Get climate into development debate: Clark

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Protest the vulnerable, says former NZ prime minister Helen Clark. [AFP]

Jemima Garrett

Last Updated: Fri, 12 Feb 2010 16:10:00 +1100

Helen Clark, head of the United Nation's Development Agency, has called for climate change to be put at the centre of international development strategies.

In a speech to the Lowy Institute in Sydney, Australia, the former New Zealand prime minister set out a four-point strategy for moving the development agenda forward.

She called for a renewed focus on meeting goals for the future and for climate change to be placed at the centre of development thinking and strategies.

There should be particular attention to vulnerable groups.

"For a number of Pacific Island nations and communities, climate change is not just an abstract issue, not just an environmental or an economic issue," Ms Clark said.

"It is about their very survival."

The agency head said developing countries need support to recover from crises and disasters and to improve their governance.

More use should be made of strong and innovative aid partnerships, she said.