July 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


CONTENT
  1. G8 communiqué: More and Better Aid? Eurodad Briefing
  2. EC approves a proposal for an ambitious development policy
  3. EU, ACP countries sign revised Cotonou Agreement
  4. EURODAD: World Bank Conditionality Needs Radical Reform
  5. Development Watch! monitors cooperation
  6. CGAP launches Regulation and Supervision Resource Centre
  7. How to Streamline Business Registration
  8. Handbooks about ICTs and small enterprise
  9. Civil Society and Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs)
  10. Private sector development in conflict-affected countries
  11. Designing and managing regulatory institutions
  12. EBRD reports record FDI level for its members
  13. Publications
  14. Training and Events
  15. Websites

1. G8 communiqué: More and Better Aid? Eurodad Briefing

The G8 communiqué goes a long way to addressing the need for more and better aid. But, CSOs need to press for more detailed and improved pledges and timetables in the run up to the Millennium Summit in September. And, perhaps even more importantly, over the next few years, CSOs need to continue to hold governments to account for their commitments, especially when the issue is far from the public eye and media headlines. In the end whether the G8 Summit in 2005 will make a big difference to reducing world poverty is yet to be seen. The test will be whether G8 countries live up to their commitments. Full Eurodad Briefing: http://www.eurodad.org/articles/default.aspx?id=638 ODI's 2005 G8 Portal: http://www.odi.org.uk/2005_portal/index.html


2. EC approves a proposal for an ambitious development policy

The European Commission has adopted a proposal defining the new development policy of the European Union. The policy aims at reducing poverty in line with the Millennium Development Goals. The Communication is a proposal for a joint statement by the Council, the European Parliament and the Commission. This ''European Consensus'' would provide, for the first time in 50 years of development co-operation, a common framework of objectives, values and principles that the Union - all 25 Member States and the Commission - supports and promotes as a global player and as a global partner. The EU is the biggest aid donor in the world, accounting for 55% of development assistance, 20% of which is managed by the Commission.

The EU's Development Policy will cover all developing countries, and for the first time in 50 years, this will be done within a single framework of principles for the 25 Member States and the Commission. The Commission proposes a new conception of development cooperation, with better coordination and common objectives as supporting pillars. The proposal will now be discussed with the Council and the European Parliament in view of issuing a Joint Statement by the end of the year. http://europa.eu.int/comm/development/index_en.htm


3. EU, ACP countries sign revised Cotonou Agreement

The revised Cotonou Agreement was signed on 25 June in Luxembourg by the EU and 76 countries from Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific. The new provisions cover a broad range of issues, including a provision for a strengthened political dialogue and references to the fight against terrorism, cooperation in countering proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and the International Criminal Court (ICC). ''Poverty reduction remains at the heart of the revised agreement, while the continuation of sustainable, long-term financing and inclusion of important security and political dialogue provisions render our partnership even more effective'', said EU commissioner for development and aid Louis Michel. The revision process took place in accordance with Article 95 of the Cotonou agreement which provides for a revision clause allowing the Agreement to be adapted every 5 years. http://www.europa.eu.int/comm/development/body/cotonou/index_en.htm


4. EURODAD: World Bank Conditionality Needs Radical Reform

The European Network for Debt and Development (EURODAD) believes that the World Bank must radically improve the way it designs and applies its conditions in order to make aid more effective in reducing poverty. The forthcoming 2005 World Bank Conditionality Review offers a unique opportunity for the Bank to outline a much-needed bold and ambitious reform agenda. Recent reforms by the World Bank on conditionality, including the new operational policy on Development lending, which calls for 'critical' conditions only, greater transparency and more participation in setting conditions, do not go nearly far enough and are not being properly implemented. http://www.eurodad.org/articles/default.aspx?id=635


5. Development Watch! monitors cooperation

DEVELOPMENT WATCH has been launched by GLOBAL COOPERATION COUNCIL and IPS EUROPE as an independent watchdog to monitor reliable and critical information on international development cooperation. We are of the view that tax payers in the OECD countries have the right to know what is happening with their hard-earned money. Also peoples in the countries of the South receiving funds must be enabled and empowered to know what their governments are doing with the money they get for them from the North. This objective can be achieved if individuals, institutions and organizations around the world - in North and South - provide DEVELOPMENT WATCH reliable and critical information. Info: Ramesh Jaura, alliance @ developmentwatch.net, http://www.developmentwatch.net


6. CGAP launches Regulation and Supervision Resource Center

The Regulation and Supervision Resource Center Website brings together a wealth of information in one convenient, user-friendly Website. Whether you need to find the laws governing microfinance in Brazil or Zimbabwe, learn about legal reform in Bosnia, or check licensing requirements in Morocco, it's all here in one convenient place. The site shall contribute to a broader understanding of regulation and supervision in microfinance and helps you in a practical way with your country-level work. The Regulation and Supervision Resource Center is the result of two years' collaboration between CGAP and the IRIS Center at the University of Maryland. Please email your suggestions to: regulation @ cgap.org. http://www.cgap.org/regulation

