The Readout Dame Meg Taylor x Aid is not development: The true character of Pacific aid
Dec 4, 2023
Dame Meg Taylor, former Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum, discusses the critical relationship between aid and genuine development in the Pacific. She argues that much of Australia’s aid merely cycles back to Australia, emphasizing the need for greater transparency and effectiveness. Meg addresses how geopolitical dynamics influence local engagement and calls for accountability in aid delivery. Highlighting the importance of local knowledge, she advocates for tailored approaches that prioritize the needs of Pacific nations over donor interests.
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Geopolitical Aid Over Community Needs
- Australian aid in the Pacific has shifted towards geopolitical interests rather than genuine community priorities.
- Most aid funds cycle back to Australia, limiting real development in Pacific countries.
Prioritize Local Partnerships and Transparency
- Ensure aid contracts prioritize local Pacific companies and individuals to build regional capacity.
- Make monitoring and evaluation transparent and publicly accessible to build trust and accountability.
Partnering vs. Imposing in Aid
- Pacific nations demand that Chinese infrastructure projects respect their terms and partnerships.
- Japan learned to work with Papua New Guinea by accepting joint decision-making and partnership.