Denmark’s global responsibility

The global financial and economic crisis has serious consequences for the world’s poor countries. It is therefore important that the governments of rich countries take co-responsibility, as does the Danish government. Denmark is among the leaders in international development cooperation – both regarding quantity and quality.

Danish development assistance represented 0.82 per cent of gross national product in 2008, and Denmark is one of only five countries in the world whose development assistance lies above the UN target of 0.7 per cent. But money doesn’t do the work by itself. The Danish government puts weight on the actual results achieved through Danish assistance.

This Zooming In supplement to Focus Denmark gives an insight into the role Denmark plays in different international development contexts, and the development programmes in which Denmark is engaged around the world.

Africa is at the centre of Danish development policy. In 2008 the government set
up the Africa Commission to examine the opportunities for strengthening international development assistance to Africa, with focus on the growing group of young Africans seeking employment. The commission, which comprised key players in international development cooperation – the majority from Africa – presented its recommendations in April 2009.

Fulfilling the United Nations Millennium Development Goals also has high priority for the Danish government. In 2008, Denmark initiated the Global Call to Action Torch Campaign to give impetus to fulfilling goal 3: ’Promote gender equality and empower women’. Headed by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, 100 government leaders, representatives for international organisations, private sector companies and individual citizens have committed themselves to make an extra effort for gender equality.

In Afghanistan, Denmark plays a very active role both militarily and in supporting rebuilding. Among the NATO countries, Denmark has the most soldiers in Afghanistan on a per capita basis, and Danish soldiers are at the front line in Helmand Province. Denmark’s objective is to help create a stable Afghanistan which can handle its own security and continue its democratic development..

In Vietnam, the Danish government supports climate projects, and in Bolivia and Bhutan, Danish assistance has accelerated the process towards democratic rule.

New challenges are constantly emerging. The challenges we are encountering today are more complex than before. Denmark’s efforts to combat poverty must be further developed. So during the coming year, the Danish government will formulate a new strategy for Danish development policy.

Read about Denmark’s development assistance involvement and much more on the following pages.

Ulla Tørnæs, Minister for Development Cooperation