MainstreamingtheIstanbulProgrammeofActionfortheLeastDevelopedCountries:AToolkit
Report by the Office of the High-Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States
ContentsIntroduction..........................................................................................................................................................................3MainstreamingtheIstanbulProgrammeofActionintheUNsystem.........................................................6A. ProductiveCapacity..........................................................................................................................................6B. Agriculture,FoodandNutritionalSecurityandRuralDevelopment.......................................23C. Trade....................................................................................................................................................................31D. Commodities.....................................................................................................................................................39E. HumanandSocialDevelopment..............................................................................................................43F. Multiplecrisesandotheremergingchallenges.................................................................................75G. Mobilizingfinancialresourcesfordevelopmentandcapacitybuilding.................................88H. Goodgovernanceatalllevels....................................................................................................................95
MainstreamingtheIPoAfortheLDCs|3
Introduction
1. TheaimofthisreportistosupporttheongoingeffortsoforganizationsoftheUNsystemineffectivelymainstreamingtheprovisionsoftheIstanbulProgrammeofAction(IPoA)fortheLeastDevelopedCountries(LDCs)intotheirworkprogrammes.Toaveryimportantextent,theProgrammeofActionhasbeenrecognizedandemphasizedbyMemberStatesintheirarticulationofAgenda2030forsustainabledevelopment.ThisisanauspicioustimefortheUnitedNationssystemtostrengthenitscollaborativeeffortstoensurethatnocountryorpersonisleftbehind.2. TheIPoA,whichwasadoptedbytheFourthUNConferenceonLDCsin2011,setsoutanambitiousplanforthedecadethrough2020toensurethatthetremendoushumanandnaturalresourcepotentialoftheLDCsisrealizedandbroughtfullytobearonensuringpeace,prosperityandsustainabledevelopmentforall(seeA/CONF.219/3/Rev.1).TheProgrammeofActionrepresentstheenhancedcommitmentsoftheLDCs,whichhavetheownershipofandprimaryresponsibilityfortheirowndevelopment,andtheirdevelopmentpartners,toarenewedandstrengthenedglobalpartnership.ThispartnershipinvolvestheUNsystem,includingtheBrettonWoodsinstitutions,othermultilateralinstitutionsandregionaldevelopmentbanks,withintheirrespectivemandates.3. TheOfficeoftheHighRepresentativeforLeastDevelopedCountries,LandlockedDevelopingCountriesandSmallIslandDevelopingStates(OHRLLS)hasinstitutionalizedsystem-widesupporttotheimplementationoftheIPoAwithintheframeworkoftheInter-agencyConsultativeGrouponLDCs(IACG).1TheIACGisconvenedregularlytobuildsynergiesamongUNsystemandotherinternationalorganizationsintheimplementationoftheIPoA,andtoenhancethescopeandeffectivenessoftheirsupporttotheLDCs.
4. AscalledforintheProgrammeofAction,OHRLLSisrequiredtoreportregularlytoECOSOCandtheUNGeneralAssemblyonprogressbyallstakeholdersintheimplementationoftheIPoA.Inaseriesofresolutions,MemberStateshaveemphasizedthecriticalcontributoryroleoftheUNsystem.GeneralAssemblyresolutions67/220,68/224and69/231calledfortheUNSecretary-GeneraltoappropriatelyintegratetheworkoftheIACGwithintheframeworkoftheHigh-LevelCommitteeonProgrammes(HLCP),inordertoensurenecessarycoordinationandmonitoringoftheimplementationoftheProgrammeofActiononasystem-
1ThelistofIACGpartnersincludes:OHRLLSoftheUNSecretariatasChair,DESA,DGACM,DPI,OSAA,ECA,ECE,ECLAC,ESCAP,ESCWA,UNDP,UNOfficeforSouth-SouthCooperation,UNCTAD,FAO,UNAIDS,IAEA,IFAD,ILO,IMF,IOM,IPU,ITC,ITU,SustainableEnergyforAll,UNCCD,UNCDF,UNEP,UNESCO,UNFCCC,UNFPA,UN-Habitat,UNICEF,OHCHR,UNIDO,UNWomen,UNODC,UNOPS,WFP,WHO,WIPO,WMO,theWorldBank,WTO,UNWTO,theEnhancedIntegratedFrameworkandtheCommonFundforCommodities.Assuch,itencompassesmost,butnotall,CEBmembersaswellasexternalpartners.
