Decentralized Cooperation and the Decentralized Cooperation and the LG/LD StrategyLG/LD Strategy

Validation Workshop on the Strategy for Integrated Local Governance and Local Development Kiev, Ukraine, 13-15 November, 2012

Johannes Krassnitzer

OVERVIEWOVERVIEW

WHY Decentralised CooperationWHY Decentralised Cooperation

Local development is not local anymore. Today global and national processes are strongly linked to and influenced by the local level and vice versa .

A multitude of new actors are looking to position themselves on local development process and within the evolving development cooperation architecture. Many of them DC.

DC brings highly relevant resource: “local knowledge”: the challenge is how link it with the LG/LD process.

A multilateral framework is needed. UNDP has already established such framework.

Increasing Importance of Local and Regional GovernmentsIncreasing Importance of Local and Regional Governments

• Local and regional governments worldwide deliver services for the citizens’ well-beingLocal and regional governments worldwide deliver services for the citizens’ well-being, are mandated to elaborate development plans in partnership with other public and private actors. In many cases the answers for local needs can only be given through linking with intermediate, national or global levels.

• National and multilateral donors have been supporting decentralisation processes and local National and multilateral donors have been supporting decentralisation processes and local

governance in developing countriesgovernance in developing countries for a long time. Evaluations of these programmes have underlined the importance of these processes and the necessity to adopt a multi-level approach, involving both national and sub-national structures.

Peer support to local and regional government Peer support to local and regional government • In parallel, for over many decades, at sub-national level, local and regional governments have

exchanged with and learned from each other, in order to develop and upgrade their capacity and effectiveness in meeting the needs of their people.

• This type of cooperation has become increasingly important as a complementary tool to central government cooperation to support governance in developing countries.

... first time in ...... first time in ...DCFDCF ... the ... the BusanBusan process ... process ... RIO+20RIO+20• DCF includes for the first time DCDCF includes for the first time DC

– Have local authorities the capacities to manage DC in line with their own priorities– How big is the risk of increasing fragmentation of development interventions– Do DC actors possess the capacities, skills and competencies to address local developmental

challenges

One proven way of addressing these challenges is by embedding DC within a multilateral framework

• Recognition of local governments in the declarations of the High Level ForumsRecognition of local governments in the declarations of the High Level Forums– As a result of the lobbying efforts of UCLG, FOGAR and UNDP through the ART Initiative, both the

Accra Agenda for Action (2008) and Busan Partnership for effective development cooperation (2011) recognize the role of local governments in ensuring effective development.

– Donors and other development actors commit to “work more closely […] with local authorities […] in preparing, implementing and monitoring national development policies and plans” (Accra Agenda for Action), because “[…] local governments play critical roles in linking citizens with governments and in ensuring broad-based and democratic ownership of countries’ development agendas.” (Busan Partnership for effective development cooperation)

• RIO+20 RIO+20 – Governance matters a lot for achieving integrated sustainable development – Brokering partnerships including private sector, civil society and local governments

Different Frameworks for DC in EuropeDifferent Frameworks for DC in Europe

Level of provision EU member states Legal framework

High Belgium, France, Italy, Spain, Sweden Legal framework defines parameters of activity of LRG in the provision of development cooperation

Germany (regional), Finland, Netherlands No formal legal framework shaping activity of LRG in development cooperation

Moderate Denmark, Germany (local), UK No legal framework supporting activity of LGR in provision of development cooperation.

Low Hungary, Poland, Latvia, Luxembourg and Romania Legal framework defines parameters of activity of LRG in the provision of development cooperation

Austria, Estonia, Portugal, Malta, Slovenia, Lithuania and Bulgaria

No clear supporting framework that defines capacity of LRG to engage in provision of development cooperation

Czech Republic, Cyprus Ireland, Greece and Slovakia. No legal framework: constraints in the ability of LRG to engage in development cooperation.

DC is also active in Asia, Latin America and Africa, e.g. AFRICITE 2012 DC is also active in Asia, Latin America and Africa, e.g. AFRICITE 2012

DC ... different ModalitiesDC ... different Modalities

Types Focus Timeframe

Twinnings Traditionally to promote mutual understanding and peace; focus on cultural exchange

Since World War II

Solidarity/ reconstruction partnerships After civil wars, national disasters or political persecution For example in Nicaragua, South Africa or more recently in Haiti

Institutional development partnerships Institutional development of local or regional governments (peer-to-peer) or their associations (Association Capacity Building) to effectively manage their responsibilities and tasks in service delivery to their citizens (or members)

Mainly since the 1980s

Thematic network partnerships Networks that focus on tackling challenges such as climate change Since the mid-1980s

Economically motivated partnerships Strategic international positioning to address development issues with a view to engage in business relationships

Particularly since the last decade

Multi-actor partnerships or territorial approach for local and regional development

Local and regional development partnerships targeted at one or more sectors in close partnership with different stakeholders (i.e. CSO), to enhance access to services from the citizens

Mainly since the 1980s

Multi-actor partnerships or territorial approach for local and regional development within a multilateral framework

Local and regional development partnerships articulated within a multilateral framework

Mainly since 2000

DC as important component of ODADC as important component of ODA

... besides obvious more important contributions DC also matters in terms of figures ....

