Shared Responsibility for Global Development

Transcription

1 Shared Responsibility for Global Development

2 2What AFFECTS GLOBAL development? What affects global development? Development is ultimately driven by people s own willpower and capabilities. But the power of people to change their lives is influenced by many different factors. The main responsibility for reducing poverty and improving society rests with the govern-ments of individual developing countries. It is a question of the country s own policies on, for example, democracy and human rights, the stimulation of the economy, and investment in health and education. But Sweden and other countries also have a responsibility. Our policies in a number of areas such as international trade, security, agriculture, climate and environment also have an effect on poor countries and people s opportunities to develop and benefit from globalisation. 3 MIGRATION The drivers of development ECONOMIC GROWTH INTERNATIONAL TRADE GENDER EQUALITY ECOLOGICAL SUSTAINABILITY Economic growth Nowhere in the world has lasting poverty reduction been possible without sustainable economic growth. Experience shows that the best prerequisites for growth are in an openly competitive market economy. Economic growth has a positive impact on poverty reduction and is also the most important explanation for improved health and education in poor countries as a result of higher incomes and subsequently better living standards. Economic growth allows the state to increase its revenues and thereby put more resources into education, healthcare, maternity care and social security systems. The drivers of sustainable, long-term growth are many and differ from one country to the next. One common prerequisite is, however, an efficient institutional framework consisting of laws, rules that are followed, and organisations that create possibilities for the entire population to contribute to development. Gender equality Among the very poor, women and girls generally have significantly less power and poorer conditions and opportunities compared to men and boys. A gender-equal society utilises the resources and skills of all its citizens. Women play a crucial role in societal development. All research indicates that when women are educated, enjoy good health and earn their own money, families benefit. Gender equality is a rights issue and a goal in itself, as well as being a prerequisite for reducing poverty and contributing to democratic development. EDUCATION DEMOCRACY HUMAN RIGHTS Trade and investment Macro-economic stability and openness towards trade and foreign direct investment are particularly important factors within the institutional framework. A robust, flourishing business sector is key. Entrepreneurs and farmers must also have the opportunity to trade with the rest of the world in order to benefit from globalisation. A stable and transparent financial system brings predictability and creates incentive for investment in developing countries. It significantly influences the integration of poor countries into the global economy. FINANCIAL SYSTEMS HEALTH SECURITY Democracy and human rights Human rights must be respected, protected and promoted if individuals are to feel safe and secure in their own society and be able to influence their own lives. Poverty, lack of democracy and human rights violations often go hand in hand. Democratic governance allows people to influence decisions and societal development, and enables peaceful solutions to conflicts to be found. Education and health Access to good basic education and healthcare is necessary to allow poor women, men and children to live decent lives and contribute to social and economic development. Education is often a key factor in countries where poverty has been significantly reduced. Educated people contribute to increased production and higher income for both themselves and the state. Education also provides people with increased opportunities and capacity to participate in society and utilise their civil liberties and rights. An efficient health service is also important. Poor people are badly affected by disease as it is often more difficult for them to protect themselves against health threats. Women who earn their own income from employment or their own business contribute to development and gender equality.

