EUROPEAN DEVELOPMENT DAYS

2009 topics

Now entering its fourth year, European Development Days has built a reputation for unflinching debate covering a range of pressing issues in global development. Each year, a set of themes and overarching ideas are nominated to once again stoke the fires of debate. This page sums up the EDD 2009 themes.

Democracy

There is an increasing body of evidence that development is more sustainable in countries striving to extend their democratic governance. The idea of a European policy on democracy support is not to add further layers to existing development work. Rather, it is concerned with ensuring that development support:

• enjoys local ownership;
• is consistent with democratic and good governance principles; and
• contributes to the strengthening of democratic institutions and human rights.

Democracy cannot be imported from the outside – it must be home-grown. However, democracy and its actors and institutions can, and even should, be supported. There is no one-size-fits-all democratic model. This is evidenced by the diversity in the EU itself with 27 different models.

Adapting to climate change

The world’s climate looks set to continue changing at rates unprecedented in human history. Even though they are often the least responsible, our partners from developing societies are likely to be the hardest hit by rising sea levels, desertification and natural disasters. Global warming could push millions back into the poverty trap and cancel out progress made towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals.

Two months before the 15^th UN conference on climate change in Copenhagen, European Development Days participants will share ideas on key factors for success – including investments in adapting to climate change: the most vulnerable deserve equitable funding to help them adapt.

Promoting energy efficiency

Energy efficiency is a precondition for growth for every country, economy and company. Investments in energy efficiency can help reduce poverty.

Secure and efficient energy supply is critical to growing economies, while cleaner energy is needed to break the development-pollution cycle holding back many nations. By developing more efficient, affordable and reliable energy supplies, all nations, including developing ones, are better able to meet the energy needs of individuals, businesses and industry. 

Global recession – no countries left behind

With the global economy contracting and trade shrinking, the crisis in credit and confidence is affecting every corner of the world. The least-developed countries are seeing their access to credit evaporate, export-lead growth plummet and the delivery of aid postponed.

Looking back on the initial economic recovery initiatives taken in China, Europe and the USA, the Doha Declaration on financing for development, and the G-20 summits in Washington and London, at the EDD we will be taking stock of efforts to shield partner countries from the global recession.

The stakes are high and bold steps must be taken if we are to achieve the Millennium Development Goals. We have an economic, security and moral obligation to act. One aim could be to outline a “pro-poor package” investing in food security and labour-intensive infrastructure projects, developing capacity for trade and boosting the International Monetary Fund's emergency resources. Any commitments would have to take account of development assistance already promised.