Everybody is supposed to support national priorities. OECD-DAC guidelines require it. UNDG guidance has it. This is for ownership; government has to be in the driver’s seat.
Of course, there is a subtext. A developing country will only be eligible for aid if it has got its priorities right. So, is a statement of priorities enough? Or what would be acceptable proof that these priorities have indeed been internalized? Without agreed criteria, right-ness lies in the mind of the beholder.
Evidence for good prioritization in a country would be policies against child labour and a decline in gender disparities. Basic health care would be increasingly available to the poor and all kids would have a place in school. Both national and aid budgets would be allocated as a matter of priority for the commitments resulting from international Conventions, the Millennium Declaration and other high level meetings.
The country probably wouldn’t need the United Nations development agencies. That’s why we not only want to support the right national priorities. We also want, especially, help countries to get their priorities right.
(22.April.2005)
Not always a national priority
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