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ENB:11:29 [Next] . [Previous] . [Contents]

WORKING GROUP II

E. INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION AND COORDINATION

1. Introduction: In 144 (current international economic situation), MEXICO proposed that the formulation of strategies at the national and local levels be “within the legal framework of each country.” The EU replaced the reference to an “overall decline” in official development assistance (ODA) with the “recent downward trend,” but the G- 77/CHINA objected. Delegates added text noting that “in some countries” this decline in ODA has been accompanied by increased private sector flows. Delegates added references to “bilateral assistance agencies” (EU) and “private sector” (AUSTRALIA) roles in providing additional resources.

In 144bis (globalization of the world economy and developing country deterioration), the G-77/CHINA said the existing paragraph, which notes problems with poverty, urbanization and economic stagnation, reflects the developing countries’ analysis of their current situation. ZAMBIA, SUDAN, NIGERIA, TANZANIA, ZIMBABWE and SENEGAL supported retaining the paragraph as is. The EU proposed language from the Agenda for Development that notes the opportunities and challenges that globalization presents, because the paragraph concentrates only on negative aspects. The US said agreement on the Agenda for Development is not final and opposed borrowing its language. He agreed to the EU proposal with the understanding that the language reflects the resolution on the New Agenda for the Development of Africa in the 90’s (NADAF).

In 145 (innovative approaches), delegates added references to cooperation between and among countries (G-77/CHINA), bilateral assistance agencies (EU) and through triangular exchanges (JAPAN). In 145bis (new forms of cooperation), the G-77/CHINA circulated a re-draft that deleted the references to: cooperation between multilateral and bilateral assistance agencies and civil society organizations and local authorities; and the right for local authorities to devote their own resources to develop international relations. The G-77/CHINA and Local Authorities were to consult on the text.

In 145ter (international migration), the US added International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) text noting factors affecting international migration, including international economic imbalances, poverty, environmental degradation, the absence of security, and human rights violations. Canada added ICPD text noting positive aspects of migration. The G-77/CHINA stressed the need for a balanced text.

2. An Enabling International Context: On 146 (enabling international context), the G-77/CHINA proposed removing brackets from language that recognized the housing sectors and stated that goals of sustainable human settlements development depend on fair and durable solutions to issues of finance, debt, trade and transfer of technology. AUSTRALIA said the goals do not “depend” on these solutions, and the group later accepted “are facilitated by.” The US said the problems cited were very broad and opposed stating that the goals depend on their resolution. The US, AUSTRALIA, the EU and the G-77/CHINA convened a drafting group.

In 147(b) (coordination of macroeconomic policies), the US offered a number of alternatives to the reference to “sustained economic growth and sustainable development.” The text was bracketed pending consideration of all related references.

Subparagraph 147(e) notes enterprise development in the context of an open, transparent international trading system. A reference to technologies for all people, especially those living in poverty and the least developed countries, was modified to note “access” to “appropriate” technologies and “know-how.”

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