DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION POLICY GUIDELINES FOR 2021-2027CONTENT Abbreviations Used Explanation of the Concepts and Terms Used SUMMARY 1. Objective of the Development Cooperation Policy 1.1. Linkage with the Planning Documents of Latvia and with International and EU Planning Documents 1.2. Priorities of the Development Cooperation Policy of Latvia 1.2.1. Thematic Priorities of Development Cooperation of Latvia 1.2.2. Geographical Priorities of Development Cooperation of Latvia 1.3. Basic Principles of the Development Cooperation Policy of Latvia 1.4. Humanitarian Aid 2. Results and Performance-based Indicators of the Policy 3. Courses of Action and Tasks 4. Assessment of the Impact on the State and Local Government Budgets Abbreviations Used
Explanation of the Concepts and Terms Used Activity programme - an aggregate of several international assistance activities with a joint goal. Instrument of approval - a procedure by which the allocation of funding for the implementation of an activity of international assistance is approved or by which an implementing entity of a development cooperation project or a civil expert is selected. Development goals - the planned impact which contributes to physical, financial, institutional, social, environmental development, or provides other benefits for the society, community, or group of persons via single or several development interventions. Development cooperation - provision of assistance to less developed countries in order to promote long-term social and economic development of such countries and their societies.1 Development cooperation project - a non-commercial activity or set of activities with defined implementation results, implementers, and term of execution. Developing country - countries and territories that are included in the OECD DAC List of Official Development Aid Recipients (DAC List of ODA Recipients2). This list is subdivided into the following categories: least developed countries; other low income countries; lower middle income countries; upper middle income countries.3 Multilateral assistance - provision of assistance to recipient countries by making financial contributions to international organisations. International organisations use the funding received according to their priorities or the priorities laid down by the donor country. Decentralised cooperation - development cooperation with the objective to promote the development of local communities implemented at local or regional level, through cooperation between actors of local and regional level, such as local governments, representatives of the civil society. 2030 Agenda - the Sustainable Development Goals adopted at the UN level in 2015 which the UN member states undertake to achieve by 2030. The main task of the Sustainable Development Goals is to eradicate poverty in the world and to promote sustainable development in its three dimensions - economic, social, and environmental. Effectiveness - the extent to which the goal of development cooperation activity has either been or is expected to be achieved. It includes the setting and implementation of development cooperation goals, and orientation on results on the basis of the development priorities of the partner countries themselves, to support their political processes and institutional mechanisms by means of which such priorities are defined, and also to strengthen the internal result monitoring systems, improved cooperation in the area of development and synergy, coherence, and quality of partnerships. Global education - an active learning process which, based on the principles of solidarity, equality, inclusion, and cooperation, raises the public awareness of development processes in the world and facilitates participation of individuals and organisations in addressing of current local and global issues. Grant - a payment to the implementer of a development cooperation project for the implementation of a project which has been submitted thereby to a call for grant project proposals and which has been approved for funding by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Humanitarian aid - aid with objective to save human lives, relieve their suffering, and provide protection in crisis situations in developing countries which have arisen as a result of human-caused conflicts or as a result of natural disasters or climate change. Sustainable development - development that ensures meeting today's needs without endangering the ability to meet the needs of future generations. Sustainable development is characterised by three interrelated dimensions - economic, social, and environmental. Consultative Council - the Consultative Council for Development Cooperation Policy issues is an advisory body established to strengthen the bilateral development cooperation of Latvia, to raise the public understanding of the development cooperation policy, and to provide support for its implementation, and also to promote active participation of Latvia in the shaping and implementation of the European Union (hereinafter - the EU) and global development cooperation policy. Joint (trilateral or multilateral) international assistance (development cooperation) activity - a development cooperation project or a programme of activities in which particular activities of the project or programme are implemented by two or more funders one of which is representing the Republic of Latvia. Joint programming - a joint action of the EU and its Member States in the area of development cooperation according to the development strategy of the partner country. Joint programming is based on effective distribution of tasks, including by determining the area in which each donor will operate, and indicative granting of multi-annual funding. The process is promoted by the European Commission (hereinafter - the EC) and the European External Action Service (hereinafter - the EEAS). The joint strategy is developed at the level of partner countries by the EU delegation and employees of Member States in this country in order to ensure the best possible action according to the needs. Such approach allows close cooperation with the government of partner countries, the civil society, the private sector, and other stakeholders. Corporate social responsibility - a responsibility of organisations for their impact on the society. Socially responsible organisations obey the law by integrating social, environmental, ethical, consumer, and human rights issues in their strategy and action. Official Development Assistance - resource flows to the countries and territories on the OECD DAC List of ODA Recipients, and also to multilateral agencies which i) are undertaken by authorities of a public person, including the State and local governments, or their subordinate institutions, and where ii) each transaction a) is carried out with the main objective of promoting economic development and welfare of developing countries, and it b) is essentially a concession and includes at least 25 % of the elements of the grant (calculated on the basis of a 10 % discount rate). Policy coherence for sustainable development - an analytical concept of the implementation of policy in order to systematically include the economic, social, environmental, and governance dimensions of sustainable development in all stages of policy-making and to ensure that such action policies are mutually supportive and at least do not harm the welfare and sustainable development of future generations and societies of other countries. The EU particularly emphasises the impact assessment of migration, security, environmental, trade, and food harmlessness policies on developing countries in the context of developing countries. Productivity - a measurement of how economically the resources (funds, expertise, time, etc.) are converted into results. Recipient country (partner country) - a country receiving international assistance. International mission - an activity in the implementation of which a civil expert participates and which is implemented upon an invitation of international organisations to participate in a mission led thereby or upon a bilateral or multilateral agreement of the countries. Least developed countries4 - a group of 47 countries which according to the UN are the least developed, taking into account their weak human resources and institutional capacity, fragile economy, and lack of national financial resources. SUMMARY The Development Cooperation Policy Guidelines for 2021-2027 (hereinafter - the Guidelines) are a policy planning document which determines the objective, priorities, and basic principles of the development policy of Latvia implemented both bilaterally and multilaterally. The Guidelines lay down the courses of action and the tasks for the achievement of the objective and include the expected results and performance-based indicators of the policy. The intention of the Guidelines is to promote coordinated action of the parties involved in the implementation of the development cooperation policy of Latvia which has been coordinated with the set objective, priorities, and principles of good practice. The Guidelines contain principles for the provision of humanitarian aid. The Guidelines have been developed in a period where the world has been affected by the global COVID-19 pandemic (hereinafter - the pandemic) which presents considerable challenges to both global health and socio-economic stability. The pandemic clearly demonstrates interdependence of countries and links between processes, thus confirming the importance of international cooperation and solidarity in responding to global challenges. The direct and indirect impact of the pandemic on people's daily lives, societies, and economics also calls for re-assessment of the readiness and resilience of the world, countries, societies, and individuals in crisis situations, in particular being aware of the impact of the potential climate change. The pandemic also adds to a range of challenges which are already on the agenda of the international community and are to be dealt with by implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (hereinafter - the SDGs) of the United Nations (hereinafter - the UN) 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (hereinafter - the 2030 Agenda), including climate change and environmental sustainability, ending of poverty and conflicts, reducing of inequality, and strengthening of gender equality. In recent years, this task has been significantly complicated by questioning of multilateralism and a rules-based international system, anti-democratic tendencies, and spread of misinformation. The course of the Belarusian presidential election on 9 August 2020 and subsequent events have created the need to review the previous cooperation between Belarus and both Latvia and international donors, supporting efforts of the civil society to achieve respect for the fundamental freedoms and democratic principles, and also the readiness to provide comprehensive support as Belarus is starting out on the road to democratic reforms. Latvia reaffirms under these Guidelines its commitment to make contribution to sustainable and democratic development globally and in partner countries and to address global challenges. Latvia contributes directly to the abovementioned areas through development cooperation instruments, and also seeks to strengthen its contribution to tackle global challenges which is particularly essential, taking into account Latvia's candidature to the 2025 UN Security Council election for the term 2026-2027. The Guidelines continue evolution of the development cooperation policy and system of Latvia created for more than 15 years. They provide for continuing courses of action already approved in the policy programming period from 2016 to 2020, and also identify new priorities and tasks for the development and improvement of policy. The Guidelines have been developed, taking into account the external policy interests of Latvia and the commitments of Latvia as a donor arising from international and European Union (hereinafter - the EU) agreements and policy documents, including the 2030 Agenda, the Addis Ababa Action Agenda, the European Consensus on Development "Our World, Our Dignity, Our Future". The national planning documents of Latvia, including the National Development Plan of Latvia for 2021-2027, the EU policy planning documents and political decisions and also internationally accepted good practice and standards compiled in the recommendations and guidelines of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (hereinafter - the OECD) have been taken into account during development of the Guidelines. In implementing development cooperation, Latvia follows a human rights-based approach and emphasises in all its development cooperation activities such horizontal principles as human rights, democracy, gender equality, participation of civil society, environmental sustainability, and integration of climate change issues. The development cooperation policy of Latvia is based on such principles for effective development cooperation as responsibility of partner countries for their national development, predictability of aid, sustainability of results, transparency of aid, cooperation, and multidisciplinary and intersectoral partnership. Latvia also seeks to comply with the principles of policy coherence for sustainable development. Thematic priorities of the development cooperation of Latvia stem from the SDGs. A priority has been given to SDG 16 Peace, justice and strong and inclusive institutions, SDG 5 Gender equality, SDG 4 Quality education, SDG 8 Decent work and economic growth, SDG 13 Climate action, and SDG 17 Partnerships for the goals. In implementing the thematic priorities, Latvia pays special attention to digitalisation as the driver of development and supports innovative and tested digital solutions which may promote efficiency of public administration, public participation in decision-making, and creation of new economic opportunities. EU Eastern Partnership countries (in particular Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine, and also Belarus) and Central Asian countries (in particular Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan) will continue to maintain their role as geographical priorities. At the same time, as the financing allocated for the implementation of the development cooperation policy increases, for the first time Latvia has defined the provision of aid to other regions (in particular African countries) as the priority, thus contributing to the global public benefits and addressing global challenges, and also complying with the official development aid commitments of Latvia to support also the least developed countries (hereinafter - the LDCs). Latvia reaffirms in the Guidelines its commitment to channel 0.33 % of its gross national income (hereinafter - the GNI) to the official development assistance (hereinafter - the ODA) by 2030, including by devoting 0.15-0.20 % of the GNI to the least developed countries. It is determined in the Guidelines that Latvia should channel at least 0.23 % of its GNI to the ODA by 2027. In order to achieve the objective of the development cooperation policy, the Guidelines determine the following courses of action for the next seven-year period: 1. To provide support to traditional priority partner countries in achieving the sustainable development goals by expanding geographical involvement of the development cooperation of Latvia in case of increased financing, making a contribution to addressing today's global challenges. 