MainstreamingtheIPoAfortheLDCs|4
widebasis,andalsotoincludeimplementationoftheIPoAasastandingitemontheagendaoftheUNSystemChiefExecutivesBoardforCoordination(CEB).ThisunderscorestheviewamongMemberStatesthatthefullimplementationoftheProgrammeofActionwillrequireitsmainstreamingbyorganizationsoftheUNsystem,includingbymaintainingconstantvisibilityoftheissuesandconcernsofLDCsatthehighestlevels.
5. HLCPandCEBhavebeenengagedforsomeyearsinvigorouseffortsinsupportofLDCs.CEBissuedastatementtotheLDC-IVConferenceinspring2011,inwhichtheBoardconveyedthatitattachedthe“highestimportance”totheConference,notingthatitwas“essentialthattheinternationalcommunityachieveastrongoutcome,whichwillpositivelyaffectthelivesof880millionpeopleinthe48poorestandmostvulnerablecountriesoftheworld.”TheBoardaffirmedthatUNsystemorganizationswould“stepupeffortstosupportbuildingproductivecapacityinLDCsthroughmoreintensiveandbettertargetedprogrammesandresources.”Atitstwenty-secondsession,followingtheConference(fall2011),HLCPagreedtoconsidertheprogressmadebytheUNsysteminmainstreamingtheIPoAatthefive-yearreviewmark(attheCommittee’s30thsession),andalsoissuedastatementofcommitmentto“fullyutilizingitsanalytical,technicalandoperationalcapabilitiesandresources”tothesuccessfulimplementationoftheIPoAanditsintegrationintotheworkprogrammesoftheUNsystem.TheCommitteealsocommittedtosupportingtheroleoftheIACG.6. Twoyearslater,atitstwenty-sixthsession,HLCPendorsedasetofrecommendationsrelatedtocollaborativeworkwithIACGtoassistinthesuccessfulmainstreamingoftheIPoAintotheworkprogrammesoforganizationsoftheUNsystem.Amongothermeasures,OHRLLShadproposedthedevelopmentofasetofguidelinesandbestpracticesasatoolkitformainstreamingactivities,whichwouldbepreparedwiththesupportofIACG.2
2TheCommitteeendorsedthefollowing:a)Inconductingitswork,theIACGwillcontinuetoutilizetheanalytical,technicalandoperationalcapabilitiesandresourcesoftheHLCP;b)ToassistorganizationsthathavenotyetbeenabletomainstreamtheIPoAintheirworkprogrammes,OHRLLSwilldevelop,withtheadviceoftheHLCPandthesupportofinterestedorganizations,asetofguidelinesandbestpracticesasatoolkitformainstreamingIstanbulProgrammeofActionforconsiderationbytheCommittee;c)IACGmemberswilltakestepstoensureseniorlevelrepresentationoftheirrespectiveorganizationsattheIACGmeetings;d)IACGwillcontinueeffortstoharmonizeitsagendawiththatoftheHLCP.Thiswillcontributeto:(i)creatinggreatersynergybetweentheworkofthetwobodies;and(ii)ensuringfocusedtreatmentofLDC-relatedmattersinHLCPdeliberationsandreports,asappropriate.Accordingly,theOHRLLSwillproposetotheIACGtoconsideratitsnextsessiontheintegrationoftheIPoAintothepost-2015developmentagendaandtotransmititsrecommendationstotheHLCPwithaviewtohelpensuringthattheCommitteeprovidesappropriatefocusonLDCsinitsownconsiderationofthepost-2015agenda;e)IACGwillcontinuetomakeavailabletoHLCPitsreports,aswellasitsrecommendationsonmajorthematicissuesbeforetheCommitteeandCEB.Asnecessary,HLCPwillconsiderandreflecttheseinitsreportstoCEBtohelptheBoardmaintainappropriatespotlightonLDCsinconsideringtheseissues;
MainstreamingtheIPoAfortheLDCs|5
7. TheCommittee’sconsiderationofthisreportalignswithitsdecisionatits22ndsessiontoconsiderprogressmadebytheUnitedNationssysteminmainstreamingtheIstanbulProgrammeofActionatitsfive-yearmark.HLCPmaywishtakeparticularnoteoftheprovisionofrecentGeneralAssemblyresolution69/231thatinvitestheSecretary-Generalto“conveneaUNsystemhigh-leveleventduringthecomprehensivehigh-levelmidtermreviewwithaviewtoensuringthefullmobilizationoftheUNsysteminsupportoftheLDCsandthecoordinatedandtimelyimplementationbytheUNsystemoftheIPoAandtheoutcomeofthereview.”Itisanticipatedthatthiseventwouldprovideanappropriateopportunitytolaunchthetoolkit,whosefinalizationisrequestedinthesameresolution.
