THE COPENHAGEN STATEMENT

The Copenhagen Statement was adopted at the third meeting of the Africa Commission in Copenhagen on 6 May 2009.

At the meeting, the 18 Commissioners agreed to promote an
agenda for international development cooperation with Africa, refocused towards job creation for the growing African youth population.

The Commission found that present global economic crisis underscores the need for African countries and organisations supported by international development partners to follow
this course.  Growth, which generates productive employment and decent work, will be an effective means of reducing
poverty and aid dependency.

The Commission also stated that job creation should be the response to the economic crisis in the short as well as the longer term.

Focus must be on increasing the competitiveness of the private sector, including agriculture. This will require strong partnerships between the public and private sectors to eliminate barriers to growth.

The full statement can be downloaded to the right.