With the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals, the need for co-ordinated action is more urgent than ever. The Development Cooperation Report 2015 explores the potential of networks and partnerships to create incentives for responsible action, as well as innovative, fit-for-purpose ways of coordinating the activities of diverse stakeholders. To be effective, it is essential that partnerships addressing these global goals be country-led.
The report looks at a number of existing partnerships working in diverse sectors, countries and regions to draw lessons and provide practical guidance. This includes case studies on The Gates Foundation, the Global Partnership for Education, and the International Dialogue on Peacebuilding and Statebuilding, and profiles on development cooperation providers such as DAC. It highlights that action should be accountable, coordinated and effective, and experience-based to fully realise the potential of partnerships for post-2015 action. Although governments will remain the key actors in the implementation of the new post-2015 goals, the role of non-state actors such as civil society, foundations and business is growing.
Drawing on lessons from 5 concept chapters, 11 global case studies and insights from policy makers and politicians, the report proposes 10 success factors that provide a framework for making partnerships effective coalitions for action:
- Secure high-level leadership
- Ensure partnerships are country-led and context-specific
- Avoid duplication of effort and fragmentation
- Make governance inclusive and transparent
- Apply the right type of partnership model for the challenge
- Agree on principles, targets, implementation plans and enforcement mechanisms
- Clarify roles and responsibilities
- Maintain a clear focus on results
- Measure and monitor progress towards goals and targets
- Mobilise the required financial resources and use them effectively