3 4 Swedish development policy encompasses both a coherence policy that integrates a development perspective into all policy areas and an effective development cooperation. The point of departure is Sweden s policy for global development, adopted by the Swedish Riksdag in In this way, Sweden is able to make a contribution as effective as possible to the fulfilment of the UN Millennium Goals. 5 Sweden s development policy rests on two pillars Billion USD Migration Many people in poor countries try to improve their lives by moving to areas within their own country or abroad where there are jobs. There is considerable potential in migration to reduce poverty but at the same time it is associated with major risks such as dangerous, unsafe working conditions and difficulties in accessing healthcare and social security systems. The money sent back to developing countries by migrants to their families and relatives every year helps to reduce poverty. These remittances are several times greater than the total amount of aid. The new knowledge, experience and values gained by migrants can also contribute to development in their countries of origin. Ecological sustainability Many of the poorest individuals, families and communities are directly dependent on natural resources and efficient ecosystems for their livelihoods. Sustainable use of natural resources and environmental care are prerequisites of social and economic development. Financial flows to developing countries Swedish development cooperation 4 OECD development cooperation 120 Remittances Foreign direct investments Obstacles to development A lack of the development drivers described above obviously constitutes a fundamental obstacle to development. This includes an absence of human rights, which manifests itself in oppression, etc. A lack of education and health can also be a key factor in people s failure to lift themselves out of poverty. Further obstacles to development can be conflicts, humanitarian crises, corruption and the effects of climate change. Conflicts There is a close link between security and development. A lack of security makes it more difficult for people to gain access to everything from food and medical care to education and trade. War and armed conflicts impede investment and cause considerable damage to people s living environment. Control over natural assets, inability to sustain a viable livelihood and negative environmental changes are some examples of why armed conflicts occur. Humanitarian crises Crises caused by natural disasters, armed conflict or disaster-like conditions, such as long-term drought, often have serious consequences for a population. They can cause famine, refugee flows or protracted refugee situations that in turn lead to immense suffering and bring development in a region or an entire country to a complete standstill. Corruption The ill-directed use or embezzlement of resources set aside for poverty reduction hits people living in poverty hardest. Corruption also has consequences far beyond economic costs. Corruption undermines democracy and investment and reduces people s trust in public institutions. It also fuels social conflicts and gender inequality. Environmental impact and climate change The effects of climate change and environmental impact hit the poorest the hardest since they are least able to avoid or adapt to the effects of air and water pollution, overexploited and collapsed ecosystems or a changed climate. Overarching objective: To contribute to equitable, sustainable global development Policy Coherence for Development Political decisions in Sweden and the EU often impact on poor people in developing countries. Decisions taken in Sweden shall therefore take the effects for poor people in developing countries into account and shall be consistent with the objective of equitable, sustainable global development, as laid down in the policy for global development. Two perspectives Two fundamental perspectives guide the design of Sweden s development policy. The perspective of poor people on development means that the starting-point for poverty reduction and the promotion of equitable and sustainable global development shall be the needs, circumstances, interests and priorities of poor women, men and children. A human rights perspective puts human rights, democracy, gender equality and the rights of the child in the centre. Fundamental principles of the rights perspective are non-discrimination, participation, openness and transparency along with the principle of responsibility and accountability. The perspectives complement and support each other and partially overlap. Sweden s policy for global development The policy for global development was adopted by the Swedish Riksdag in Its adoption was preceded by a parliamentary committee which was given a broad mandate to examine how a Swedish policy for global development should be designed. The committee ascertained that Sweden s contribution to global development and poverty reduction cannot be limited to development cooperation alone. The overarching objective of the policy for global development to contribute to the achievement of equitable and sustainable global development therefore applies to all policy areas. Development cooperation The aim of Swedish development cooperation is to contribute to an environment supportive of poor people s own efforts to improve their quality of life. The cooperation focuses on poverty reduction and shall be demand driven and complement the efforts of developing countries themselves in promoting development. Poverty is more than just lack of money. Apart from a shortage of income and material resources, poverty is also about lack of trust, choice, power and influence.

