Former Prime Minister David Cameron will chair a new LSE-University of Oxford commission based at the Blavatnik School of Government to guide policy on economic growth in fragile states.
The commission will find solutions to fragile states and conflict across the world, and Cameron will build on his work as Prime Minister, in which his government increased UK aid spending to the UN target of 0.7 per cent of gross national income and allocated 50 per cent of the aid budget to fragile states and regions.
Chairing of the Commission on State Fragility, Growth and Development will be the third voluntary role Cameron has taken since resigning as an MP.
He is president of Alzheimer’s Research UK and chairs a panel of patrons for the National Citizen Service.
David Cameron commented: “We can’t tackle global poverty or, indeed, improve our own security at home, unless we address the challenges caused by state fragility.
“How do we help support stronger economies and more e ective gover- nance in these countries? How do we help drive out corruption? How do we promote strong civil societies, the building blocks of democracy and the rule of law?
“The Commission aims to generate innovative ideas to help tackle state fragility and state failure, and I am delighted to be working with such a talented team of people.”
The role involves evidence sessions with policy-makers, academics, NGOs and businessmen experienced in dealing with fragile states and conflict. The Commission will aim to find areas of knowledge that are missing and encourage new research.
In a press release on Thursday, The Blavatnik School said: “Cameron’s commission will address fragile and conflict situations globally—where countries are failing, or are at risk of failing, with respect to political authority and legitimacy, and providing basic services such as health, education, security, and rule of law.
“Violent disorder stemming from state fragility has led to the current migration crisis where 65 million people globally—including eleven million Syrians—have fled their homes, becoming either internally displaced or refugees, the highest number since 1945.”
Alongside Cameron, the Commission will be chaired by Dr Donald Kaberuka, former President of the African Development Bank, and Dr. Adnan Khan, Research and Policy Director of the International Growth Centre.
The Commission will be launched in March 2017 and run until June 2018. Mr Kaberuka commented: “The ultimate aim of the SDGs is to leave no-one behind. The global community’s ability to effectively address state capacity and legitimacy, and build resilience in many regions of the world where millions are trapped in fragile situations is fundamental. The fragility commission will seek to advance this critical agenda.”
