Udviklingsministerens åbningstale (lettere forkortet) ved konferencen for “New Partnership for Africas Development” (NEPAD) i Eigtveds Pakhus den 3. juni.
Af Ulla Tørnæs (V)
The launching of NEPAD in 2001 and the establishment of the African Union in 2002 are two historic events, which show, that Africa takes leadership of its own development.
I see these developments as a sign, that the progressive forces of the continent – the democratic countries – are taking the helm. This is very encouraging. It provides a positive spirit and framework for action.
The efforts made by the countries supporting NEPAD are very much needed, because – as we all know – the challenges facing the African continent are enormous.
Africa is the continent furthest away from reaching the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). In many countries, no progress can be registered. In others, things are moving in the wrong direction. The situation is grave and it requires urgent action.
One the on hand, the African nations must be willing to undergo real and profound change through the NEPAD principles. On the other hand, the international community must be prepared to reinforce its cooperation with Africa.
If Africa is to achieve the MDGs, all Africans must try their best, African leaders must promote clear and unambiguous leadership, and the international community must provide solid, consistent and efficient support.
This is the conclusion in the report from the Commission for Africa. And this is the line taken by my government in the comprehensive Danish policy on Africa launched last year called “Africa – Development and Security”.
The Danish government has made a commitment to allocate at least 0,8 percent of GDP to development cooperation and two third of all bilateral assistance to Africa.
Yesterday, I presented the Danish priorities for the UN Summit in September to the Danish Parliament. I clearly stated, that Africa is the number one priority. Fortunately, this prioritisation was widely supported by the parties in the Parliament.
Therefore, my government now stands ready to work for the achievement of concrete and tangible results at the Summit – and we will do our utmost to maintain the momentum afterwards – all the way to 2015.
With this strong Danish commitment to Africas development, Danish support for NEPAD is pure logic. NEPAD is the living image of the principles guiding Danish policy for Africa, especially when it comes to emphasising African ownership and good governance as prerequisites for development.
Let me conclude by highlighting some of the aspects of NEPAD, which I in particular find interesting and encouraging:
First of all, NEPAD is a purely African initiative taken by visionary African leaders, sending the message, that Africa will no longer be held back by those, who are not really interested in broad based development.
Secondly, NEPAD argues that the responsibility for development is first and foremost African. African countries are in the driving seat – not the donors.
The international community should support NEPAD, but it is clear that if Africa does not create the right conditions for development, then any amount of outside support will fail. Only African nations, united in NEPAD, can provide the necessary policy framework for African development.
And thirdly, and probably most importantly, it firmly states that performance on the NEPAD principles of political and economic good governance, the rule of law, respect for human rights and democratisation is the only basis for development.
One very innovative element is the introduction of the African Peer Review Mechanism. 24 countries have signed up for the mechanism and two countries – Ghana and Rwanda – have almost completed the process.
After the High Level Meeting in Abuja later this month, where the reports from the two countries will be discussed, more formal evaluations and “lessons learned” can be drawn.
But already now, I do believe it is fair to say that the Peer Review Process has been more complex, time consuming and sensitive than first anticipated. But also, that the Mechanism is a constructive vehicle for African nations in their performance on the NEPAD principles.
Let me end by saying that I am convinced that Africa is moving in the right direction. I put my confidence in the AU, NEPAD and the APRM.
I fully recognize that there are many challenges, but I simply do not see any other way, if Africa wants to create a basis for accelerated growth and development. And I ensure you, that Denmark stands ready to support NEPAD – also in the future.
Kilde: www.um.dk
