The European Development Days (EDD) 2008 Explores Local Answers to Global Challenges

The European Development Days (EDD) officially opened on 15^th November 2008, in Strasbourg, France and brought together delegates from all parts of the globe. During the opening ceremony most speakers emphasised the need and saw it as an opportunity for developed and developing countries to work together to overcome the looming financial and food crisis. African leaders noted that this is an opportunity for Africa to show that they are responsible, committed and can work out good programs to get answers to the global solution. They called on developed countries to continue providing financial aid despite the crisis. Most speakers saw this as an opportunity for developed and African countries to understand each other well.

Blaise Compaore, the President of ECOWAS and UEMOA, and the Republic of Burkina Faso said the financial crisis will affect developed countries and African countries as well. For example banking is limited and the financial crisis is likely to affect banks where there is borrowing to a large extent. Liquidity is drying up and the flow of capital in Africa may diminish further and lead to reduction in financial development funds. This also implies that few remittances will be sent back home by Africans leaving in developed countries.

He noted that there is need for creation of a framework of action that is consultative and including Africa. Poor countries have to be part and parcel of the process. He called on development partners not to diminish development aid which in turn will affect project financing. African leaders should however, also take a share of their responsibility; tap into domestic resources and find new innovative solutions especially more appropriate agricultural policies.

Other African leaders; the President of Madagascar, Marc Ravalomanana and the President of Mali, Amadou Toumani Toure retaliated the call for Africa to rise to these challenges; Africa should shoulder its responsibility and show the international community that African leaders are committed and determined.

Capacity should be built to promote development and the crisis should spur Africa to stimulate development. More investment, infrastructure, access to markets, promotion of agro business and processing facilities should be put in place to ensure that the food crisis is overcome, in the long run.

Partnership between African countries and developed countries should include public and private sectors and the partners should reveal their responsibilities and perform them. There is a need to establish a new financial structure and Africa should be included in the dialogue.

On decentralised cooperation and local government, the President of the Africa Union, Jean Ping from Adis Ababa noted that despite the fact that African countries have undertaken decentralisation policies due to external pressure, it brings decisions closer to the people or ultimate beneficiaries of development services. However, the state still has a role to play. Stakeholders need to internalise the model, own and play their role. The grass roots should play their role in policies that affect them.

The President of the European Union, Alian Joyandent called on development partners to act faster to find solutions to the looming financial crises and said there is a lot of work to do together. He reaffirmed that the European Union will remain committed to allocation and mobilisation of funds, development of good programs and ensures that there is a good climate for development. Priority will be given to African countries or funding for development and the donors will meet their commitment even in the financial crisis.

He also said the G20 has begun meetings and hoped it would draw inspiration for development, for rebalance between the north and the south to remain a key issue. He called on the assembly to do technical work and to be good in combating poverty.