You are viewing our old site. See the new one here

ENB:05:85 [Next] . [Previous] . [Contents]

MINISTERIAL CONSULTATION ON FINANCE

Ministers Jan Pronk (Netherlands) and Jakaya Kikwete (Tanzania) chaired afternoon informal ministerial consultations on finance issues in the draft political statement and proposed Programme for the Further Implementation of Agenda 21. Minister Pronk summarized the main areas of agreement: many participants said that UNCED’s financial targets for funding sustainable development have to be reconfirmed and deplored the overall decline in ODA. Participants committed to do their best to reverse the trend, though some noted domestic political difficulties. They discussed a flexible mechanism to allow States to regularly put their own finance record on the table and to engage in discussion with the private sector, ministers from a range of government departments, including finance, and States in a position to begin contributing financial assistance. Several participants supported an integrated approach towards ODA, addressing, in particular, poverty eradication and capacity building. Minister Pronk said the Co-Chairs would report to COW Chair Tolba.