Background Research Paper Submitted to the UN High Level Panel on the Post-2015 Development Agenda
The High Level Panel on the Post-2015 Development Agenda set the key task for global development to end extreme poverty by 2030. Fragile and conflict-affected states present a particular challenge to this effort. This paper examines the nature of development challenges in fragile and conflict-affected states and the suitability of the Millennium Development Goals to such contexts. It considers how institutions function both as constraints to, and foundations for, development, and the arguments for including governance factors in the post-MDG framework. It examines the particular challenge of implementation of policies, programs and projects in weak state contexts. Finally, it takes these findings to advance recommendations on ending extreme poverty within fragile states and the type of goals and indicators that would be appropriate.