CGAP Offers Retail Advisory Service to Commercial Banks
More than 2 billion people around the world still lack access to financial services from the formal financial system. At the same time, commercial banks around the world have been taking an increasing interest in accessing lower income clients, provided that it makes good business sense. To help commercial banks break into this market, CGAP recently established the Retail Advisory Service, or RAS. http://www.cgap.org/portfolio/02.html#03


7. How to Streamline Business Registration

If it only takes two days to start a business in Australia, why must it take 203 days to do the same in Haiti? While some countries operate streamlined and affordable processes for registering new businesses, others have such complicated and burdensome procedures that bribes - or remaining informal - are often the only means for achieving results. What can be done to make it easier for entrepreneurs to launch new businesses in developing countries - use of new information technologies, one-stop shops where all registration procedures can be completed in one place, or overall simplification and reduction of entry procedures? The World Bank publishes a transcript from an online discussion on this. http://rru.worldbank.org/Discussions/topics/topic65.aspx


8. Handbooks about ICTs and small enterprise

The University of Manchester gives away some free copies of two handbooks: The first handbook is for support agency staff, advisers, consultants and researchers. It explains the role of information and communication technologies in small enterprise. It provides clear, simple guidance about information, about technology, and about support agency strategies. The second handbook is for entrepreneurs. It also explains the role of information and communication technologies in small enterprise, from the entrepreneur's viewpoint. It explains what the technologies are, what benefits they can bring, and how to get the most out of them. If you would like hard copies posted out to you, please reply with the following two items of information: Your name and full postal address; and not more than 50 words detailing your or your organisation's work with small enterprise. Contact: Richard Heeks, richard.heeks @ manchester.ac.uk Hard copies are English language-only but the online versions are also provided in French, Spanish and Arabic. http://www.sed.manchester.ac.uk/idpm/research/is/ictsme/index.htm


9. Civil Society and Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs)

At the 24th meeting of ACP-EU Economic and Social Interest Groups, which took place at the headquarters of the European Economic and Social Committee on 28-30 June 2005, Louis Michel, Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid, and Peter Mandelson, Commissioner for Trade, launched strong calls in favour of greater involvement of ACP economic and social interest groups in the development and trade policies of their countries. http://europa.eu.int/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=CES/05/81&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en


10. Private sector development in conflict-affected countries

Private sector development is crucial for the long-term recovery of economies affected by conflict. The resources gathered here focus on the important role domestic and international companies can play in the recovery effort, the challenges and risks they face in trying to succeed in a difficult business environment, and ways they can help rebuild viable infrastructure and financial systems in conflict situations. The World Bank selected papers and case studies for this reading list. http://rru.worldbank.org/PapersLinks/Conflict-Affected-Countries/


11. Designing and managing regulatory institutions

Privatization of utilities has led to the emergence of independent regulatory institutions that oversee the delivery of energy, telecommunications, financial and other services. Designing and operating effective, sector-specific regulatory institutions is often a major challenge. In many countries, weak regulatory bodies are reducing the benefits of privatized utilities. The resources in this reading list examine key issues in designing institutions that regulate utilities. Special attention is given to the contrasts between multi-sector and single-sector regulators, and the pros and cons of having ''independent'' regulators. http://rru.worldbank.org/PapersLinks/Design-Management-Regulatory-Institutions/


12. EBRD reports record FDI level for its members

According to the Transition Report Update a report published by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) -- http://www.ebrd.org -- FDI flows into its member countries, mostly in Central and Eastern Europe, increased to US$34 billion in 2004. Most of these countries have benefited from years of economic reforms, the global economic recovery, strong private domestic demand and high commodity prices. The report urges countries to keep up the reform momentum to mobilize more investment, as well as to seek to attract FDI outside the extractive sector. http://www.ebrd.com/pubs/econo/6295.htm


13. Publications

New CGAP Donor Guidelines
http://www.cgap.org/portfolio/03.html#06
Fostering Aid Effectiveness in Microfinance
CGAP has launched an information campaign around the Donor Guidelines on Good Practice, known as the ''pink book.'' The guidelines aim to boost awareness within donor agencies about the need to build more inclusive financial systems for the poor.

MicroFranchises as a Solution to Global Poverty
http://www.omidyar.net/group/poverty/file/7.35.11055472357/
Provocative, insightful and hard-hitting position paper analyzing the strengths of the MicroFranchise business model as a poverty intervention. Discusses causes, effects and an innovative solution to global poverty.