2. To strengthen the implementation of the development cooperation priorities of Latvia within the framework of multilateral cooperation, in particular within the framework of the EU, UN, WBG, and OECD, thus promoting coherence of the development cooperation policy of Latvia in all formats. 3. To strengthen the institutional framework for the implementation of the development cooperation of Latvia and the professionalism and coordination of activities of policy makers and implementers. 4. To strengthen transparency, predictability of the development cooperation of Latvia and its conformity with the international reporting standards. 5. To foster the public understanding of the sustainable development and development cooperation, participation, and support for the implementation of the policy. 6. To implement a comprehensive and coordinated approach of Latvia to promotion of sustainable development worldwide. For the implementation of the Guidelines, the MoFA shall draw up the Development Cooperation Policy Plans (hereinafter - the Plan) which take account of the courses of action, tasks, and performance-based indicators laid down in the Guidelines. The Plans serve as operational documents for programming bilateral development cooperation budget of the MoFA. In planning implementation of the development cooperation of Latvia, a broad range of stakeholders is involved, and also coherence is ensured to the extent possible and synergy with security, trade, migration, environmental, and foreign economic policies and instruments of the abovementioned policies is created. The Guidelines have been developed in an open and inclusive process involving public representatives, experts in the area, State authorities, and organisations representing the private sector, and also attracting expertise of the Development Cooperation Directorate of the OECD. During the time period from 16 April to 30 April 2020, the MoFA published a survey titled "20 questions about the development cooperation of Latvia after 2020". It aimed at collecting views and evaluations of the parties involved in the development cooperation of Latvia and interested parties regarding the objective, priorities of the development cooperation policy of Latvia, and other related issues. The survey resulted in 61 responses, and the most active respondents were representatives of the public administration / international organisations and civil society organisations. The majority or 79 % of the respondents supported preserving the existing objective of the development cooperation policy of Latvia. Strengthening of democracy and human rights, climate change and environmental protection, education, peace, and security, agriculture and food security are among the global challenges mentioned by the respondents most frequently which should be at the centre of the development cooperation of Latvia. The survey also provided assurance on the support for expanding the range of geographical priorities. On 15 May and 18 May 2020, the MoFA organised remote discussions between experts of the development cooperation community of Latvia and the OECD experts within the framework of which a number of issues was discussed such as the process of choosing priorities, efficiency, assessment, and reporting of development cooperation and assistance; development cooperation architectures, strengthening of implementation and cooperation; involvement of the private sector and forming of multidisciplinary partnerships; achievement of the official objectives of development assistance funding, and public information and global education. Representatives from the Ministry of Economics (hereinafter - the MoE), the Ministry of Finance (hereinafter - the MoF), the Ministry of Education and Science (hereinafter - the MoES), the Ministry of Welfare, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development (hereinafter - the MoEPRD), the Ministry of Agriculture, the Cross-Sectoral Coordination Centre (hereinafter - the CSCC), the Central Finance and Contracting Agency (hereinafter - the CFCA), the Financial Intelligence Unit, the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia, the Food and Veterinary Service, the Court Administration, the Latvian School of Public Administration, the State Plant Protection Service, the Customs Board of the State Revenue Service, the National Centre for Education, the State Chancellery, the State Police, the State Border Guard, the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, the Riga Graduate School of Law, associations such as Centre MARTA, Cleantech Latvia, Dēms, the Latvian IT Cluster, the Latvian Platform for Development Cooperation (hereinafter - LAPAS), the Free Trade Union Confederation of Latvia, the Employers' Confederation of Latvia, the Latvian Association of Local and Regional Governments, the Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Women's NGOs Cooperation Network of Latvia, the Centre for Public Policy PROVIDUS, Zaļā brīvība, the Foundation for Public Participation, SIA Latvijas Standarts [Limited Liability Company the Latvian Standard], and the UNESCO Latvian National Commission participated in discussions of experts, thus providing the opportunity to perceive readily the framework of public and non-governmental organisations represented. 1. Objective of the Development Cooperation Policy The objective of the development cooperation policy of Latvia is to promote sustainable development and eradication of poverty, rule of law and good governance in developing countries, in particular the priority partner countries of Latvia by contributing to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. The development cooperation policy of Latvia is based on 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals.5 By implementing the development cooperation policy, Latvia contributes to the sustainable development of partner countries and globally. This includes contributing to the global public benefits and addressing global challenges in order to respond to such items of the international agenda such as the pandemic and elimination of its negative socio-economic effects, climate change, peace and security, opportunities and created by digitalisation, reduction of poverty and inequality, and promotion of gender equality. The development cooperation policy is implemented through bilateral and multilateral cooperation mechanisms. Latvia is aware that today's sustainable development challenges are to be tackled collectively, therefore it supports effective multilateral cooperation and actively participates in international organisations to draw up the sustainable development agenda and to address issues. Taking into account the intersectoral nature of sustainable development and the various parties involved in development cooperation (state administration, civil society, private sector), Latvia seeks to follow a whole-of-society approach in building and implementing its development cooperation and to create an environment which promotes multidisciplinary cooperation. Along with development cooperation, Latvia also provides humanitarian aid either through voluntary contributions to the international organisations for financing humanitarian aid or by responding to requests of partner countries, thus providing support directly to the affected country. Humanitarian aid is provided in the context of both protracted and new crises following the international principles for the provision of humanitarian aid, and also strengthening the link between the humanitarian aid and development cooperation to the extent possible. The development cooperation policy of Latvia is implemented, as far as possible, in a manner coherent with security, migration, and trade policies. Synergies are sought with these policies, and also with the foreign economic and environment policy instruments. At the same time, Latvia strives to follow the principles of policy coherence for sustainable development which intend to eliminate the potentially negative impact of action policy implemented by Latvia on developing countries and sustainable development. Within the framework of both the UN and EU, countries have undertaken to, channel at least 0.7 % of their gross national income (hereinafter - the GNI) to development cooperation. In pursuing this objective, Latvia undertakes to continue gradually increasing the official development assistance (hereinafter - the ODA) to at least 0.23 % from its gross national income during the time period from 2021 to 2027 with the objective of reaching 0.33 % of the GNI by 2030. In order to achieve the ODA goals and to strengthen the impact of the development cooperation of Latvia, a special emphasis will be placed on increasing financing for bilateral development cooperation. Taking into account that Latvia should strive to devote 0.15-0.20 % of its GNI to the least developed countries (hereinafter - the LDCs) within the framework of the ODA commitment, Latvia will seek to provide targeted support to the LDCs by selecting the most appropriate type and channel of aid . 1.1. Linkage with the Planning Documents of Latvia and with International and EU Planning Documents The development cooperation of Latvia is formed on the basis of the global development agenda and agreements - the 2030 Agenda and SDGs, the Addis Ababa Action Agenda as well as the Paris Agreement to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change Paris (hereinafter - the Paris Agreement). In building the development cooperation of Latvia, the collective commitments of the EU and its Member States, including the commitment of the EU to devote collectively 0.7 % of the GNI to development assistance, and also the development cooperation priorities brought forward and the commitment to working better together have been taken into account. In 2017, the EU approved the new European Consensus on Development "Our World, Our Dignity, Our Future" (hereinafter - the European Consensus on Development) which, reflecting the 2030 Agenda, is based on five priority courses of action - people, planet, prosperity, peace, and partnership. In building and implementing the development cooperation policy of Latvia, other EU policy planning documents and EU Council conclusions are taken into account, including the Team Europe global response to the pandemic6, digitalisation for development cooperation7, cooperation with the civil society8, and gender equality9. Taking into account the geographical and thematic priorities of the development cooperation of Latvia, the EU external actions and neighbourhood policy strategies, policy planning documents, and EU Council conclusions are also taken into account in the policy planning and implementation, emphasising in particular the new EU Strategy for Central Asia10 and the EU Council conclusions on EU Eastern Partnership policy beyond 2020.11 In an attempt to improve the quality and efficiency of the development cooperation of Latvia, the policy planning and implementation are also based on the recommendations, guidelines, and good practice of the OECD Development Assistance Committee (hereinafter - the DAC), including in respect of the effectiveness of development cooperation (Busan Declaration), the integration of environmental and climate issues into development cooperation, the policy coherence for long-term development, the link between humanitarian aid, development cooperation, and peace12, the ending of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment in development cooperation and humanitarian aid13, the management of corruption risks in development cooperation, and others.14 Practical cooperation with the OECD for taking over good practice and standards takes place within the framework of the OECD Roadmap for Latvia. The Guidelines have been developed, taking into account the priorities of the foreign policy of Latvia and the current international context described in the Annual Report of the Minister of Foreign Affairs on the accomplishments and further work with respect to national foreign policy and the European Union in 2020 which also emphasises