"The World Solidarity Fund to eradicate poverty in the world" [2/3]
1) PRELIMINARY DATA ON THE PROPOSED FUND
1-1 Characteristics of the Tunisian initiative:
The World Solidarity Fund is aimed at reinforcing international action in the fight against poverty and at accelerating the pace of social and human development in the poorest countries.
In this way, it comes as a supplement to the various initiatives taken during the past few years within world conferences and the United Nations system, notably the new plan for alleviating the debt burden of most indebted poor nations, coordinated by the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund; actions undertaken to develop micro-funding institutions; consolidation of NGO activities, specifically in the area of micro-funding; or assistance to poor countries by bilateral donors, notably through their agencies or administrations in charge of cooperation for development.
Compared with such activities, the Tunisian initiative does however have its own characteristics:
- First, it calls on human solidarity and thus addresses an ongoing deficit and impoverishment in the area of human solidarity worldwide.
It contributes in promoting and defending all rights of the human person and in safeguarding its dignity.
The Millennium Declaration was marked by this spirit, particularly Section III, "Development and Poverty Eradication", focusing on solidarity as a fundamental and universal value that should underlie international relations in the 21st century.
Thus, the Tunisian initiative is aimed at mobilizing society to fight against poverty through solidarity between states and within states, so as to mobilize the resources and energies required in helping develop the most destitute communities and areas.
Second, it is based on Tunisia's long and successful experience in fighting against poverty and mobilizing national solidarity to develop the poorer communities and areas. Tunisia was successful in reducing monetary poverty to 6%, down from nearly 40% in the mid-1960's; it is periodically mentioned by international organizations as one of the countries with the most spectacular results in this area.
The National Solidarity Fund, more widely known as the 26-26 Fund, established in 1993, completes in 2000 an ambitious program of activities in 1,327 disadvantaged areas requiring allocations amounting to nearly 500 million dollars over an eight-year period, aimed at promoting all disadvantaged areas in the country as a whole through providing them with amenities and basic infrastructure and improving the living conditions and income of their populations.
Finally, it follows that Tunisia's proposal is operational in nature thanks to the know-how acquired in designing and implementing development programs benefiting the poorest communities and areas.
This know-how may be made available to concerned countries and international organizations.
Finally, according to the Tunisian approach, solidarity is viewed in its widest meaning and is not restricted to financial aspects. Obviously, the Fund needs financial resources to finance its activities, but other forms of solidarity could be given expression: in-kind donations, contributions in technology and know-how, communities and individuals taking part through their own work, taking advantage of various capabilities and experiences in the area of development and promotion of poor areas and communities, etc... The Fund will thus be open to all "contributions" supplementing "the initial offer", and diversifying approaches in a complex field where each individual needs the experience of others.
Presentation I UN Resolution I Support to the initiative I Tunisia's experience I Forum I News briefs I Links I Home
