New report identifies DFID as “development world leader”
LONDON, United-Kingdom, March 31, 2009/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The Capability Review of the Department for International Development, published today, identifies the department as a top-performing government department and “a world leader in the field of development”. The report states that DFID has “impressive leadership” and a “clear vision”, with the ability to “facilitate fresh thinking” on more effective models of international aid delivery. The report also highlights some clear and immediate challenges for supporting developing countries and maintaining public support during the global economic downturn.
DFID’s Capability Review was carried out as part of a government-wide review programme designed to improve the performance of the Civil Service. The report highlights various areas of strength, including:
A uniquely influential position in the international development community based on strong policy analysis, ‘impressive capability of its staff’ and ‘real authority’ on the ground.
A strong improvement in working across Whitehall to help shape wider government policies on trade climate change, migration, international collaboration and responses to the global financial crisis.
Improvements in governance, financial capability and performance management across the organisation.
Nemat Shafik, DFID’s Permanent Secretary, said:
“This review shows that DFID is a highly effective Government department with motivated staff and a reputation for leadership in the world of international development. It also recognises the huge range of work DFID staff have done to improve our effectiveness in fighting poverty. DFID is now working very closely with other Government departments to tackle the complex range of issues which affect world poverty, including the current economic situation, conflict, insecurity and climate change.
“But there are increasing challenges ahead. The downturn is having serious consequences on developing countries as well as the UK. This review makes clear how important DFID’s work is in these difficult times. DFID is committed to meet the challenges of the downturn by making tough decisions on priorities, building new skills, continually improving our effectiveness and building a strong constituency for development amongst the UK public and internationally.”
Douglas Alexander, Secretary of State for International Development, said:
“I greatly welcome this report, which once again confirms DFID’s standing as a world leader in development and a top performing Government department. This report confirms DFID is an effective organisation and that the UK public can have confidence that tax-payers’ money is delivering real results for poor people.”
SOURCE : UK Department for International Development (DFID)