the need to strengthen involvement of Latvia in addressing global development challenges and development challenges of partner countries and increasing the financing intended for development cooperation.15 The Guidelines contribute to the implementation of the priority "A united, open, safe and secure society" defined in the National Development Plan of Latvia for 2021-2027 (hereinafter - the NDP2027). One of the objectives of the priority is to ensure that "people are aware of the role which Latvia and every citizen play in global processes and are open to cooperation in addressing common challenges". Development cooperation and development education constitute tools through which this objective will be brought to life furthering the formation of an open society in Latvia, solidarity and tolerance, and feeling of belonging to the international environment. Implementation of the bilateral development cooperation corresponds to the measure 406 of the course of action 16 "Cohesion of society" identified in the NDP2027. Financing for the implementation of bilateral development cooperation projects and activities of Latvia has also been included in the NDP2027 indicative set of investment projects.16 The Guidelines take account of and contribute to the implementation of the State Defence Concept (2016)17, in particular in respect of the commitment made in Paragraph 76 to provide support to countries which are moving towards Euro-Atlantic integration. The Guidelines also make a contribution to introduction of the National Security Concept (2019)18 and to addressing several challenges identified therein and reducing threats. The Guidelines have been developed by taking into account the international environmental risks identified in both concepts, and also in the new draft State Defence Concept (2020)19 which present challenges to sustainable development - climate change, fragmentation of the global system, negative side effects of development of the new information technologies, radicalisation, and terrorism. The Guidelines contain recommendations of the Conceptual Report on Increasing the Financing for Development Cooperation for 2021-202520 in respect of the setting of the ODA goals and increase of the financing for bilateral development cooperation managed by the MoFA. 1.2. Priorities of the Development Cooperation Policy of Latvia The priorities of the development cooperation policy of Latvia are based on the commitment made in the Constitution to promote sustainable and democratic development worldwide, the priorities of the foreign policy of Latvia, the experience of the development cooperation community and competitive advantages, and also in conformity with the current needs of partner countries and global challenges. 1.2.1. Thematic Priorities of Development Cooperation of Latvia Taking into account the objective of the development cooperation policy of Latvia to make a contribution to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, the thematic priorities of Latvia are based on the UN Sustainable Development Goals, identifying the priority areas21 within their framework and the SDG targets to the extent possible. Conscious of the inter-relationship and overlap of the SDGs, it is possible to contribute to implementation of several SDGs concurrently, including non-priority SDGs, when implementing the development cooperation activities. Thematic priorities of the priority bilateral and multilateral development cooperation of Latvia: • Peace, justice, and effective, accountable and inclusive institutions (SDG 16) Priority areas (targets): develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels, including support development and reform of policies and modernisation processes in the public administration (16.6); promote the rule of law and justice (16.3); fight against corruption (16.5); public financial management; reduce illicit financial flows (16.4); decentralisation22; development of civil society and promotion of democratic participation, including in decision-making processes (16.7); strengthen freedom of expression and freedom of media (16.10); integrated border management23; management and reforms of security structures, democratic governance and civil oversight; participation in international peacekeeping, civil, and election observation missions. • Gender equality (SDG 5) Priority areas (targets): promotion of political, economic, and social participation of women (5.1, 5.5, 5.c); elimination of gender-based violence (5.2, 5.3); implementation of the objectives of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace, and security. • Quality education (SDG 4) Priority areas (targets): development of education policy and administrative management; access to education and improvement of its quality (4.3), including correspondence of knowledge and skills to labour market requirements, in particular in the field of vocational education (4.4); global education (4.7). • Decent work and economic growth24 (SDG 8) Priority areas (targets): business development, in particular development of small and medium-sized enterprises (8.3); introduction of trade-related legal framework in practice and strengthening of export capacity (8.a); support for transition to green and resource-efficient economy (8.4); promotion of the principles for responsible entrepreneurship, including corporate social responsibility. • Climate action (SDG 13) Priority areas (targets): Strengthening of human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation and adaptation to climate change (13.3); integration of climate change into action policies and planning (13.2). Activities can also concurrently contribute to achievement of other SDGs, including non-priority ones, (for example, SDG 12 Responsible consumption, SDG 14 Life below water, and SDG 15 Life on land). • Partnerships for the goals (SDG 17) Strengthening multidisciplinary partnerships and cooperation and fostering the public understanding of development cooperation. By recognising the potential of digitalisation, to improve administrative efficiency of countries and its availability to citizens, including access to public services, promote public participation in decision-making processes, and also transparency of such processes and development of economic sectors and business, Latvia seeks to support development cooperation activities aimed at introduction of innovative and tested digital solutions in partner countries and their successful use. At the same time, Latvia will pay special attention to the aspects of human rights and ethics, data security, and cybersecurity in digitalisation processes. Taking advantage of digitalisation is particularly encouraged in respect of the thematic priorities SDG 16 Peace, justice and strong, inclusive institutions and SDG 8 Decent work and economic growth, while highlighting respecting the principles of gender equality. 1.2.2. Geographical Priorities of Development Cooperation of Latvia Geographical priorities of the development cooperation of Latvia have been identified by taking into account the priorities of the foreign policy of Latvia, the previous experience and arrangements for cooperation, the added value and visibility of the support of Latvia. The geographical priorities refer primarily to the implementation of the bilateral development cooperation of Latvia and they do not restrict involvement in the activities financed by the EU external action instruments or other donors. Priorities do not exclude implementation of individual projects also in other regions. They can be clarified in the Development Cooperation Policy Plans. Taking into account the priorities of the foreign policy of Latvia, and also comparative advantages of Latvia, the priority regions identified in the development cooperation policy of Latvia are EU Eastern Partnership and Central Asia. Consequently, the priority partner countries traditionally are Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine, Belarus and Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan. Upon increase in the financing provided for the implementation of the development cooperation policy, Latvia determines the provision of support to other regions as its priority for the first time. Latvia also contributes to the global public benefits and to addressing global challenges of sustainable development, including by using multilateral development cooperation mechanisms and potentially carrying out development cooperation activities also outside the regions which have been the priority so far. In conformity with the needs of partner countries and the added value of the support provided by Latvia, the possibilities for the provision of support to African countries are being considered on a priority basis, taking into account the challenges, needs, and prospects for development of the continent, and also the current relevance of the EU-Africa partnership in EU development cooperation. Support could be potentially provided for the transfer of the experience and solutions of Latvia for addressing today's challenges in such areas as digitalisation, climate change, and also in promotion of access to education, economic and business development, and political, economic, and social participation of women. The partner countries where the military contingent of Latvia or the civil experts dispatched by the State are located have been identified as priority countries for implementation of development cooperation activities, in particular putting an emphasis on the LDCs25. Latvia is open to share its experience gained during the transition from a planned to market economy and in the course of development and reforms of the public administration, challenges presented by the establishment of business environment and by corporate governance, and Euro-integration experience with candidates for accession to the EU or the potential candidate countries. In order to implement focused development cooperation of Latvia which is financed from the budget programme of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs "Development Cooperation Projects and International Assistance", the priority SDGs and areas are identified for the support to priority regions selecting them on the basis of the needs defined in the development strategies of partner countries, directions for cooperation specified in the EU planning documents, and the comparative experience and expertise of Latvia in regions.
1.3. Basic Principles of the Development Cooperation Policy of Latvia In order to achieve the objective of the development cooperation policy, to fulfil the commitments assumed, and to ensure positive effects, efficiency, and sustainability of the results of the implemented development cooperation, Latvia in its development cooperation follows the principles included in the 2030 Agenda and Addis Ababa Action Agenda, and also the Busan Partnership for Effective Development Cooperation. • Horizontal principles of development cooperation Latvia is implementing a human rights based-approach - respect for and promotion of human rights are emphasised in the planning of the development cooperation policy and in the implementation of its activities. All development cooperation activities financed by Latvia, regardless of the area, emphasise such principles as democracy, gender equality, participation of the civil society, environmental sustainability, and also integrate climate change issues. • Partner countries have the primary responsibility for their national development and activities are based on their needs. In providing support, Latvia is guided by the needs of partner countries and the priorities identified in their national development plans and strategies. Latvia undertakes to involve partner countries in the planning of development cooperation, development and implementation of activities, and to use systems of partner countries and to align with the priorities, needs, commitments, and results brought forward thereby. Latvia provides technical assistance to partner countries and implements development cooperation activities in order to strengthen their capacity to plan and implement measures for sustainable and inclusive development. • Predictability, targeting of aid, and sustainability of its results. The development cooperation of Latvia is being planned in a predictable manner and in medium term. The activities of the development cooperation of Latvia are aimed at the achievement of specific and realistic objectives and sustainable results. • Transparency of aid and reporting on its use. Latvia finances and implements its development cooperation in accordance with the national laws and regulations, taking into account the OECD DAC recommendations and the principles contained in the Busan Partnership and the Addis Ababa Action Agenda. The entities responsible for funding and implementing development cooperation act transparently and according to the principles of good governance, including grant aid in an open and fair process. The development cooperation projects and activities financed by Latvia do not allow room for corruption, and also situations of conflicts of interest in decision-making which affect allocation of financial or other aid and in the supervision and control of the use of the granted aid in conformity with the principle that the financing is granted and used responsibly and in good faith. Information on the support provided by Latvia is ensured, including the use of the financing for development cooperation and the results achieved. • Multidisciplinary and intersectoral cooperation and partnerships with other countries by investing donor resources in a rational manner and preventing overlapping. Latvia highlights the significance of cooperation and partnership in all stages of development cooperation both within the framework of the development cooperation