BHOS-beleidsnota
Reactie
| Naam | Gender Concerns International (S Bano) |
|---|---|
| Plaats | The Hague, The Netherlands |
| Datum | 15 april 2022 |
Vraag1
(see english below)Nexus (samenhang) Ontwikkelingssamenwerking & Buitenlandse Handel
Het Nederlandse bedrijfsleven kan door middel van handel, investeringen en marktkracht een belangrijke rol spelen bij een aantal van de grote wereldwijde uitdagingen van deze tijd. Om de Nederlandse inzet richting het bedrijfsleven een focus mee te geven wordt gekozen voor een focus op de “twin-transities”; de digitale transitie (via onder meer artificiële intelligentie) en de verduurzamingtransitie. Deze twin-transities op digitale innovatie en verduurzaming zullen de komende jaren een grote rol spelen om de Parijs en Glasgow-doelen voor klimaat te halen. Die doelen moeten we in Nederland halen, maar ook wereldwijd. Hoewel er een grote behoefte is aan Nederlandse expertise en investeringen, zien we dat meer nodig kan zijn om het Nederlandse bedrijven te betrekken bij deze transities in (lage en) midden-inkomenslanden.
1. Hoe kan het Nederlandse bedrijfsleven meer betrokken worden bij de twin-transitie in (lage en) midden-inkomenslanden?
(EN)
Nexus between development cooperation and foreign trade
Through their trade, investment and market position, Dutch businesses can play a key role in tackling some of the major challenges facing the world today. The focus of Dutch policy vis-a-vis the private sector will be on the 'twin transitions' of digitalisation (including artificial intelligence) and sustainability – both of which will be key to achieving the Paris and Glasgow climate goals in the years ahead. We must achieve these goals not only in the Netherlands, but across the world as a whole. While Dutch expertise and investment funding are in great demand, we also see that more may be needed when it comes to getting Dutch companies involved in these transitions in low- and middle-income countries.
1. How can we increase the involvement of Dutch companies in the twin transitions in low- and middle-income countries?
Better and improved interaction with local counter parts, community, and people in authorities.
Vraag2
Nederland kent een lange traditie van publieke private samenwerking. Nu de mondiale uitdagingen steeds groter worden, is het van belang deze publiek-private samenwerkingen te verdiepen en te versnellen. De duurzame ontwikkelingsdoelen zijn in 2015 vastgesteld als actieplan voor overheden, bedrijven, kennisinstellingen en burgers om duurzame ontwikkeling te verwezenlijken wereldwijd.2. Hoe kunnen overheid, bedrijfsleven en kennisinstellingen beter samenwerken om de duurzame ontwikkelingsdoelen te halen?
(EN)
The Netherlands has a long tradition of public-private partnership. As the global challenges grow ever bigger, it is important to deepen and accelerate these partnerships. The Sustainable Development Goals were presented in 2015 as a plan of action for governments, companies, knowledge institutions and private individuals to achieve sustainable development worldwide.
2. How can government, the private sector and knowledge institutions work together better to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals?
As per the above-mentioned triangle, the indispensable/imperative inclusion of CSOs reach and insightful capitol of their first-hand knowledge and interaction with local communities and leadership.
Vraag3
Nederland heeft sinds 2016 een actieplan beleidscoherentie voor ontwikkeling. Beleidscoherentie voor ontwikkeling heeft als doel om in niet-hulp (OS) beleid schade voor ontwikkelingslanden te verminderen en synergiën en samenwerking te versterken. Het Nederlandse actieplan is in 2018 herzien en geeft een overzicht van vijf Nederlandse beleidsthema’s die een invloed hebben op de ontwikkelingskansen in ontwikkelingslanden. Deze thema’s zijn: (1) het tegengaan van belastingontwijking/ontduiking, (2) ontwikkelingsvriendelijke handelsakkoorden, (3) een ontwikkelingsvriendelijk investeringsregime, (4) verduurzaming van productie en handel en (5) het tegengaan van klimaatverandering.3. Hoe kan de bovengenoemde Nederlandse inzet op beleidscoherentie voor ontwikkeling verder versterkt of verbeterd worden?
(EN)
The Netherlands has had an action plan on policy coherence for development since 2016. The aim of policy coherence is to reduce the negative effects on developing countries caused by policies in areas other than development, and to strengthen synergies and cooperation. The action plan, which was revised in 2018, identifies five Dutch policy themes that can enhance developing countries’ opportunities for development: (1) combating tax avoidance/evasion, (2) development-friendly trade agreements, (3) a development-friendly investment regime, (4) more sustainable production and trade, and (5) combating climate change.
