Sustainable development in North Africa

1. Sustainable development in North Africa interactions between the three economic, social and environmental components Sustainable Development in North Africa – Expert group meeting -ECA NA- Tunis, 18-21 November 2007

2. few concepts and definitions Sustainable development: simple definitions complex implications common sense solutions development that "meets the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs Sustainable Development in North Africa – The three economic, social and environmental components - Karim Laraki, ECA-NA

3. Operational implications: Economic, social and environmental components Who decides for future generations Common sense solutions Involve all stakeholders: governments, the private sector (SMEs), civil society (NGOs) and demographic potential, researchers, regional and international organizations Synchronize national strategies with regional and international environment Call on facilitators: PPPs, knowledge sharing, ITCs Sustainable Development in North Africa – The three economic, social and environmental components - Karim Laraki, ECA-NA

4. Indicators Vectors Actors Economic growth but full not potential  unemployment Source: Misc (see report). Education and training 1. Low productivity  low wages 2. Inadequacy bwn private sector needs  waste of resources and graduates Sustainable Development in North Africa – The three economic, social and environmental components - Karim Laraki, ECA-NA

5. Indicators Vectors Actors Ecology doesn’t mean just costs Textiles & garments sector a good example Important in economies of the region Challenged by globalization Good market signals: consumer needs and SD concerns Environment protection considerations are becoming as important as price and production issues Source: Misc (see report). Sustainable Development in North Africa – The three economic, social and environmental components - Karim Laraki, ECA-NA

6. Agriculture and rural development Strategic/MDGs Around 10%, often more, of GDP 80 to 90% of water resources 25% of labor force 50% of the population Lagging Few, sometimes no, economic activities Lack of infrastructure (education, health, transport, elec.) Agricultural policies worrying more about urban than rural Unresolved debates Food security, virtual water, what kind of income generating activities Indicators Vectors Actors Sustainable Development in North Africa – The three economic, social and environmental components - Karim Laraki, ECA-NA

7. Indicators Vectors Actors Agriculture and rural development Exogenous factors Desertification World demand, prices of cereals Climate change International community is now involved World Bank (green revolution) ECA (although for quite a while) Support of national initiatives (INDH) Biodiversity and climate change Key indicators Synergies with desertification Sustainable Development in North Africa – The three economic, social and environmental components - Karim Laraki, ECA-NA

8. Indicators Vectors Actors Social policies Allocate the benefits of growth Poverty prevention rather than alleviation Spatial distribution (rural vs urban: subsidies) Generational distribution (environment but also deficits, retirement plans Price of gas: taxes and government budgets real prices (optimal allocations of resources vs purchasing power and competitiveness Sustainable Development in North Africa – The three economic, social and environmental components - Karim Laraki, ECA-NA

9. Indicators Vectors Actors Infrastructure Communication and trade Environment/“Foreign entity” Natural resources Energy NA oil producing as well as non producing (federating theme) Renewable energies, positive impact on environment + econ. CC and electricity shortages as heavy reliance on hydropower Conventional + non conventional connections (TREC) Water Supply is important but managing demand is vital Shared resources (federating theme) Education, R&D Dignity Innovation, enable the actors (young, women, researchers) Sustainable Development in North Africa – The three economic, social and environmental components - Karim Laraki, ECA-NA

10. Indicators Vectors Actors Monitoring and evaluation Measure achievements against objectives and adjust when necessary Crisis management Otherwise development/survival whole regions/countries at stake NA: climate change and Seismic Hazard Knowledge management and sharing Manage knowledge Disseminate knowledge Share experiences, learn from others (successes + errors ECA, leading role, COPs PPPs: cost and efficiency for all actors Sustainable Development in North Africa – The three economic, social and environmental components - Karim Laraki, ECA-NA

11. Indicators Vectors Actors Decision makers: legitimacy Youth: demographic windows of opportunity Women: 50% and know-how in NA Migrants, positive impact on development Sustainable Development in North Africa – The three economic, social and environmental components - Karim Laraki, ECA-NA

12. Indicators Vectors Actors Private sector Engine of growth SMEs fragile but yet dynamic Hasn’t reached full potential, loss of opportunities NA Intra-regional trade low Low share in job creation, public sector still leader Source: Misc (see report). Sustainable Development in North Africa – The three economic, social and environmental components - Karim Laraki, ECA-NA

13. Indicators Vectors Actors Regional and international organizations ECA + UMA + CEN SAD Public goods Synergies between the three conventions Sustainable Development in North Africa – The three economic, social and environmental components - Karim Laraki, ECA-NA

14. Comments please Thank you Karim Laraki klaraki@uneca.org Sustainable Development in North Africa – The three economic, social and environmental components - Karim Laraki, ECA-NA