Support to the Secretariat of the voluntary association of conflict affected countries g7+ for the implementation of its Work Plan in 2023

Description What is done in the programme or project and why, what results are pursued, who benefits from the activities and who are involved in the implementation.

Contribution of 250 000 euros to the Secretariat of g7+ to support the implementation of its Work Plan in 2023. g7+ is a voluntary association of countries that are or have been affected by conflict and are now in transition to the next stage of development. The group is currently comprised of 20 countries from Asia, Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific Ocean. g7+ was formed in response to a gap identified by conflict-affected states in the achievement of Millennium Development Goals. The main objectives of g7+ are 1) to implement the New Deal for Engagement in Fragile States -principles; 2) to shape policy on and advocate for reforms to the way development partners engage in countries affected by conflict and fragility; 3) peer learning and cooperation among g7+ member countries; 4) to strengthen g7+ as a platform to advocate peace and statebuilding in countries affected by conflict and fragility and to strengthen g7+ as an organisation; and 5) to implement the Agenda 2030 in fragile states. The objective of the g7+ in 2023 is to contribute to peace and stability in the g7+ countries through concerted advocacy for better engagement in conflict affected countries and Fragile to Fragile cooperation for peer learning and sharing of experiences. The annual budget of g7+ is approximately 3 million USD. g7+ works with fragile states whose support in a comprehensive manner is one of the conclusions of Finland´s Development Policy Results Report 2018. In addition, support to g7+ is well in line with Finland´s activities and objectives in mediation. Finland's current Government Programme states that in Finland’s foreign policy, a stronger priority will be placed on conflict prevention, mediation and peacebuilding. The cooperation with g7+ also contributes to Finland's aim to increase partnerships with African countries as stated in the Government Programme because 12 of g7+ member states are African countries. The covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the need to build resilience in fragile states which is one of the objectives of g7+. At the end of 2021, Finland launched a joint initiative with the organization to promote women's political participation. This bi-annual event focuses on women’s leadership and inclusion.