Clark for a UN position.
By | Feb 9, 2009
There was news over the weekend that Helen Clark was in the running for a top UN position – administrator of the UN Development Programme, third behind UN secretary-general and deputy secretary-general.
It was reported that the Clark-led government in its final term increased its aid budget to $400 million, about 0.3 percent of gross national income. Certainly something to be applauded as this was an increase from our previous 2.7% contribution. What was not reported was that at the millennium development summit of 2000 New Zealand (along with all other attending nations) pledged .7% of GDP to aid. New Zealand remains one of the poorest performers in terms of our percentage contribution.
Offical Development Aid 2006
For more details on the campaign to hold ourselves accountable to our contribution promise visit the pointseven site.
If Helen gets the position will she be encouraging OECD governments to honour this commitment? Is this the inherent flaw in any such role? That in such a position you encourage others to do what you yourself are not prepared – or able – to do when in power yourself?
The National government have giving all their support to Helen Clark in her application for this role. Does this, I wonder, mean that they will endeavour to take her advice (should it happen to be given) and raise our contribution to the level promised?
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