News:
The OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC) Peer Review of Aotearoa New Zealand was launched today, by visiting Chair of the OECD (DAC) Carsten Staur, at an event held at Parliament and hosted by Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) Deputy Secretary, Pacific and Development Group, Bernadette Cavanagh.
“I would like to welcome Chair Carsten Staur and acknowledge the work of the OECD DAC in undertaking this comprehensive review of Aotearoa New Zealand’s International Development Cooperation (IDC) policy and implementation; both across the whole of government, and within MFAT,” said Bernadette Cavanagh.
“The OECD DAC Peer Review occurs every five to six years, and is an opportunity to publically signal our commitment to accountability for development actions, as prioritised through our IDC programme, Nga Hoe Tuputupu-mai-tawhiti.
“It also helps us identify areas for growth in how we look at our development work, while acknowledging the areas we have strengthened already, such as integrating a Te Ao Māori and indigenous lens into our partnership approach — a great example being the partner-led Pacific Resilience Approach, and the significant scale-up of our international climate finance commitment,” Bernadette Cavanagh said.
“Being accountable to our global community, our Pacific whanaunga, and those we support and work alongside with, is crucial to being a credible development partner.
“This Review lays down a challenge for Aotearoa New Zealand and our IDC, and it is now for us to determine how we respond,” said Bernadette Cavanagh.
The OECD DAC is the pre-eminent international forum for bilateral development co-operation providers. It sets global standards for development cooperation and defines the criteria for official development assistance (ODA).
The DAC shapes the international development agenda by developing policy guidance in a range of areas, such as gender, conflict and fragility, working with NGOs, and working with the private sector. It also promotes learning between bilateral donors.