The future of international development cooperation isn’t just hashed out in dusty field offices and ramshackle schools and hospitals, but also at a variety of events, celebrations and other gatherings. Here are some of the most noteworthy for the week starting Feb. 4:
High-level conference of the Leading Group on Innovative Financing for DevelopmentHelsinki, FinlandFeb. 6
At the conference, delegates will conceptualize innovative financing mechanisms and “the relation of their profitability to official development assistance” as well as assess their transparency, efficiency and effectiveness. The event will also see the publication of a report proposing measures to improve access to financing for improved food security through private sector investments. Finnish Minister for International Development Heidi Hautala and French Deputy Minister for Development Pascal Canfin will open the conference.
European Council meetingBrussels, BelgiumFeb. 7-8
In their first meeting of the year, leaders of European Union member states will resume negotiations on the bloc’s 2014-2020 budget, including spending for development cooperation. Prospects for an agreement remain bleak, though. In addition, members of the council will discuss how the bloc can improve its engagement with Arab Spring countries and assess the situation in Mali.
International celebrations
World Cancer Day, Feb.4
International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation, Feb. 6
Elections
Monaco (parliamentary), Feb. 10
Know of an upcoming event that might be of interest to the international development community? Leave a comment below or email us at news@devex.com.
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