community of Latvia and in its relationships with partner countries and other implementers of development cooperation, in particular within the EU. Taking into account the transversal nature of sustainable development, Latvia supports in its development cooperation the multidisciplinary and intersectoral cooperation and partnerships by emphasising the role of various stakeholders - the public administration, local governments, civil society, academic institutions, private sector and their experts - and their added value for development cooperation. In implementing development cooperation, Latvia is also open to cooperation with other donors, in particular in regions where Latvia has not been actively involved. Latvia is open to joint development cooperation projects financed by the EU and jointly with other donors. In order to promote the efficiency and impact of support, Latvia joins Team Europe efforts and becomes engaged in the EU Joint Programming processes. Latvia implements development cooperation by coordinating with other donor countries to ensure that donor funds are used in a rational manner and their benefits are maximised. Taking into account that public resources alone are not enough to finance all development needs and implementation of the SDGs, the private sector is having an increasingly essential role in financing of development on a global scale. Latvia also has an interest in promoting involvement of the private sector in development cooperation and promotion of sustainable development, including through popularisation of the principles of corporate social responsibility and support to the development of preconditions for business environment and economic growth and to the participation in the implementation of development cooperation projects within the framework of the EU and World Bank Group financial instruments, and also by developing the solutions of national financial mechanisms in order to support partnership knowledge, for the transfer of good practice to neighbouring countries with the involvement of the private sector. • Policy coherence for sustainable development. Programming of the national development of Latvia is based on sustainable development goals. Taking into account the potential impact of national action policies on sustainable development and developing countries (in particular in the areas of security, economy, environment, and finance), the action policy makers and decision-makers of Latvia seek to assess and overcome the potential negative impact. For that purpose, attention is paid to fostering the understanding of development cooperation in public administration and society as a whole. 1.4. Humanitarian aid Taking into account the protracted conflicts and new conflict risks, the pressure caused by the pandemic on the health and socio-economic systems of countries, in particular the least developed countries, and also the natural disaster risks increasing as a result of climate change, Latvia undertakes to increase the amounts of the humanitarian aid. If the financing for bilateral development cooperation of the MoFA is increased in accordance with the set objectives, devote at least 10 % of this financing to the needs of humanitarian aid every year. Latvia provides humanitarian aid in line with the principles for the provision of good humanitarian aid - i.e. humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence.26 Humanitarian aid is provided both to the affected country directly and through channels for multilateral cooperation by making contributions to international organisations, for example, resources of the International Development Association are supplemented every three years by providing support for the poorest countries in the world in the form of grants, and also making concessional and non-concessional loans. The type and channel of humanitarian aid are selected on the basis of the needs of the affected country or community and through coordination with other humanitarian actors to the extent possible. Provision of humanitarian aid follows the principles of gender equality.27 Latvia supports strengthening the linkage of the instruments for humanitarian aid and development cooperation and seeks to strengthen the synergies between development cooperation and humanitarian aid activities in partner countries to which both types of support is provided. Latvia supports strengthening the linkage between both instruments according to the OECD DAC recommendation concerning provision of a link among humanitarian aid, development cooperation, and peace.28 In order to strengthen solidarity of the Latvian society with the communities affected by crisis and conflicts and to strengthen understanding of responsible behaviour, support is provided, to the extent possible, to the initiatives of the civil society of Latvia in the field of humanitarian aid. 2. Results and Performance-based Indicators of the Policy
3. Courses of Action and Tasks
Minister for Foreign Affairs E. Rinkēvičs
Annex CHARACTERISATION OF THE CURRENT SITUATION IN THE FIELD OF DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION POLICY IN LATVIACONTENT 1. Context of the Latvian and Global Development Cooperation 2. Objective and Commitments of the Development Cooperation Policy of Latvia 3. Development of the Development Cooperation Policy of Latvia 1. Context of the Latvian and Global Development Cooperation Since adoption of the previous Development Cooperation Policy Guidelines in 2016, the geopolitical context and global challenges have significantly changed the social, economic, and political realities worldwide. The world experienced a considerable shock at the beginning of 2020 when it came face to face with a threat to which the international community was not prepared - the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result of the pandemic, the Decade of Action proclaimed by the United Nations (hereinafter - the UN) to deliver the Sustainable Development Goals began by staying at home and practising social distancing. The direct and indirect consequences and impact of the pandemic on global development, including delivery of the objectives of the 2030 Agenda approved in 2015 and the Sustainable Development Goals (hereinafter - the SDGs), cannot be fully estimated during the development of this document. Further development of the pandemic and the scale of the negative impact caused thereby are difficult to predict, yet the loss of human lives and economic losses have already been significant at the current stage. This global shock has clearly demonstrated the vulnerability of today's world. At the same time, the reaction of societies has shown the ability to mobilise and express solidarity. This shock has clearly reminded that we live in an interconnected world and that the challenges we face affect all sectors simultaneously and can be addressed through cooperation. The first months of 2020 have exposed issues such as the readiness and role of countries in a person's life, the resilience and equality of societies, individual responsibility, and global solidarity. However, even before the world was struck by the pandemic, there had already been a number of challenges and tendencies in the international environment which significantly affected also the global development processes and international cooperation. Questioning of multilateralism and a rules-based international system, climate change, conflicts and unrest, anti-democratic tendencies, inequality, misinformation, and other challenges provided a backdrop for global development. In September 2019, global leaders acknowledged at the High-Level Political Forum that, although extreme poverty and infant mortality have decreased, access to electricity and drinking water has increased, the progress in several areas and towards the SDGs is still too slow and mobilisation is necessary at all levels in order to implement the vision of the 2030 Agenda.30 There is a reasonable doubt that the progress achieved before will be lost as a result of the pandemic, yet the measures for recovery which also include large public investments provide for a possibility to rectify the direction of development and to promote the achievement of the sustainable development and climate objectives. Taking into account that the development cooperation policy of Latvia is made in linkage with the EU development cooperation policy programming documents and political decisions, it is important to note that over the last four years a number of new policy documents and strategies have been approved at the EU level in respect of development cooperation and Latvia's priority regions - the EU Global Strategy (2016), the new European Consensus on Development "Our World, Our Dignity, Our Future" (2017), the Eastern Partnership policy framework "20 Deliverables for 2020" (2017), the Joint Communication: Eastern Partnership policy beyond 2020: Reinforcing Resilience - an Eastern Partnership that delivers for all, and the Council conclusions on it (2020), the new EU Strategy on Central Asia (2019). One of the priorities of the European Commission (hereinafter - the EC) for 2019-2024 is "a stronger Europe in the world" which is expected to be implemented also through the development cooperation policy. A strong emphasis in the EC development cooperation will be put on the EU-Africa partnership, the "green deal", digitalisation, and migration. During development of the Guidelines for 2021-2027, negotiations continue on the identification of priorities in partner countries for the use of financing allocated for the new EU's multi-annual budget for 2021-2027, including by employing increasingly joint programming processes with the purpose of encouraging also their joint implementation and strengthening the role of a united European Union. According to the European Council conclusions of 21 July 2020, the financing for EU external action provided for in the next multi-annual budget (2021-2027) amounts to EUR 98.4 billion in 2018 prices or EUR 110.6 billion in current prices. The financing channelled to the new Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI) which will replace several previous EU financial instruments for external action will amount to EUR 70.8 billion in 2018 prices or EUR 79.5 billion in current prices. It is intended within the framework of this to devote 30 % of the financing of the instrument to environmental and climate issues. The Development Cooperation Policy Guidelines for 2021-2027 (the Guidelines for 2021-2027) are adopted in a new political, economic, and social reality which requires action to mitigate both immediate and long-term risks and address national, regional, and global challenges at the same time. The development cooperation policy is one of the instruments which can serve these purposes and with the intermediation of which Latvia can contribute to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda in partner countries and globally. 2. Objective and Commitments of the Development Cooperation Policy of Latvia In accordance with the Development Cooperation Policy Guidelines for 2016-2020 (hereinafter - the Guidelines for 2016-2020), the objective of the development cooperation policy of Latvia is to contribute to implementation of the 2030 Agenda in developing countries, in particular the priority partner countries of Latvia, by promoting sustainable development and eradication of poverty, rule of law, and good governance. This objective can be deemed achieved to the extent possible and within the limits of available resources, however, it remains relevant also in the next programming period. Latvia has contributed to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda within the framework of both bilateral and multilateral cooperation by making mandatory and voluntary contributions to international organisations. During the time period from 2016 to 2019, the total official development assistance of Latvia (hereinafter - the ODA) has been EUR 114 million. At the same time, taking into account the close link between development cooperation and political dialogue, Latvia has consistently argued at different levels for a rule-based international system, territorial integrity of independent countries, human rights, democratic values, action to curb climate change, free trade principles that correspond to the spirit of the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs. The amount of the Latvian ODA in relation to its GNI and the financing for the bilateral development cooperation of Latvia31 have been identified as one of the performance indicators of the development cooperation policy in the Guidelines for 2016-2020. The commitment to increase the ODA up to 0.17 % of the GNI in 2020 is unlikely to be met. Although the ODA of Latvia has increased in absolute terms over the last four years, it has not grown along with the economy of Latvia, and the ODA amounted to only 0.1 % of the GNI in 2018 and 2019. Taking into account the impact of the pandemic on the economy of Latvia, it is expected that the percentage of the ODA/GNI of Latvia could increase in 2020, yet Latvia is still far from the goals set for 2020 (0.17 % of GNI) and 2030 (0.33 % of GNI). Similarly, the financing for bilateral development cooperation managed by the MoFA has, to a large extent, stagnated during the period of the Guidelines for 2016-2020 and significantly falls behind the set objectives. A positive exception is 2020 when it was made possible to channel additional financing for bilateral development cooperation. Table No. 1 Results and Performance-based Indicators of the Policy