4 6 An effective development cooperation of high quality is required if Sweden is to contribute to Political decisions in Sweden and the EU often impact on poor people in developing countries. 7 an environment supportive of poor people s own efforts to improve their quality of life. The core of the coherence policy is therefore to ensure that decisions taken in Sweden also take the effects on poor countries and people into account. Effective development cooperation Policy Coherence for Development Reformed development cooperation for greater transparency The Swedish Government is striving to adapt its development cooperation to today s reality. To reduce poverty as effectively as possible, there must be greater openness and transparency in Swedish development cooperation to pave the way to more successful results. The priorities of recipient countries are the platform The priorities and policies of recipient countries shall form the platform of Sweden s development cooperation. The cooperation shall be demand driven and complement the poverty reduction efforts made by developing countries themselves. Focused and results oriented development cooperation Achieving clear results from the development cooperation is important. Sweden is strengthening the governance of its development cooperation in order to clarify results in relation to established goals. These efforts are in line with the Paris Declaration on aid effectiveness, adopted by OECD countries and a large number of developing countries. Sweden s bilateral development cooperation focuses on 33 countries and on involvement in a few sectors in each country with the aim of rendering Swedish development cooperation as effective as possible. Sweden s bilateral development cooperation Long-term development cooperation in the poorest countries Sweden is pursuing long-term development cooperation with countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Poverty is widespread in sub- Saharan Africa and countries there are most far from achieving the UN Millennium Development Goals. Support to conflict areas Sweden is pursuing cooperation with several countries in conflict/postconflict situations. People are particularly vulnerable in countries ravaged by conflict. Lack of democracy, human rights, peace and stability make the conditions for development cooperation especially difficult, but this is also where the needs are greatest. Reform cooperation in Eastern Europe Sweden is supporting countries with continued EU integration and important reforms in former Soviet states and south-east Europe. The aim of this cooperation is stronger democracy, equitable and sustainable development and closer ties with the EU and its fundamental values. Support through multilateral development organisations Much of the Swedish development cooperation is channelled through multilateral development organisations such as the UN, development banks (e.g. the World Bank) and global funds. Being board members or through other forms of dialogue, Sweden influences how these organisations implements their activities and design their policies. The Swedish strategy for multilateral development cooperation governs Sweden s actions. Development cooperation through the EU Together, EU Member States and the European Commission contribute with over half the world s development aid. This makes the EU the world s largest donor. The EU has a common development policy, the aim of which is to eradicate poverty in a sustainable way and to contribute to the UN Millennium Goals. Sweden influences both the development cooperation managed by the European Commission and the development cooperation pursued by EU Member States through political agreements in the EU. Three thematic priorities Three thematic issues are given priority in the development cooperation: a) democracy and human rights, b) gender equality and the role of women in development and c) climate and environment. These are to be seen as depictions of the type of development the Swedish Government wishes to see and support. Sweden s development cooperation in figures In 2009, Sweden provided SEK 34.7 million (EUR 3.6 million) in aid. That corresponds to 1.12 percent of GNI. Only Sweden and four other countries are currently meeting the UN s target of 0.7 percent of GNI in development cooperation. Sweden s development cooperation is channelled to partner countries both bilaterally and multilaterally. In 2009, 66 percent was distributed through bilateral development cooperation and 34 percent in the form of contributions to multilateral organisations such as the EU, the World Bank and the UN percent of the bilateral support was directed to sub-saharan Africa percent was directed to least developed countries. Tasks to all policy areas The entire government shares the responsibility to contribute to the objective of achieving an equitable and sustainable global development. The policy for global development requires all policy areas to formulate and implement policies in a way that takes the effects on developing countries into account and makes use of every opportunity to help achieve the objective. Lack of coherence across policy areas poses a risk that measures or decisions in a given sphere will counteract or nullify the government s attempts and progress in promoting global development and poverty reduction. A lack of coherence also has consequences for poor countries and people, and can also weaken Sweden s and the EU s credibility as global actors. Six global challenges where policy areas come together The starting-point for the coherence policy is a joint responsibility for meeting global challenges that hampers an equitable and sustainable development. Six global challenges have been identified as areas where Sweden, by acting in a coherent way across policy areas, can make an effective contribution to global development. How these challenges are to be met is not a question of who should do what but of how different policy areas can cooperate so that the overall policy can promote development to a greater extent. The government puts great effort in creating synergies where cooperation across various policy areas can help achieve a more positive effect on development. It is also a question of resolving discordant goals and conflicts of interest in government policy. The development cooperation and the implementation authority can support and complement global development efforts using the authority s knowledge of the necessary conditions and drivers of development. These six global challenges are: Oppression Economic exclusion Migration flows Climate change and environmental impact Conflicts and fragile situations Communicable diseases and other health threats Three focus areas have been identified for each of these six challenges. The purpose of these is partly to keep a closer watch on a number of issues and processes that are central to meeting the global challenges, and to stimulate cooperation and make it possible to monitor results. Six global challenges have been identified as areas where Sweden, by acting in a coherent way across policy areas, can make an effective contribution to global development. The role of development cooperation in Policy Coherence for Development Development cooperation has an important role to play in helping to reinforce the development effects within the integrated Swedish development policy. This can be issues related to activities in other policy areas, e.g. trade-related cooperation used to support the adaptation of developing countries to international trade rules. It may also be issues of contributing with knowledge to support the implementation of policies by the Government Offices and relevant implementation agencies.

