One step closer to full aid transparency – IATI steering group 7 July

The first crucial step has been taken in the long walk towards full aid transparency.

At this week’s International Aid Transparency Initiative meeting, signatories and Steering Committee members agreed the details of what will be published under phase 1 of the Initiative.

This will ensure:

• Data is published in a more timely manner, with agreement that information will be published as soon as possible, and at a minimum, on a quarterly basis. More timely information is a top ask of stakeholders in developing countries.
• Data will be published in a common, open format, so that it is readily accessible, comparable and easy to find.
• More detailed aid data will be published, increasing its relevance to users.

What really stood out at the meeting was the emphasis given from southern countries and partners on the importance of aid transparency for them.

Several positive messages surfaced, namely:

• That there is a need for greater urgency in the aid transparency movement; that transparency has the potential to vastly change international aid for the better, so that it is more effective in its fight against poverty. For this to happen donors need to step up their efforts and show their continued support.
• That IATI will benefit donors as well as those receiving aid. The tracking mechanisms that IATI will put in place will enable donors to ensure that the environment for corruption is not allowed to continue or expand. In turn this gives donors more bang for their buck.

Agreement on Phase 1 is a definite step in the right direction, and it’s one that we welcome. The next phase of IATI must deliver on the priority needs for stakeholders in developing countries, and ensure:

• That information to be published is compatible with national budgets;
• Publication of information on future aid flows;
• Publication of the conditions attached to aid agreements.

With the enthusiasm that has risen to the surface from southern partners at Wednesday’s meeting, we feel that the possibility of these next steps are closer than before. Let’s work together to ensure that this is the case.