f)Inlinewiththedecisionatits22ndsessiontoconsiderprogressmadebytheUNsysteminmainstreamingtheIPoAatitsfive-yearmark,HLCPwilltakeupthismatterpriortothemidtermreviewoftheIPoA,andsubsequentlyconsidertheroleoftheUNsysteminthelightoftheoutcomeofthemidtermreview.
MainstreamingtheIPoAfortheLDCs|6
MainstreamingtheIstanbulProgrammeofActionintheUNsystemNotetoUser:ThequestionnairehasbeendesignedalongtheprovisionsoftheIstanbulProgrammeofAction,whichcoverseightareas.Foreachoftheseareas,relevantcontextisgiven,andaffirmativerepliesgatheredtodatefromIACGmembersarereflectedasapointofdepartureforinterestedorganizations.Supplementalinformationontheformofassistancegiven,aswellasexamplesofbestpracticesfollowineachcategory.Thisisnotanexhaustivelist;allsubmissionsarecontainedinacompilationdocumentofindividualquestionnairereplies.Organizationsthatdonotusethe“LDC”nomenclaturehavebeenrequestedtorefertothecurrentlistofLDCsindeterminingtheirresponses.
A. ProductiveCapacity
Context:TheeconomiesofLDCsfeaturelimitedproductivecapacities,whichconstraintheirabilitytoproduceefficientlyandeffectivelyandtodiversify.Thishandicaptranslatesintobindingsupplyconstraintsandultimatelyintoweakexportandeconomicpotentialsandlimitedproductiveemploymentgenerationandsocialdevelopmentprospects.Buildingacriticalmassofviableandcompetitiveproductivecapacityinagriculture,manufacturingandservicesisessentialifLDCsaretobenefitfromgreaterintegrationintotheglobaleconomy,increaseresiliencetoshocks,sustaininclusiveandequitablegrowthaswellaspovertyeradication,achievestructuraltransformation,andgeneratefullandproductiveemploymentanddecentworkforall.
EnsuringproductivecapacityinvolvesarangeofinterrelatedpoliciesthatbringtogetherthecollectivestrengthsoftheUNsystemworkinginpartnershipwithpublicandprivatesectoractorsandotherintergovernmentalbodies.Sectorsincludehumanrights,socialdialogue,decentwork,endingdiscrimination,providingqualityeducationandvocationaltraining,creatingenablingenvironmentsforinnovationandsustainablebusinesses,ensuringtransportandotherinfrastructureformarketaccessandtrade,certifyingqualitystandards,protectingintellectualproperty,buildingcapacitieswithinlocalinstitutions,bringinginappropriatedataandexpertiseonsectoralissues,includingthosesuchasinenergythatleadtosustainability,sharingbestpractices,leavingnoonebehind,bringinginadditionalfinancingandinvestment,ensuringappropriatereforms–issuesthatarecoveredinotherareasoftheIPoA.Lookingtowardsthecomprehensivehigh-levelmidtermreviewoftheProgramme,actionsinsomekeyareaswouldhelpputLDCsonapathofstrongergrowthandsustainabledevelopment.ProgressinbuildingproductivecapacityinLDCsiscriticaltoachievingtheothersevenprioritiesoftheIPoA.
