The second event of the Bank's Green Growth Seminar series hosted by the CCCC and ONEC took place in Tunis on Thursday 3rd May with a presentation by Oxfam on 'Promoting growth within social and planetary boundaries.'

The meeting was chaired by Abou-Sabaa, chair, Climate change coordination committee, who expressed the desire to see Oxfam and the Bank collaborate on country level dialogue with regional member countries (RMCs) as the Bank assists them in articulating the green growth concept in their national development plans, given Oxfam's strong experience working at the grass root level and engagement with civil society. Frank Sperling, chief, Climate change specialist with ONEC.3, presented the Bank's approach towards green growth development in Africa, while Ms. Zeneb Toure, the Bank's principal engagement officer with ORQR4., gave an overview of the Bank's work with civil society in Africa. The meeting was very well attended with about 30 participants including managers and staff from across the Bank, in attendance.

Oxfam presented their perspective, experience and evidence on inclusive, equitable and sustainable growth. They set out their conceptual framework for living within social and planetary boundaries, including the need for an integrated vision that refocuses economic priorities and promotes well designed policies that ensure we live within the environmental ceiling while meeting human needs.

The Oxfam team also highlighted progressive country experiences in inclusive and equitable growth in regions as diverse as Latin America, Asia and Africa; the successful track-record of investing in policies aimed at addressing inequality and stimulating inclusive growth; and the proven need to invest in reducing inequality and tackling climate change as integrated components of an effective green growth strategy. The representatives of the Oxfam team were Alan Brouder, head of Climate change and adaptation; Mamdoue Biteye, regional director, West Africa; Kate Raworth, senior researcher, Climate change and adaptation and Jasmine Burnley, G8, G20 Policy adviser.

Overall, the meeting was a huge success as the discussions that ensued showed that both institutions were on the same thought path, regarding the key issues and concerns, including how these should be addressed as the concept of green growth, especially as it relates to Africa, is framed.

Contacts

Uzoamaka Uloma Nwamarah