International organisations

Global and cross-border challenges are best solved by means of strong, international cooperation. This is the reason why Denmark is an active and focused partner in the UN and the EU, among others.

Afghan women receive food aid from the UN's World Food Programme (WFP). Denmark is an engaged participant in the work of the UN's.
Photo: UN Photo/UNAMA

The impact of global warming, rising food prices, rapid population growth and pressure on human rights — there are many cross-border challenges and global power structures are undergoing change.

Therefore Denmark is an active player in international cooperation.

The multilateral system sets the standards and has global legitimacy and presence. The multilateral platform simultaneously is a platform for dialogue – also with partners with whom we disagree International cooperation must also deliver results that have a further reach than mere declarations of intent.

In concrete terms we are working to increase our influence and that of the EU in traditional cooperation such as the UN, the World Bank, the IMF and the WTO and in other global fora such as the G20.

UN

Denmark is an engaged participant in the work of the UN and plays a part in setting the ball rolling and influencing the work with Danish views and interests. This means that we work to realise the UN’s Millennium Development Goals. We also work to further freedom, peace and security and to meet other global challenges such as global environmental and climate problems.

EU

The EU is the biggest development policy actor in the world. Together the EU Member States and the EU Commission grant over half of the world’s development assistance. The main objective of EU development policy is to reduce poverty. Community assistance is financed over the EU’s budget and through the European Development Fund.

The World Bank Group

The World Bank Group is considered one of the most important and one of the most efficient channels for transfer of resources to the developing countries.
The Bank is working for example to build up a business-friendly climate in the developing countries that promotes investments, employment and sustainable growth. The bank also works to strengthen the opportunities of the poorest to take part in the development process, among other things by investments in the social sectors.

The Global Environment Facility (GEF)

The Global Environment Facility (GEF) is one of the most important instruments for furthering environmental and climate initiatives in the developing countries. The GEF receives its funds when donors replenish it every fourth year and define guidelines for the coming period. The major part of the funds goes to meeting climate challenges and safeguarding biological diversity in the developing countries. Projects in the areas of water, land and chemicals are also financed.

OECD/DAC

The OECD’s Development Assistance Committee (DAC) became a part of the OECD in 1961. DAC is a forum in which the governments of donor countries and multilateral organisations such as the World Bank and the UN meet to help the developing countries reduce poverty and achieve the UN’s Millennium Development Goals.