On 7 April 2020, the Cabinet examined the Conceptual Report on Increasing the Financing for Development Cooperation for 2021-2025 prepared by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (hereinafter - the MoFA) and supported conceptually its recommended model for setting objectives of the official development assistance of Latvia and for increasing the financing of the budget programme of the MoFA for bilateral development cooperation by 2025. The model "Halfway through the 2030 Target+"proposed in the Conceptual Report provides that the ODA of Latvia should be gradually increased up to 0.019 of the GNI and the financing available in the budget programme "Development Cooperation Projects and International Assistance" of the MoFA is increased up to 7 % of the ODA target by 2025. In accordance with the Cabinet Order No. 173 of 8 April 2020, this model has been taken into consideration in the development of the Guidelines for 2021-2027. The Conceptual Report also notes a need to develop ODA planning, covering multilateral and bilateral contributions of all authorities. Thus it would be possible to improve monitoring of the achievement of objectives and establish and find, in a timely manner, solutions for fulfilling commitments of Latvia. Similar practice has been established in respect of the annual Development Cooperation Policy Plans (hereinafter - the Plans) which include not only activities of the MoFA but also activities carried out by other authorities. At the same time, the Plans do not cover all multilateral contributions which account for the majority of the ODA. One of the objectives of the model is to increase gradually the bilateral development cooperation budget managed by the MoFA, thus increasing also the bilateral ODA of Latvia. The overwhelming majority of the ODA of Latvia still consists of the participation in multilateral support activities (86 % in 2018, 87 % in 2019), primarily of a contribution to the EU budget and payments to the European Development Fund (hereinafter - the EDF), and also to the World Bank Group capital increase and replenishing of the resources of the International Development Association (IDA). In accordance with that specified in the Guidelines for 2016-2020, Latvia has provided aid to the least developed countries (LDCs) through multilateral development cooperation instruments. This aid should be implemented in a more targeted manner in the next programming period, for example, by making payments to international organisations for support to the least developed countries, including to regular replenishment of the IDA resources. Latvia has implemented, as far as possible, its development cooperation policy in a manner coherent with the objectives of security, migration, and trade policies. Coherence has been ensured via formal (Consultative Council for Development Co-operation Policy, procedures for coordinating planning documents and the national position of Latvia) and informal (information exchange, mutual consultation) coherence and coordination mechanisms. At the same time, taking into account linkages between the SDGs, added value of multidisciplinary partnerships, and the need to follow the principles of policy coherence for sustainable development, coordination with the abovementioned and other policies should be strengthened and improved in the next programming period. In the 2021-2027 programming period • Strengthen the linkage between the development cooperation of Latvia, the 2030 Agenda, and the SDGs and the understanding of stakeholders regarding them. • Introduce the model "Halfway through the 2030 Target+" to increase the financing of the ODA of Latvia and the budget programme "Development Cooperation Projects and International Assistance" of the MoFA by 2025 and beyond. • Develop the mid-term planning of the ODA of Latvia and and seek to identify additional financial sources in order to implement bilateral and multilateral development cooperation. • Increase and provide aid to the least developed countries in a more targeted manner. • Strengthen and improve coordination of development cooperation policy and its coherence with the objectives of security, migration, trade, economic, environmental policies and instruments of such policies. • Take into accounts the needs of partner countries and the priorities identified in their national development plans and strategies, and involve partner countries in implementation of the SDGs. Preliminary impact assessment: Implementation of the abovementioned measures will have an impact on the State budget, since they envisage that financing is increased for bilateral and multilateral development cooperation in order to fulfil the ODA commitments made - to reach 0.33 % of GNI by 2030. Implementation of the abovementioned measures will have a positive effect on the fulfilment of international commitments of Latvia. They will allow Latvia to move towards the fulfilment of its commitments not only in respect of development financing but also improvement of effectiveness of development cooperation. This will in turn strengthen the quality and added value of the development cooperation of Latvia, and also improve the international image of Latvia as a responsible and efficient cooperation partner. The measures have the potential to contribute positively to environmental issues, since they provide for a possibility to provide aid to developing countries in environmental and climate issues, and also to facilitate coherence of various action policies of Latvia for the promotion of sustainable development. 3. Development of the Development Cooperation Policy of Latvia The Guidelines for 2016-2020 identify the following six courses of action: 1. Provide maximum support for the sustainable development of the EU Eastern Partnership and Central Asian countries using instruments of the bilateral development cooperation funding managed by the MoFA; 2. Strengthen the implementation of the development cooperation priorities of Latvia within the framework of multilateral cooperation, particularly within the framework of the EU, UN, World Bank Group, and OECD, thus promoting the coherence of the development cooperation policy of Latvia in all formats; 3. Strengthen the competence, coordination and sustainability of the activities of the developers and implementers of the development cooperation policy of Latvia; 4. Strengthen the transparency of the development cooperation of Latvia and its conformity with the international reporting standards; 5. Raise the public understanding of the importance of development cooperation, participation, and support for the implementation of the policy; 6. Implement a comprehensive and coordinated approach of Latvia for the support of sustainable development of partner countries. During this period, the development coordination policy has been implemented by following these courses of actions and by seeking to perform the tasks subordinate to them. The description of the current situation given below will provide an insight into the development of the development cooperation policy of Latvia and its current challenges according to each course of action, including by providing an insight into the performance-based indicators of the policy. A detailed assessment of the implementation of the Guidelines for 2016-2020 in the period before 2018 is available in the informative report prepared by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs "On Intermediate Assessment of Implementation of the Development Cooperation Policy Guidelines for 2016-2020" which has been examined by the Cabinet on 12 March 2019.32 3.1. Latvia has provided, within the limits of available resources, support to sustainable development of the EU Eastern Partnership and Central Asian countries through instruments of the financing for bilateral development cooperation managed by the MoFA but the limited financing prevents Latvia from fully implementing its expertise and solutions for the support of partner countries. At the moment of approval of the Guidelines for 2016-2020, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine have been identified as the priority countries in the EU Eastern Partnership region, while Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan - in the Central Asia, and also the countries in which the military contingent of Latvia or the civil experts are located.33 These geographical priorities have remained constant, and over five years EUR 2.4 million have been channelled for development cooperation projects supporting these countries through instruments of the financing for bilateral development cooperation managed by the MoFA - calls for grant, co-financing grant project proposals, activities included in the Plans according to the identified criteria. projects. Aid has also been provided within the framework of regional projects34 to other EU Eastern Partnership and Central Asian countries, and also to southern neighbouring countries (Egypt, Palestine) and the Western Balkan countries. According to the priorities identified in the Guidelines, aid has been provided to partner countries in the areas such as development of public administration and strengthening of capacities, business development and strengthening of export capacity, peace, and security, promotion of democratic participation, and development of civil society, gender equality, education. 81 projects and activities have been implemented in the time period from 2016 to 2020. The provision of the maximum aid in this period has been limited by the financing available for development cooperation (see Table No. 1). Each year the financing requested in calls for grant project proposals has consistently exceeded the financing available by several times, for example, in 2020, about six times. This demonstrates that the capacity and interest of those implementing development cooperation in Latvia - i.e. State administration institutions, civil society organisations, private sector - to provide aid to partner countries have not been fully exhausted. Similarly, the limited financing does not reduce possibilities of implementing long-term activities, sustainability of results, and possibilities of cooperation with other donors, including more proactive involvement in implementation of the EU development cooperation programmes. The Guidelines for 2016-2020 include a number of performance-based indicators to assess the focus and growth of bilateral development cooperation. As seen in Table No. 2, the results varied. Variability of results reflects the limited possibilities of the available financing and support instruments. In strengthening multidisciplinary cooperation in development cooperation issues, maintaining contacts with partner countries in order to identify their needs, continuing close cooperation with the OECD DAC in issues related to increasing effectiveness of development cooperation, and becoming involved in the EU joint development cooperation policy programming processes in the next period, more targeted efforts should be made to channel financing to initiatives which could help to achieve the performance-based indicators brought forward. Table No. 2 Indicators and Performance-based Indicators of the Policy
In implementing bilateral development cooperation, the MoFA has strived to promote, to the extent possible, the linkage with the activities implemented by other donors and to raise support of other donors to the initiatives of Latvia. As shown in Table No. 2, during implementation of the Guidelines for 2016-2020, Latvia has succeeded in raising equivalent or even double co-financing of other donors almost each year - approximately EUR 3.5 million in total. During operation of the Guidelines for 2016-2020, cooperation with such donors as the USA, the United Nations Development Programme in Uzbekistan, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland has been implemented. The MoFA has granted financing to several EC-financed development cooperation and global education projects within the calls for co-financing grant project proposals. Co-financing opportunities of Latvia and raising of co-financing of other donors will remain relevant also in the future, in particular taking into account the interest of Latvia in becoming more actively involved in the implementation of EU financial instruments for external action and the interest of other donors in establishing equivalent partnerships. It should be noted that significant support has also been provided to partner countries and financed by other State administration authorities of Latvia as well as local governments. One of the types of support which has been particularly emphasised in the Guidelines for 2016-2021 is the involvement of Latvian experts in civil missions (EU observation, advisory missions, and also OSCE observation missions). During operation of the Guidelines for 2016-2020, the number of experts in civil missions has increased, and in February 2020, the Cabinet supported an increase in the number of Latvian civil experts for participation in international civil missions and operations for 2020-2022.35 In the 2021-2027 programming period • Taking into account the priorities of the foreign policy of Latvia and the comparative advantages in the field of development cooperation, the current geographical priorities should be maintained by supplementing the list of priority countries with Belarus as a result of developments in Belarus after its presidential election in August 2020. At the same time, upon increase in the financing for bilateral development cooperation of the MoFA, such possibilities should be provided for which support activities also outside the traditional priority regions. The candidature of Latvia to the 2025 UN Security Council election (hereinafter - the UN SC election) which will provide opportunities to popularise the solutions and expertise of Latvia in countries and regions which have not been on the agenda of bilateral development cooperation of Latvia so far will be essential to the expansion of regional involvement. • Possibilities should be provided to contribute also to addressing development challenges and processes of international and global nature without identifying specific geographical priorities, developing appropriate support mechanisms/financing instruments where necessary. • Possibilities should be considered upon increase in the bilateral development cooperation budget of the MoFA to channel or mark a certain amount of financing (%) to the achievement of specific substantive performance-based indicators (for example, promotion of gender equality by taking into account the commitments of Latvia in respect of the EU Gender Action Plan). • In order to promote the involvement of various stakeholders in development cooperation, a need should be considered to adapt or develop new financing instruments, taking into account the specific needs of implementers and aid recipients of partner countries. Preliminary impact assessment: Implementation of the abovementioned measures will have an impact on the State budget because they provide for the increase in financing for bilateral and multilateral development cooperation. Implementation of the abovementioned measures will have a positive effect on the fulfilment of international commitments of Latvia, including commitments in the area of promotion of gender equality within the scope of the EU. The abovementioned activities have a potential positive impact on the environment and human rights, taking into account that these issues are high on the global development agenda and, in implementing the abovementioned measures, the development cooperation of Latvia might make a positive contribution to addressing the associated challenges. 