3. How can the Netherlands’ efforts to achieve policy coherence for development be further strengthened or enhanced?
By placing focus on development cooperation first and the trade later. Fragile democratic structures, mounting debt burden, food shortages and energy monopoly at local level poses serious challenges to the development strategists and the practitioners. Administration of development cooperation can instrumentalize the trade tool in offering solutions by a wider interaction with local stakeholders. Through Dutch women and civil, society organisations local CSOs and other stakeholders can be trained, supported, and prepared to influence local policy and decision-making process. This is a sustainable development investment
Vraag4
Buitenlandse HandelInternationale handel en investeringen zijn van groot belang voor de Nederlandse welvaart en werkgelegenheid. De Nederlandse welvaart wordt voor een derde verdiend door internationale handel en een derde van onze banen zijn verbonden aan internationale handel. Onze internationale concurrentiepositie is onderhevig aan de “twin-transities” (digitalisering/innovatie en klimaat/duurzaamheid) en verschuivende geopolitieke verhoudingen. Het is voor Nederland van groot belang om het verdienvermogen te versterken nu en in de toekomst.
Strategisch en duurzaam handelsbeleid
In anticipatie op de geopolitieke en transitie-ontwikkelingen sturen ook buitenlandse staten sterker op hun nationale en internationale beleid. Zo passen staten in toenemende mate assertievere economische diplomatie toe en zetten zij economische machtsinstrumenten in om hun internationale doelen na te jagen. Nederland kan hierin niet achter blijven. De verwevenheid van ons land met de rest van de wereld is groter en kwetsbaarder dan ooit. Als onderdeel van een samenhangend buitenland beleid, zal Nederland zich toeleggen op een strategisch en duurzaam handelsbeleid.
4. Hoe kan de overheid het duurzame verdienvermogen van Nederlandse bedrijven in het buitenland versterken?
Foreign trade
International trade and investment are crucial to prosperity and jobs in the Netherlands. International trade accounts for a third of our national income and is linked to a third of our jobs. But our international competitiveness faces risks posed by the twin transitions (digitalisation/innovation and climate/sustainability) and the shifting geopolitical balance of power. It is therefore vital for the Netherlands to strengthen its earning capacity, both now and in the future.
Strategic and sustainable trade policy
Other states are also anticipating the above-mentioned transitions and geopolitical shifts, and are adjusting their national and international policies accordingly, for instance by pursuing their international objectives through more aggressive economic diplomacy and the use of economic instruments of power. The Netherlands cannot afford to fall behind. Our country’s interconnections with the rest of the world are both greater and more fragile than ever. The Netherlands will therefore focus on strategic and sustainable trade policy as part of its coherent foreign policy.
4. How can the government strengthen Dutch companies’ sustainable earning capacity abroad?
By equipping them with better understanding of local socio-cultural and political intricacy.
Vraag5
Thema’s en sectoren van de toekomstNu de wereld in transitie is om een goede toekomst voor ons en de generaties na ons te bewerkstelligen verandert de focus van bedrijven, overheid en kennisinstellingen.
5. Op welke thema’s of sectoren ziet u kansen om internationaal te ondernemen?
(EN)
Themes and sectors of the future
The focus of companies, governments and knowledge institutions is changing in light of the global transition to ensure a bright future for current and future generations.
5. In which themes or sectors do you see opportunities for international enterprise?
Encouragement of environmental practices for local businesses.
Vraag6
Samenwerking publiek-privaat en rol Midden en Klein Bedrijf (MKB)Een succesvolle aanpak op het gebied van internationale handel vraagt samenwerking tussen burgers, bedrijven, maatschappelijke organisaties en de overheid. Het is nuttig om aan te sluiten op de behoeftes van de markt. Waar zijn bedrijven (specifiek het MKB) mee geholpen om de exportkracht en innovatiekracht te vergroten?
6. Hoe kan de overheid het bedrijfsleven (specifiek het MKB) dat internationaal onderneemt (of dat zou willen) beter ondersteunen om zaken te doen in het buitenland?
a. Welke ondersteuning hebben bedrijven nodig om internationaal succesvol te zijn op terreinen van digitale innovatie (innovatiesamenwerking) en verduurzaming?
b. Voor handel met welke landen (of regio’s of markten) zou ondersteuning moeten zijn?
c. Wat zou de overheid op het gebied van handelsbevordering niet meer moeten doen?
(EN)
Public-private cooperation and role of SMEs
A successful approach to international trade requires cooperation between the public, companies, civil society and government. It is also useful to align with market demand. What would help companies, and SMEs in particular, to increase their export performance and innovative capacity?
