Positive results for MDF over 2008

The Management for Development Foundation (MDF) - one of Euforic's members based in the Netherlands but with antennas in Brussels, Asia and Africa - has just released its Annual Report 2008.

MDF supports the enhancement of management practices, capacities, and skills within organisations active in the area of development and international cooperation, applying a specific and client-focused approach. Its clientele ranges from multilateral organisations to small NGOs, both in the South and in the North.

The past year has been rather positive for the organisation, showing a steady increase in activities and turnover, plus some changes in its operational management.

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Slovak Aid Report 2008

Slovak Aid just released its National Programme of Official Development Assistance for 2008. The report takes stock of accomplishments in 2007 and looks ahead to plans for this year.

According to the authors, 2007 was a milestone for the institutionalisation of Slovak Development Assistance with the incorporation of the Slovak Agency for International Cooperation (Slovak Aid) and the Slovakian Act on ODA, which became effective in 2008.

The report acknowledges a shortfall in the long-term commitment to achieve the ODA target of 0,33% by 2015. Currently the volume is stagnating, which is explained by low allocations to bilateral ODA and a rapid GDP growth.

Programme assistance is provided to Serbia and Montenegro. Sectoral aid goes to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ukraine, Belarus, Afghanistan, Kazakhstan and Kenya. Priority areas are the development of democratic institutions and market environments, infrastructure, landscaping, environmental protection, agriculture and food security.

For 2008, Slovak Aid will concentrate on cooperation with other donors (mainly the Austrian Development Agency, European Commission, UNDP) and the application for EC funds with an emphasis on development education and awareness raising. Additionally, Slovak Aid committed itself to continue strengthening its institutional framework as well as improving the coherence, aid effectiveness and monitoring of Slovak ODA.

by Martin Behrens

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Visit the Slovak NGDO Platform to learn more about civil society contributions to Slovak development cooperation.