5 things you need to know about the Committee for Development Policy

The Committee for Development Policy (CDP) will hold its annual meeting at UN Headquarters in New York on 4-8 March. Its 24 members bring a wealth of perspectives on development issues from their work in academia and other organizations across the world. Here are five things to know about the Committee’s efforts to make a difference for development around the globe:

1. 1. The CDP played an instrumental role in the creation of the least developed countries (LDC) category
   Although 14 per cent of the world’s population lives in LDCs, they share just 1.4 per cent of the global income. While many have seen significant improvements, for example in access to essential services such as water, sanitation and electricity, they still face many development challenges, and many are highly vulnerable to climate change. That is why they benefit from special support measures. The CDP continues to dedicate much of its work to LDCs. Every three years, the CDP reviews the LDC category and recommends which countries should graduate (i.e. when countries reach certain milestones and leave the category). It also monitors the progress of countries throughout the process.
2. 2. The CDP advocates for building productive capacity
   The Committee has identified that limited productive capacities are a root cause of LDCs’ persistent challenges, including insufficient progress in resilience building, the failure to create decent and productive jobs, and limited technological upgrading. Enhancing these capacities must be at the centre of efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). See what the Committee has to say about the potential of a new generation of sustainable industrial policies here.
3. 3. Implementing the 2030 Agenda requires that no one is pushed behind
   Beyond the notion of leaving no one behind, the CDP has argued that it is critical not to push people further behind. Even efforts aimed at development, if inadequately designed or implemented, can have negative consequences for groups of people, particularly vulnerable groups, and countries. Hence the importance of equity, inclusion, and human rights in policymaking. A just transition to low-carbon economies requires climate mitigation and adaptation measures to be implemented in ways that do not push people or countries further behind.
4. 4. The CDP recommends a new generation of Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs)
   Based on an analysis of the first years of VNRs – the process through which countries assess and present national progress made in implementing the 2030 Agenda – the CDP advises on a new approach to the reviews. This new approach should focus on core transformations, ensure greater space for the contributions of civil society, and allow for more systematic peer review arrangements. Read the CDP’s Communiqué here.
5. 5. The CDP is currently working on innovation ecosystems for development, equity and structural change
   Join their open session on this topic: Innovation ecosystems: making intellectual property work for development, equity and structural change on 5 March, at 1:15-2:30 pm EST at UN Headquarters in New York (valid grounds pass required) or online. Register here!

Photo credit: Sergio Pires Vieira / UN DESA