Denmark will actively support efforts to increase the pressure on the many developed countries - including EU Member States - that are currently providing development assistance of less than 0.7 per cent of GNP to raise their assistance.
The Government will work for accomplishing this, not least by following up on the UN conference on Financing for Development in March 2003 (Monterrey) and the World Summit on Sustainable Development which was held in Johannesburg in September 2002.
The Danish contribution through the UN system will, in accordance with the Government’s development policy priorities, be further focused on the work to improve health and to ensure a sensible population policy.
The Government will work within the fields of health and population through the UN and other international organisations, and have a particular focus on HIV/AIDS.
Moreover, the Danish Government strongly emphasises international cooperation in the fight against international terrorism and illicit narcotic drug trade. In this connection close collaboration will be sought with the UN’s Counter Terrorism Committee (CTC) and the UN’s Office of Drug and Crime (UNODC).
The role of the private sector in development includes corporate social responsibility (CRS) and the connection between trade and development. These are two other key focus areas of the Danish multilateral development assistance. A good example of a Danish company displaying CRS is the establishment of a World Diabetes Fund by Novo Nordisk.
Since taking office, the Government has worked consistently for opening up the markets in the rich countries. Much has happened, but there is till much to do. Among other things, the trade negotiations in the WTO must make it easier for the poor countries to sell their products to the rich countries.
1) Poverty reduction and good governance
UNDP has been through a comprehensive reform process to raise its efficiency and focus in relation to efforts in the individual countries. The activities are now focused on five areas with particular emphasis on poverty alleviation and governance. The Danish contribution to UNDP’s general budget has been at a constant level of DKK 370 million since 2002, placing Denmark as the 7th largest contributor.
2) Population and health
Out of necessity, efficient poverty reduction must be based on support to critical investments in health, including activities to stem population growth. The Government will ensure that the necessary priority is given to this area, not least to the struggle against HIV/AIDS.
According to the Government’s Vision for New Priorities in Danish Development Assistance 2004-08, the multilateral assistance will be further focused on health, including HIV/AIDS, and will ensure a sensible population policy.
In 2004 the Government has earmarked up to DKK 100 million for the Danish contribution to the global fund to combat HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. Denmark will also support UNAIDS with DKK 30 million. The Government has allocated DKK 180 million to UNFPA as well as DKK 180 million to UNICEF in 2004.
3) Agriculture and food
The contributions to WFP's relief work will continue unchanged and the contributions to the organisation's development activities will continue with an annual frame of DKK 160 million. In close collaboration with a group of other donors, Denmark is participating in an evaluation of WFP’s development activities.
The evaluation is to be completed in the beginning of 2005. There will be no changes in relation to IFAD either. The annual contribution for 2004 will be DKK 51 million. Denmark is actively involved in a current evaluation of IFAD’s activities. The evaluation is to be completed by the beginning of 2005.
4) Other UN organisations
In 2004, the Danish support to other UN organisations will be:ILO: DKK 20 millionUNIDO: DKK 10 millionUNODC: DKK 5 million UNESCO: DKK 5 million
5) Global environmental cooperation
The contributions to UNEP will continue unchanged in 2004 in the form of an annual contribution to the Environment Fund of DKK 15.5 million and contributions to the UNEP/DHI Water Centre and the UNEP/Risø Centre on Energy, Climate and Sustainable Development of DKK 4.0 and 8.8 million, respectively.
The annual Danish contribution for the 3rd replenishment of the Global Environment Fund (GEF) amounts to DKK 65.2 million annually. Other contributions in 2004 include DKK 20 million to IUCN.
The overall budget allocation for global environmental cooperation has increased in 2004. According to the new strategy for Denmark’s Environmental Cooperation with Developing Countries, priority will be given to initiatives in the fields of water, sustainable energy and climate.
6) Humanitarian assistance
In 2003 Denmark provided approximately DKK 800 mill. for humanitarian assistance and emergency relief, mainly to Asia and Africa.
The Danish humanitarian assistance is channelled through Danish humanitarian NGOs, International Red Cross and the UN organisations. In essence, humanitarian assistance is aimed at meeting the requirements of those in need of help and protection.
Assistance to victims of armed conflicts and to refugees and internally displaced persons, which are regarded as particular vulnerable groups, are among the priorities for the Danish humanitarian assistance.
For a more detailed description of the strategic guidelines for the Danish humanitarian assistance please go to Strategic Priorities in Danish Humanitarian Assistance.