• In the early 1990s Spain saw the rise of a broad citizenship movement pushing for the achievement of the UN target of 0.7% of GDP destined to development cooperation. Autonomous Communities (regions) have their own development cooperation agencies, the provinces implement their own cooperation initiatives and the individual cities or municipalities are also committed to contributing 0.7% of their own budget to development cooperation. 19% of ODA financed by sub national actors.

• There is a long record of Italian local and regional governments active in decentralised development cooperation. Italian regions provide about € 70 million, LGs 15-20 million per year.

• The 16 German Länder, the German regional governments, are keen to raising their international profile and aim to contribute to development cooperation on the basis of complementarities. The financial contributions account for around 8% of the total ODA of Germany.

The European Structured DialogueThe European Structured Dialogue

In March 2010, the European Commission launched a “Structured Dialogue” with Member States, the European Parliament, local and regional authorities, and non-state actors, on the role each should play in European development policy, in particular with regard to the next EU financial period (2014-2020). Results to be reflected in the EC positions on aid effectiveness and for the next multiannual financial framework of the EC.

Involvement of sub-national governments and UNDPInvolvement of sub-national governments and UNDP

PLATFORMA members called for stronger ownership of Southern actors at all levels and recommended improved exchanges in partner countries between the EU delegations and the representative associations of sub-national governments.

UNDP inter alia stressed the advantages of multilateral platforms in enhancing harmonization and alignment of development cooperation initiatives. The importance of linking local with national and international agendas was also highlighted.

UNDP’s work in promoting such dialogue between territories and its people is recognized by the EC. UNDP is informing the finalization of the EC policy as well as providing the

framework for the implementation of concrete initiatives.

UNDP and DC – where do we standUNDP and DC – where do we stand

ART as entry point for DC within UNDP (BERA strategy)

Decentralized cooperation partners at the local level: UNDP work with Decentralized Cooperation over the last years has the potential to be a key part of a platform to build constituencies for development in donor countries. Through its work with regional and local authorities, academic institutions and NGOs, the ART Initiative (Articulation of territorial networks for Sustainable Development) is working on aid effectiveness by enhancing local capacities to articulate the different activities of decentralized cooperation within nationally owned and developed local development plans. Not only do these partners play a crucial role in their respective countries, they have also become major players through their global and regional networks. If UNDP wants to remain a first class development broker, it must reinforce the capacities of developing countries, at sub national level, to access and capture existing and future funding opportunities, and consider how best to facilitate and assist in building the enabling environment for investments.

ART in figures ART in figures

Started: 2006Started: 2006• National Framework Programmes: 19• Regions working with ART: 75• Municipalities working with ART: 375• National Coordination Committees: 19• Territorial Working Groups: 100• Local Economic Development Agencies: 60• Funds mobilized: US$ 156 Millions• 80% implemented at the local level

DC and UNDP are mutually reinforcing - DC in its traditional way contributes to fragmentation – multilateral frameworks at local level are necessary to assure alignment – UNDP

provides a global platform that links DC to local development frameworks – aid/development cooperation effectiveness at local level

PartnersPartners• Bilateral Cooperation: 9• UN Agencies: 12• Development Networks and Foundations: 40• Decentralized Cooperation partners: 600 + • Networks of local and regional governments,

territorial and tematique networks (e.g. LED, water, environment, etc.)

Peer-to-peer learning for enhanced knowledgeTransfer of knowledge and experience between municipalities on a basis of trust and equality enables a genuine learning process. The partnership makes use of the unique in-depth knowledge of local and regional governments on service delivery, good governance and accountability.

Long term support for strengthening the local and regional government sectorThe long term relationship results in trust and good dialogue which enables sustainability and effective and efficient capacity development

Cost-effective sustainable processes through existing structuresStrengthening existing organisations and thus avoiding setting up parallel structures ensures sustainability. As long term consultants do not need to be hired and project offices don’t need to be set up, the partnerships are cost-effective.

Leverage learning effectsThe partnerships can leverage learning effects and knowledge between different levels of government and different levels of society. They contribute to building leadership at the local level.

ReciprocityAs the partnerships are built on a basis of equality, both partners benefit from the partnership; for European partners this mainly results in community development and active citizenship through international visibility, increased capacity of solving problems through access to good practices, and strengthened human resources.

