On 12 November 2020, the Consultative Board for Development Cooperation Policy held an on-line meeting chaired by the Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Zanda Kalniņa-Lukaševica. The Consultative Board discussed the draft of the Development Cooperation Policy Guidelines for 2021–2027 (hereafter - Guidelines) and topics concerning the future of the development cooperation policy in the coming years.
The Parliamentary Secretary informed the members of the Consultative Board about the work done by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in preparing the new Guidelines drafted in cooperation and consultation with members of civil society, experts in the field, and organisations representing public authorities and the private sector.
In the draft Guidelines, the objective of Latvia’s development cooperation policy and Latvia’s commitment remain as before – to contribute to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda in developing countries through the promotion of good governance, gender equality, the mitigation of the consequences of climate change, quality education, and business development. Digitalisation as a catalyst for development in all those areas will be put in a special focus. In geographical terms, the EU’s Eastern Partnership countries and the countries of Central Asia retain their priority status. After a review of Latvia’s cooperation until now, particular attention will be paid to Belarus.
Zanda Kalniņa-Lukaševica also noted that the new Guidelines reflect Latvia’s interest in expanding the provision of support in other regions as well, with African countries being a priority. Engagement with new regions would primarily be related to transferring them the best solutions in the field of climate and digitalisation created in Latvia. The expansion of geographical presence will be possible if there is a chance to increase funding for development cooperation.
In the context of the new Guidelines, there are plans to put a greater emphasis on building inter-sectoral partnerships, including through involvement of the private sector, the Parliamentary Secretary noted.
After some discussion, members of the Consultative Board for Development Cooperation Policy approved referring the draft Guidelines to the Cabinet for approval before the end of the year.
Background information
The Consultative Board for Development Cooperation Policy is an advisory institution established to promote an active and responsible involvement of Latvia in the formulation and implementation of the European Union’s development cooperation policy, enhance the role of Latvia as a bilateral donor, raise awareness among the general public of the goals and policy of development cooperation, and offer assistance in its implementation. In accordance with its Statute, public administration institutions and civil society organisations are represented on the Consultative Council.
Annual funding allocated by the Foreign Ministry for development cooperation policy currently remains at the level of 463,000 euros. In addition, 120,000 euros shall be directed into development cooperation projects in support of civil society in Belarus.