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The Doha Review Conference on Financing for Development The Doha Review Conference on Financing for Development Doha, Qatar 29 November - 2 December 2008 Published by the Financing for Development Office Department of Economic and Social Affairs asdf United Nations New York Note: The United Nations does not take responsibility for any omissions or discrepancies that may inadvert- ently appear in transcriptions of speeches where the text was not submitted by delegations or in the interpretation of speeches where the correspond- ing translations were not provided by delegations to the Secretariat. United Nations Publication Published by the Financing for Development Office, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, United Nations, New York Copyright © United Nations, 2011 All rights reserved Contents Doha Declaration .............................................................................................................................1 Opening Summit Plenary Session .................................................................................................21 Statements by Heads of State or Government ......................................................................31 Statements by Ministers .................................................................................................................111 Statements by Major Stakeholders ...........................................................................................221 Closing Summit Plenary Session ..................................................................................................251 Summaries of Roundtable Discussions .....................................................................................265 Civil Society Forum ..........................................................................................................................281 International Business Forum ......................................................................................................291 Parliamentary Hearings on Financing for Development ..................................................293 Calendar of Side Events .................................................................................................................295 Selected Press Releases ..................................................................................................................301 Chapter 1 Doha Declaration on Financing for Development: outcome document of the Follow-up International Conference on Financing for Development to Review the Implementation of the Monterrey Consensus Reaffirming the goals and commitments Consensus. We reiterate that each country has pri- of the Monterrey Consensus mary responsibility for its own economic and social 1. We, Heads of State and Government and High development and that the role of national poli- Representatives, gathered in Doha, Qatar, from cies, domestic resources and development strate- 29 November to 2 December 2008, almost seven gies cannot be overemphasized. At the same time, years after the landmark International Conference domestic economies are now interwoven with the on Financing for Development,1 held in Monter- global economic system and, inter alia, the effec- rey, Mexico, reiterate our resolve to take concrete tive use of trade and investment opportunities can action to implement the Monterrey Consensus and help countries to fight poverty. National develop- address the challenges of financing for development ment efforts need to be supported by an enabling in the spirit of global partnership and solidarity. We international economic environment. once again commit ourselves to eradicate poverty, 3. We recognize that the international context has achieve sustained economic growth and promote changed in profound ways since we met in Monter- sustainable development as we advance to a fully rey. There has been progress in some areas, but ine- inclusive and equitable global economic system. quality has widened. We welcome the substantial 2. We reaffirm the Monterrey Consensus2 in increase in public and private flows since 2002, which its entirety, in its integrity and holistic approach, has contributed to higher economic growth in most and recognize that mobilizing financial resources developing countries and a reduction in global pov- for development and the effective use of all those erty rates. Yet we express our deep concern that the resources are central to the global partnership for international community is now challenged by the sustainable development, including in support severe impact on development of multiple, interre- of the achievement of the internationally agreed lated global crises and challenges, such as increased development goals, including the Millennium food insecurity, volatile energy and commodity Development Goals. We also reaffirm the impor- prices, climate change and a global financial crisis, tance of freedom, peace and security, respect for as well as the lack of results so far in the multilateral all human rights, including the right to develop- trade negotiations and a loss of confidence in the ment, the rule of law, gender equality and an over- international economic system. While acknowledg- all commitment to just and democratic societies ing the response of the international community to for development, as spelled out in the Monterrey these crises and challenges to date, such as the High- level Conference on World Food Security, held in 1 Report of the International Conference on Financing for Development, Monterrey, Mexico, 18‑22 March 2002 Rome from 3 to 5 June 2008, and the recent Summit (United Nations publication, Sales No. E.02.II.A.7). on Financial Markets and the World Economy, held 2 Ibid., chap. I, resolution 1, annex. in Washington, D.C., on 15 November 2008, we are The Doha Review Conference on Financing for Development determined to take immediate and decisive actions 7. We welcome the decision to convene the and initiatives to overcome all these obstacles and Fourth United Nations Conference on the Least challenges through achievement of people-centred Developed Countries at a high level in 2011. development and to devise important measures for the full, effective and timely implementation of the Mobilizing domestic financial Monterrey Consensus. resources for development 4. We recall that gender equality is a basic human 8. In the years following the Monterrey Confer- right, a fundamental value and an issue of social ence, a number of developing countries have made justice; it is essential for economic growth, poverty significant progress in the implementation of devel- reduction, environmental sustainability and devel- opment policies in key areas of their economic opment effectiveness. We reiterate the need for frameworks, often contributing to increased mobi- gender mainstreaming into the formulation and lization of domestic resources and higher levels of implementation of development policies, including economic growth. We will continue to build upon financing for development policies, and for dedi- this progress through promoting inclusive and cated resources. We commit ourselves to increas- equitable growth, eradicating poverty and pursu- ing our efforts to fulfil our commitments regarding ing sustainable development in its economic, social gender equality and the empowerment of women. and environmental dimensions, and by ensuring 5. The spectre of terrorism continues to haunt us the necessary enabling environment for mobilizing and is on the rise. This has serious implications for public and private resources and expanding pro- economic development and social cohesion, apart ductive investments. Greater efforts are required from its horrific human misery. We resolve to act to support the creation and sustenance of a con- together stronger than ever to address terrorism in ducive environment through appropriate national all its forms and manifestations. and international actions. 6. We reaffirm the political declaration on “Afri- 9. We reaffirm that national ownership and lead- ca’s development needs: state of implementation ership of development strategies and good gov- of various commitments, challenges and the way ernance are important for effective mobilization forward”,3 adopted at the high-level meeting of of domestic financial resources and fostering sus- the General Assembly on 22 September 2008. We tained economic growth and sustainable develop- further reaffirm our commitment to provide and ment. In this context, we should take into account strengthen support to the special needs of Africa the different characteristics and specificities of and stress that eradicating poverty, particularly each country. in Africa, is the greatest global challenge facing 10. We recognize that a dynamic, inclusive well- the world today. We underline the importance of functioning and socially responsible private sector accelerating sustainable broad-based economic is a valuable instrument for generating economic growth, which is pivotal to bringing Africa into growth and reducing poverty. In order to foster the mainstream of the global economy. We reaf- private-sector development, we shall endeavour firm the commitment of all States to establish a to promote an enabling environment that facili- monitoring mechanism to follow up on all com- tates entrepreneurship and doing business by all, mitments related to the development of Africa as including women, the poor and the vulnerable. The contained in the political declaration on “Africa’s international community, national Governments development needs”. All
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