Consultations with Nordic countries

August 23-24, 2004 
Stockholm, Sweden; Helsinki, Finland; Oslo, Norway

Stockholm, Sweden: Sida (Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency)
A presentation of the outline by Michael Walton was followed by a broad discussion with several Swedish stakeholders.  Topics touched upon include:

• Relationship between gender and equity issues
• Time dimension
• Best practices to be learned from case studies
• Poor statistics in general for the study of equity in development countries
• Cross country differences and mobility aspects
• Impact of shocks: Inequality often does not come from growth but from contractions
• Sweden not really focused on equity until after World War II; Sweden focused first on equity of outcomes but is now focused more on equity of opportunity
• How to build equity -- cannot be imposed from outside
• What should come first, growth or equity?
• Equitable institutions are key to reaching an equitable society
• Historical analyses should focus on processes and institutions
• Interaction with economic historians to learn about transition processes and determinant factors would be useful. What can Africa learn from the Swedish experience?
• The Swedish equity model did not evolve by itself: conflict & struggle were key.

Helsinki, Finland: Ministry of Foreign Affairs
A broad and extensive discussion followed a presentation by Michael Walton. The Finland case was thoroughly discussed.  Its transition to a more equitable society came very late. It was also noticed that Finland was a Bank borrower as late as the early 60s. Finland has also experienced several external economic and financial shocks during the last half century, which makes it a case study relevant to developing countries. It was also noted that the UN-WIDER (World Institute for Development Economic Research) has made extensive research and analysis of equity issues in developing countries.

Oslo, Norway: Ministry of Foreign Affairs
In meetings with Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials, NORAD staff, and academics similar issues were raised.  Norway is keen to support work on how the human rights perspective can inform the report.