An 'Agenda for Change'

EU development policy moves forward

We live in changing, uncertain times. Today’s complex challenges require new solutions and new strategies to eliminate poverty. The European Commission is refocusing its efforts to increase aid impact, concentrate on fewer sectors and focus on countries most in need.

In October 2011, EU Commissioner for Development, Andris Piebalgs, presented the Agenda for Change of EU development policy and a new policy for EU budget support. ‘Representing more than 50% of global aid, the EU is already the biggest donor in the world. I want to make sure it remains the most effective one, too,’ the Commissioner said.

European Development Days 2011 (EDD11), was held in Warsaw, Poland, 15-16 December 2011. The theme was ‘Development and Democracy’. www.eudevdays.eu

High-Level Panels at EDD 11

Panels which focused on the Agenda for Change

15 December

Agenda for Change – Human Rights

The Power of the Private Sector in the Development Process

16 December

Agenda for Change – Democracy

Modernising European Development Policy

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Quotes

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Mwencha Erastus says:

'This unique challenge is inherent in the triangular cooperation setting. That is why making sure countries can identify via means other than political overtones is the best route to take.'

Simas Magalhães Carlos Alberto says:

'Having a shared language lets you work in the language of the country, which is crucial when working with very underprivileged people who need to be understood. Sharing a language creates a powerful level of...

Makokha Eric says:

‘Putting people themselves in the decision based process. People choose to live in slums because they have to be close to their work so they can walk as they don’t have money to pay for transport.’

Makokha Eric says:

'[We] need to involve the local people when deciding on housing so that locals who have a living in the area are not marginalised.’

Delmoitiez Jacques says:

'Political governance is important. There are two diseases in Africa, malaria and corruption. We have a solution for one but not for the other.'

Karman Tawakkul says:

‘You have to be strong; you have to trust yourself that you can bring down the dictatorship regime and build a new country. You have to be part of building your country. We know that anything that you dream can happen....

Stanowski Krzysztof says:

'The most recent events from Belarus to Africa and the Middle East and even Burma, mark a process of change. All this proves that we do require a change of policy regarding development.'

Piebalgs Andris says:

'Today the Arab Spring continues to remind us that others still yearn for freedom and a better future. And as we look to the future, governance, democracy and human rights will form a central part of our vision for...

Piebalgs Andris says:

'Development policy can lead to better governance; and better governance can be a crucial factor in poverty reduction. So development and democracy should go hand in hand.'

Piebalgs Andris says:

'We will focus more on budget support as a contractual partnership and a vector for change in promoting, inter alia, human rights and good governance and the fight against corruption and fraud. Human rights will...

Piebalgs Andris says:

'Millions of Europeans, including me, grew up not knowing how it felt to live in an open society, with freedoms and opportunities… So our readiness to help partner countries along the path towards better...

Otunbaeva Roza Isakovna says:

'The second revolution in 2010 was, some people say, the precursor to the Arab Spring. We paid a very high price. But one year after, we have a government. And we are not against dissidents and we are not closing...

Grynspan Rebeca says:

'This commitment requires leaders to be forward thinking – to think about the next generation and not only the next election. The long and short term start together – and we cannot postpone the long-term until...

Ebadi Prof. Shirin says:

'I urge the EU, please do not have trade relations or conduct shameful trade deals with non-democratic countries, as this does nothing but help these evil regimes to further suppress their people.'

Muna Akere says:

'Although it is not too late to prevent the waters from rising, we will ultimately fail if we do nothing to stop the tide of corruption. Accountable aid is effective aid.'

Walesa Lech says:

'Democracy shall not be sustainable without responsibility.'

Walesa Lech says:

'I have 3 major questions – what should be the economic system, both serving the EU and the globalized world tomorrow? Certainly not the capitalist system we have in place today. A free market economy is...

Saakashvili Mikheil says: