Global poverty is a challenge to us all, because it affects us all. In our interdependent world, we must act together to address this global challenge. Development matters. The Transatlantic Taskforce on Development consists of 24 members from the United States, Canada and Europe. Our countries have a joint population of 740 million people, account for around half of all global trade, and provide more than 85 percent of Official Development Assistance (ODA). It is therefore particularly important for these countries to reassess policies and practices with the intention to improve global development outcomes, such as economic and human progress. The combined leadership of North America and Europe can help to accelerate the pace of human development, but only by working together in partnership will we be successful – rather than working alone, or worse, in separate directions. The Taskforce urges leadership on and commitment to development even in the midst of the economic and financial crises that beset the world.

After the launching of the report in the United States and Europe in 2009, the Taskforce conducted a mission to China and Japan to engage with government, NGO and think tank leaders to address the challenges of fulfilling global commitments to food security. China is an important emerging donor and Japan is a leader among traditional donors. Food security is a critical issue impacting policymaking in these countries and their respective relations with the United States and Europe. The outcomes from this Taskforce mission reveal important challenges and opportunities to global cooperation on agriculture. 

Transatlantic Taskforce on Development website

Strengthening the Development Dialogue with Japan and China, August 2010

• Taskforce on Development Podcast: Dialogues in Asia – Japan
• Taskforce on Development Podcast: Dialogues in Asia – China