The 5 unique Strengths of Decentralised Development CooperationThe 5 unique Strengths of Decentralised Development Cooperation

Most highlighted outcomesMost highlighted outcomes Improved public service delivery

A strengthened role of local authorities in ongoing decentralisation processes, allowing them to manage local development in a better, more effective way

Accomplishment of principles of transparency, effective citizen participation and accountability

Boosted local authorities credibility and recognition for their role as driving force behind local development

Source: Based on the evaluation of Municipal International Cooperation programmes. interviews with PLATFORMA members and UCLG (2012)

Integrated Local Governance & Local DevelopmentIntegrated Local Governance & Local DevelopmentInstitutional Dimension Institutional Dimension

Sector Ministries

Non-State Actors

National Advocacy Groups

Development Partners

• Mayor• Councilors• Public servants

Local Government

Civil Society Sp

ecia

l inte

rest

G

roup

s

Com

mun

ity/

Trad

ition

al le

ader

s

Private sector (Business) leaders

Local Governance

Local Development

ART ECUADOR

Working Groups

> 35 international cooperation actors

7 provincial governments

52 municipial governments7 Associations of parishes + de 120 rural parishes

>35 deconcentrated government departments

> 40 civil society organisations

12 univeristies

4 Public-private Local Economic Development Agencies

>20 prívate sector entities

DC within a multilateral framework - support to LG/LDDC within a multilateral framework - support to LG/LD

Capacity support Capacity support Complementary to traditional capacity support efforts through exchange of experience and knowledge - strengthened decentralization processes - institution building - long term sustainable partnerships. Examples: Morocco, Sri Lanka, etc.

Decentralised knowledgeDecentralised knowledgeNearly untapped pool of relevant knowledge available in the territories - UNDP to position itself asknowledge broker to mobilize knowledge and facilitate exchange - UNDP facilites harmonisation ofknowledge areas (certain issues are best delt with at local level, e.g. service delivery, DEL, youth, etc) – sustainable partnerships based on peer to peer learning - processes that do allow for mutual leraning andexcape many traditional development limitations (longer time frames, discussions between equals, etc.) -networks of Universities. Examples: Spain, LED Forum, ISIMED, EURADA etc.

Harmonisation and alignmentHarmonisation and alignmentUNDP promotes harmonisation of DC actors for improved and more focused cooperation support - UNDP facilitates harmonisation between national /local process and DC action - UNDP promotes harmonisation between DC actors across countries - UNDP promotes alignment of DC towards integrated national and sub national plans and hence contributes towards implementation of integrated sub national . Examples: Morocco – Catalonia; ART FPs; Strategic Development Guidelines

DC within a multilateral framework - support to LG/LDDC within a multilateral framework - support to LG/LD

Linking territorial priorities to international policiesLinking territorial priorities to international policiesLobbying, networking and providing entry points for local authorities and other territorial actors of theSouth to influence international policy processes - UNDP provides a platform for networking and policyformulation - UNDP facilitates local consultative processes to gather relevant local knowledge andthereby inform international processes. Examples: Busan, Rio, post 2015

SS cooperation and triangulation at teritorial levelSS cooperation and triangulation at teritorial levelUNDP as a platform for SS cooperation and triangulation at territorial level - UNDP as a facilitator tointegrate these new modalities within the LG/LD strategies/platforms - UNDP as a facilitator to link territorial best practices to national level efforts. Examples: Morocco/Mauretania/Senegal/Gabon; SriLanka/Indonesia; Dominican Republic/El Salvador

Territorial approachTerritorial approachFor example Smart Specialisation Strategy - learning from best practices - Strengthening local actorscapable of mobilising endogenous resources. Examples: Nariño

Sensitization of European population for development issuesSensitization of European population for development issues UN Millennium Campaign – DC proximity to their population – sensitization of European population on development cooperation and challenges related to MDGs and post 2015 - reporting back to citizens. Examples: Andalucía, Vic, etc.

DC within a multilateral framework - support to LG/LDDC within a multilateral framework - support to LG/LD

Lobbying Lobbying With national cooperation for alignment towards territorial frameworks . Examples: Spain, Italy

Mobilising their SMEs for development cooperation Mobilising their SMEs for development cooperation

In support of LED (governance processes and capacity building) - LED strategies as cornerstones of LD - B2B.

Examples: Mozambique, El Salvador, Sri Lanka, Lebanon, etc.

InnovationInnovationUNDP as a broker for innovations. Examples: ART framework programmes

Evidence: Development Cooperation Partners Evidence: Development Cooperation Partners HarmonisationHarmonisation

MAROC

ESPAGNE

FRANCE

ITALIE

BELGIUM

CH

PAY BASQUE(Un partenaire)

CATALOGNE(11 partenaires)

ANDALOUSIE(17 partenaires)

COMMUNAUTE VALENCIENNE

(Un partenaire)

DC Partners ART MoroccoDC Partners ART Morocco

EXTREMADURA(Un partenaire)

ILES BALEARES(Un partenaire)

MADRID(Un partenaire)

DC Partners Andalusia

En association avec:

Evidence: TANGER-TETOUAN Alignement

DC Partners

70 Partnerships answering at the local demand proposed by h International Guidelines for Development Cooperation and acting into

PDC , instrument of decentralization policy

Leverage Effect Resources

In Nariño, Colombia, the elaboration of the 2008-2011 Regional Strategy for International Cooperation led to an increase in number of partners and resources

THANK YOUTHANK YOU