Visions for Busan

Visions for Busan

What do you expect to achieve at Busan?

The Busan HLF-4 presents a unique opportunity to define a new paradigm for aid and development. To this end, we have three goals.

First, with just four years remaining until the target year of the MDGs, the Busan Forum is the best and last chance to increase global momentum. Delivering positive results on aid effectiveness will be critical in achieving these internationally agreed goals.

Second, the Forum will seek to build a new development partnership with all actors involved in development cooperation including emerging economies and private actors.

Third, we hope the Forum will help shape a post-Busan framework with a clear focus on development results, which would move us from ‘aid effectiveness’ to ‘development effectiveness.’

Some commentators have said the global aid architecture needs reform. Do you agree? What can the HLF-4 do about it?

The Paris principles on aid effectiveness have supported progress in aid management practices on the ground. But we must understand the evolving nature of the global aid architecture to make aid more effective. We are witnessing a range of significant developments outside of the aid effectiveness framework. Multiple global crises need collective action from the development community. Emerging economies, civil society organisations and private businesses have become important players in development cooperation. Complexity is a challenge, but it also offers opportunities for mutual learning and cooperation. The HLF-4 will be a timely occasion to discuss ways to form a more inclusive and effective global aid architecture that reflects the rapidly changing global aid environment.

Do you expect the world to make new commitments at Busan? In what areas?

I believe the international community can make new commitments in two areas.

The first priority will be building a broader and deeper development partnership. Improving the quality of partnerships will greatly increase the impact and effectiveness of aid. However, we should remain flexible in our approach to suit specific country and sector characteristics. Fragile states and low and middle income countries are just some cases in point. Coordinated, yet specific responsibilities should be identified for development partners.

Developing economies are playing an increasingly key role in development aid. How will HLF-4 reflect this?

Developing countries have been important partners in global development. South-South Cooperation offers innovative approaches, technology and knowledge already adapted to developing country environments as well as additional resources. The Busan Forum will provide an opportunity to enhance harmonious cooperation between traditional and emerging donors based on mutual trust and respect. The Korean governmentwill make every effort to play a bridging role between developed and developing countries as well as traditional and emerging donors.

Ten years from now – how would you want the world to remember HLF-4?

I hope that HLF-4 will be remembered as a historic milestone in our efforts to eradicate poverty and to realize sustainable development by building a more effective and results-oriented development partnership. In this regard, HLF-4 will mark a turning point in the history of development cooperation toward a more comprehensive, inclusive, accountable framework of aid and development.