//  The Platform at Busan - participating & reporting

Two staff from the secretariat went to Busan together with Platform co-chair Brian Baldwin and other members (WFP, FAO). This included distribution of the Platform's "evidence" paper, knowledge pieces and other basic Platform documentation. Specially designed 'roll-up screens' were prepared and used to provide information and targeted 'messages' to participants. They supported the organisation of the IFAD/OECD/WFP side event co-hosted by the Platform as well as two mini-debates and reported on the proceedings of ARD-focussed side events as well as on other content relevant to you.

//  ARD at HLF-4

Overall, side events and mini debates with a direct ARD-focus – especially the one co-organised by the Platform and by IFAD (together with OECD & WFP) – were well attended and included donors, civil society, private sector and partner countries. Attendances, according to informal feedback from OECD colleagues, were above average for the respective events. The large number of concurrent events, plus the plenary sessions, prevented greater attendance. Themes and messages were well articulated and should give the basis for more focussed messaging in the near future as well as contributing to discussions on what topics need specific follow up. The ARD community displayed itself as united behind its main messages. In side events with foci on subjects other than ARD, ARD still was mentioned a number of times. Attendees agreed on throughout that ARD is a subject of highest priority for achieving MDG 1.

From this perspective the ARD community did a good job with its attempt to get better recognition. However, the outcome document and the speeches in the opening ceremony did not mention ARD. Speakers highlighted health, women's rights and education as primary concerns for development. However, the outcome document text was always intended to be on a political level with a focus on the Paris processes. What did get emphasised was – and this is particularly relevant for ARD – the importance and nature of partnership between ARD stakeholders. This was stressed by Homi Kharas, who chaired the panel in the final plenary and introduced a specific discussion on the need for a "Global Partnership for Agriculture".

//  Relevance of Outcome Document for ARD

Informal feedback indicates that while the outcome document represents an important consensual document – insofar as it is endorsed by donors, partner countries, civil society, emerging economies and private sector – it has required sections that are caveated. So one could say, at least with this slight frustration the ARD community was not alone. Nevertheless some constituencies managed to get a paragraph with their special interest into the document – for example 'Statistics for Results' with para 18c. This will have important consequences for the work currently underway on agricultural statistics.

//  Downloads

Busan Partnership Agreement_English

Busan Partnership Agreement_French

Platform Evidence Paper

Platform Knowledge Pieces

Targeted Platform poster for Busan

Opening ceremony speeches