6. How can the government better support companies (and SMEs specifically), that are doing or wish to do business abroad?
a. What type of support do companies need in order to achieve international success in the areas of digital innovation (innovation partnerships) and sustainability?
b. For what countries, regions or markets should the government provide private sector support?
c. What type of trade promotion activities should the government stop doing?
By including the expertise of women’s organisation to better assess the local potential support, and cooperation.
Vraag7
OntwikkelingssamenwerkingDevelopment cooperation
Nederlandse inzet op Ontwikkelingssamenwerking
Nederland is op verschillende thema’s actief op gebied van ontwikkelingssamenwerking. Zo investeren we in het realiseren van de Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) en zetten we extra in op opvang in de regio, toegang tot vaccins, klimaatadaptatie en -mitigatie. Nederland gaat door met wat goed gaat en focust op waar Nederland goed in is, zoals verbinding tussen diplomatie en ontwikkelingssamenwerking. Meer informatie over het ontwikkelingssamenwerkingsbeleid van Nederland is te vinden op www.nlontwikkelingssamenwerking.nl.
7. Waar is Nederland op het gebied van ontwikkelingssamenwerking volgens u goed in? Op welke thema’s zou Nederland een aanjagende rol kunnen vervullen?
(EN)
Dutch development cooperation activities
The Netherlands is actively pursuing a number of policy themes in the area of development cooperation. For example, we're investing in efforts to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), reception in the region, access to vaccines, and climate adaptation and mitigation. The Netherlands will continue its efforts in areas where progress is being made and will focus on its strengths, such as linking diplomacy and development. For more information about Dutch development policy, go to www.nlontwikkelingssamenwerking.nl.
7. In your opinion, what are the Netherlands’ strengths when it comes to development cooperation? In which policy themes could the Netherlands play a leading role?
The Netherlands has played a crucial role in advancing equality, human rights, and women’s rights. It has an essential focus on enhancing women’s safety and economic self-reliance, promoting their active participation in civil society organizations and in decision-making processes. The advancement of women’s rights is crucial for a functional democracy.
“, The world cannot prosper if half of the population is disadvantaged”.
According to the 2020 report 'investing in global prospects' by the Ministery of Foreign Affairs, ''The world cannot prosper if half of the population is disadvantaged''.
The Netherlands must maintain its focus and the lead, on investing to promote and better the rights of the disadvantaged half. Gender specific mainstreaming is crucial. There are still policy areas where a distinct gender perspective is lacking. Gender mainstreaming needs to be present as a cornerstone of Dutch foreign policy, ensuring that the Dutch current model of parity governance offers a global ambition (target) for the developing countries, winning the hearts and minds of billions of not only the disadvantaged half but also their supporters.
http://www.genderconcerns.org/pdfs/Final%20Report%20GEOM%20The%20Netherlands%202021%20(2).pdf
Vraag8
Innoveren op OSNederlandse internationale samenwerking is flexibel en kennisintensief, we zijn vernieuwend. Zo ontwikkelt Nederland nieuwe manieren van werken en partnerschappen die daarna door bijv. de Europese Commissie en Wereldbank worden opgepakt of opgeschaald. De Nederlandse internationale samenwerking fungeert dus veelal als een creatieve en kennisintensieve incubator (een broedplaats voor nieuwe ideeën. Nederland is een relatief kleine donor, maar als lidstaat van de EU en via bilaterale hulp kan Nederland de zichtbaarheid van EU-hulp vergroten en additionele relevante kapitaalstromen generen.
8. Op welke manier en op welk vlak kan de Nederlandse ontwikkelingssamenwerking nog meer innoveren?
(EN)
Innovative development cooperation
Dutch international cooperation is flexible and knowledge-intensive. We are also innovative, developing new ways of working and new types of partnership that are subsequently adopted or scaled up by others, like the European Commission and the World Bank. In this respect, Dutch international cooperation is like a creative and knowledge-intensive incubator. We are a relatively small donor, but as an EU member state and through bilateral aid we can make EU aid more visible and generate additional, relevant capital flows.
