Turning Points!

This month, a turning point was reached in international development cooperation with the adoption of the Busan Partnership for Effective Development Cooperation. Ministers from across the globe, parliamentarians, government representatives, donor countries, civil society organizations and private sector representatives pledged to establish a ‘new inclusive and representative global partnership for effective development co-operation’. This sounds great but the five principles established from the Rome, Paris and Accra Forums must be now applied to transform aid relationships into true vehicles for development.

Another potential turning point will be the UNFCCC Conference of Parties taking place in Durban, which faces the challenge of building on the well-received COP-16 conference, in Cancun. Expectations are low as we witness a deep divide on the key issues to advance global efforts on mitigation, adaptation, technology transfer, capacity building and finance. It looks unlikely that a legally binding international framework will be agreed anytime soon, especially in these times of financial insecurity, increasing social tensions, growing job crisis and the risk of renewed recession – all of which are distracting the attention of political leaders away from the threats that climate change poses.

Though climate change affects everyone, science warns that it will be particularly devastating for Africa. It is the poorest and most vulnerable, those least responsible for climate change, who will pay the highest price. In fact, relatively minor changes in the climate are having a devastating impact on a continent where many depend on farming for their survival.  

The apparent lack of genuine leadership and a lack of willingness to find operational solutions at an international level are therefore deeply worrying. As Kofi Annan clearly states, “The lack of long-term collective vision and leadership we have seen over climate change is inexcusable. We cannot afford to continue dragging our feet.”According to him, the Durban conference stands as, ‘a crucial test for leaders to look beyond national and short term interests.’ Rich countries, responsible for a disproportionate share of historic greenhouse gas emissions, must not lose focus at this public discourse and must take the lead to set a clear path towards curbing emissions.

Seeing climate change differently – as a unique opportunity to transform Africa’s development path using new and innovative green technologies – would be a true turning point for Durban. For this reason, we call on developed countries to confirm their commitment to the Green Climate Fund, and allocate a substantial share of the adaptation funding towards climate resilient agriculture in Africa. Furthermore, we support fair levies on aviation, a fair global bunker fuel tax, and a small financial transaction levy all of which should contribute towards the Green Climate Fund.

It is clear that African governments need to focus on improving governance and use of domestic resources, but this must not deflect from the core truth that the international community needs to deliver transparently on the promises relating to development and climate finance for Africa.