Mr. President
The outcomes of UN Conferences and Summits held over the past 15 years
have given us a vision for co-operation and defined different dimensions
of a comprehensive Development agenda.
In each sphere of co-operation and for each grouping of special needs,
a framework was devised and a strategy determined for reaching established
targets.
The plans and programmes elaborated all fit in a framework of complementary
objectives and interlocking strategies. They represent the elements of
a shared vision of a global partnership in which each participant is
expected to undertake various commitments and actions to advance the
development agenda.
Developing countries have placed great importance in this overall approach.
This is as in view of our traditional support for multilateralism and
the potential of international economic co-operation. On the basis of
the various outcome Documents, we had great hopes and expectations.
Mr. President,
Regrettably, we are all of the view that achievements have been well
below expectations.
Implementation has been slow and uneven across and within regions.
This uneven pattern has increased the disparities and the ever widening
gap between developing and developed countries, especially in Africa.
Mr. President,
The main challenge facing the international community has not been
a lack of strategies and objectives but rather the means and will for
implementation; the fulfillment of commitments undertaken. We require
renewed political will and commitment if the development agenda is to
be accomplished with the agreed time-frames. In order to do so we need
to commit to four (4) things:
First, to place the issue of development as the major priority of the
international community. This must be the foundation for a renewed global
partnership if broad-based development is to be advanced and the Millennium
Development Goals achieved by 2015.
Second, is the need for the mobilization of substantial resources for
development co-operation. A priority has to be the implementation of
the Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) commitments, the target for
which time tables and monitoring arrangements was set over 30 years ago.
Firm commitments are now required to ensure that all developed countries meet
the targets before 2015. The front-loading of the flow of ODA resources and
the provision of debt relief are vital. Developing countries need real resources
to undertake required developmental activities. There is also the need to improve
delivery mechanisms to make development assistance more effective. This involves
a reduction of transaction costs, the untying of both financial and technical
assistance, simplification of procedures and the removal of political conditionalities
which are significant impediments to the delivery of development assistance.
Third, is the need for a co-ordinated effort to eliminate systemic
inequities especially in the rules relating to trade, finance and technology.
The process of development will be facilitated only within a favourable
international economic environment which allows developing countries
to benefit from opportunities within the global economy. The rules must
be fair and equitable for access to markets, the transfer of technology
and the mobilization of investment flows.
Fourth, developing countries should have the policy space to develop
their own strategies tailored to their development needs and circumstances
within a framework which provides for accountability, transparency and
integrity. Development cannot proceed in the context of ideological rigidities
and a single model given the diverse conditions and circumstances among
developing countries. That is why an inclusive process of decision-making
in which developing countries can play a meaningful role is so important
in global economic governance and in the shaping of policies affecting
international economic relations.
Mr. President,
We start from the premise that the goals that have been set in the
UN Summits and Conferences are achievable. This year offers many opportunities
for making progress. There are several Summits and Conferences which
will provide opportunities for a renewed effort to advance the Development
Agenda.
There are already encouraging signs. During the recently concluded
South Summit in Doha, Qatar, for example, there was special emphasis
placed on strengthening and increasing the level of South/South Co-operation
and in promoting constructive engagement with the North towards a stronger
global partnership. We also recognize significant positive signals of
greater recognition of urgent and firmer commitment coming from the European
Union which has decided to double its ODA by 2010 and to reach the 07.
target by 2015. These steps are commendable and are welcomed by developing
countries. They set the stage for even more significant steps in other
fora during the rest of this year.
The G8 Summit in Gleneagles in July presents a significant opportunity
both in terms of implementation of commitment of resources as well as
in the re-alignment in global economic policies. A good start has been
made by the G8 Finance Ministers in deciding on the cancellation of debt
of a number of HIPIC countries. We look forward to a broadening of this
initiative and other steps to advance development prospects. These could
include;
the complete cancellation
of debts where not to do so will undermine the country’s ability
to achieve the MDGs.
- the immediate setting up of a fair and transparent procedure to
address unsustainable debt burden.
- a commitment from each G8 member that has not yet reached or established
a schedule to present plans to the September Summit on how it will
reach the UN target.
The High-level Summit in
the General Assembly’s 60 th Session
offers world leaders the opportunity to decide on practical measures
to address current development needs and for strengthening the UN system
to support development.
Additionally, in December the Trade Ministers Meeting in Hong Kong
can contribute by fulfilling the development promise of the Doha Development
Round. The process needs a trade system that is fair and just. A trade
system which allows for:
- special and differential treatment for developing countries.
- effective international mechanisms to support the prices of commodities,
and to compensate developing countries for price fluctuations.
The upcoming international meetings give us a significant window of
opportunity to speed up the process of implementation of decisions we
have taken. It is important therefore that momentum is maintained and
that there is focus on making concrete and substantial progress this
year so that in time the year 2005 could be remembered as the Year of
Development.
Thank you, Mr. President.
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