The Parliamentary Network, together with the Association of European Parliaments with Africa (AWEPA), the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), and the Network of African Parliamentarians (NAP) is preparing for the High Level Forum on Aid Effectiveness (HLF4)to be held in Busan, South Korea, from 29 November to 1 December 2011. The Parliamentary Network, AWEPA IPU, and NAP are joining forces with the South Korean Parliament to organize a Parliamentary Meeting preceding HLF4 in Busan to encourage debate and ensure the contribution of Parliamentarians during the forum and in the final outcome document. The Parliamentary coalition on HLF4 has produced a detailed list of Legislative Principles for Development Effectiveness to be integrated in the Busan outcome document, for which there is an extensive and ongoing consultation process.

The Parliamentary Network is working diligently in collaboration with the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in order to bring as many Parliamentarians as possible from across the globe to Busan this November. As elected policy makers, with knowledge of regional and national budgets, Parliamentarians are in the perfect position to contribute to their country’s development strategies and initiatives that improve the implementation of international aid. International aid has contributed to economic growth, improved social services, funded projects in education, health and livelihoods and provided humanitarian relief in times of crisis. However, there is still much to be done if we are to achieve our global commitment to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs); Parliamentarians must unite to improve the delivery and implementation of aid.  

In 2010 the Parliamentary Network launched a campaign on aid effectiveness and calling on the World Bank to engage more with donor and partner country Parliamentarians throughout the IDA16 replenishment and implementation cycle in order to build stronger alliances for positive change. To help reach the MDGs in 2015 four key areas should be addressed throughout IDA16: country ownership, strengthening statistical systems, peer review and leading by example in population, health and nutrition programs.

The Parliamentary Network calls on Parliamentarians to engage with their respective governments to encourage debate, policy analysis and bring forward specific country strategies on improving aid effectiveness in preparation for the HLF4 2011. For their part Parliamentarians should become familiar with the previous High Level Forum outcomes - Accra Agenda for Action and the Paris Declaration - and consider their lessons in preparation for the HLF4 2011.