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GoalsandTargetsoftheIPoA:
(a) Increasesignificantlythevalueadditioninnaturalresource-basedindustriespayingspecialattentiontoemploymentgeneration;
(b) Diversifylocalproductiveandexportcapabilitywithafocusondynamicvalueaddedsectorsinagriculture,manufacturingandservices;
(c) Significantlyincreaseaccesstotelecommunicationservicesandstrivetoprovide100%accesstotheInternetby2020;
(d) Strivetoincreasetotalprimaryenergysupplypercapitatothesamelevelasotherdevelopingcountries;
(e) Significantlyincreasetheshareofelectricitygenerationthroughrenewableenergysourcesby2020;
(f) Enhancecapacitiesinenergyproduction,tradeanddistributionwiththeaimofensuingaccesstoenergyforallby2030;
(g) Ensurethattheleastdevelopedcountrieshavesignificantincreaseincombinedrailandpavedroadmileageandseaandairnetworksby2020.
Questions:
Doesyourorganizationprovideenhancedfinancialand/ortechnicalsupporttoLDCstodevelopproductivecapacities?
ILO,UNESCO,FAO,UNIDO,ITU,WTO,EIF,ITC,WIPO,WMO,UNDP,WFP,UNWOMEN,Habitat,UNEP,UNCTAD,UNCDF,ESCAP,ECA,ESCWA,CFC,OSAA,OSSC,SE4ALL,UNOPS,WorldBank,IAEA,DESA,IFAD
A. 1.PRODUCTIVECAPACITY:INFRASTRUCTURE
1) Doesyourorganizationprovideenhancedfinancialand/ortechnicalsupportforinfrastructuredevelopment?
UNCTAD,UNESCO,WTO,WIPO,WMO,UNCDF,WFP,Habitat,OPS,OSAA,IAEA,IFAD
2) DoesyourorganizationsupporttheeffortsofLDCstofacilitatethetransferofrelevantskills,knowledgeandtechnologyforthedevelopmentofinfrastructure?
UNCTAD,UNESCO,WTO,WIPO,WMO,WFP,Habitat,OPS,OSAA,WorldBank,IAEA
3) Doesyourorganizationsupportprivatesectorinvestment,includingthroughpublic-privatepartnershipsandgrant/loansblending,forinfrastructuredevelopmentandmaintenanceincommunicationandmultimodaltransportsuchasrailways,roads,waterways,warehousesandportfacilities?
UNCTAD,WFP,UNWomen,CFC,UNCDF,ILO,WorldBank,IFAD
4) Doesyourorganizationprovideanyformofassistancetothelandlockedandsmall-islandLDCsaimedataddressingthechallengesoftheirremotenessfrominternationalmarketsandlackofinfrastructureconnectivity?
MainstreamingtheIPoAfortheLDCs|8
UNCTAD,UNESCO,WTO,WTO/EIF,WIPO,WMO,WFP,HABITAT,UNEP,UNDP,ODC,CFC,WorldBank,IAEA,IFAD
Selectedactivitiesintheareaofinfrastructure
Technicalassistance:deliveryofinfrastructurewithservicesthroughthewholeprojectcycle(UNOPS),employment-intensivemethodsofinfrastructuredevelopment(ILO),accesstosatellitedataforhigh-impactweatherforecasting(WMO),buildingofnationalcapabilitiesinnuclearscience,technologyandapplications(IAEA)
Constructionoftransportandtransitcorridorstoremovebottlenecks(WFP)
Policyadvice:growthimpedimentslinkedtoinfrastructuregaps(IMF),equitableaccesstosustainableurbanbasicservices(Habitat),commercial,tradeandindustrialpolicysupporttoSPRs,includingfinancial,tourism,energyandtelecommunicationssectors(UNCTAD)
Capacitybuildingandtraininginvariousareas:mainstreamingtradeintonationalpolicies,multilateraltradingsystem,regulatoryandinstitutionalsovereigndebtgovernance(UNCTAD),tradefacilitationandtransittransportcorridors(ECA),marketexpansionthroughculturalgoodsandservices(UNESCO),trade-relatedinfrastructure(ESCWA),trainingoftrainersonfisheriesandaquaculture(FAO),accesstoICT(ITU)
Standardsandagreements:TradeFacilitationAgreementandTradeFacilitationAgreementFacility(WTO),GuidelinesonFisheriesandAquacultureEmergencyResponse(FAO)
Financing:acrossawiderangeofinfrastructureneeds(WorldBank),smallinfrastructureprojectsthataddressasupply-sideconstraint(EIF),LocalFinanceInitiative(UNCDF),investmentinurbanbasicservices,includingtransport(UNHabitat)
Knowledgeandresearch:ECA,ESCWA
Advocacy:urbantransportationsystems(Habitat)
WorldBank:HelpingcountriestomeetinfrastructureneedsrepresentstheWorldBank’slargestbusinessline,whichat$19billion,comprised47percentofthetotalassistancetoclientcountriesinfiscal2014.Greenbondsalsofinanceforestandwatershedmanagement,andinfrastructuretopreventclimate-relatedflooddamageandbuildclimateresilience.IDAcommitmentsforinfrastructure–includingthesectors:EnergyandMining;Transportation;Water,SanitationandFloodProtection;andInformationandCommunications–reached$10.4billion.260,000kilometersofroadswereconstructedorrehabilitatedworldwidebetween2002and2013.
