May 2005 from weitzenegger.de

2005

This monthly Newsletter brings you news for international co-operation professionals on economic and social development. Free of charge if you recommend it to other colleagues. Edited by Karsten Karsten Weitzenegger Consulting, http://www.weitzenegger.de

1. World Development Report 2006: Equity And Development
2. Shadow Report on Europe: A true global partner for development?
3. Globalization Index 2005
4. Publications
5. Training and Events
6. Websites

The draft version of the World Development Report 2006 analyses the relationship between equity and development. Its key message states that equity is complementary, in some fundamental respects, to the pursuit of long-run prosperity. Institutions and policies that promote a level playing field, where all members of society have similar chances to become socially active and economically productive, contribute to sustainable growth and development. The report first explores the domestic context and then the global. It describes some of the key dimensions of inequalities relevant to equity within countries. It also documents why particular inequities are bad for long-run prosperity and then discusses implications for the design and implementation of policy. Available online at: http://www.eldis.org/cf/rdr/rdr.cfm?doc=DOC17765

CIDSE, in collaboration with other civil society actors including some members of Caritas Europa, presented the findings of a shadow report on the EU's contribution to Goal number 8. Going beyond official European reports, the shadow report looks at indicators on global institutional democracy and participation which are missing in the official reports. MDG 8 places the clear responsibility on European Governments to overcome self-interest and become active partners in the fight against poverty. Key bligations on reporting and participation, finance and the reform of aid, trade and coherence, and global governance are the benchmarks of progress. Recommendations presented in the shadow report include:

- Targets on aid allocation - There has been only patchy progress among European donors in increasing aid to the world's poorest countries which face the greatest challenges to achieving the MDGs, particularly in Africa: larger donors including France, Germany and the UK are well below UN targets. All European countries should set a binding timetable to achieve 0.2% of their gross national income to aid to the poorest countries.

- Action on debt - Most initiatives on debt have failed to integrate considerations of the resources debtor countries need to achieve the MDGs. Future calculation of debt sustainability must include an assessment of the feasible net revenue available to debtor governments. EU donors should cancel the debt of those countries whose debts are unpayable on the basis of human development needs, with resources additional to ODA.

- Trade policy - Developing countries are often denied a level playing field to compete in global trade. Non-tariff trade barriers that impede market access in Europe for developing countries production need to be addressed. The EU should improve the eradication of dumping measures and create a clear schedule for eliminating export subsidies.

- Reform of global institutions - The global structures that maintain poverty and injustice and marginalise the rights of the poorest must be changed. European countries should take the lead in pressing for reform of decision making and increased transparency of the World Trade Organisation, the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. Europe needs to raise its game. Every European country should become more energetic - not waiting for European consensus to emerge, but actively pushing for more pro-poor policies, said Paul Chitnis, resident of CIDSE and Denis Vienot, President of Caritas Europa, in a joint declaration to the press after the debate. (CTA)

The fifth annual A.T. Kearney/FOREIGN POLICY Globalization Index. This website provides rankings of political, economic, personal, and technological globalization in 62 countries. The indicators: Economic integration combines data on trade and foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows and outflows. Personal contact tracks international travel and tourism, international telephone traffic, and cross-border remittances and personal transfers (including worker remittances, compensation to employees, and other person-to-person and nongovernmental transfers). Technological connectivity counts the number of Internet users, Internet hosts, and secure servers through which encrypted transactions are carried out. Finally, political engagement includes each country's memberships in a variety of representative international organizations, personnel and financial contributions to U.N. peacekeeping missions, ratification of selected multilateral treaties, and amounts of governmental transfer payments and receipts. http://www.foreignpolicy.com/story/cms.php?story_id=2823

BDS-Newsletter from Ethiopia
http://www.bds-ethiopia.net
Dieter Gagel has started a BDS-Newsletter on behalf of the Ethiopian Business Development Services (BDS) Network, Addis Ababa. All additional information and news for the BDS Newsletter are welcome and may be included in the next monthly BDS newsletter. Please send to info @ bds-ethiopia.net

