International Trade Forum - Issue 3-4/2008
Delegates from over 160 countries met in Doha, Qatar from 29
November to 2 December 2008, for the follow-up International
Conference on Financing for Development. The conference reviewed
progress achieved under the 2002 Monterrey Consensus, which
addresses such issues as domestic resource mobilization, official
development assistance, trade, foreign direct investment and debt
relief in developing countries.
The four-day talks resulted in a declaration calling for an
inclusive meeting to review the international financial and
monetary architecture. Nations affirmed that despite the current
financial crisis, developed countries must maintain the commitment
made in Monterrey to devote 0.7% of gross national product to
official development aid.
"The Doha consensus sets the basis for an inclusive, democratic
and transparent process to rebuild trust of all nations in the
international financial, monetary and trade institutions," said
United Nations General Assembly President Miguel D'Escoto. "Only
with the participation of all nations can we ensure that these
policies truly benefit all people, especially the most vulnerable
and poorest among us."
See: www.un.org/doha2008