Independent review: Finland’s development cooperation is effective – there is still room for improvement
Press release 144/2015
2 June 2015
According to the draft of an independent review published on 4 June, Finnish development cooperation is of a good average standard and produces positive results in developing countries.
Results on the Ground? – An Independent Review of Finnish Aid written by Ritva Reinikka, a Doctor of Economics and a long-time director at the World Bank, examines the effectiveness of development aid and lists ten recommendations for measures that could improve its implementation. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs commissioned the review last autumn at the request of Parliament.
“I hope that this review will help in upgrading Finnish development cooperation so that it will become more effective and efficient than it is today and, on the other hand, in identifying those things that Finland and all Finns should be proud of,” Ritva Reinikka commented.
Finland’s development policy is more influential than the country’s size suggests
The review brings to light both the strengths and targets for development. It also acknowledges the effectiveness of Finnish development cooperation: although the recipient country is always the main actor in producing the results, the aid has accelerated development. Finland’s long-term partner countries Namibia and Vietnam, which are now both in the process of withdrawing from being recipients of development aid, are cited as examples In Ethiopia, where Finnish aid has brought clean water to three million people, aid has boosted the accomplishment of the Millennium Goals.
Finnish development cooperation is internationally of a reasonably high standard and in certain fields even the world’s best. Finland’s areas of strength include the water, education and forestry sectors, as well as improvement of the status of women and girls. Finland has also been able to successfully support developing countries’ own institutions, as well as the transparency and development of governance.
Finland is a reliable actor, which emphasises cooperation and work in accordance with agreed upon principles. This is specially reflected in humanitarian aid, states the review.
Fragmentation and measurement of impacts should be addressed
As a small country, Finland can build its own profile in the international arena and be a more prominent actor than its size suggests. However, at present, Finland's resources are too scattered. The review recommends that Finland focus its activities more clearly on specific strategically selected sectors and countries.
Finland should cut down on bureaucracy and develop the measurement of results, so that information can be collected to help decision-makers and to guarantee that the achievements do not remain unnoticed.
“Ms Reinikka’s report is comprehensive and realistic. It will act as an important expert perspective, when we implement the new government's policies," Pekka Puustinen, Director General of the Department for Development Policy stated.
The review will be discussed at an open discussion event for various development policy actors on 4 June. The final review will be completed by the end of the month.
Inquiries: Ritva Reinikka, tel. +358 40 5559160, [email protected]; Pekka Puustinen, Director General of the Department for Development Policy, tel. +358 (0)295 350 560, [email protected]
A photo of Ritva Reinikka for use by the media: Kirsi Pere, [email protected] or tel. +358 (0)295 350 313