Delivering the Monterrey Consensus, which Consensus?

The Economic Paper series is designed to bring to public attention crucial economic issues which are of concern to developing countries. In recent years the series has examined issues such as the instability of capital flows, the position of small states in the global economy, the implications of new trade agreements, agriculture and food security, money laundering and the reform of global financial arrangements. The publications are readable and aimed at academics, policymakers, students and people with a general interest in understanding these topical issues.This publication is a follow-on from the Monterrey Conference on Financing for Development. The Monterrey Conference achieved a significant breakthrough in mobilising commitment on the part of key donors and developing countries to advance the development agenda. These commitments have been (at least partially) built upon at the recent G8 Summit and the World Summit on Sustainable Development. The Monterrey Consensus requires effective follow-up on the part of donors, developing countries and international financial institutions. This publication is based on the Special Theme of the Commonwealth Finance Ministers’ Meeting “Delivering the Millennium Development Goals” held in London, September 2002. Prof. Sen raises some “uncomfortable issues” regarding the soundness of the Monterrey consensus and the need for more inclusive and “interactive encounters” on the basic approach chosen. Ministers are warned that delivering the consensus “will demand from them more than simple midwifery”. This paper includes the report of Civil Society Consultations as an appendix.