DG Dev Newsletter
http://europa.eu.int/comm/development/
The Directorate General for Development of the European Commission launched its weekly newsletter. The newsletter will be published in English or French every Friday afternoon and contain news on Development cooperation of the European Union. The newsletter will be available by e-mail and online. To subscribe, unsubscribe or react to this newsletter, please write to: development @ media-consulta.com

OECD Factbook 2005: Economic, Environmental and Social Statistics
http://www.oecd.org/site/0,2865,en_21571361_34374092_1_1_1_1_1,00.html
The OECD Factbook 2005, launched on March 15th, is an essential tool to have a global overview of the world economic, social and environmental trends. It brings together in a single publication 100 indicators that are essential to evaluate the relative position of any OECD country, both at a given moment and over time, in the following fields: Population and migration, Macroeconomic trends, Economic globalisation , Prices , Labour market , Science and technology , Environment , Education , Public policies , Quality of life and a special chapter dedicated to Energy.

EU-ACP Trade Negotiations Insights
http://www.acp-eu-trade.org/tni.html
A joint ECDPM-ICTSD two-monthly publication on the major issues faced by African and ACP countries in their international trade negotiations at the WTO and with the EU in the context of the Cotonou Agreement. In the March-April issue: Why the European Commission is wrong about the EPAs; Sharing Information: A survival tool for EPA negotiations; EPA Negotiations update.

Overview of Country Benchmarking Tools
http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/14/58/33915741.pdf
Whether you are looking for information on a particular investment climate or overwhelmed by the location information provided by a myriad of indexes, scoreboards and benchmarking tools, this OECD paper will help you get an overview of existing scoreboards from multilateral organizations and private ''think tanks''. If you want to know what each index tells you, try comparing scoreboards. This document lists all available benchmarking tools, checks their similarities and discrepancies; and, more importantly, it test their predictive power in a country's ability to attract FDI.

InBrief on comparing Free Trade Agreements with EPAs
http://www.ecdpm.org/Web_ECDPM/Web/Content/Content.nsf/7732def81dddfa7ac1256c240034fe65/f57da00ccca65ee2c1256ede004e64f1
ECDPM has developed two series of In-Briefs. The first one provides a detailed overview of the trade provisions of FTAs between the EU and third countries and the second one gives an introduction to specific issues that are to be adressed in the negotiation of an EPA.

EC budget support: thumbs up or down?
http://www.ecdpm.org/dp63
Budget support creates opportunities that are not always fully appreciated by its critics. At the same time, it creates risks which tend to be downplayed by its supporters. Against this background, this discussion paper by ECDPM aims to contribute to this intensely debated issue by providing a balanced view for those seeking to understand its complexities.

UN Evaluation Norms and Standards
http://www.uneval.org
The United Nations Evaluation Group (UNEG) held its 2005 annual meeting in Rome from 26-29 April, which was co-hosted by IFAD, FAO and WFP. The UNEG includes the heads and/or the representatives of evaluation outfits from around 40 UN system organisations. The UNEG is chaired by the Director of Evaluation of UNDP, whose office serves as the Secretariat of the group. During the Rome annual meeting, the UNEG finalised its Norms and Standards (N+S) for evaluation, which represent a step in establishing common professional quality standards across the UN system for evaluation work. The N+S are consistent with the IFAD Evaluation Policy as well as internationally recognised good practices in evaluation. The N+S can be viewed on the UNEG web-site at: http://www.uneval.org/docs/ACF617F.doc and http://www.uneval.org/docs/ACF61D4.doc

World Bank: FDI flows increased to US$165.5 billion in 2004
http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/EXTDEC/EXTDECPROSPECTS/EXTGDF/EXTGDF2005/0,,menuPK:544398~pagePK:64167702~piPK:64167676~theSitePK:544381,00.html
In 2004 capital flows to the developing world reached levels higher than at any time since the crises of the 1990s, according to Global Development Finance 2005 -- published by the World Bank. FDI flows reached US$165.5 billion, up by US$13.7 billion in 2004. The favorable overall picture, however, masks considerable country variation, with FDI flows being highly concentrated in a handful of countries. FDI outflows from developing countries rose to an estimated US$40 billion in 2004, up from US$16 billion in 2002. These outflows are coming, for the most part, from the same countries receiving the bulk of private capital inflows, namely Brazil, China, Mexico and Russia. South-South linkages are becoming a key source of investment funds in poorer countries in addition to workers' remittances and development assistance.

