Blog Contributor:
Pooja Gupta
Pooja Gupta is the global policy intern at ONE. She recently graduated from the College of William & Mary with a degree in International Relations & Economics, where she conducted research on non-governmental involvement in international development, human rights and international law, as well as on global health policy and gender inclusion in developing countries. To date, she’s most proud of her participation in a world-record-breaking performance of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.”
Dec 8th, 2009 5:55 PM UTC
By Pooja Gupta
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As you know, the climate change talks in Copenhagen kicked off on Monday. Also on Monday, the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA), one of the two permanent subsidiary bodies formed by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) over a decade ago, had its opening session.
The SBSTA, which is tasked with providing the main body of the Convention, the Conference of Parties (COP), with scientific, technological and methodological advice, mainly discussed the Reducing Emissions by Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD) program, as well as the need for high-quality, accurate observations of global climate change. REDD is a program that would allow countries to use their forests (natural carbon sinks) to offset emissions, and finance development.
Most of the countries present firmly supported finalizing REDD. Australia, speaking for the Umbrella Group—a group of non-EU developed nations including Canada, Iceland, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, the Russian Federation, Ukraine and the U.S.—contended that REDD must now move to the COP for a decision. Similarly, the EU nations agreed that REDD must move forward. Sierra Leone added that their forests are being threatened and that they are in need of assistance, asking for technological assistance to enforce regulations.
Many nations also highlighted the importance of quality climate observations. Lesotho, speaking for the least-developed countries (LDCs), noted that climate observations must be a high priority in adaptation efforts. Mali also emphasized that it is imperative to take into account local knowledge and practices when looking forward.
The Copenhagen conference is just getting started. Keep checking the ONE blog for more updates!
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Dec 2nd, 2009 5:35 PM UTC
By Pooja Gupta
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South Korea is often praised for making the successful transition from aid recipient to donor country. Last Wednesday, South Korea solidified their role as an international donor by gaining membership in the Development Assistance Committee (DAC) of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
The DAC, which includes 23 member countries in addition to South Korea, acts as a unique global forum in which donor governments and multilateral organizations, such as the World Bank and the United Nations help countries reduce poverty and achieve the Millennium Development Goals. South Korea’s acceptance into the DAC is the first new membership since Greece’s membership in 1999.
According to Oh Joon, Deputy Minister for Multilateral and Global Affairs, South Korea’s membership in the DAC, effective January 1, 2010, will also serve an example for successful development. For almost fifty years, South Korea was heavily dependent on international aid; now, the country has not only seen drastic economic growth, but has become a significant donor as well. Joon noted that South Korea intends to keep increasing their international aid: “We offered aid worth $800 million last year, about 0.09 percent of gross national income, and this year’s amount is estimated to reach $900 million.’’ The government plans to increase its aid from 0.09 to 0.25% of GDP by 2015, he said.
The Committee Chair of the DAC, Eckhard Deutscher lauded South Korea’s impressive progress, noting: “We have had many opportunities to observe Korea’s great progress, as a nation, as an economy and as a provider of aid to the world’s poorest countries. Korea’s joining us today has paved the way for a more open and inclusive Development Assistance Committee.”
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Dec 1st, 2009 5:56 PM UTC
By Pooja Gupta
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To mark World AIDS Day 2009 today, the World Bank hosted a robust panel of speakers under the theme of “Keeping the Promise, Investing in the Future: Linking HIV/AIDS, Food Security and Maternal and Child Health.”
Debrework Zewdie, Director of Global HIV/AIDS Program at the World Bank moderated the discussion, which featured remarks from Bob Zoellick, President of the World Bank Group, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Managing Director at the Bank, and Beldina Atieno, a teacher and mother living with HIV in Kenya, who put a personal face on the numbers and statistics.
Jack Lew, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State and Jean Pape, Director of GHESKIO in Haiti both addressed the audience as well, and were followed by a panel discussion featuring Eric Goosby, the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator, Michel Kazatchkine, Executive Director of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria, Joy Phumpahi, Former Minister of Health in Botswana and Julian Schweitzer, Acting Vice President of the Human Development Network. Frank Sesno, Director of the School of Media and Public Affairs at George Washington University, moderated the panel.
Much of the discussion centered on the progress the global community has made in the fight against AIDS, while recognizing the profound challenges that still exist. The speakers also urged donors, countries and international partners to maintain and scale-up their efforts to fight the disease. These efforts must be collaborative and comprehensive, they noted, and they must attack the root of HIV with prevention efforts and measures to combat stigma around the world.
Many speakers, including Beldina Atieno, discussed the growing importance of nutrition in combating AIDS. Without proper nutrition, she explained, the effectiveness of anti-retroviral drugs is threatened, especially in children. Increasing food prices and declining food security are exacerbating the AIDS epidemic, the panelists concluded.
One message that resonated with the audience at this year’s World AIDS day was that it is indeed possible to halt the spread of AIDS. Tackling food insecurity, honoring commitments, working with international partners and reducing the stigma associated with AIDS can make tremendous strides in the fight to end the disease.
Check out the World Bank Group’s press release on the discussion.
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Nov 30th, 2009 5:00 PM UTC
By Pooja Gupta
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Today, on the eve of World AIDS Day, ONE’s sister organization (RED) announced that Nike, Inc. will become its newest partner in the global fight against AIDS, joining existing partners such as Apple, Starbucks, GAP, Hallmark, Converse, Emporio Armani and Dell.
Nike and (RED) will team up to market (RED) shoelaces, inviting people to “Lace up. Save Lives.” All of the profits from the sale of these laces will be split between the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria and Nike initiatives that promote education and awareness of HIV/AIDS prevention at a community level. Nike and (RED) are hoping that their unique partnership will support programs for prevention, treatment and education of HIV/AIDS.