ILOhasbeenpromotingemploymentintensivemethodsofinfrastructuredevelopmentforover40years—accumulatingawealthofknowledgeandexperienceonpolicy,technicalandoperationalaspects.Atpresent,theILOsupports17employmentintensiveinvestmentprogrammesforruralinfrastructuredevelopmentinarangeofLDCs.Throughthiswork,theILOhascreatedsignificantemploymentopportunitiesthroughinfrastructuredevelopment,andhasfacilitatedtheadoptionofinnovativeapproachesincountriessuchasHaiti,Liberia,MadagascarandSomalia.
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AsaresponsetothedevastatingearthquakeinHaitiin2010,theILOjoinedforceswiththreeotherUNentities(UNOPS,UNDPandUN-Habitat)andenteredintoapublic-privatepartnership(PPP)withtheEpiscopalCouncilofHaititohelpthoselefthomelessinandaroundPort-au-Princeinreturningtotheirhomesandinrevitalizingtheeconomybyencouragingthesettingupofbusinessesthatcouldrecycleandtransformtherubblesintonon-structuralbuildingmaterialsforthereconstructionoftheregion.TheILOwasresponsibleforthreecomponentsofthisground-breakingproject,namely:Supportinglocalentrepreneurs,PromotingemploymentandRehabilitatingthedistrictbyrecyclingrubble,wherethelatterwasthemaincomponentofthePPPwiththeEpiscopalCouncil.
ThisprojectcanbeseenasagoodpracticeasitpavedthewayformoreILOinvolvementinpost-earthquakeHaiti,inparticularwithintherealmofrehabilitation,infrastructuredevelopmentandconstruction.Becauseofthisproject,theILOnowworkscloserthaneverwithothermembersoftheUNfamily,suchastheUnitedNationsStabilizationMissioninHaiti(UNSTAMIH).Mostimportantly,thisprojecthasalsoledtolastinghumanimpact:522entrepreneursand33trainerstookpartintheentrepreneurshiptrainingprogramme.Withaccesstomicrofinance,53newbusinesseshavebeenestablishedintheconstructionsector;766microenterpriseshavebeensetupfocusingondebrisrecyclingandprocessing.Theseenterpriseswerealsoresponsiblefordemolishingmorethan7,000damagedbuildings,removingmorethan800,000m3ofthedebris,producedmorethan207,000adoquins(buildingblocksforreconstruction)andgenerated102,060hoursofwork.TheinfrastructurewasstrengthenedinaffectedregionsofHaiti.Forexample,morethan9kilometresofroadshavebeenrepavedusingtherecycleddebris;andmorewomennowhaveaccesstojobopportunitiesinconstruction,whichisasectortraditionallydominatedbymen.
UNOPS:AsacentralresourceforinfrastructurewithintheUNsystem,UNOPSfacilitatesandassistspartnersinthedeliveryofinfrastructuretosecureanddrivesustainabledevelopment.Weprovidetechnicalassistanceandtechnicaldeliveryservicesthroughoutthewholeprojectcycle,fromfeasibilitystudiesandmasterplanningthroughdesign,constructionandoperations,tomaintenance,decommissionandrehabilitation.Frombuildingroadsinconflict-affectedcountriessuchasAfghanistan,toconstructinghospitalsandmedicalfacilitiesinpost-disastercountriessuchasHaiti,UNOPSoperatesinsomeoftheworld’smostchallengingenvironmentsmanyofthembeingLDCs.
