Rapporteur's Report on the International Relations Conference

Abstract

Over the past few decades, global financing for development has changed dramatically. The growing importance of emerging economies in the world economy calls for a paradigm shift in development cooperation and the pursuit of new, more inclusive partnerships to maximize the impact of all sources of development finance. New forms of South-South cooperation (among developing countries) are gaining ground by bringing to the table not only additional financial resources to fill critical funding gaps (such as in infrastructure) but also developing countries’ own knowledge and experience in addressing development challenges at home. The recent decision of Government of India to establish a separate division of Development Partnership Administration within Ministry of External Affairs reflects plans for expansion of India's assistance to developing countries and its firm commitment for timely delivery and effective implementation of its programmes. A new paradigm is clearly discernible in South-South cooperation, for which India's active role needs to be crystallized. A conference to deal in depth with these questions was planned for 14-15 December, 2013 in Pune, India at which leaders, senior officials, eminent academics and experts in the area of development from a number of countries was expected to take part. The Symbiosis Institute of International Studies (SIIS) was proud to announce this conference, in collaboration with the MEA, GOI, wherein constructive dialogue will contribute in shaping the contours of this evolving agenda. The objectives of the Conference were: (i) To provide a platform for academicians, researchers, corporates and policy makers to delve into the multifarious aspects of development partnerships; (ii) To present an opportunity to look into how India's role in the development landscape has evolved over the past decade, and as a provider of development assistance, what are the distinguishing features of India's development partnership approach; (iii) To discuss different ways in which India's corporate sector has engaged in Asia and Africa; what has been the role of the government, and; how can the civil society be effectively engaged in the same; and (iv) To facilitate discussion of partnerships for inclusive development, especially with the objective of innovating South-South Cooperation.