3.2. Latvia has strengthened the coherence of its development cooperation policy in bilateral and multilateral formats, however, it should continue strengthening a common understanding of stakeholders regarding the overall contribution of Latvia to development, and also coordination. During implementation of the Guidelines for 2016-2020, the majority36 of the ODA of Latvia has consisted of contributions to multilateral organisations, primarily EU institutions. The MoFA and other sectoral ministries are making mandatory and voluntary contributions to the UN and organisations of its system, and also the Cabinet decisions adopted in 2018 and 2019 provide for a significant increase in the contribution of Latvia to the World Bank Group (hereinafter - the WBG) by increasing the WBG capital and replenishing the resources of the IDA.37 Taking into account that this trend will continue, Latvia should fully and consistently use the various multilateral formats in implementation of its development cooperation priorities. The MoFA has strived to increase the involvement of public administration institutions of Latvia and CSOs in formulation of the positions of Latvia regarding the current issues of the international development cooperation policy and also specific support measures for priority partner countries. In ensuring representation in EU Council working groups, committees on financial instruments for external action, and also in partner countries, the MoFA has become involved in making the EU development cooperation policy by consulting with the sectoral experts and seeking to find possibilities for the involvement of Latvian experts or organisations. As already mentioned above, the EC intends to increase the use of joint programming and also joint implementation in further programming of development cooperation. So far Latvia, with the support of embassies, has become actively involved in two such processes - in Moldova (2016 and 2020) and Uzbekistan (2019-2020). Considering that preference will be given to this type of programming in the future, it is important to ensure that all stakeholders - units of the MoFA, embassies, sectoral ministries, and CSOs - are informed and capable of participating. During implementation of the Guidelines for 2016-2020, active involvement has been ensured in the priority issues of Latvia within the scope of the UN. In 2018, Latvia presented its progress towards implementation of the SDGs at the UN High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development where voluntary national reviews were presented. Latvia is currently elected to the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC; 2020-2022). Within this time period Latvia has the possibility to become involved in decision-making processes regarding current development issues. Latvia has brought such priorities to the forefront as implementation of the SDGs, climate change, forestry, digitalisation. At the beginning of 2020, Latvia together with Barbados conducted negotiations on the UN intergovernmental conclusions and recommendations for the financing of development which is also concurrently the first universal agreement between the UN member states on joint action to finance dealing with the immediate consequences of the pandemic, and also long-term recovery. During implementation of the Guidelines for 2016-2020, Latvia has also been elected to several other UN bodies, thus becoming involved also in the examination of issues relevant to development cooperation - the UN Commission on Science and Technology for Development (2007-2022), the UN Commission on Human Rights (2017-2020), the UN Statistical Commission, the Intergovernmental Council of UNESCO International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC) (2015-2019; 2019-2023), UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions (2017-2021), the UN Commission on the Status of Women (2021-2025). Taking into account the candidature of Latvia to the UN SC, it is expected that during implementation of the Guidelines for 2021-2027, the level of Latvia's involvement in the context of UN will rise which also provides a possibility to establish cooperation with the UN organisations in the area of development cooperation. Latvia is regularly represented in formats of the OECD Development Assistance Committee (hereinafter - the OECD DAC) - at the regular DAC meetings, meetings of senior officials, and high-level meetings, working groups on efficiency of the implemented support and statistics of the development financing. In 2018, the OECD Roadmap for Latvia was developed for 2018-2021 that provides for cooperation in the issues of action policy reforms in respect of strategic planning and programming, statistics of the development financing, and monitoring and assessment of the bilateral development cooperation provided by Latvia. So far activities have been implemented in respect of strategic planning (participation of experts of the Development Cooperation Directorate of the OECD in expert discussions on the Guidelines for 2021-2025) and statistics of development financing (a seminar for State administration institutions in 2019). Taking into account that accession to the DAC remains the medium-term objective of Latvia, involvement in and cooperation with the OECD DAC should be deepened also in the future, in particular taking into account the need to make the Guidelines for 2021-2027 operational and considering the good practice of other donors. Thus the Roadmap for 2020 is already being kept up-to-date for cooperation for the coming years. In 2018 and 2019, the Cabinet decided on the participation of Latvia in strengthening of the capital of the World Bank Group and 19th replenishment of resources of the International Development Association, and also in 2018 Latvia confirmed its participation in the WBG Multilateral Trust Fund for Gender Equality. In taking the decision on such measures, priorities of the development cooperation of Latvia have also been considered, particularly the need to increase the ODA contribution up to 0.33 % of GNI. At the same time, it is necessary to continue promoting opportunities and strengthening understanding of the involvement of Latvia in implementation of the WBG projects/programmes, taking into account geographical and thematic priorities. Latvia mainly provides its humanitarian aid in line with the needs of a country affected by a crises by making voluntary contributions to international organisations or, in individual cases, upon request of the recipient country by providing aid directly to the recipient country. A separate budget line has still not been dedicated and an annual permanent financing is not provided for the provision of humanitarian aid, therefore, the humanitarian aid provided by Latvia is most often ensured ad hoc from the budget programme "Emergency Financial Resources". Since 2016, Latvia has provided humanitarian aid in the amount of EUR 4.4 million, including contributions to the EU Refuge Support Mechanism in Turkey. In 2017, the regulation for the provision of humanitarian aid has been improved, as the Cabinet Regulation No. 721 of 12 December 2017, Procedures for the Receipt and Provision of Humanitarian Aid, came into force. The non-governmental sector of Latvia also has an interest in becoming more actively involved in the provision of humanitarian aid by organising selection and sending of volunteers. Thus there remains a need to strengthen the involvement of Latvia in humanitarian aid processes by ensuring financing, promoting the linkage between humanitarian aid and development cooperation, and also strengthening capacities of the non-governmental sector and potential volunteers. In the 2021-2027 programming period • Strengthen a common understanding of all stakeholders (MoFA, CSOs, individual experts) regarding the objective, priorities of the development cooperation of Latvia and the results achieved, including through information exchange and consultations. • Strengthen an understanding of the EU joint programming and implementation processes, including how to efficiently ensure involvement in such processes in the partner countries where Latvia is not represented.. • Promote cooperation with the UN organisations by using the inertia provided by the UN SC campaign in order to raise visibility of the development cooperation of Latvia and popularise the expertise of Latvia. • Continue cooperation with the Development Cooperation Directorate of the OECD in order to improve the system and processes of the development cooperation of Latvia in line with the DAC standards and good practice. • Strengthen the involvement of Latvia in the provision of humanitarian aid, including by considering possibilities to provide humanitarian aid in the context of protracted and new crisis. Preliminary impact assessment: implementation of the abovementioned measures will have an impact on the State budget as they provide for the increase in financing for bilateral and multilateral development cooperation, and also for humanitarian aid. Implementation of the abovementioned measure has an effect on human resources of administrative institutions, namely strengthening of knowledge and understanding of employees of administrative institutions regarding development cooperation and sustainable development issues, at the same time, measures are to be implemented within the framework of the available budgets and human resources of institutions. Systematisation of information exchange and stakeholder consultations can improve the quality of action policies. In a situation where administrative burden will be increased, it can be justified by the need to meet the commitment of Latvia to ensure that the principles of policy coherence for sustainable development are followed. 3.3. Steps have been taken to strengthen the sustainability of the development cooperation of Latvia and the professionalism and coordination of activities of policy makers and implementers, at the same time they remain as "moving objectives". Taking into account the variability of the international background and the dynamics of the field of development cooperation, the professionalism of policy makers and implementers on which coherence and sustainability of the activities implemented also depend is, to a large extent, a "moving objective". Several measures have been implemented during operation of the Guidelines for 2016-2020 in order to promote awareness and information of both members of the Consultative Council for Development Cooperation Policy and policy implementers, and other interested parties. For example, seminars have been organised on the EU External Investment Plan and its instruments, and also on the possibilities of the private sector and experts to participate in implementation of the projects financed by the WBG and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. Seminars have been organised with the participation of the OECD experts on efficiency and results of development cooperation and the ODA statistics and reporting. The MoFA has also organised seminars for implementers in order to promote exchange of experience on results of the projects implemented and identification of potential partnerships and cooperation possibilities among project implementers. In December 2019, the LPDC, in cooperation with the MoFA, organised a conference on 15 years of the development cooperation of Latvia which also served as the beginning of the discussions on the course of development cooperation in the next programming period. At the same time, further work should promote implementation of such measures in a more targeted and orderly manner by attracting international experts to the extent possible. In order to strengthen an understanding of individual issues and coordination, it would be preferable that guidelines or recommendations are developed for project/activity implementers, for example, in respect of the horizontal principles of the development cooperation of Latvia, communication, etc. In order to facilitate coherence of the bilateral development cooperation activities carried out by the MoFA and other authorities/organisations of Latvia, the annual Development Cooperation