UNCDF:UNCDF’sLocalFinanceInitiative(LFI)supportsLDCstounlocktheirdomesticcapitalmarketsforcatalyticinfrastructureinvestmentinlocaleconomicdevelopment,andismonitoredbyindicatorsthatmeasurethetransformativeeffectonthelocaleconomy.TheLFIisoperationalinfiveLDCs,andismostdevelopedinTanzaniawitha$100million+pipelineofinvestmentprojectsforwhichdomesticfinancingisunlockedbyUNCDFseedcapital.During2014thescalingupofthisprogrammebeganthroughthetrainingof120bankers,localgovernmentprojectsponsorsandprivateprojectdevelopers.Anumberofthesekeynationalpartnerswillplayaroleinthenationalplatformforlocaleconomicdevelopmentthatwillprovideasustainablemechanismforlocalinfrastructurefinancetobeestablishedin2015.Overall,25projectsareintheUNCDFpipelineandaredistributedinto5mainsub-sectors:3inagro-processing,16inenergy,3incommunityservicedelivery,2intelecommunication,and1inindustrial-manufacturing.Partnershipstrategiesaredevelopedwithcommercialbanksandtechnicalsupportisprovidedtominimizetheprojectrisksandthelevelsofduediligencethatlendershavetodoandmakethemattractivetolocalcommercialbanks.
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UNCDFalsoprovidessupporttoexpandthefinancialinfrastructureofLDCs,inparticularbranchlessandmobilefinancialservicesthroughitsMobileMoneyforthePoor(MM4P)Programme.UNCDFcurrentlysupportsanumberofLDCstodemonstratehowthecorrectmixoffinancial,technicalandpolicysupportcanbuildarobustbranchlessandmobilefinancialservicesecosystem.
EachoftheLDCsisintheearlystagesofbranchlessandmobilefinancialservicesandpresentsuniquechallenges.However,servicessuchastransfers,billpayment,savings,ormicroinsurancecangreatlyimprovethefinancialsecurityofmillionsofhouseholds.
ESCWAprovidestechnicalsupporttoallitsmemberscountriesonissuesrelatedtodevelopingtraderelated infrastructures through training workshops, studies and formulation of policies,identificationofbankableprojectsandfinancingoptions.
Since1999,ESCWAhasdevelopedanIntegratedTransportSystemintheArabMashreqincludingthethree LDCs (Yemen, Sudan and Palestine). The system includes two International TransportAgreements on roads and railways, and one Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on MaritimeCooperation,whichESCWAhasbeencloselymonitoring.TechnicalsupportandadvisoryservicesinthisregardhavebeenconductedmainlytoSudanandYemen.Moreover,ESCWAissupportingSudanandYemenastoestablishandactivatetheirNationalTransportandTradeFacilitationCommittees.AclosecoordinationandfollowuptakesplaceyearlythroughthemeetingsoftheIntergovernmentalCommittee on Transport (last onewas the 15th Session of the transport Committee, Rabat, 27-28January2015)whereSudanwasrepresentedwithSeniorOfficials.
OSSC:TheLDC,LLDCandSIDSFacilitiesareinnovativeinitiativesthatarepilotingnewinter-agencycollaborations.Atthehigh-level,theFacilitiesaregivenpoliticalsupportfromtheUNOfficeforSouth-SouthCooperation(UNOSSC)andtheUN-OHRLLS.TheFacilitiesaresupportedbytheimplementingagency,SS-GATE,whichisamarketplacelaunchedanddevelopedbytheUNOSSC.Moreover,partnershipsareformedonthegroundwithlocalNGOsaswellasUNaffiliatedorganizations(e.g.UNDPcountryoffices,WIPO)tohelpcoordinateimplementation.
Theinnovationofthisapproachisthatittakesexistinginfrastructure(politicalpartnerships,technicalplatforms,knowledgebanks,etc.)andappropriatesthemtomorefocusedsupportforLDCs,LLDCs,andSIDS.Workinginthiswayreducesthecostsoflaunchinganewinitiativefromscratchandleveragessystemsthathavebeeninplaceforsomeyears.