8. In what other ways and areas could Dutch development cooperation innovate more?
By promoting its feminist foreign policy and gender balanced governance, which is inspiring, fascinating and sets a role model for all stakeholders who need stability, accountability, and lasting trade relations with Dutch investors. Especially where democracy is present with its all fragility.
http://www.genderconcerns.org/pdfs/GEOM%20LEAFLET.pdf
http://www.genderconcerns.org/pdfs/GEOM%20MM%20English.pdf
http://www.genderconcerns.org/pdfs/FINAL%20REPORT-%20GEOM%202015%20Election%20Morocco.%20.pdf
Vraag9
Een donor met durfDe Nederlandse internationale inzet is gedurfd, omdat we financiële investeringen koppelen aan onze diplomatieke inzet en expertise. We continueren thema’s waar we traditionele meerwaarde hebben: seksuele en reproductieve rechten en gezondheid (SRGR), water, voedselzekerheid en veiligheid & rechtsorde. Daarbij kunnen we nog meer gebruik maken van het diplomatieke gewicht van o.a. de EU. We investeren in systeemverandering om te zorgen dat we de SDG’s in 2030 realiseren. Met systeemverandering bedoelen we dat we de systemen die armoede en ongelijkheid in stand houden aanpakken.
9. Op welke manier/welk vlak kan Nederland als donor nog meer durf te tonen?
(EN)
A bold donor
Dutch international efforts can be characterised as bold, because we link financial investment to diplomatic efforts and expertise. We will continue our work on themes where we have always added value: sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), water, food security, and security and the rule of law. We will also make better use of the diplomatic weight of the EU. To ensure we achieve the SDGs by 2030, we will invest in systemic change, i.e. tackling the structures that maintain poverty and inequality.
9. In what ways or areas could the Netherlands, as a donor, be even bolder?
Europe faced with Ukraine war and pressure on revising Dutch development assistance to certain countries require that the issues related to policy reviews are based on Dutch principles of promoting human rights, democracy, and gender equality worldwide.
The Netherlands needs to be bolder in selecting the recipients’ countries for development cooperation. Discussions in the Dutch Parliament regarding the role of some countries, such as Pakistan, during the Ukraine War are concerning. The actions taken by country`s leadership in recent past have been declared unwise, irresponsible, and unpopular by the majority of parliamentarians in Pakistan. A Vote of No Confidence against the former Prime Minister has led to the formation of a new cabinet and the new PM has already been sworn in.
The argument in the Dutch Parliament (see link below*) about reconsidering Pakistan’s current position in developmental assistance due to the decisions made by the now ousted Prime Minister, is worrisome. People should not be punished for the actions of a Prime Minister who is also no longer in power.
It is rather imperative for Dutch development cooperation to help the constitution, parliament, and democracy stabilize in times of political conflict and turmoil.
Human rights protection, gender equality support and strong monitoring of electoral processes should be delivered to the common people providing capacity-building and skills development through NGOs and local authorities. This approach will help rebuild a more just political system that is representative and inclusive of various segments in society.
There is a need for a strong countermovement in times of increased misogyny, nationalism, populism, and militarism. This countermovement should be based on a feminist foreign affairs approach. This approach has already been adopted by other countries like Canada, Sweden, France, and Germany. Such a methodology focuses on strengthening the rights and wellbeing of people in vulnerable positions and marginalised groups as a prerequisite of a functioning and just democracy. Such an approach will only be successful if the underlying structures are challenged. With this, the Netherlands does not only improve its impact but also ensures its influence.
*https://www.tweedekamer.nl/debat_en_vergadering/plenaire_vergaderingen/details/activiteit?id=2022A02546
Vraag10
Afrondende algemene vraag10. Heeft u nog andere punten van aandacht die u vindt dat meegenomen dienen te worden in de nieuwe beleidsnota?
(EN)
General closing question
10. Are there any other points that you believe should be included in the new policy document?
• Women`s human rights are practiced best if they are made equal partners in governance and decision-making processes. Gender Parity in the Dutch governance is historic. The parity in decision-making will be the new milestone as it is necessary to access resources allocation negotiations. Such emerging trends in Dutch Feminist Policy must be reflected through the new and revised deals with the development assistance recipient countries.
• Electoral system must be supported. Free and fair electoral monitoring must include free electability access and fair representation of all minorities. Gender Based Electoral Violence must be considered as the most severe form of gender discrimination as this form of hidden violence impedes women`s right to equal electoral, governance and decision-making participation.
http://www.genderconcerns.org/publications/final-report-gem-tunisia-2014/
http://www.genderconcerns.org/news/launch-end-electoral-gbv-campaign/
? Lack of women’s participation in environmental decision-making has gone unnoticed and unspoken which increases the need for it to be highlighted. This is the only way to ensure that the change we demand is made.
• Female leadership and women`s political participation must take a leading position at the WPS agenda worldwide being crucially significant for women and girls in conflict and post-conflict countries and emerging democracies.
• The Dutch WPS commitments favor the Netherlands to allocate a certain percentage of funds to women's organisations. We recommend reserving the UN standards, of 15% of the ODA budget for women and their organisations. This will be a moving, inspiring, innovative approach well in line with a national feminist vision under a gender parity governance.