World Bank on the future of aid
http://rru.worldbank.org/PapersLinks/Development-Assistance/
The international aid industry faces daunting challenges in the future. As it evolves to meet these challenges, the industry is questioning the effectiveness of past aid policies and debating the best way to maximize the impact of aid in the future. How should aid be delivered and who should deliver it? Who are the best recipients of aid? The resources gathered here provide a summary of the research on aid effectiveness and donor performance; an analysis of the impact of competition, harmonization, and fragmentation; and scenarios for the future.

Annual World Bank Conference on Development Economics
http://econ.worldbank.org/external/default/main?menuPK=476823&pagePK=64165236&piPK=64165141&theSitePK=469372&&
23+24 May 2005, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, with a session called Opportunities for Africa 2005

The Value Chain Approach and its Application in Development Assistance in Asia
http://www.gtz.de/de/dokumente/en-Trade-News-21.pdf
24.-27. May, Bangkok, Thailand. GTZ Training Seminar More: Andreas.Springer-Heinze @ gtz.de

Roundtable on Investment for African Development
http://www.oecd.org/document/27/0,2340,en_2649_201185_34519323_1_1_1_1,00.html
25-26 May, Entebbe, Uganda. NEPAD/OECD Policy Round Table

The Future of EU Development Policy - Between Poverty Reduction and European Interest Politics?
http://www2.weed-online.org/eu/info/fes-ep-2005_e.htm
9 June 2005, Berlin. A conference jointly organised by WEED, terre des hommes and the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung. European politicians, development experts and civil society representatives will discuss options for a proactive European development policy. Contact Friedrich-Ebert-Foundation, Mrs. Roswitha Kiewitt, roswitha.kiewitt @ fes.de

Microenterprise and Development Institute Courses
http://www.snhu.edu/MDI/
13 June - 1 July 2005, Manchester, New Hampshire, USA

Non-discrimination on Race, Ethnic Origin, Religion and Belief
http://www.rechten.unimaas.nl/racesummerschool
Towards Effective Test Case Strategies
Intensive Advanced Seminar, 23-24 June 2005, Maastricht (NL),
The European Institute of Public Administration (EIPA) is organising, in collaboration with Maastricht University, a new advanced seminar on ''Non-Discrimination on Race, Ethnic Origin, Religion and Belief - Towards Effective Test Case Strategies'' This activity is part of a two-week Summer School organised by Maastricht University, Faculty of Law. Info: Ms Joyce Groneschild, Programme Organiser, tel.: +31.43.3296357, fax: +31.43.3296296, e-mail: j.groneschild @ eipa-nl.com. You can also consult the web site: http://www.eipa.nl (conferences).

Improving Access to Resources, Services and Markets
http://www2.gtz.de/snrd/
19-23 Sep 2005, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
9th Africa Forum, GTZ-SNRD, Info: andrea.bahm @ gtz.de

25th International Fundraising Congress
http://www.resource-alliance.org/subsection.php?sectionid=5&subsectionid=91
18th - 21st October 2005, NH Leeuwenhorst Hotel, The Netherlands
The IFC is the world's leading training conference for fundraising professionals organised by the Resource Alliance, with over 700 fundraising delegates regularly attending from over 50 countries worldwide. Comprehensive programme features leading experts like Tony Elischer, Bernard Ross and Karen Osborne and receive your special Early Bird discount if you book before 10th June 2005.

Training Guide: Basic Research Methods
http://www.itrainonline.org/itrainonline/mmtk/research.shtml
This ItrainOnline Multimedia Training Kit covers basic research methods in an easily accessible way, and includes research tips and pros and cons for each method. It also takes participants through a step-by-step approach to planning research.'' Target audience: Anyone in community organizations and not-for-profits responsible for research. Duration: Short version - 60-120 minutes; Long version - 3 hours or more.

