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Haiti

Action Plan for National Recovery and Development of Haiti

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PREFACE

The Action Plan for National Recovery and Development of Haiti that we are presenting to our partners in the international community indicates the requirements to be fulfilled so that the earthquake, devastating as it was, turns into a window of opportunity so that, in the Head of State's words, the country can be reconstructed. This is a rendezvous with history that Haiti cannot miss. We must obtain results; we owe it to our children and our children's children.

The solidarity expressed spontaneously in the hours following the disaster by Haitian men and women at home and abroad, as well as by the international community towards our people, gives us the confidence we need in this historic duty.

The plan that we are putting forward is based on a joint effort of reflection and consultation. In diplomatic circles, formal and constructive talks have made us aware of the expectations of our international partners and allowed us to explain to them our choices for the future. On technical issues, national officials, supported by international experts, have carried out an assessment of damage and losses as part of the PDNA (Post Disaster Needs Assessment), which is an integral part of this plan.

This proposal is Haitian because, despite the very tight schedule, key sectors of Haitian society were consulted. This is the same for all Haitians living abroad who have mobilised themselves and have shown that their commitment to the future of the country remains a strong binding factor of active solidarity.

These efforts and consultations are ongoing and will continue in the weeks and months ahead.

We must learn from this national tragedy, which is why the proposal not only encompasses the affected areas but also calls for structural changes affecting the entire national territory. We must re-verse the spiral of vulnerability by protecting our people from natural disasters, managing our water catchment areas to make them safe and productive in a sustainable way, and stimulating the development of regional centres that can provide quality of life and future prospects for a growing population.

The challenge that lies ahead is enormous. This is why, as the Secretary-General of the OECD and the Chairman of the Development Assistance Committee has pointed out, we must find new ways to cooperate, based on the principles of the Paris Declaration and those pertaining to operations in Fragile States, particularly by making the strengthening of the state central to our action.

With this in mind, we must strengthen the links between all regions of the country and encourage the strengthening of the regional partnerships that will create opportunities for change all over the country, the Caribbean and beyond.

We need to connect these regions using not only a network of roads but also adequate port and airport facilities and a range of public services that are suited to economic and social development needs, particularly in terms of education and access to quality healthcare services.

We must act now, but with a clear vision for the future. We need to agree on a short-term program, while creating mechanisms that enable us to prepare and implement detailed programmes and projects that will lead to clear action within a ten-year timeframe.

We understand the importance of reviewing our political, economic and social governance. We pledge to act in this regard.