New white paper: fair distribution is key to development

Minister of International Development Heikki Eidsvoll Holmås is today launching the white paper Sharing for prosperity: Promoting democracy, fair distribution and growth in development policy. The Government is presenting a range of new measures to be used in the fight against poverty. 

“1.2 billion people are living in extreme poverty in the world today. Despite many countries experiencing strong economic growth, poverty does not disappear on its own. Instead, the disparities between rich and poor within countries are increasing. This is unfair. The world needs a more fair distribution of power and resources,” said Minister of Development Heikki Eidsvoll Holmås.

In order to fight poverty, jobs need to be created that pay a living wage. Support for workers’ and employers’ organisations and labour inspection authorities will therefore be increased. It is also important to support civil society actors. In the white paper, the Minister of International Development makes clear that Norway will increase its efforts to ensure that countries can collect their own tax revenues and combat the leakage of tax revenues to tax havens. Norway will also support the establishment of a group of independent experts who can help developing countries to renegotiate unfair agreements with multinational companies.

“It is crucial that developing countries themselves take responsibility for their own development and for combating poverty. Norway will support countries that wish to establish schemes for facilitating direct cash transfers, particularly to women. Research shows that schemes of this kind help to reduce hunger and give children access to education and health services. When, in addition, decent jobs are created, it is possible to achieve growth that benefits the whole population,” said Mr Holmås. 

In the white paper, the Government also announces that it will give priority to cooperation with countries that show a positive trend over time with regard to democracy and human rights.  

Press contact: Communication adviser Astrid Sehl, phone +47 922 84 752