New Imp-Act Practice Notes available online
http://www.ids.ac.uk/impact/publications/practice_notes.html
Topics include: Using surveys effectively; Choosing and using indicators for effective social performance management; Planning research to assess social performance: guidance for managers; Tracking client performance: monitoring systems for social performance management; Reviewing the social performance of microfinance institutions; Managing social performance in microfinance: building successful clients and successful institutions. Request hard copies from the Secretariat at Imp-Act @ ids.ac.uk.

Shoestring Evaluation: Designing Impact Evaluations under Budget, Time and Data Constraints
http://www.enterprise-impact.org.uk/informationresources/toolbox/shoestringevaluation.shtml
Classic by Michael Bamberger, Jim Rugh, Mary Church and Lucia Fort.

AIMS/SEEP Tools Manual ''Learning from Clients''
http://www.microlinks.org/
This manual contains instructions plus data collection tools and is now available in English, Spanish, and French.

ELDIS: Trends in CSR Reporting
http://www.eldis.org/csr
Covering more than 1600 companies this survey analyses trends in CSR reporting of the world's largest corporations. One of the major trends over the past years has been a shift away from purely environmentally focused reports to a greater emphasis on sustainability, thereby also taking into account social and economic issues.

Dangerous occupations: child labour in mining and quarrying
http://www.eldis.org/cf/search/disp/docdisplay.cfm?doc=DOC18580&resource=f1children
IPEC's study reports that child labour in mining and quarrying is one of the most dangerous occupations to work in.

Deconcentration and Devolution of the EC Decision-Making Process
http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/51/19/34425321.pdf
OECD Publication - Decentralisation has become a key issue in development policy in the past two decades. Whereas the advantages and risks of transferring power and resources to local tiers of government have been debated for quite some time, it is only very recently that the linkages between decentralization and poverty reduction have been addressed.

The Cotounou Agreement. A User's Guide for Non-State Actors
http://www.acpsec.org/en/nsa/nsa_users_guide_en_rev1.pdf
This guide by the ACP Secretariat and ECDPM disseminates appropriate information on how the non-state actors can benefit from and the opportunities available under the Cotonou Agreement. It will also serve as a primary reference document for ACP non-state actors. In particular, the guide also provides practical information and specific answers on the modalities for the enhanced engagement of non-state actors in ACP-EC cooperation.

ECAS FUNDING GUIDE, 11th Edition
http://www.ecas.org
The ECAS guide provides a focal point, covering all potential EU funds in a practical handbook. This includes tips on how to apply, whom to contact for further information on each programme and lots of links to websites and email addresses at different geographical levels. ISBN: 2-87451-001-7

TNI thematic review of the state of EPA negotiations
http://www.ictsd.org/tni/tni_english/TNI_EN_4-2.pdf
This edition of Trade Negotiations Insights includes a 'think-piece' on the state of EPA negotiations. As technical negotiations to determine 'the policies, instruments and capacity-building support necessary for EPAs' are now underway, it raises a series of critical questions related to the process.

Capturing the Knowledge, Sharing the Wisdom: KM4Dev Journal is out
http://www.km4dev.org/journal
The KM4Dev Community of Practice (hosted by Bellanet) has launched its own journal in electronic and paper form. KM4D Journal might well be the first community of practice-based journal. The main impetus for the creation of the journal came when the group realized that there is a need to formally capture the knowledge generated within the KM4Dev community.

CEDOFOP Report: The value of learning
http://www.trainingvillage.gr/etv/HomePages/Banner/about_vocational_training_research.asp
Evaluation and impact of education and training
Ours is an age where the value of education and training is acknowledged worldwide. Its contribution to individual, economic and social capital is eagerly sought. We know the importance of devising and delivering quality opportunities for learning, throughout life, and we try to create the right conditions for this to happen. Cedefop's third report on vocational education and training research, The value of learning, addresses current research into these matters. It focuses specifically on evaluation of reforms and measures and on the impacts of education and training for society, individuals and enterprises.

Study on Impact of Economic Growth on Poverty Reduction
http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/NEWS/0,,contentMDK:20559742~menuPK:34463~pagePK:34370~piPK:34424~theSitePK:4607,00.html
A new study, ''Pro-Poor Growth in the 1990s: Lessons and Insights from 14 Countries,'' presents evidence that underscores the importance of promoting strong and sustained growth as part of any pro-poor growth strategy. It also demonstrates the need to implement policies that enhance the ability of poor households to participate in growth. The study is part of a work program sponsored by the Bank, Agence Française de Dévelopement, German Development Policy and the UK Department for International Development.

Telecentres: A new model for social appropriation of ICTs
http://wsispapers.choike.org
This new WSIS Paper reviews lessons and experiences withTelecentres in developing regions, Telecentres as a tool for rural development, etc.


