The EU and its member states could give a very clear sign of their commitment by announcing time bound implementation plans in Nairobi for the ‘unfinished business’ of aid effectiveness. A clear plan of action to deliver on the SDGs, with a roadmap to achieve the 0.7% ODA/GNI promise and action to deliver on aid effectiveness will ensure that all EU aid is high-impact, value for money and enables change in the lives of world’s poorest people by genuinely delivering sustainable development.

CONCORD wants the EU and its member states to implement the development effectiveness principles as it has committed to do numerous times. The EU should take action to strengthen local ownership of development, protect and promote civic space which is under threat in Europe and worldwide, improve transparency and accountability in member states which missed 2015 commitments and ensure frequent monitoring of aid effectiveness commitments to learn and hasten progress.

Izabella Toth, CONCORD Board Member, said “The Nairobi High-Level Meeting is a chance for Europe’s leaders to step up and show leadership on aid and development effectiveness. Setting targets and clear implementation plans would be one of the most obvious ways of doing that - one that will show partner countries we are serious about keeping our promises and show other countries that it can be done. Most importantly it would also mean that less aid is wasted or used ineffectively, that more aid reaches those who need it most, so EU aid makes a real difference in the world.”