Bond White Paper Consultation Meeting
Over 100 Bond members and representatives of partner networks attended the Bond White Paper Consultation meeting on 13 March 2009 which offered a first chance to exchange views about the White Paper.
The meeting consisted of two sessions: In the first session, participants discussed with DFID the rationale and the proposed themes for the DFID White Paper. The second session in the afternoon was reserved for internal discussions among Bond members and partner networks. Working groups were formed to discuss the four themes of the White Paper and to explore overarching and missing issues.
A new White Paper for a new global framework
As set out in the DFID Consultation Document, this 2009 DFID White Paper focuses on the themes Economic Growth, Climate Change, Conflict and Security and International Institutional Reform.
DFID in their presentation highlighted the changed global context that international development is framed in particularly referring to the financial and economic crisis and the challenges of climate change. The White Paper aims at providing answers and new approaches.
In regard to the Consultation Process, DFID stressed the importance of Bond's role in facilitating a strong voice by the NGO sector. DFID is very interested in the contributions by civil society.
Bond members raised series of concerns and questions
Participants engaged in very lively discussions about the themes as well as the process of the White Paper.
It became clear that Bond members do see this process as an opportunity for new ideas but many were disappointed that so far the consultation document looks like business as usual.
In discussing economic growth it became obvious that DFID is not applying an alternative economic growth model as yet. The need for progressive ideas was highlighted as well as the need for equitable and green growth.
Another key concern pointed out was that the current development model needs to be environmentally sustainable realigning climate change with other environmental concerns. It was also stressed that we need to focus more on risks and vulnerability - global interconnectedness is not only about benefits but also about risks which is as important as ideas about growth.
Bond members were also very keen on emphasising that the DFID White Paper needs to have a strong focus on human rights and the Millennium Development Goals.
