Erik Solheim new chair of OECD’s Development Assistance Committee

Former Minister of the Environment and International Development Erik Solheim is to be the new chair of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s (OECD’s) Development Assistance Committee (DAC). 

Mr Solheim takes over the chairmanship from Brian Atwood, from the US, who will step down at the end of the year. 

Norway’s present Minister of International Development, Heikki Eidsvoll Holmås, commented, “Erik Solheim has extensive knowledge, broad experience and a large international network. He will be a forward-looking and dynamic leader.” 

The DAC chair is elected for one year at time, and may be re-elected for a total period of four years. 

“I am looking forward to being an advocate for the world’s poor in international arenas. One of the areas I will focus on is the linkage between development and the environment. I will also work for more private sector engagement in developing countries, and I will extend a welcome to China and other new donors,” Mr Solheim said. 

DAC has 24 member countries and is based in Paris. It contributes to sustainable development by promoting close cooperation in the field. Monitoring transfers of development assistance is one important task. It also reviews member countries’ development policy, draws up analyses, and encourages exchange of experience. 

You can read more about DAC on its website.

(Erik Solheim nouveau président du Comité d’aide au développement de l’OCDE)