Plans and their coordination process have been used. The Plans have been developed on the basis of the tasks identified in the Guidelines for 2016-2020 and taking into account the performance-based indicators provided for the relevant year. In order to strengthen capacity of the Latvian project implementers to participate in large-scale projects financed by the EU, the Cabinet has supported the informative report by the MoFA "On the Institutional Solutions for the Involvement of Latvia in Implementation of the European Union Financial Instruments for Development Cooperation"38. Thus the Central Finance and Contracting Agency (hereinafter - the CFCA) is entrusted with the functions of the coordinating authority which are related to the promotion of the involvement of Latvia in the projects financed by the EU external action instruments by consolidating the administrative support functions to potential implementers and providing for the possibility that the CFCA can also take the leading role in coordination of the development of project proposals, in the submission and project administration processes. One of the preconditions for a wholesome involvement of Latvia has been a successful pillar assessment of the CFCA which, in the future, will allow to assume implementation of the EU budget or implementation of EU-financed programmes/projects within the framework of the delegated cooperation. In the 2021-2027 programming period • Strengthen the professionalism of all stakeholders (MoFA, CSOs, implementers) and coordination of activities by implementing regular measures for exchange of information and experience, for capacity building. Create development cooperation guidelines/recommendations for stakeholders in respect of issues relevant to the implementation - horizontal principles, communication, recommendations for the promotion of coherence and coordination. • Continue the use of the Development Cooperation Policy Plans for the promotion of coherence and coordination, including by introducing a multi-annual planning model. • According to the decision taken by the Cabinet, introduce an appropriate solution for strengthening the capacity of the Latvian implementers to participate in implementation of large-scale projects financed by the EU external action instruments. Strengthen the competence of the CFCA in development cooperation - its principles, recent events, and development trends, and also cooperation and aid delivery mechanisms for various implementers - State institutions, CSOs, private sector. Preliminary impact assessment: Implementation of the abovementioned measure has an effect on human resources of administrative institutions, namely strengthening of knowledge and understanding of employees of administrative institutions regarding development cooperation and sustainable development issues, at the same time, measures are to be implemented within the framework of the available budgets and human resources of institutions. Systematisation of information exchange and stakeholder consultations can improve the quality of action policies. In a situation where administrative burden will be increased, it can be justified by the need to meet the commitment of Latvia to ensure that the principles of policy coherence for sustainable development are followed. 3.4. Latvia reports on the ODA in line with the OECD standards, however, transparency of the development cooperation of Latvia and availability of user-friendly information on the Latvian ODA and results of the aid provided should be promoted. During implementation of the Guidelines for 2016-2020, an important progress has been made towards conformity of the development cooperation of Latvia with the international reporting standards. Since 2017, Latvia has been reporting to the OECD on the level of activities of the ODA provided via CRS++ reporting system. Thus information on the ODA of Latvia, including the aid implemented within the framework of bilateral development cooperation at a detailed level, is publicly available in the OECD databases. In 2019, Latvia also became involved in a pilot study and, in 2020, provided data on its Total Official Support for Sustainable Development or TOSSD which includes the ODA and other activities that cannot be listed under ODA, including contributions to the global public benefits. In 2020, amendments to the Law on International Assistance came into force which will allow to initiate multi-annual planning in 2021, thus promoting predictability, effectiveness, and efficiency of financing. In 2020, the first multi-annual plan for 2021-2023 should be prepared. At the same time, introduction of multi-annual planning depends to a large extent on possibilities of the financing for development cooperation, i.e. implementation of the model "Halfway through the 2030Target+". Monitoring and assessment of the impact of the results at project and activity levels are ensured for bilateral development cooperation activities financed by the MoFA. During operation of the Guidelines for 2016-2020, initial arrangements have been made for regular evaluation of the needs of partner countries and improvement of the monitoring and assessment of the impact of projects has been continued by conducting a survey of embassies on the current development cooperation priorities and the visibility and relevance of the implemented projects to the development of partner countries. In 2019, a visit was also arranged for the assessment of projects in Georgia. In order to improve risk management in the development cooperation policy of Latvia, in particular the prevention of corruption risks, the MoFA has introduced additional checks in the calls for grant project proposals during operation of the Guidelines for 2016-2020 to determine whether project applicants, their partners, and project participants are not on the debarred lists of development banks (the World Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development). Cabinet regulations have also been issued39 laying down the procedures for preparing and announcing a call for grant project proposals, taking decisions to award grants, entering into grant contracts and completing a call for project proposals, monitoring and controlling the implementation of projects, and also the cases where a grant beneficiary repays the awarded funds. In the 2021-2027 programming periodd • Consider the need to adapt the development cooperation instruments in order to ensure a possibility to support multi-annual initiatives and at the same time to ensure sufficient flexibility in the circumstances of a changing international environment. • Continue work on establishment of a system for the assessment of development cooperation and continue improving the reporting mechanisms and regularity, including also in respect of activities that are implemented and financed by authorities of other countries. Consider the possibilities of carrying out an external assessment on an annual basis or in the medium term. • While continuing work on ensuring transparency of the development cooperation of Latvia, improve reporting, including availability of public data also on the website of the MoFA as well as potentially on the Open Data Portal of Latvia. • Make the necessary amendments to the regulatory framework related to the implementation of the development cooperation policy in accordance with the OECD recommendations in order to provide the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with additional mechanisms for obtaining the necessary information from the Punishment Register when checking whether the persons referred to in the project proposals received within the framework of a call for grant project proposals have been convicted for bribery. Preliminary impact assessment: Implementation of the abovementioned measures will have a positive effect on the fulfilment of international commitments of Latvia in the area of efficiency of development cooperation. Data on the ODA and development cooperation of Latvia are gathered and reported within the framework of the existing human resources and budget financing. Ensuring of the external assessment of development cooperation can potentially affect the State budget, while the financing can be provided for the implementation of bilateral development cooperation within the framework of the allocated financing. 3.5. Support of the society for development cooperation has increased, at the same time the public understanding of global development patterns, in particular in the context of the pandemic, and of contribution of the development cooperation of Latvia should be strengthened further. According to the Eurobarometer data, support of the Latvian society for the contribution made within the framework of development cooperation in developing countries has increased in the recent years. The pandemic, in particular its impact on national economy of Latvia, can adversely affect these indicators, therefore, it is particularly important in this situation to explain the essence of development cooperation and the results achieved to the society. It is important in the context of both the development planning and the development cooperation policy of Latvia to strengthen the public understanding also regarding the global development objectives - the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs. More recent data on the understanding of the Latvian society regarding sustainable development goals have not been available since 2016 - this issue is no longer included in the annual Eurobarometer surveys on attitude of EU citizens to development cooperation. Table No. 3 Results and Performance-based Indicators of the Policy
Information on developments in the area of development cooperation as well as information on development cooperation projects supported by the MoFA is published on the website of the MoFA. At the same time, it is still necessary to improve data availability and to make it more user-friendly. Not only data and factual information on the use of the development cooperation budget but also human stories providing an insight into the needs of partner countries and added value of the aid provided by Latvia are relevant to raising of understanding. Stories of experience of development cooperation prepared by the Latvian Platform for Development Cooperation (hereinafter - the LPDC) can serve as an example which can be used and developed for future communication needs. The MoFA implements public awareness measures in cooperation with the civil society - this practice should be continued and developed also in the future, taking into account the capacity of the civil society to address different groups of the society and their previous experience in implementation of projects financed by the MoFA and the EC. Development cooperation activities are implemented by several State administration institutions and their communication with the society in respect of these activities varies, therefore, coherence and coordination in this aspect should also be improved in the future, thus improving availability of information and strengthening of messages to both the Latvian society and the international community. It would be useful to create a single brand for the development cooperation of Latvia in order to promote the visibility and recognition of the aid of Latvia in partner countries and internationally.. Global education plays an essential role in promoting public understanding and support. During operation of the Guidelines for 2016-2020, aspects of global education have been integrated into the new content of general school education, and other measures have been taken to promote its implementation. Integration of aspects of sustainable development and global education into different education processes should be further promoted, paying attention also to the areas of higher education and life-long learning, taking into account their role in the preparation of employees of public administration. In recent years Latvia has become more actively involved in the Global Education Network Europe (hereinafter - the GENE) - exchange of international experience and taking over of good practice should be continued also in the future. In the 2021-2027 programming period • Ensure and continue improving availability of data and information on the development cooperation of Latvia and carry out regular activities for informing the society in cooperation with the non-governmental sector. • Create a single brand for the development cooperation implemented by Latvia. • Develop a single approach for State authorities, CSOs, and other implementers involved in development cooperation to inform the society of the activities implemented. • Continue work on integration of the aspects of sustainable development and global education into all age groups by efficiently taking advantage of the possibilities provided by the GENE international cooperation network. Preliminary impact assessment: Implementation of the abovementioned measures may have an impact on the State budget because it is intended to implement measures for informing the society, and also to implement measures in the area of global education. Data on the ODA and development cooperation of Latvia are gathered and reported within the framework of the existing human resources and budget financing. Development of a single approach may be ensured within the framework of the existing human resources and budget, and it has the potential to reduce the administrative burden because it would facilitate decision-taking and development of information for communication of development cooperation. The abovementioned measures in the area of sustainable development and global education will potentially have a positive social impact because their objective is to improve knowledge and understanding in all age groups regarding global