WFP:Inlinewithitsmandatetoeradicatehungerandpoverty,andimplementedthroughSpecialOperationsactivities,WFPengagesintheconstructionoftransportandtransitcorridorstospeed-upthemovementoffoodassistance,regardlessofwhetherthefoodisprovidedbytheAgencyitself.Typically,theseoperationsinvolvelogisticsandinfrastructureworkandaredesignedtoovercomeoperationalbottlenecks.AstheUN’sleadinglogisticsagency,WFPiswellplacedtoresolvetheseproblems.SpecialOperationsareshort-terminnatureandusuallycomplementemergencyoperationsorlongerrehabilitationprojects.
TheSouthSudanFeederRoadsSpecialOperation,launchedinMarch2011insupportoftheWFP’sSouthSudanemergencyoperation,isanexampleofhowtheAgency’sworkontransportandtransitcorridorscontributestothefightagainsthungerandsupportssustainableeconomicgrowth.ThemaingoaloftheFeederRoadsSpecialOperationistocreatefarm-to-marketaccessbyrehabilitating
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ruralroadsinareaswithanagriculturalpotential.ThisisonewayWFPaimstoimprovefoodsecurityandthelivelihoodsoftheruralpopulationinSouthSudanandtocontributetoimprovedgeneraltransportinfrastructureacrossSouthSudan.
ITU:TheIPoArecognizesthatICTNetworksareaninfrastructurepriorityonparwithwater,electricity,transport,aswellasinstitutionalcapacityforbuildingviableproductivecapacityintheLDCs(Declaration8a);andtoachieveproductivecapacityforICTswithintheLDCsto“significantlyincreaseaccesstotelecommunicationservicesandstrivetoprovide100percentaccesstotheInternetby2020”.ThisrecognitionelevatestheimportanceofICTstothelevelofafundamentaldriverofdevelopment.ITUhelpstheLDCstoimprovetheinformationandcommunicationinfrastructureandapplicationsforgraduation.Forexample,ITUhascontributedtoSamoa’sgraduationfromtheLDCstatus.Thisexperiencecanbesharedasoneofthebestpracticestoenhanceinter-agencycollaborationandcanbereplicatedinotherLDCs.
UNIDO:AcceleratedAgribusinessandAgro-industriesDevelopmentInitiative(3ADI):The3ADIisajointInitiativebetweentheFAO,IFADandUNIDOwhichaimsatenhancingcountries’resourcebasedcomparativeadvantagesthroughtheimplementationofcompetitiveagrovaluechains.The3ADIcontributestoinfrastructuredevelopmentandmarketaccess(e.g.boostingexportcapacitieswhilereducingrelianceoncommodities).Forinstance,inUganda,throughthe“ResilienceBuildingthroughBananaValueAddition”project(USD10,934,933)UNIDOisstrengtheninglocalcommunities’capacitiestoengageintheproductionofprocessedgoodsforexports.Morerecently,anewagro-industrialcenterhasbeenestablishedintheDemocraticRepublicofCongo(Kimpese)withthesupportoftheJapanesegovernment($1.3million).Asaresult,morethan2.000individualshavereceivedtrainingsinmanufacturingandfoodhygienebestpractices,andwereintroducedtoentrepreneurshipandmanagement;amongstthem,82%arewomenand60%youth.Thiscenterishousingtrainingfacilitiesforruralpopulations,foodprocessingactivitiesandwillenablethecontroloffoodqualityforproductssuchascassavaandfruits.Theultimategoalofthe3ADIistheconversionofLDCs’resourcebasedcomparativeadvantagesintocompetitivenessthroughvalue-additiontoprimarycommoditiesandvaluechainsimplementation.
A. 2PRODUCTIVECAPACITY:ENERGY
1) DoesyourorganizationprovideenhancedfinancialandtechnicalsupporttoLDCstoimproveefficiencyinthegeneration,thetransmissionanddistribution,andthesustainableuseofenergyresources,withtheaimofensuringaccesstoenergyforall?
UNESCO,OPS,ESCWA,ESCAP,UNCDF,OSSC,SE4ALL,UNEP,UNDP,IAEA,UNWOMEN,UNIDO,WIPO,ITU,WMO,UNHABITAT,WorldBank,IFAD
2) Doesyourorganizationsprovidefinancial/technicalassistanceand/orfacilitateprivatesectorinvestmenttosupportLDCs’effortstodeveloptheenergysectoringeneration,distributionandenergyefficiency,includinginrenewableenergy,othercleanenergysourcesandnaturalgas?
