COVID-19 GLOBAL PANDEMIC AND NEW GPEDC WORK PROGRAMME

Statement by the Co-Chairs of the Global Partnership for Effective Development Co-operation (GPEDC) 12 May 2020

We, the Co-Chairs of the Global Partnership for Effective Development Co-operation, are deeply saddened by the losses and the suffering caused by COVID-19 and its collateral effects. The global nature and severe impacts of the crisis call for immediate international action to limit the human and economic costs, now and in the years to come.

 

As a multi-stakeholder platform to advance the effectiveness of development efforts, bringing together national and local governments, multilateral and bilateral agencies, the private sector, foundations, civil society, trade unions and parliamentarians, we call for a coordinated response of these actors. We recognise that this response must focus on the most vulnerable populations, where healthcare, political and social systems are fragile.

 

The current situation presents a major challenge to the work of development cooperation, with short-term consequences such as travel bans and restricted physical interaction, which might extend into consequences that are yet difficult to predict. The rapidly unfolding economic crisis further underscores the need for the most effective use of all resources available to counter the expected increase of poverty levels and growing economic and social inequalities. With such difficult conditions, strong and effective partnerships must be at the heart of our response.

 

In this light, effective aid and development co-operation matter more than ever. Efforts to provide support need not only be increased, they must also become more targeted and coordinated to reach those most in need. To create resilient societies and deliver long-lasting results contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, our actions must be guided by the principles of effective development cooperation:

- To engage in effective responses, Country Ownership matters. All actors must build on developing countries’ systems and priorities. Already vulnerable health and public systems must be supported and strengthened. Aligning with countries’ priorities is essential to rally support where it is needed most. We also must create enabling conditions to maximize the contributions of all actors during this pandemic.

- Inclusive Partnerships are crucial. It is now more important than ever to include local governments, civil society, and the private sector in the responses. Their voices must be heard and their actions enabled to reach out to all people, particularly to vulnerable groups.

- Let us maintain a Focus on Results. As financial resources are very limited, the responses must be guided by results, in order to have a greater impact and reach the people most in need.

- Transparency and Accountability are at the core of working together effectively. The fast-changing nature of the crisis requires an uninterrupted exchange of knowledge and lessons learnt to adapt responses rapidly and ensure public support and co-operation.

 

It is indispensable that we act fast and with determination. We are pleased to announce the launch of the 2020-2022 Work Programme of the Global Partnership. Together, national and local governments, multilateral and bilateral agencies, the private sector, foundations, civil society, trade unions and parliamentarians engaged in the Global Partnership are committed to building more effective development partnerships across a series of action areas that help accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda.

 

The Global Partnership will take a new focus on placing partner-country realities front and centre in this effort and provide ample opportunities for all actors to engage. The GPEDC Business Leader Caucus is one such example with its focus on making private sector partnerships more effective in their response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Let us seize the opportunities this work programme offers to demonstrate that effective development co-operation is relevant and make a difference together, especially for those furthest behind. 

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