World Bank's Projects Database
http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/PROJECTS/0,,menuPK:51563~pagePK:95873~piPK:95910~theSitePK:40941,00.html
Much of the Bank's core business involves development lending through projects. This site provides detailed information about planned, current and completed projects, including summaries, related documents and status. Projects may be located by country or region, development goal and specific sector. Searching for projects can be done by a variety of criteria, including approval date, status, type of lending, environmental category, etc. more

CGAP Savings Information and Resource Center
http://www.cgap.org/savings
Send your comments, questions, case studies to: savings @ worldbank.org

GTZ Library online
http://www2.gtz.de/wbf/library/search.asp
The German GTZ made their library for economic development and employment searchable online.

Capacity Development Network (CDNet)
http://www.capacitywhoiswho.net
CDNet is an open source virtual ''workspace'' providing opportunity for dialogue, exchange and learning on capacity development. Its main feature are the ''CD Resource Corners''. These offer a dynamic space (''discussion / mail list'') that can serve as ''incubators'' for compiling, validating or developing tools and other resources. They will also offer ''Resource Guides'' on a given theme that are quality managed and point to pertinent research and analysis, tools and guidelines, case experiences, learning materials, expertise and related sites. CDNet also provides registered users the option to create their own discussions, working groups and libraries on CD topics of their choosing. Users can also participate in on-line discussions, search the library and find out about events and link to other relevant sites.

European Expert Network (EE-Net)
http://www.europeanexpert.net
The year 2005 is the fifth year in which the European Expert Network (EE-Net) has been successful in operation as the premier forum for professionals throughout Europe. The website has been updated to reflect the changes in our services and the developments in knowledge exchange and networking.

OECD Evaluation Network
http://www.oecd.org/document/5/0,2340,en_21571361_34047972_34079941_1_1_1_1,00.html
The OECD Evaluation Network has launched a new website designed to improve information exchange and knowledge sharing among Network members and the wider evaluation community. On the new site users will find - detailed information on the Network's current work programme; Network publications, guidelines and meeting documents; dedicated members' pages with background information and publications and news and events from the evaluation community.

International Tax Laws by Country
http://www.law-library.info/page/tax-international.htm
At International Tax Laws By Country you'll find links to hundreds of sites about taxes, categorized by country. There are sites about tax policy, regulations, instructions, advice, various types of taxes, tax software, and much more.

Free Web Hosting
http://www.free-webhosts.com/
Free Webspace'' is a directory list of free web hosting providers, with over 700 top free web space hosts with reviews and ratings, and is updated daily.

WTO Online Forum on the future of the WTO
http://www.wto.org/english/news_e/events_e/symp05_e/symposium_2005_e.htm
This online forum has been launched in parallel with the WTO Public Symposium which has for a theme this year the 10th anniversary of the WTO. The aim of the forum is to encourage people to further discuss the topics covered by the symposium and also the recent report by the Director-General's Consultative Board on the future of the WTO. Join the discussion at: http://forums.prospero.com/wto_10anniv/start Report by the Director-General's Consultative Board on the future of the WTO: http://www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/10anniv_e/10anniv_e.htm#future

Sending Money Home
http://www.sendmoneyhome.org
DFID launched the results of a UK survey into the best ways for people to send money to relatives and friends in developing countries. This is the first survey of its kind in the UK, and addresses a chronic lack of information available to diaspora wishing to send money back to friends, family, and communities. The survey results are being made available through a full report, summary, and country specific leaflets. International Development Minister Gareth Thomas opened the launch event with diaspora and community leaders, senior bankers and money transfer operator representatives, government agencies and press. Gareth Thomas said that: ''We commissioned this report to encourage competition among money transfer operators to ensure openness and lower costs. ''We want to make remittances contribute more effectively to international development, and making it easier and cheaper for people to send money home to families and communities abroad is an important way to do this. We also want to ensure that it's easier for people in other countries to access the money.'' The minister also called on banks, building societies and money transfer organisations to view diaspora in the UK as an attractive market for financial services, including remittances, and to further improve their service offer to them.