5 8 Global CHALLENGE Oppression Global CHALLENGE Economic exclusion 9 Oppression Economic exclusion Modern communication combats oppression New technology and new media have enormous potential to promote free expression. As President of the EU in 2009, Sweden helped to heighten the EU s profile for freedom of expression, through e.g. support to people who had been detained, abused or harassed for using the Internet. Sweden is also working together with the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Opinion and Expression to establish principles for freedom of expression on the Internet. Economic globalisation has brought an unprecedented global rise in incomes, and development in many of the poorest countries, including in Africa, shows signs of moving in the right direction. A large proportion of the world s population, however, endures economic exclusion which was further exacerbated by the financial and economic crisis in Areas where Sweden is working to break economic exclusion include financial markets on the global and local level, trade in agricultural products and Swedish trade and investment in developing countries. Protests in Iran after the disputed presidential election in June A news broadcast in Mozambique Poverty and a lack of democracy and respect for human rights are closely related. People s rights must be respected and promoted to allow them to move out of poverty. Sweden is making intensive efforts internationally, within the framework of organisations like the EU and UN as well as in direct dialogue with our partner countries, to combat all forms of oppression. Sweden is working actively with issues related to freedom of expression, sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and organised crime. Freedom of expression is central. Every individual, alone or with others, must be free to express her or his opinions and to receive and disseminate information and ideas. Sweden must stand up for people whose lives are put at risk because of their opinions. Sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) are still controversial. Despite the fact that lack of SRHR continues to be one of the most common causes of disease and death among poor women, issues such as the right to contraception and abortion remain controversial, as well as the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons. Organised crime undermines societal functions. Drug trafficking, arms trade, corruption, smuggling and human trafficking are all manifestations of the way in which organised cross-border crime is undermining basic societal functions. Women and children in countries and regions plagued by poverty or ravaged by crisis situations are particularly vulnerable to human trafficking. Training of diplomats in sexual health issues The right knowledge is important to be able to pursue a constructive dialogue with other countries and actors. Sweden has made special efforts to train diplomats at its missions abroad in SRHR issues. Trade and investment are necessary for development. It contributes to growth, employment, the transfer of technology and knowledge and to increased tax revenues. The business sector can increase its contribution by, for example, showing environmental concern and promoting respect for human rights based on international principles such as the UN Global Compact. The Swedish Business and Development Council The Business and Development Council is a forum for high-level representatives from the Swedish business sector and the relevant ministries and agencies to exchange knowledge and pursue dialogue on Sweden s policy for global development. There are also Business and Development Consultation Groups that provide a local meeting-place for Swedish actors working in developing countries to find areas of cooperation and synergies that can stimulate development. Significant obstacles to trade in agricultural products. Agriculture is very important for development and poverty reduction. However, there are significant obstacles facing poor countries looking to export agricultural products. Free trade is therefore crucial to bring about an increase in exports of agricultural products from developing countries to OECD countries. Developing countries must also have better opportunity to trade among themselves. Duty-free for everything but arms In 2009, duty and quotas on rice and sugar from countries in Africa, the Caribbean and Pacific region were lifted for entry into the European single market. This means that all goods apart from military equipment can be exported free of charge to the EU from these countries. More efficient financial markets are a prerequisite for investment. More investment is necessary to break the economic exclusion of poor people. Increased saving, better transaction conditions and the possibility to obtain a loan are also important. The international financial market also affects developing countries. The financial and economic crisis of had a very adverse effect on the economies of poor countries.

