Brazil is definitely making its mark in the international development scene and it can fully maximize its newfound place by developing and pursuing an aid strategy that benefits both the poor people around the world and its domestic poor population, a U.K.-based development expert argues.
Brazil is among today’s emerging donors and part of the so-called BRICS group of countries. But it also is still home to millions of people living in poverty.
Jonathan Glennie of the Overseas Development Institute suggests Brazil can use its unique position as an emerging donor and also aid recipient by highlighting poverty focus in its development strategy — with a twist, based on mutual benefit.
“Not only should the poorest in the partner country benefit from international co-operation, but also the domestic poor,” Glennie says. “Solidarity and accountability should exist not only between governments, but between peoples.”
Glennie notes that Brazil currently lacks a defined development strategy, with its top development official having a “relaxed” attitude towards strategy. But eventually, the country would need to craft one that could help it “blaze a new train in international cooperation,” he says.
Glennie argues: “I believe Brazil should learn from [the Department for International Development] and the other successful aid agencies, but not emulate them, influencing the debate at international development fora but without getting sidetracked into the technocratic results mantra.”
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