20 September 2010: The UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) have launched the third edition of “The Mutual Review of Development Effectiveness in Africa: Promise and Performance,” which assesses action, results and future priorities for Africa and its development partners in delivering commitments in relation to development on the continent.
The report is organized within four clusters of topics: sustainable economic growth; investing in people; good governance; and financing for development. It highlights that, since 2009, international attention on climate change and the engagement between Africa and emerging economies have greatly increased. Among next steps for Africa, the report outlines: building basic infrastructure in the continent; and tackling the looming problems of water and energy scarcity, which are exacerbated by the impact of climate change.
The report identifies climate change as a specific key priority for the entire international community. In this vein, it considers vital for Africa’s interests, and for the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), that an international agreement should be reached on ambitious and binding targets for greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction, in accordance with the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities. It also stresses that climate finance will represent a potential major source of new funds for Africa.
Three key principles are identified in this respect as significant guidance for discussion at the Cancún Climate Change Conference to be held in late 2010: additionality, predictability and reliability of funds; an allocation mechanism that would deliver substantial resources to Africa in line with both its needs and its own constrained resources; and a simple and efficient delivery mechanism that reflects the lessons learned from, and the principles agreed on, aid effectiveness. The report concludes by underscoring the importance of ensuring Africa’s enhanced participation in any new arrangements for global governance. [Executive Summary][Full Report] [OECD Report Website]