6: Sustainable Development and Poverty Reduction

Promoting sustainable development and poverty reduction underpinned by human rights, democracy, good governance and protection of the environment

Other Information:

The UK, and its Overseas Territories, cannot be secure or prosperous in isolation. We need to support the aspirations of people around the world, including the most vulnerable, if our security and prosperity are to be lasting. We need to tackle shared global challenges, in particular climate change, epidemic and chronic disease and the loss of natural resources and biodiversity. Tackling climate change will be a high priority because of its likely impact on all our international objectives. We will work with partners in the UN to reach international agreement on practical steps to address the challenge. And we will help countries, particularly in the developing world, adapt to the impacts of climate change. Our long term interests and values are best protected by the spread of democratic values, good government, and respect for human rights. These make conflict less likely, reduce poverty and support sustainable development across the world. Democratic countries are more likely to resolve disputes peacefully, manage their natural resources responsibly, and respect their international commitments. Countries moving towards democracy will need particular attention and support given their vulnerability to internal and external shocks. Eliminating world poverty is both a moral obligation and in our interests. We are committed to achieving the UN target of 0.7% of Gross National Income for development aid by 2013 and will encourage other richer countries to do the same. This will generate vital resources for services, particularly in health and education. We will continue to lead global efforts on debt relief for the poorest countries. And we will work to make sure international commitments made on Africa under our G8 Presidency are met.

Objective(s):

6.1: Democracy and Political Governance

6.2: Universal Human Rights and Humanitarian Standards

6.3: Human Rights in Individual Countries

6.4: Strategy for Engaging the Muslim World

6.5: Millennium Development Goals

6.6: International Finance Facility

6.7: Climate Change

6.8: Human Health Threats

6.9: World Summit Commitments

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