Sustaining development in small states in a turbulent

global economy

6-7th July, 2009Marlborough House

Objectives of the session

Overview of Human development issues and STPD response

Examine the impact of the global economic and financial crisis on financial indicators

Present a review of the progress and constraints of small states in achieving MDG and proposed measures

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Social Transformation Programmes Division

Education - Health - Gender

The division leads and implements the Secretariat’s agenda with regard to Human Development, working with governments and other stakeholders to address issues and challenges in education and health, and for a world where women and men are equal partners, with equal opportunities and equality of outcomes.

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Social Development:MDGs

Goal 1: Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger Goal 2: Achieve universal primary education Goal 3: Promote gender equality and empower women Goal 4: Reduce child mortality Goal 5: Improve maternal health Goal 6: Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases Goal 7: Ensure environmental sustainability Goal 8: Develop a Global Partnership for Development

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MDGs

synthesise, in a single package, many of the most important commitments made separately at the international conferences and summits of the 1990s;

recognise explicitly the interdependence between growth, poverty reduction and sustainable development;

acknowledge that development rests on the foundations of democratic governance, the rule of law, respect for human rights and peace and security;

are based on time-bound and measurable targets accompanied by indicators for monitoring progress; and

eighth Goal, the responsibilities of developing countries with those of developed countries

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Impact on MDGs

Lack of progress and regression

Countries impacted by global markets/recession

Food security

Public sector impacted by reduction in GDP of own country Reduction in GDP of partner countries Currency fluctuations Aid remittances

Emphasis on economic indices

Luxury of gender and equity issues

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MDGs

More than half of all developing countries could experience a rise in number of extreme poor in 2009

The financial crisis will result in up to 400,000 additional infant deaths a year from 2009-2015

The global unemployment rate for women will rise more than for men – 22 million women will be plunged into unemployment

Total aid commitment dropping

200 million more in poverty, malnourishment, hunger and deprivation

700 million adults to remain illiterate by 2015

World’s progress towards MDGs could be set back by three years

In over 50 countries more than half of all children will not complete primary schooling cycle

Gender parity goal already missed in 113 countries in 2005

Current trends predict that only 18 countries will meet primary and secnday level full enrolment

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Interrelationship of recession on public sector and gender implications

Human development is social, economic, political, cultural, technological development

Health Malnourishment Reduction of safety nets Impact on maternal and child mortality NCDs Climate change

Education Drop in enrolment

Gender implications Unemployment Low achievement Social unrest

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Interrelationship of recession on public sector and gender

implicationsGender Impact of social sector cuts Malaise/frustration may impact negatively Loss of jobs – manufacturing, and services

School enrolment/completion Maternal health HIV and AIDS Prostitution

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Issue of human resources

Migration – loss of human capital

Increased mortality (women & children)

Diminished capacities

Loss of revenue

Food Insecurity

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CHMM

Noted that current global crisis was threatening health gains, because of impact on public and household expenditure

Focus programme drawing on comparative advantage, resource base, capacity, and in partnership

Heightened need for more efficient and effective use of resources and for evidenced based policy/action

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CHMM- planning

Endorsed focus on health related MDGs – maternal and infant mortality

Financial resources Human resourcing and Code of Practice

continuing priority Lifestyles and diets Noted the importance to support

Governments in addressing climate change impact on health

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17 CCEM Communiqué focus

Noted with concern the effect of the global economic downturn on social sectors, particularly in the poorer countries and small states.

Ministers recognized that education provides a fundamental tool for self improvement and national development and is a basic human right

It also helps countries to prepare for recovery by helping people re tool and develop the necessary skills to meet the future needs of the economy

The need to main both the quantity and flow of resources and aid commitments was noted and for national governments and international community to work together to mitigate the risks

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CCEMforward planning

Need to prioritise to take account of global trends Advancing education in small states Continuing work on Teacher Protocol School leadership Gender related work and boys underachievement Education for sustainable development – climate change Enhancing the delivery of multi-grade Strengthening HIV and AIDS education Emphasised importance of respect and understanding CSFP Access to students of smaller states to higher education in the CW Developing and utilising partnership with a range of stakeholders

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Gender2010 - WAMM

Look at impact of global crisis – work already in Uganda

Transferable and non transferable skills

Climate change – gender dimensions

Continued emphasis on four critical areas Gender, democracy, peace and conflict Gender, human rights, and law Gender, poverty eradication Gender and HIV and AIDS

Mid term review of Plan of Action

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Action

Given our comparative advantage in terms of small states, convening power, dealing with inequities, STPD will focus more on small states from CCEM mandate, will be looking at migration and its impact and working to support specific areas of gender and conflict, will be focusing on partnership

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Action

Maintain a pro-poor focus on inequities in education, health expenditures, and gender equity

Maintain focus on MDGs and their interrelationship Maintain strong advocacy Add value through knowledge increase - targeted research in niche

areas, and interpretation re Commonwealth and policy implications Add value through partnership and clearly defined areas and ways of

working Division and across division Multi-sectoral responses Migration Gender Small states specific Working with Human rights and Youth Working with other divisions

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