The Development Policy Committee is the only body that conducts systematic and broad-based monitoring and analysis of Finnish development cooperation and development policy. The Government appoints the Committee for each government term. Its members represent parliamentary parties, advocacy organisations, CSOs and universities in the UniPID network (Finnish University Partnership for International Development).
The report underlines that democracy support should always be seen as a whole, recognising that democratic institutions, the rule of law and civil space are interconnected. There should be different approaches and means for strengthening democracy in different kinds of situations. The current development policy instruments have been designed to boost democratic development or support a transition from authoritarian rule to democracy. However, these tools are inadequate in times of democratic decline, and more subtle approaches are needed.
Finland must intensify its support for democracy and improve the consistency of its external relations
The main recommendation of the Development Policy Committee report is that Finland’s development policy should increase its efforts to support democracy. Such investment pays off as successful democracy support can create positive cycles of mutually reinforcing elements of democracy development.
Democracy may be at risk anywhere in the world in times of uncertainty. That is why Finland should be more active in defending democracy both nationally and internationally.
Inquiries
- Marikki Karhu, Secretary-General of the Development Policy Committee, tel. +358 50 525 8649, marikki.karhu@gov.fi