development processes and the role of Latvia and its impact on them. 3.6. Systematic approach is necessary for the implementation of comprehensive and coordinated approach of Latvia to the support of sustainable development of partner countries One of the priorities identified in the National Development Plan of Latvia for 2021-2027 (hereinafter - the NDP2027) is a united, safe, and open society aimed, among other things, at achieving that "people are aware of the role which Latvia and every citizen play in global processes and are open to cooperation in addressing common challenges". This part of the objective is directly attributable also to development cooperation. It is important that the NDP2027 indicative set of investments also includes an additional financing for the implementation of bilateral development cooperation. As regards the implementation of the policy coherence for sustainable development (PCSD), the consolidation of national coordination mechanisms has not been performed in Latvia, as was provided for in the Guidelines for 2016-2020. The coordination mechanism now consists of coordination processes regarding the results to be achieved in the policy documents. Thus the issue remains regarding full realisation of the PCSD in the policy planning process in Latvia. The issue is closely related to the understanding of policy planners and decision makers regarding interaction of the policies implemented by Latvia with global development processes and those of partner countries. During operation of the Guidelines for 2016-2020, the MoFA has promoted conformity with the principles of corporate social responsibility. In introducing the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises for socially responsible entrepreneurship, in 2018, the MoFA established the National Contact Point Secretariat (NCPS) of Latvia. Members of the NCPS have approved the procedure for the examination of submissions regarding violations which was developed on the basis of the OECD guidelines and experience of other countries. During this period, the MoFA has also become involved in various activities for awareness-rising and capacity-building in order to explain the issues of responsible entrepreneurship and sustainability. As regards the promotion of the coordination of development cooperation and the economic policies of Latvia and their instruments, a targeted work is required in this field also in the next programming period which should be implemented in a coherent manner with measures for the promotion of involvement of the private sector and establishment of multidisciplinary partnerships. Coherence of development cooperation and security policies, and their implementation instruments has grown organically, and the policies implemented in respect of the EU Eastern Partnership and Central Asian countries have not conflicted with each other. At the same time, in order to strengthen a common understanding of interactions between security and development, and also to promote efficient use of the instruments for support to partner countries which are available to Latvia and their complementary effect, a systematic approach is necessary to ensure coherence by ensuring primarily regular information exchange and consultations. In the 2021-2027 programming period • Continue strengthening coordination between the development cooperation, economic policy, and security policy, including by ensuring systematic information exchange and consultations. • In the context of involvement of the private sector in development cooperation, continue strengthening the understanding of conformity with the principles of corporate social responsibility in partner countries. • Strengthen the understanding of policy planners and decision makers regarding principles of the Policy Coherence for Sustainable Development (hereinafter - the PCSD) and the impact of the policies implemented by Latvia on partner countries and global sustainable development. Preliminary impact assessment: strengthening of coordination and conformity with the PCSD principles may be ensured within the framework of the existing budget and human resources. In a situation where administrative burden will increase, it can be justified by a need to meet the commitment of Latvia to ensure conformity with the PCSD principles. The abovementioned measures will have a positive social impact, a positive impact on the environment, and also the quality of business environment because it is intended to promote both conformity with the PCSD principles in the development and introduction of action policies and conformity with the principles of corporate social responsibility in entrepreneurship. 1 In accordance with the International Assistance Law (2008). At the same time in practice Latvia applies a set of definitions of international organisations, particularly OECD. The role of development cooperation is to promote the opportunities for developing countries to participate in global economy and to strengthen the ability of people of such countries to pull themselves out of poverty and to fully participate in the society. In implementing development cooperation, sustainable development should be promoted in all three of its dimensions - social, economic, and environmental. The planned impact of development cooperation is physical, institutional, social, environmental or other positive contribution to the society, community or a group of persons of the partner country via single or several development cooperation instruments. Development cooperation instruments strengthen the ability of the country or territory to use their human, financial, and natural resources capital in a sustainable, effective, and efficient manner. 2 This list is regularly updated and available on the website at: http://www.oecd.org/dac/stats/daclist.htm. 3 The UN maintains and regularly updates the list of least developed countries (https://unctad.org/topic/vulnerable-economies/least-developed-countries/listhttp://www.un.org/en/development/desa/policy/cdp/ldc/ldc_list.pdf). 4 This list is regularly updated and available on the website at: https://unctad.org/topic/vulnerable-economies/least-developed-countries/list. 5 https://www.pkc.gov.lv/lv/attistibas-planosana/ano-ilgtspejigas-attistibas-merki 6 EU Council conclusions on Team Europe global response to COVID-19 (5 June 2020). Available: https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-8630-2020-INIT/lv/pdf 7 EU Council conclusions on digital for development (D4D) (20 November 2017). Available: https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-14542-2017-INIT/lv/pdf 8 EU Council conclusions on EU engagement with civil society in external relations (19 June 2017). Available: https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-10279-2017-INIT/lv/pdf 9 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions. A Union of Equality: Gender Equality Strategy 2020-2025 (5 March 2020) (COM/2020/152 final) https://ec.europa.eu/transparency/regdoc/rep/1/2020/LV/COM-2020-152-F1-LV-MAIN-PART-1.PDF 10 The new EU Strategy on Central Asia and EU Council conclusions on a new strategy on Central Asia (17 June 2019). Available: https://www.consilium.europa.eu/lv/press/press-releases/2019/06/17/central-asia-council-adopts-a-new-eu-strategy-for-the-region/ 11 EU Council conclusions on EU Eastern Partnership policy beyond 2020 (11 May 2020). Available: https://www.consilium.europa.eu/lv/press/press-releases/2020/05/11/eastern-partnership-policy-beyond-2020-council-approves-conclusions/ 12 OECD, DAC Recommendation on the Humanitarian-Development-Peace Nexus, OECD/LEGAL/5019 13 OECD, DAC Recommendation on Ending Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment in Development Co-operation and Humanitarian Assistance: Key Pillars of Prevention and Response, OECD/LEGAL/5020 14 OECD Recommendations and declarations binding upon Latvia in development cooperation are available at: https://legalinstruments.oecd.org/en/instruments?mode=advanced&themeIds=2&adherentIds=111 15 Annual Report of the Minister of Foreign Affairs on the accomplishments and further work with respect to national foreign policy and the European Union (2020). Available: https://www.mfa.gov.lv/images/ministrija/Arpolitikas_zinojums_2020.pdf 16 National Development Plan of Latvia for 2021-2027, NDP2027 indicative set of investment projects. Available: https://www.pkc.gov.lv/nap2027 17 State Defence Concept (2016). Available: https://likumi.lv/ta/id/282964-parvalsts-aizsardzibas-koncepcijas-apstiprinasanu 18 National Security Concept (2019). Available: https://likumi.lv/ta/id/309647-par-nacionalas-drosibas-koncepcijas-apstiprinasanu 19 State Defence Concept - draft (2020). Available: https://www.mod.gov.lv/sites/mod/files/document/AiMVAK_2020_projekts.pdf 20 Conceptual Report on Increasing the Financing for Development Cooperation for 2021-2025. Available: https://likumi.lv/ta/id/313883 21 Priority areas have been identified to the extent possible using the codes of target fields of the OECD DAC Creditor Reporting System (CRS++). 22 Including by contributing also to the SDG 11 Sustainable cities and communities, in particular to the targets which refer to development of rural areas. 23 Including by contributing also to the SDG 10 Reduce inequality, target 10.7 - facilitate orderly, safe, and responsible migration and mobility of people, including through implementation of planned and well-managed migration policies. 24 In particular in the context of targets of SDG 2 Zero hunger which are aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture. 25 During development of the Guidelines, countries where the military contingent of Latvia is located include Afghanistan (LDC), Iraq, and Mali (LDC). Civil experts are located in Georgia and Ukraine. 26 Joint Statement by the Council and the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States meeting within the Council, the European Parliament and the European Commission: The European Consensus on Humanitarian Aid. Available: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/LV/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:42008X0130(01)&from=EN 27 Latvia provides humanitarian aid in accordance with the procedures laid down in the Law on International Assistance (available: https://likumi.lv/ta/id/175254-starptautiskas-palidzibas-likums) and Cabinet Regulation No. 721 of 12 December 2017, Procedures for the Receipt and Provision of Humanitarian Aid. Available: https://likumi.lv/ta/id/295778-humanas-palidzibas-sanemsanas-un-sniegsanas-kartiba 28 OECD, DAC Recommendation on the Humanitarian-Development-Peace Nexus, OECD/LEGAL/5019 29 The participation of Latvian civil experts in international missions and operations for 2020-2022 is determined in the Informative Report "On Participation of Latvian Civil Experts in International Missions and Operations for 2020-2022" which has been examined at the Cabinet sitting of 18 February 2020 (minutes of the Cabinet sitting No. 7 of 18 February 2020, Par. 41). 30 Political declaration of the high-level political forum on sustainable development (2019). Available: https://undocs.org/en/A/RES/74/4 31 Budget programme "Development Cooperation Projects and International Assistance" of the MoFA. 32 Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Cabinet examines the informative report on the course of implementation of the Development Cooperation Policy Guidelines of Latvia for 2016-2020. Available: https://www.mfa.gov.lv/aktualitates/zinas/62796-ministru-kabinets-izskata-informativo-zinojumu-par-latvijas-attistibas-sadarbibas-politikas-pamatnostadnu-2016-2020-gadam-izpildes-gaitu 33 At the moment of approval of the Guidelines for 2016-2020, apart from the abovementioned Georgia and Ukraine, such were also Afghanistan, Iraq, and Mali. 34 Financing primarily the participation in the interdisciplinary training programme for professionals of the European Neighbourhood Policy, the Western Balkan and Central Asian countries "Intensive Programme in European Law and Economy" which is implemented by the Riga Graduate School of Law. 35 The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Cabinet examines the informative report on involvement of Latvian civil exports in international missions and operations. Available: https://www.mfa.gov.lv/aktualitates/zinas/65484-ministru-kabineta-izskata-informativo-zinojumu-par-latvijas-civilo-ekspertu-dalibu-starptautiskajas-misijas-un-operacijas 36 According to the original data, in 2019, multilateral aid accounted for 87 % of the ODA of Latvia. 37 Minutes of the Cabinet sitting No. 43 of 18 September 2018, Par. 29. Available: http://tap.mk.gov.lv/mk/mksedes/saraksts/protokols/?protokols=2018-09-18; Cabinet minutes of sitting No. 56 of 10 December 2019, Par. 93.§. Available: http://tap.mk.gov.lv/mk/mksedes/saraksts/protokols/?protokols=2019-12-10 38 Supported by the Cabinet of the Republic of Latvia on 2 September 2020 39 Cabinet Regulation No. 123 of 3 March 2020, Procedures for the Implementation of Calls for Grant Project Proposals (Cabinet minutes No. 9 of 3 March 2020, Par. 4). Available: https://likumi.lv/ta/id/313282-granta-projektu-konkursu-istenosanas-kartiba Translation © 2022 Valsts valodas centrs (State Language Centre) |
Document information
Title: Par Attīstības sadarbības politikas pamatnostādnēm 2021.–2027. gadam
Issuer: Cabinet of Ministers
Type:
order
Document number: 245Adoption: 14.04.2021.Entry into force: 14.04.2021.Publication: Latvijas Vēstnesis, 73, 16.04.2021.
OP number:
2021/73.7
Language:   Policy planning document Title: Attīstības sadarbības politikas pamatnostādnēm 2021.–2027. gadam Type: guidelinesField of politics: Development cooperation; Foreign policy and general issues of the EU Responsible authority: Ministry of Foreign Affairs Related documents
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