14. Training and Events

Participatory Appraisal of Competitive Advantage
http://www.methodfinder.net/index.php?page=methods&methodID=72
MethodFinder presents ''Participatory Appraisal of Competitive Advantage - PACA ®''. The method aims at strengthening micro, small and medium enterprises and has already been applied in more than 100 regions worldwide. PACA is a participatory, bottom-up, pragmatic approach to local economic development. It is based on a set of tools that permit a rapid appraisal of the competitive advantages and disadvantages of a locality. It delivers concrete, practical proposals to stimulate the local or regional economy (PACA Exercise). PACA is provided by Mesopartner is a consultancy company with a vast experience in Local Economic Development.

Results-Based Management
http://www.parcinfo.org/fullStory.asp?storyID=143
The Performance Assessment Resource Centre PARC has assembled a list of links and documents around this topic. The aim of the PARC seminar was to explore the challenges that the application of Results Based Management (RBM) presents to M&E practice in international development. The focus was on sharing experiences and perspectives from those engaged in the commissioning and implementation of M&E processes within a world of continuing change in aid modalities.

PRIA Managing Participatory Development Projects
http://www.pria.org
PRIA has launched a Post-Graduate Certificate in Managing Participatory Development Projects, beginning August 1, 2005. The Course is intended to prepare young professionals to manage field-based projects. It will benefit those just finishing their college education, or those who have been recently working in development projects. PRIA is a civil society organisation, undertaking development initiatives to positively impact the lives and improve the quality of living of marginalised and excluded sections of the society. Info: education @ pria.org.

Train the Trainer
http://www.hrea.org/erc/Calendar/display.php?doc_id=2562&month=9&year=2005&category_id=&category_type=
Oxford, United Kingdom, 19-23 September 2005
Focus: This course introduces staff of international development organisations to participative learning techniques, and the effective way to plan an event. Participants will have an opportunity to run an interactive training session and to receive useful feedback. Organisation: International NGO Training and Research Centre (INTRAC).

The Deep Dynamics of Stakeholder Relationships
http://www.ultimoround.com/workshops/
Noordwijk, The Netherlands, 8-11 November 2005
The workshop is particularly designed to help participants deal with issues like power, rank and diversity that might distort processes like e.g. monitoring and evaluation. Organisation: The International Institute for Facilitation and Consensus.

Enter the Dragon: China's Emergence and Competitiveness
The Competitiveness Institute's annual Conference in Hong Kong
Go to the conference section to download the flyer and a tentative schedule of the conference. The conference website is now online at http://www.tciconference8.org


15. Websites

EU launches second phase of its on-line Export Helpdesk for developing countries
http://export-help.cec.eu.int
The European Commission launched the second phase of its on-line export helpdesk for developing countries. The new service provides detailed information on the specific import requirements of the EU and Member States, as well as up to date notice of internal taxes. By providing information on the EU's preferential access schemes and guiding exporters through the process of exporting to the EU, the service is designed to help producers in developing countries benefit fully from the EU market. Users of the helpdesk are invited to make suggestions as to further information which they consider could be usefully added to the helpdesk to better serve their needs. Info: export-help @ cec.eu.int

FDI Newswire
http://www.fdi-market.com
FDI Newswire promotes foreign direct investment by offering state of the art global communication technologies to present project investment opportunities to financial analysts, investment banks, individual investors, institutions and governmental organizations FDI Newswire is THE source of FDI news in today's competitive investment world. You can use FDI Newswire to keep track of the news and consider using us to promote your projects requiring investment. Please feel free to register yourself or your organization - there is no cost or obligation to register. More info: info @ fdi-market.com.

Micro, small, and medium enterprise participation rates
http://rru.worldbank.org/PapersLinks/Open.aspx?id=6358
This World Bank database provides publicly available, country-level data on micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in an easily accessible format. This database is a collection of secondary data collected from external sources and remains a work in progress. Updates and improvements will be made as new data becomes available.

GEOnet Geographic Names Server (GNS)
http://earth-info.nga.mil/gns/html/index.html
The GEOnet Names Server (GNS) provides access to the US National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency NGA database of foreign geographic feature names. The database is the official repository of foreign place-name decisions approved by the U.S. Board on Geographic Names (US BGN). Approximately 20,000 of the database's features are updated monthly. If you don't mind being on a military Website, you can download almost all African village names with positions to your GIS or GPS.

CSG calculators and converters
http://www.csgnetwork.com/converters.html
CSG Calculators and Converters are especially useful for importers and exporters. Just go to the home page (close the pop-up window) and scroll down to Grouped Converters and Calculators, then click on Business and Financial in the drop-down box. That brings you to a page with lots of great business calculators. Scroll down to Export Price Index (XPI) Calculator. This is an inflation calculator for adjusting costs from one year to another using the International Price Index (IPI) inflation index as a foundation, and is a useful tool for U.S. exporters. There's also an Import Price Index (MPI) Calculator, and many other handy business calculators. (FITA)



 

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