Making development more ‘fit for purpose’

The ‘Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness’ addressed the roles of donor and recipient country governments in the achievement of development that is more ‘fit for purpose’. This article considers progress on its implementation, specific to engagement with civil society.It is argued that such engagement has not been adequately addressed. Core ethical issues remain unanswered. Who is development for? What should be its objectives? Why should civil society actors continue to engage in development that remains unfit for purpose in terms of achieving desirable outcomes? Who should decide on priorities and who should evaluate activities so as to achieve an honest appraisal of outcomes? Whose voices matter most, and to whom should donor and recipient country governments be accountable?