Chief of UN development agency calls for common framework for globalization

The head of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) today called for better international trade rules to help the poor in developing nations make further progress, as he arrived in India on his first official visit to Asia focusing on globalization, earthquake relief, and recovery from other natural disasters.

"While strong, individual countries will continue to be the crucial element in globalization, international cooperation is vital in providing the framework of common values and rules which make the system more inclusive," Kemal Dervis, who became UNDP's Administrator in August, said at an international economic conference in Mumbai.

Mr. Dervis praised the economic dynamism of India, but said its efforts to incorporate inclusive globalization into its policies were particularly important. "The UN supports India's efforts to broaden the base of growth and combine a dynamic market economy with strong social policies," he said.

Mr. Dervis expects to meet with Finance Minister Palaniappan Chidambaram and other officials in New Delhi on Thursday to discuss financing mechanisms for India's human development, employment for the rural poor, and the role of the private sector in boosting the country's ability to reach its development goals.

UNDP's 2005 Human Development Report noted that India's strong, sustained economic growth has not yet produced equivalent progress in such key areas as child and maternal mortality. Gender inequality is also cited as a serious concern. As is the case in many emerging market countries, growth needs to be more pro-poor if development goals are to be met, the agency says.

After leaving India, Mr. Dervis plans to continue on to Thailand and Pakistan, where he will join Secretary-General Kofi Annan on a tour of South Asia's earthquake-devastated areas next week. The two officials will represent the UN at the international conference on earthquake recovery in Islamabad on 19 November.