At the launch of the new partnership in London today, international soccer stars joined (RED) CEO Susan Smith Ellis, Nike President and CEO, Mark Parker, Executive Director of the Global Fund, Professor Michel D. Kazatchkine and ONE and (RED) co-founder Bono.”The fight against AIDS in Africa needs great brands to drive awareness and engagement,” said Susan Smith Ellis. “Nike is the right partner to connect education with sport, and in so doing help drive social change, prevention and understanding of HIV/AIDS. We are thrilled to have them with us.”
Check out (RED)’s press release for more info and be sure to look out for Nike’s (RED) shoelaces in stores around the world starting tomorrow!
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Nov 21st, 2009 1:16 PM UTC
By Pooja Gupta
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Investing in infrastructure is essential for the development and growth of a society. For example, by connecting farmers with local and regional markets, and providing access to school and health care facilities, infrastructure enables communities to prosper. However, a recent World Bank report, Africa’s Infrastructure: a Time for Transformation revealed that although Africa has made significant progress in developing infrastructure, additional efforts are still needed.
The study, which was conducted in 24 countries across the continent, found that inadequate infrastructure, including poor electricity, water, roads, and information and communications technology (ICT), can shrink national economic growth by two percent every year and can decrease productivity by up to 40 percent.
In the report, the World Bank estimates that Africa will need to spend $93 billion annually to elevate African infrastructure to the level of other countries, meet the Millennium Development Goals, and achieve national development goals within 10 years. This figure doubles earlier estimates.
According to the report, Africa is already spending $45 billion a year on infrastructure. The report suggests that using this money and other existing resources more efficiently would free up $17.4 billion in annual spending for infrastructure every year. The report notes, however, that even with this additional spending, African countries would still be $31 billion short of the estimated need of $93 billion. The report urged the international community to invest to help fill the $31 billion infrastructure gap, underscoring the significance of infrastructure development for long-term economic growth and poverty alleviation:
“Modern infrastructure is the backbone of an economy and the lack of it inhibits economic growth,” said Obiageli Ezekwesili, President for the Africa Region at the World Bank. “This report shows that investing more funds without tackling inefficiencies would be like pouring water into a leaking bucket. Africa can plug those leaks through reforms and policy improvements which will serve as a signal to investors that Africa is ready for business.”
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Nov 20th, 2009 4:30 PM UTC
By Pooja Gupta
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On Tuesday, Transparency International (TI) released their 2009 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), revealing that many sub-Saharan African countries remain among the most corrupt world-wide.
The annually-released index ranks how corrupt governments are perceived to be, according to international institutions such as the World Economic Forum, the World Bank and the African Development Bank. The 2009 CPI ranked 180 countries on perceived levels of domestic public sector corruption based on up to 13 independent surveys per country. The countries are ranked on a scale of 0 (perceived to be highly corrupt) to 10 (perceived to have low levels of corruption).
Somalia was ranked as the most corrupt nation in the index, followed by other conflict-ridden and fragile states, such as Sudan and Chad. The vast majority of sub-Saharan African countries ranked in the bottom of the index, demonstrating that much of the region is still plagued by poor governance and corrupt practices.
Patrick Berg, program coordinator for TI, explained the link between poverty and corruption: “Where you find poverty, corruption usually hits people the hardest,” he said. However, the news is not all bad: Berg said that countries who have made consistent efforts to improve their governance, such as Botswana, Mauritius and Cape Verde, have improved their rankings.
Huguette Labelle, chair of TI maintains that countries at the bottom of the index should not be left out of development efforts. The poor rankings indicate, rather, that there is a need to strengthen country institutions. “Stemming corruption requires strong oversight by parliaments, a well performing judiciary, independent and properly resourced audit and anti-corruption agencies, vigorous law enforcement, transparency in public budgets, revenue and aid flows, as well as space for independent media and a vibrant civil society,” said Labelle. “The international community must find efficient ways to help war-torn countries to develop and sustain their own institutions.”
Check out this interactive map to see how countries scored in this year’s CPI.
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Nov 19th, 2009 6:36 PM UTC
By Pooja Gupta
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As you know, the FAO World Food Summit ended yesterday in Rome. Check out the articles below to see a variety of reactions to the Summit:
World leaders’ low turnout hits UN food summit (Reuters Africa)
The absence of world leaders at this week’s World Food Summit presented a challenge from the start. The Summit’s final declaration did not result in additional financial commitments; some have attributed this lack of progress to the lackluster attendance by heads of state. Less than a third of the 192 heads of states and governments invited by the FAO attended the Summit. Many sent their agriculture ministers instead.
What is the point of the world food summit on food security? (The Guardian Blog)
Despite criticism that the World Food Summit did not result in substantial increases in aid for agriculture, the president of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Kanayo Nwanze, expressed that the point of the Summit was not to gather pledges, but to encourage the leaders of developing countries to commit themselves to making agriculture and food security top priorities.
Food security – collective race against crises (This Day; allAfrica.com)
At the three-day summit in Rome, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon declared that food and nutritional security are the foundations for a healthy life for all people. He called for immediate action against food insecurity and hunger and laid out a comprehensive list of measures to combat food insecurity, which, he said, will be exacerbated by population growth and climate change.
Declaring a vision for world hunger (Oxfam International Blog)
Yesterday, the summit released a declaration outlining its vision on international food security and how it can be achieved. The declaration focuses on the poorest farmers but critics are saying that it does not go far enough to address issues affecting food security, including the global economic crisis and the onset of climate change.
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