On 1 December, the High Level Forum adopted a declaration on a more effective international co-operation for international development.
“We have agreed on a new framework for the development co-operation. The High Level Forum in Busan agreed that development is based on more than mere aid, in line with what Norway long has claimed. The new framework is well in line with Norwegian development policies”, said Erik Solheim, Norwegian Minister of the Environmemt and International Development.
The declaration emphasises results to a further degree, and ownership to the projects is more stressed than what was the case before. The poorer countries shall themselves be responsible for their development, which implies that donor countries to a lesser degree will determine the conditions for how development is reached. Openness and mutual respect between donors and recipients are also principles that have regained strength.
During the forum, Minister Solheim particularly focused on climate financing, the fight against corruption and capital flight. With the UK, Sweden and the EU he also lead the debate on result-based aid, which means that the funding will be provided after the results are reached. Norway provides aid in this manner in e.g. the fields of deforestation and health.
Click here to learn more about Norway's participation in the meeting and its stance towards the process leading up to the final agreement.
Read the Busan Outcome Document here.