Worldconnectors Round Table about WRR Report

The publication of the Scientific Council for Government Policy (WRR) with the theme ‘Less pretension, more ambition’ was a good reason for the Worldconnectors to organize a Round Table Meeting.  The WRR-report promotes substantial changes in the organisation of Dutch aid as well as more structural attention for global public goods. This debate was held to find out  how the Worldconnectors perceive this report and to take the first steps towards a common reaction.

The Round Table started with an introduction by Peter van Lieshout, one of the authors of the WRR report. He was followed by Frans Bieckmann, who presented the outcome of the online discussion on the report on the blog The Broker. During the debate that followed, all Worldconnectors agreed that to the most important asset of the WRR-Report is that it has provided the opportunity to discuss the reform of international aid and development in a positive way. However, critical remarks were placed as well.

Inventory of remarks
At the end of the debate an inventory was made of remarks that should definitely be taken into account in a reaction to the report by the Worldconnectors. Issues mentioned were amongst others the insufficient input of all stakeholders, the focus on countries instead of people and the lack of a positive attitude towards ecology. Furthermore the division between poverty reduction and self interest was questioned. It was said that poverty reduction should stay a priority on the international political agenda. We as world citizens, are together responsible for the world and therefore self interest ís taking global responsibility.

Continuing the debate
With this Round Table, the Worldconnectors have just started the debate that was set in motion by the report, since it influences the Worldconnectors’ agenda as well. The position of the MDG’s and the concept of civil society for example have been put back in the spotlights. The final conclusion of the Round Table therefore was: to be continued…