6 10 Global CHALLENGE Migration flows Global CHALLENGE Climate and environmental impact 11 Migration flows Climate change and environmental impact About 200 million people currently live outside their country of origin. People migrate not only from developing countries to developed countries, but also between and within developing countries, in search of better livelihoods and a more secure life. Migrants now have more Swedish labour immigration Sweden now offers non-eu citizens greater opportunity to come to Sweden to work and has made it easier for Swedish businesses to recruit labour from outside Europe. To increase the knowledge about the new rules, the Swedish Institute has created a web portal with information. opportunities than ever to contribute to development in their countries of origin. Sweden is working to give refugees greater protection and to improve the contribution of circular migration and remittances on poverty reduction. Foreign-born people stimulate trade and investment By means of a special initiative called Kosmopolit, Sweden wants to make better use of the knowledge and contact networks of foreign-born citizens which make them particularly well placed to trade with their countries of origin. They can also point the way forward for other Swedish businesses. Kosmopolit can help give developing countries greater access to the Swedish market and improve the scope for foreign investment in these countries. Remittances make a difference. Private money sent home by migrants, known as remittances, is several times greater than the amount of aid. The money is used to pay school fees and healthcare, to improve accommodation and for investments that create jobs. The value of these remittances can be increased by making the money transfers both safer and cheaper. Protection and durable solutions to refugee situations must be the shared responsibility of the international community, including Sweden. Offering international protection and durable solutions to refugees can increase resources in their host countries and make it possible for refugees to support themselves. This can contribute to development in the countries of destination and in the long run to development in the countries of origin. Climate change and environmental impact pose a serious and growing challenge to the countries of the world. Many of the problems are global in scope and have consequences for rich and poor countries alike. Developing countries are the hardest hit as they have the least resources to prevent and meet climate and environment related threats. Progress in development risks being undermined and seriously hindered. Sweden is making efforts to help developing countries adapt to the effects of climate change, reduce emissions and develop sustainable chemical management and urban planning systems. Greenhouse gas emissions affect the global climate. Despite considerable political mobilisation to combat climate change during 2009, the countries of the world were still unable to come to an agreement on limiting emissions. Climate change adaptation poses a major challenge for poor countries. Ambitious commitments to reducing emissions Sweden has made far-reaching commitments on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The Swedish Climate Bill proposes a target of 40 percent and an integrated programme of measures to achieve it. Sweden has shown that it is possible to combine significantly reduced greenhouse gas emissions with economic growth. Poor chemicals management can lead to serious health and environmental problems. The production, trade and use of chemicals are under considerable growth in many developing countries. The positive economic effects of this risk being undermined by the poor capacity of many countries to deal with the complex health and safety aspects of chemical management. New knowledge and experience contribute to development. By making it easier for migrants to maintain contact with their countries of origin and to return either temporarily or permanently, new knowledge, experience and values can contribute to development in these countries. The total amount of private money sent to Africa as remittances each year is several times greater than the amount of aid, but the charges on such transactions are often high. Urban areas are important for economic growth and provide scope for energy- and eco-efficient solutions that improve conditions for poor people. Rapid and extensive urbanisation can also lead to problems that are often serious in nature and that hit poor people the hardest. Energy consumption, environmental problems and even poverty are increasingly concentrated in urban areas. Swedish experience in green technology Swedish knowledge of green technology and sustainable urban development can help achieve sustainable urbanisation globally. Through its SymbioCity brand, the Swedish Trade Council coordinates several different ministries, agencies, municipalities and businesses. SymbioCity has been presented in countries such as Nigeria, Kenya, Vietnam, Brazil, Egypt, South Korea and China.

