In the run-up to the MDG +10 conference in New York (preceding the UN General Assembly in September), The Broker wants to generate an in-depth and visionary discussion on the future of aid. The Dutch report 'Less pretension, more ambition', published on 18 January by the Scientific Council for Government Policy (WRR), serves as the kick-off.
On 18 January 2010, the Scientific Council for Government Policy (WRR) presented its report ‘Less pretension, more ambition: development aid that makes a difference’ to the Dutch Minister for Development Cooperation, Mr Bert Koenders. This long-awaited study promotes substantial changes in the organisation of Dutch aid as well as more structural attention for global public goods. In the past years, heated discussions in the Dutch media about international development have rarely been the perfect example of a nuanced, constructive debate. Because The Broker believes that the future of aid merits exactly that, we are hosting this discussion blog. Already more than seventy experts and practitioners have contributed to the Dutch blog (some contributions are in English).
We believe that the WRR can spark discussion well beyond the Dutch borders. The questions essentially at stake are: what could or should a new paradigm for aid or global justice look like? Can the world community proceed along the known tracks, or is it high time for new analyses, priorities and a truly global vision on what development means and needs in a world of shifting powers and unprecedented challenges?
Email us at editor@thebrokeronline.eu to join the debate or comment now on the blog postings on this page.
The April issue of The Broker will publish a special report on this subject, with an article by the authors of the WRR report as well as a summary of both the Dutch and international discussions. Unfortunately, an English translation of the entire WRR report is not yet available.
Read the conclusions in English
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The current international debate about what aid can and what it cannot do tends to be rather polarised between those who want to abolish aid and those who defend aid in its current form. This blog by a number of researchers and practitioners aims to stimulate a debate in between these different positions acknowledging the serious challenges and shortcomings of aid without neglecting the importance and potential of development cooperation altogether.
read more >>The current international debate about what aid can and what it cannot do tends to be rather polarised between those who want to abolish aid and those who defend aid in its current form. This blog by a number of researchers and practitioners aims to stimulate a debate in between these different positions acknowledging the serious challenges and shortcomings of aid without neglecting the importance and potential of development cooperation altogether.
