Managing development co-operation and partnering effectively require the continuous improvement of policies, institutions, systems, delivery modalities and practices. The OECD provides an inclusive forum for sharing experiences and learning on how to improve development co-operation in practice.
Crises and changing contexts in partner countries and at home affect the ability of development organisations to provide effective support and make the most of finite resources.
The OECD presents flexible guidance to help co-operation providers adapt their systems and practices continuously, while staying focused on improving lives around the world.
Development co-operation agencies and ministries count on civil society organisations to fulfil many roles, from defending human rights to providing services in low- and middle-income countries or engaging in global citizenship education. The OECD guidance helps them promote the leadership of local civil society actors, shift power for more equitable partnerships, and coordinate for stronger and more coherent actions to protect civic space.
Triangular co-operation involves a beneficiary partner seeking support to tackle a specific development challenge; an experienced pivotal partner ready to share its resources, knowledge, and expertise; and a facilitating partner supporting their collaboration financially and technically. The OECD offers analysis, dialogue, advocacy, data and evidence, policy support and tools to help governments and other stakeholders to engage in effective triangular partnerships in pursuit of sustainable development.
Development co-operation organisations have made good progress in introducing and adapting results-based approaches. However, they still need to streamline processes to increase their utility and consolidate a culture of learning.
Furthermore, while these systems are often built for primarily internal accountability purposes, they should evolve to harmonise their approach to monitoring and evaluation and to build local capacities in the contexts where they are used.
Civil society actors are critical contributors to the 2030 Agenda and its pledge to leave no one behind, to effective humanitarian assistance, peacebuilding, and protecting and strengthening democracy.
Yet, civil society faces challenges, such as shrinking civic space, efforts to undermine human rights, and funding constraints. Development co-operation ministries and agencies can enhance their substantial support for civil society to address effectiveness gaps and enable civil society actors to strengthen their accountability.
Mindful of the significance of civil society actors in development and the challenges they face, in 2018 the DAC approved the Framework for Dialogue between the DAC and CSOs.
