Interview with Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi

              Ms. Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi

“Economic growth should be intrinsically linked to This time we speak to Ms. Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi, Director of the Democratic Governance Group of the Bureau for Development Policy, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Fraser-Moleketi gives us an insight on the importance of social justice, accountability, equality and dignity for shaping a new global governance framework for sustainable human development and suggests a role for the 15^th IACC in that context.

If you could describe your aspirations for 2012 in three words, what would it be?

Equality, inclusion and accountability.

2012 may be a year of leadership change in many countries, notably in USA, France, China and Russia. What would be your key request to the new leaders?

During this year of leadership change, there is a strong push to focus inwardly. I would hence encourage that all world leaders, including those from China, France, Russia, and USA, continue their support and engagement for multilateralism to tackle global challenges of inequality, climate change and uneven human development.

In the context of emerging powers like the BRICS, what role would you like to see these countries playing in terms of global governance?

The BRICS countries are playing a vital role in promoting development in the global south – especially through investments in infrastructure and exchange of good practices for economic growth. For instance, the trilateral partnership between India, Brazil and South Africa has not only lead to exchange of ideas and cooperation between the three countries but also establishing viable and replicable projects in other developing countries.

Having said that, BRICS countries also have an important role in strengthening multilateralism and shaping a new global governance framework for sustainable human development. Their economic collaboration presents an opportunity to reflect strong governance principles and policies that ensures the rights, dignity and security for all citizens.

Protests all over the world have shown that people are lacking trust in their leaders, governments and financial systems. The 14^th IACC’s focus was on Restoring Trust – Global Action for Transparency – What do you think has to be done at the next edition of the IACC in Brazil this year to follow up on issues of trust?

I think the current uprisings across the world are the result of breakdown of social contract between States and citizens – a social contract that guarantees justice, equality, dignity and basic security. For example, the popular protests in the Arab States have clearly demonstrated that economic growth alone without social justice, equality and human dignity will not enable States to effectively upheld social contract. Economic growth should be intrinsically linked to promotion of principles of democratic governance.

The next session of the IACC should come up with principles for stronger social contracts that would make States more inclusive, responsive and accountable.