During fiscal 2000, donor relations activities were reorganized around major policy areas, including poverty reduction strategies, global public goods, and the Global Development Gateway. In addition, bilateral, multilateral, private, and export agencies came together to cofinance activities supporting common development objectives. (see Table 1.1a for a list of consultations and seminars with donors and other institutions.)
The Strategic Partnership with Africa (SPA, formerly Special Program of Assistance for Africa) represents the major coordinating instrument for aid to Africa. The fifth three-year phase (SPA-5, 2000-02) was launched in December 1999. SPA donors and supporting institutions pledged about $4.0 billion in highly concessional quick-disbursing cofinancing and coordinated assistance to support growth strategies and programs aimed at reducing poverty in low-income, debt-burdened countries. Donors stressed the need to strengthen the poverty focus of SPA-supported programs through the PRSP approach, and to improve aid effectiveness by tracking donor support for sectoral programs.
The Japan Social Development Fund was newly established by the government of Japan in June 2000 as a tool to address the social consequences of the 1997—99 economic and financial crisis. This new facility, amounting to approximately $93 million, will provide grant assistance for innovative social programs to help improve living conditions of poor and vulnerable groups affected by the crisis, in particular through community-driven development processes, including capacity building at the grassroots level.
The Bank—Netherlands Partnership Program is an umbrella agreement between the Dutch Authorities and the Bank to channel funds for global and regional initiatives. In fiscal 2000, the program helped address a wide range of development issues, including poverty, gender, good governance, and social sectors. The program has 87 projects, amounting to $71 million. In addition, nearly $30 million was approved by the Dutch authorities in late fiscal 2000.
