The Australian National University will host a conference on aid policy on February 7, following plans by the government to double Australian aid in coming years. The conference will bring together a range of experts to canvas new approaches to aid policy and its effectiveness.
This will be led by Professor Stephen Howes of the ANU who is also a member of the PiPP Advisory Council.Other panelists include Mr Sandy Hollway, Ms Margaret Reid, Mr Bill Farmer and Mr John W.H.Denton.The panel will consult with key stakeholders, including non-government organisations, relevant Australia Government departments, partner governments in our region and bilateral and multilateral donors.
PiPP’s board chair Nikunj Soni, board members Odo Tevi, Kaliopate Tavola and executive director Derek Brien will be there to engage and bring a strong Pacific view to the discussions.
Here’s an outline of the conference given on the ANU website:
“These are unprecedented times for Australian aid which, after a long period of decline and stagnation, doubled between 2005 and last year, and, under the current bipartisan consensus, will double again by 2015. The Independent Review of Aid Effectiveness has been commissioned by the Government to review the first doubling, and make recommendations for the second.
The “Doubling Australia Aid” conference aims to ensure that the Review builds on the best and most recent evidence base available. The one-day conference, which will be attended by Review Panel members, will bring together the latest research on Australian aid.”
The panel welcomes written submissions from the public. Submissions are now open and will close on 2 February 2011. Information on making a submission can be retrieved from the AusAID website.
As part of PiPP’s contribution to the aid debate, it published a briefing paper last year entitled “Aid, Trade, Charade” which can be downloaded on our website.
The conference will be a good opportunity to hear the latest thinking on this important area of policy.