7 12 Global CHALLENGE Conflicts and fragile situations Global CHALLENGE Communicable diseases and other health threats 13 Conflicts and fragile situations Communicable diseases and other health threats Armed conflicts are one of the greatest threats to the welfare of current and future generations. Poverty and conflict feed on each other. Control over natural assets, inability to sustain a viable livelihood and negative changes in the environment can be causes of armed conflicts. The vast majority of armed conflicts occurs inside countries. Sweden is promoting reforms in the security sector, women s safety and the transition to stable peace. Poverty reduction requires peace and an efficient security sector. Strengthening the police authority and other parts of the legal system, the armed forces and the management and overhaul of the security sector are all important components of Sweden s work. More female police officers in international peace-building initiatives Sweden has been working actively to increase the number of female police officers taking part in international peace-building operations. More than one in four police officers stationed abroad is now a woman a 100-percent increase since The role of women is insufficiently taken into account in most peace processes and neither is their situation and particular vulnerability in armed conflicts. Sweden has given priority to these issues in its foreign policy for a long time which has lead to substantial knowledge and insight on the difficulties and possibilities involved in implementing UN Resolutions 1325, 1820, 1888 and 1889, which focus especially on women s security. Afghanistan Sweden is strongly committed to improving security and increasing respect for human rights in Afghanistan. This commitment can be seen in Sweden s participation in the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) providing military support and civil, political and development advisers. Furthermore, Sweden provides extensive humanitarian and long-term development cooperation, trains police officers and supports the development of the justice system bilaterally, as well as through the UN and the EU. Peace agreements do not guarantee peace. Countries that have suffered conflicts often fall back into armed violence. To reverse this trend, the international community must become better at helping countries affected to build and secure peace. A relevant example of this is Afghanistan, where a combination of political, civil, military and development instruments is required to bring success to the work of the international community to support the Afghan Government in its efforts towards equitable, sustainable development and a stable and secure society. Communicable diseases and other health threats pose serious obstacles to poverty reduction and development, and can quickly undo decades of progress. Many of the world s diseases can be prevented, cured or alleviated using well-known and inexpensive treatments. The difficulty in safeguarding women s health is reflected in the fact that among the three UN Millennium Goals relating to health, maternal health is the goal lagging behind the most in terms of achievement. Sweden is promoting sustainable health systems, early warning and preventive measures. Efficient health systems are essential for good healthcare and for the distribution of medicines. In addition, preventive or early measures are more cost-effective for poor countries. Giving poor people, not least women, access to basic healthcare would save millions of lives every year. It is a question of distributing medicines, vaccines and other forms of care to those who need it in time, using efficient methods and at acceptable prices. Work to combat antibiotic resistance Sweden is one of the world s driving-forces as regards preventive measures to combat antibiotic resistance which WHO considers to be one of the most serious threats to human health in low- and middle-income countries. To strengthen the work in this area, Sweden has signed bilateral agreements with China and strengthened the cooperation with important actors such as the EU and the US. Early warning and control measures can save lives. The outbreak of several pandemics in recent years such as the avian influenza, SARS and the new H1N1 virus illustrates not only the speed with which new health threats can emerge but also the need for efficient early warning systems, strong preparedness and the importance of acting in a coordinated manner, both nationally and globally. The poorest countries often, however, lack resources to identify and report the spread of diseases. Prevention requires initiatives in many different areas. Tackling the global threat to human health requires measures that address the underlying causes of illhealth and early death. Most of these measures need to be implemented outside the health service and concern people s economic and social conditions and rights. The UN Millennium Goals highlight poverty reduction, education, access to nutritious food and a good environment as the prerequisites of good health. Measures to combat communicable diseases Sweden is investing considerably in combating communicable diseases such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. Some of the support goes to research to help combat communicable diseases that claim millions of lives every year, especially in Africa. Sweden s international HIV/AIDS efforts focus both on prevention and long-term measures. Sweden strongly emphasises the respect for human rights and greater gender equality and highlights the needs of young people and vulnerable groups in particular. Gita used to earn her living as a prostitute. She now informs other sex workers in Delhi in India about condoms and how to protect themselves against HIV.

