| The MDGs can be achieved by working together |
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The latest report on the EU–UN partnership entitled “Improving Lives” served as a starting point for the discussions. The report highlights how the EU-UN partnership makes a difference for the lives of tens of millions people in more than 100 countries. “While the partnership undoubtedly adds value at the level of international policy and norms, most importantly, it translates these into practical realities on the ground to improve lives,” it says. The speakers at the event echoed that the MDGs are a bare minimum to be achieved. Ms Clark pointed out that climate change and development do not contradict each other and climate that change issues need to be integrated into development strategies. In addition, as climate funding has the potential to be the biggest source of funding in the coming years it needs to be seen as a part of achieving development targets. Climate finance needs to be additional to ODA, but it should not stand separate from development. The EU is in a vanguard position in tackling climate change, Ms Clark told the meeting. While there are fears that implementing stricter emission limits might drive business out of Europe the EU should see that being ahead in the curve can position one in a better situation in the long run, she added. Michael Cashman (S&D) emphasized, that poverty is at the root of development problems. Achieving the MDGs is imperative. National economies might be doing badly at the moment, but we must recognise that the 0.7% ODA commitment is a percentage, not a fixed sum. The economic crisis does not justify lowering this target. In next week plenary session the EP will have to demonstrate its commitment to development goals by giving massive support for the MDG report. Ms Clark said she is convinced that the UN-EU partnership will deepen in the years to come and that: “our shared values and commitment to international norms and standards will continue to be put to work in improving the lives of so many around the world.” The report is available here. Sources:  |
In an extraordinary joint meeting on Thursday 10th June, the Committees on Development and on Foreign Affairs had an exchange of views with Helen Clark, the administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on “Millennium Development Goals, Climate Change and Policy Coherence”.
