Since the launch of the New Alliance in 2012, Oxfam America has participated in the Leadership Council (an informal grouping of G8 representatives, Heads of State, and company and some CSO representatives) to provide guidance on the initiative.
By taking this position on an interim basis, Oxfam hoped to improve the transparency of private sector commitments made under the Alliance and accountability in the Leadership Council by pushing for a Terms of Reference; while lobbying for a change of direction that will allow small-scale producers and women to benefit from these investments, rather than face exclusion, dispossession and marginalization.
In line with our interim mandate, the recent meeting of the Council held in New York on September 22nd marks the last meeting in which Oxfam America will participate. After two years of engagement with some limited progress in improving the transparency and accountability of the Council, Oxfam has concluded our participation but will continue to press for reforms to influence countries participating in the New Alliance.
This post outlines some thoughts, reflections and continued concerns from the Oxfam confederation regarding the Alliance some two years after the creation of the initiative.
