Poorest countries need new development approaches (21 April 2008)
Accra, 21/04/08, (LDC Watch): Current development strategies have failed the world’s poorest countries, says LDC Watch in its statement to a UN meeting in Ghana this week. “Globalisation has generated remarkable wealth and prosperity for particular countries and particular industries” the LDC Watch statement says. “But these benefits have not reached the Least Developed Countries where the majority population is still compelled to live in extreme poverty” it continues.
The Least Developed Countries (LDC) group was established by the UN in 1971 in recognition of the specific need for the poorest countries. Initially the group numbered 24. Some 35 years later the group includes 49 countries.
In 2001 the UN adopted its third Programme of Action for LDCs which aimed to ensure that LDCs achieved sustainable development by 2010. The Brussels Programme of Action stated that “its success will be judged by its contribution to progress of LDCs toward achieving international development targets, as well as their graduation from the list of LDCs”.
With less than two years left for the Brussels Programme of Action it is clear that it will fail to meet its objectives. “There is little doubt that the international community has failed the LDCs” said Dr. Arjun Karki, President of LDC Watch. “current development approaches have brought little to LDCs. And with recent increases in food and energy prices the position will only get worse for people living in poverty in LDCs. It is time for a new approach” he continued.
A meeting organised on the opening day of the UNTAD XII by LDC Watch, heard how two decades of economic growth had not resulted in increased employment, nor appreciable reductions in poverty. UNCTAD’s Director of the Division responsible for LDCs, Mr. Habib Ouane, told the meeting that the macro economic policies of the current development paradigm was responsible. The focus must be placed on enhancing productivity he had said.
In its statement to the UNCTAD XII meeting LDC Watch calls for a total cancellation of debt, a fulfilment of donor promises to increase aid and for fair trade rules that discriminate positively and realistically in the interests of LDCs. “Greater prioritisation needs to be given to LDCs” said Karki, “particularly as beneficiaries of human, institutional and productive capacity building initiatives. And given that the majority of people living in poverty are women these initiatives need to address the role that they play in development”.
LDC Watch also calls for greater transparency in policy and decision making with emphasis on pro-poor and pro-people policies. “Good and accountable governance is central to development” said Karki. “It embodies participation, transparency, accountability and equity. It applies to both North in their dealings with the South, and the South itself in managing its affairs. Rampant corruption only keeps the poor and disadvantaged where they are.”
“This meeting of UNCTAD should start the process of reviewing development approaches towards LDCs” said Demba Dembele, Director of the Dakar based Forum for African Alternatives and a Board member of LDC Watch. “When the 4th UN Conference for LDCs takes place in 2011 we want an outcome that addresses the core obstacles facing LDCs. This will only be achieved with the full participation of civil society organisations in their planning” he continued.
Over the next two years LDC Watch aims to work with civil society organisations in LDCs towards ensuring a coordinated engagement by civil society in reviewing current development strategies towards LDCs, and the establishment of new approaches.
ENDS
For further information contact Arjun Karki on +977 985 102 32 54
