This 57th edition of the Development Co-operation Report is intended to align development co-operation with today’s most urgent global priorities, from the rising threat of climate change to the flagging response to the Sustainable Development Goals and the 2030 Agenda.
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement on climate change are grounded in the understanding that tackling major systemic problems and the political, economic, social and environmental crises confronting the world requires co-operation. But the goals are proving hard to reach. Progress is uneven and new challenges are constantly emerging that often overshadow the positive outcomes already achieved.
International development co-operation cannot claim sole credit for development progress, but it can claim a supporting role in helping progress happen. The essence of development co-operation is support to developing countries in their efforts to improve the lives of their citizens, leaving no one behind. Countless compelling examples demonstrate how it adds value, catalyses additional investments, costs significantly less than inaction and benefits everyone by helping to head off future problems.
OECD DAC governments and their development agencies need to show through words, actions and investments that development co-operation is fit to take on 21st century challenges and open to working with diverse actors for long-term development results.
The Report calls for a change of course and action on three fronts:
1. Narrative, modernise it to:
Harness human solidarity and interests, focusing on tangible local actions and solutions to big issues that people care about.
Respect the right and responsibility of each nation to chart its own course towards sustainable development, with due respect for the universal rights of all peoples and generations.
Update words and language to shift perceptions to empowering all people and show how we all gain from progress in human well-being in other parts of the world.
2. Retool, be fit for purpose to:
Champion and safeguard the essence and value of concessional public finance for development in leaving no one behind.
Step-up action for gender equality, which is fundamental for all societies, not only because it is right, but also because it provides keys to unlock the doors to progress.
Invest in green and clean development co-operation, breaking silos between climate and development to promote people-centred, climate-resilient development pathways.
Uphold, update and promote high standards, expertise and good practices on what works for sustainable development and well-being.
3. Team up, smartly to:
Reignite the spirit of effective development co-operation, especially in the face of short-term political and economic interests and pressures that are inconsistent with sustainable development.
Catalyse knowledge, innovation, financing and capacity by teaming up smartly with public, private and civil society actors, being informed by their unique value, and equipped with the right incentives and safeguards.
Co-ordinate across different policy communities to promote coherence in all areas of public policy and citizenship, with the aim to maximise global public goods while minimising any negative effects on sustainable development in other parts of the world. The report also includes annual “development co-operation at a glance” data for over 80 providers of development co-operation including members of the OECD, the Development Assistance Committee, other countries and philanthropic foundations.
