 18.12.07 1. Introduction Through Vision 2012, IBIS works to promote human rights and a Rights Based Approach to development.
More informationIS SOVEREIGN DEBT AN ISSUE FOR SUBSAHARAN AFRICA? By Fanwell Kenala Bokosi, PhD. Introduction
IS SOVEREIGN DEBT AN ISSUE FOR SUBSAHARAN AFRICA? By Fanwell Kenala Bokosi, PhD Introduction The issue of sovereign debt has been a continuous issue on the continent. Concern with the high levels of debt
More informationAFRICAN UNION ROADMAP: PROGRESS IN THE FIRST YEAR
AFRICAN UNION ROADMAP: PROGRESS IN THE FIRST YEAR Update on progress to implement the African Union Roadmap on Shared Responsibility and Global Solidarity for AIDS, TB and Malaria Response in Africa (2012
More information