Economics, EU – Baltic States, Forum, Latvia, Legislation

According to the Latvian Foreign Ministry, the participants also discussed the role of development cooperation in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, a global development framework approved by the United Nations in September 2015, and shared views on new ways of financing for development. The ministry's parliamentary secretary noted that the promotion of innovations, engagement with the private sector and digitalization are of key importance for achieving the sustainable development goals adopted by UN member states.

In a debate on the effectiveness of development assistance, country representatives pointed out that its increase is possible through improving its coherence with humanitarian aid, tailoring assistance to specific needs and coordinating the provision of international assistance.

"Efforts to mitigate the consequences of conflicts, crises and natural disasters in developing countries have a two-fold impact: not only do the affected people receive direct assistance, but also instability is reduced in the region.

Effective and needs-based assistance promotes the overall security, stability and well-being," Kalnina-Lukasevica said.

The final document of the meeting highlights the aspects of improving development cooperation, including coherence between various policies, the involvement of the private sector, modernization of the official development assistance system, accessibility of statistical data, and harnessing innovation and digital opportunities.

The OECD Development Assistance Committee is the leading international forum for those who are implementing development cooperation, and it was established on 13 January 1960. The DAC is tasked with collecting data, performing analysis, spreading best practices and promoting knowledge and experience sharing on high quality and effective development cooperation. Latvia has been taking part in the committee's meetings and working groups as an invited country since 2013.