2009年-世界发展银行全球_Partnering_for_Progress_4页_228kb

Summary of "Partnering for Progress: A New Approach to Capacity Development after Accra"

Core Content

The document outlines a new approach to capacity development (CD) in the context of international development, emphasizing the need for a shift in donor practices, the growing role of civil society, and the importance of South-South cooperation. It highlights the critical role of capacity development in enabling countries to manage their own development processes effectively, especially in light of global challenges such as economic crises and the need for sustainable development.

Main Points

1. Capacity Development: Definition and Importance

• Capacity development involves skills, performance, and governance, and is broader than traditional training and technical assistance.
• It is essential for countries to achieve development objectives, manage resources, and improve governance.
• Weak capacities in human resources, institutions, and systems have long hindered development progress and aid effectiveness.

2. Shift in Aid Effectiveness Focus

• The Accra Agenda for Action (AAA) marked a turning point in the understanding and practice of CD.
• CD is now seen as a key component of aid effectiveness, with over a third of overseas development assistance directed toward it.
• The focus has shifted from infrastructure projects to sustainable, country-led development.

3. Role of Civil Society

• Civil society plays a critical role in creating demand for better government services and monitoring government performance.
• However, engagement with civil society has often been symbolic, not operational.
• The document calls for strengthened partnerships between civil society and governments to improve mutual understanding and capacity.

4. Changing Role of Donors

• Donors are increasingly recognizing that capacity development is a developing country responsibility.
• They are moving from a top-down model to a more collaborative and knowledge-based approach.
• Donors are now working to connect with regional and local networks to better support CD efforts.

5. South-South Cooperation

• South-South cooperation is highlighted as a key strategy for CD, involving exchanges of knowledge, expertise, and resources between developing countries.
• Examples include:
  • IBSA (India-Brazil-South Africa): A trilateral partnership promoting South-South cooperation and poverty alleviation.
  • ACBF (Africa Capacity Building Foundation): A regional network supporting CD through knowledge sharing and collaboration.
  • INSouth: A network of Southern intellectuals, including policymakers, researchers, and civil society representatives, to enhance global engagement.

6. Knowledge Networks and Learning

• Networks are emerging as important tools for capacity development, facilitating learning, knowledge sharing, and collaboration.
• Different types of networks include:
  • Representative Networks: Formal, legally recognized groups like the World Bank.
  • Action Networks: Groups focused on achieving strategic goals through coordination.
  • Knowledge Exchange and Social Networks: Informal networks based on trust and social capital.
• These networks help amplify the impact of CD initiatives and level the playing field for Southern practitioners.

Key Recommendations

• Strengthen partnerships between governments, civil society, and donors.
• Empower Southern leadership by integrating CD into national strategies and supporting regional networks.
• Promote South-South cooperation through knowledge exchange, technical expertise, and innovative solutions.
• Improve knowledge sharing and institutional learning across all development sectors.
• Enhance transparency, accountability, and governance as part of CD efforts.

Conclusion

The High-Level Forum (HLF) in Accra signified a new era in international development, where capacity development is recognized as a central pillar of sustainable progress. The donor community is expected to shift its approach, prioritizing collaboration, learning, and Southern leadership. South-South networks and knowledge sharing are key to achieving this goal, offering new opportunities for development in a globalized world. Traditional donors must embrace concepts like mutual accountability and aid harmonization to support this evolving landscape.

References

• Bloom, Evan et al. (2008): Strengthening Networks: Using Organizational Network Analysis to Promote Network Effectiveness, Scale, and Accountability
• OECD/DAC (2006): The Challenge of Capacity Development: Working Towards Good Practice
• Taylor, Peter and Peter Clarke (2008): Capacity for a Change
• Tejasvi, Ajay (2007): South-South Capacity Development: The Way to Grow?
• World Bank (2005a & 2005b): Building Effective States: Forging Engaged Societies