8 14 Implementing the coherence policy requires the entire government to take responsibility and the 15 Government Offices to adopt a goal- and results-based approach. Swedish implementation agencies and embassies also play an important role in fulfilling the policy. The government s work on implementation of Policy Coherence for Development 3. Knowledge and analysis Is there knowledge and are there routines for assessing the impact of political decisions on development? This concerns knowledge about the impact that policy implementation will have on poor individuals and on groups of poor and vulnerable people in developing countries. Knowledge and analysis of global development and its driving forces must be integrated with the expertise within the various policy areas concerned. Guidance on impact assessment can provide important support. How do we know whether a decision will affect global development? When a decision adopted in a given policy area is deemed to have an impact on the objective of equitable, sustainable global development, an impact assessment shall be undertaken. The two perspectives of the Policy for Global Development, a rights perspective and the perspective of poor people on development should be guiding. This involves asking questions such as: Will the decision promote or undermine respect for human rights in developing countries? How will the decision affect individuals or specific groups in developing countries? Have poor women and men been part of the decision-making process, and if so, in what way? What other policy areas are affected by the issue, and can collaboration help increase synergies? Sweden has come a long way Sweden is out in front as regards its work to secure a development perspective in overall government policy by acting coherently across different policy areas. This is confirmed by the annual index of the world s 22 richest countries, based on an assessment of how their policies influence development countries (Commitment to Development Index 2009, Center for Global Development). The index scrutinises not only development cooperation but also trade, investment, migration, security, technology and environment policy. Sweden was rated number one in the 2009 review and shared the second place in Commitment to Development Index (CDI) 2009 Overall score In brief, implementation of the coherence policy can be illustrated in three mutually reinforcing components. 1. How the policy is formulated and implemented What political priorities are being made and how are these transformed into policy documents and action? From experience, we know that broad political ownership in all relevant policy areas is required if efforts to increase knowledge and cooperation are to lead to greater coherence in government policy. 2. Coordination and cooperation Are all relevant actors involved in order to assure the inclusion of a development perspective? Coordination is about establishing working methods that ensure a development perspective pervades the process when political decisions are being prepared and implemented. The objective is to generate synergies and minimise policy incoherence. All major decisions in Sweden are taken collectively by the government and are preceded by inter-ministerial consultations in which all the relevant ministries take part. Formal and informal working groups are formed to lend support to the process. Joint inter-ministerial working groups Within the Government Offices, there are interministerial working groups for e.g. international trade, migration policy and food safety. There are also informal working groups for the six global challenges. These working groups function as networks for the relevant ministries in the Government Offices and relevant implementation agencies to stimulate cooperation. They are important policy implementation instruments. Policy implementation also presupposes intensified cooperation with other countries and actors. The EU has a particularly central role and a treaty-bound commitment to integrate a development perspective into all decisions that affect developing countries. The government has been tasked by the Swedish Riksdag to give a progress report on implementation of the policy for global development every second year. These result reports is not just a way of showing the results but their compilation is also an important process that stimulates cooperation and requires the government to express itself regarding its Policy for Global Development Sweden Denmark Netherlands Norway New Zealand Ireland Spain Australia Austria Finland Canada Great Britain Germany France Belgium Portugal USA Italy Greece Switzerland Japan South Korea Aid Trade Investments Migration Environment Security Technology

9 16 The work towards equitable and sustainable global development involves different actors and 17 benefits from broad support in the Swedish society. Discussions with individual actors, whose knowledge and experience contribute to the goals of the policy, form an integral part of the work. Many different actors make a contribution Implementation agencies The remits of many Swedish agencies include international issues and they have considerable knowledge about development issues within their areas of expertise. Several agencies have been tasked by the government to support the implementation of the policy for global development by, for example, contributing with their expertise and analysis. The National Board of Fisheries contribute to development The National Board of Fisheries is one of the agencies tasked with the assignment to support the implementation of Sweden s development policy within its area of expertise. A development perspective shall be integrated into the agency s activities. The National Board of Fisheries participation includes advising the government on fisheries policy and how it affects developing countries. Universities and other institutes of higher education Universities and other institutes of higher education are important actors for development. The fact that the global perspective pervades education and research means that higher education institutes can help improve knowledge and understanding for global development processes. Swedish research also helps to strengthen poverty reduction in developing countries. The internationalisation of Swedish higher education institutes has given students access to education that is often unavailable in their country of origin. Exchange studies contribute to mutual exchange of experience and understanding for each other s reality and societies. Civil society Swedish non-government organisations stand up for our shared responsibility for equitable, sustainable global development and contribute to Sweden s international involvement as opinion-formers and popular educators. They also scrutinise the impact of different policy areas on poor people in developing countries. Some organisations run their own development cooperation projects and have a presence in several countries where Sweden has no bilateral aid. The business sector Swedish business is currently represented in far more countries than Sweden has embassies or runs development cooperation projects. Through investment and by creating more jobs, increasing tax revenues and contributing to technological development, businesses drive forward economic development in the countries in which they operate. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and respect for labour law, the environment and human rights gives Swedish business a competitive advantage as well as disseminates these values among local businesses. Development is ultimately driven by people s own willpower and capabilities.

10 18 The EU has considerable potential to influence and change the global agenda. It has a treaty-bound commitment to promote Policy Coherence for Development (PCD) and to take into account the development aspects of decisions within all policy areas that have an impact on developing countries. A political framework was established in the EU in 2005 to promote Policy Coherence for Development. For the Swedish Government, influencing the EU is a way of ensuring the Swedish policy for global development has an impact. 19 Efforts within the EU to increase Policy Coherence for Development EU reports on Policy Coherence for Development The EU Commission has the task of reporting on the EU s coherence efforts every other year. The reports are based on surveys in the Member States and in EU institutions. The EU s second coherence report was presented in September Together the reports illustrate not only the progress made within the EU but also outstanding challenges. Case studies of the EU s impact on developing countries have been included in the report for the first time. The entire government shares the responsibility to contribute to the objective of achieving an equitable and sustainable global development. The policy for global development requires all policy areas to formulate and implement policies in a way that takes the effects on developing countries into account. The foundation for a new PCD work programme was established during the Swedish EU Presidency in Similar to the Swedish policy for global development, this programme focuses on global challenges that require cooperation across policy areas. EU processes within five priority areas are the focus of EU efforts for greater coherence in : trade and finance policy, climate change, food safety, migration and security. Graphic design Pangea design Photos Lorenz Christensen Heldur Netocny Trygve Bölstad Gustaf Eneroth Phoenix Images Aubrey Wade Mikkel Ostergaard Philip Wolmuth Fredrik Naumann Jacob Silberberg Abbie Trayler-Smith George Georgiou Mark Henley Robin Hammond Giacomo Pirozzi Panos Pictures Maximilian Westphal Harald Richter INA Agency Paulo Filgueiras Eskinder Debebe Martine Perret UN Photo Other photos Holger Staffansson Christian Fogelström Jupiter Europaparlamentet Printing Davidsons Tryckeri, 2010 ISBN: Article no: UD

11 Policy coherence is the part of Swedish development policy that applies to all policy areas. Decisions in Sweden often have an impact on women, men and children living in poverty in developing countries. To take these effects into account and to make sure our policies in various fields contribute to global development in a coherent way is the essence of the Swedish Policy for Global Development.