OSAA,OPS,ILO,CFC,ESCWA,ESCAP,OSSC,SE4ALL,UNEP,UNDP,UNWOMEN,UNIDO,WIPO,ITU,WMO,UNHABITAT,WorldBank,IAEA
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3) Doesyourorganizationhelpfacilitatethetransferofappropriatetechnologyforthedevelopmentofcleanandrenewableenergytechnologies?
UNESCO,FAO,IAEA,ESCWA,ESCAP,UNCDF,OSSC,SE4ALL,UNEP,UNDP,UNWOMEN,UNIDO,WIPO,ITU,WMO,HABITAT,WorldBank,CFC,IFAD
Selectedactivitiesintheareaofenergy
GreenJobsProgramme(ILO)whichincludespromotionofjobsintherenewableenergysector,especiallyinruralareas/involvingtrainingandpromotionofentrepreneurs(ILO,UNESCO)
Capacitybuilding/Workshopsonsolarenergyinwaterpumping,promotionofinvestmentinrenewableenergyandenergyefficiency,trainingoftrainersonmainstreamingrenewableenergytechnologyinruralproductivesectors(ESCWA),buildingcapacityofAfricanLDCstoattractinvestmentinenergyefficiencyprojects(ECA),appropriatetechnologyuseinbuildingsandtransport(Habitat),meteorologyasappliedtowindenergy(WMO),lowemissioncapacitybuilding(UNDP)
Supporttolow-incomeconsumerstotransitiontocleanerandmoreefficientenergythroughmicrofinance(UNCDF).
Technicalassistance:biofuelsdevelopment(ECA),sustainableformsofdomesticenergyinbuildingsandtransport(Habitat),developmentofnationalnuclearpowerinfrastructure(IAEA)
Policyrecommendationstoaddressgrowthimpedimentsandmacro-relevantissueslinkedtoenergy(IMF),forinstitutionalstrengthening(UNEP),toincorporatewaterconstraintsintoenergydevelopmentplansandinvestments(WorldBank)
Researchonenergysubsidies(IMF),EnergySectorDirectionsPaper(WorldBank)
Transferoftechnology–biofuelsinthetransportsectorandinhouseholds(ECA),fishdryingtechnology(FAO,UNIDO),forweather/wind(WMO),renewableenergy-basedmini-gridsforruralelectrificationandproductiveuses(UNIDO),solarphotovoltaic,solardryingandbiomassgasificationtechnologies,ricehuskgasifier(UNIDO)
Advocacyandoutreachonsustainableenergyforallincludingmobilizationoffinance(UNOPS,UNEP)
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SUSTAINABLEENERGYFORALL(SE4ALL)
InthethreeyearssincethelaunchofSustainableEnergyforAllin2011,morethan85developingcountrieshavejoinedtheglobalpartnership,indicatingtheirinterestinworkingwithSE4All.ThelistofLDCpartnersincludes:Afghanistan,Angola,Bangladesh,Benin,Bhutan,BurkinaFaso,Burundi,Cambodia,CentralAfricanRepublic,Chad,DemocraticRepublicofCongo,EquatorialGuinea,Ethiopia,theGambia,Guinea,Guinea-Bissau,Haiti,Laos,Lesotho,Liberia,Malawi,Mali,Mauritania,Mozambique,Myanmar,Nepal,Niger,Rwanda,SãoToméandPríncipe,Senegal,SierraLeone,Somalia,Sudan,Tanzania,Togo,UgandaandZambia.
In2014,thefirstphaseoftheSE4Allcountryactionprocesshasfocusedon30initialcountries,includingproductionofSE4AllCountryActionAgendasandInvestmentProspectusesforeachofthem.Thecountrieswereidentifiedbasedontheavailabilityofprogrammesandfunding,geographicalmix,existingenablingenvironmentsandreadinesstostartworkingimmediately.TheLDCsincludedinthefirstphaseare:Bangladesh,Bhutan,BurkinaFaso,Burundi,Cambodia,Ethiopia,theGambia,Guinea,Liberia,Mozambique,Myanmar,Nepal,Rwanda,Senegal,SierraLeone,TanzaniaandUganda.Inmanymorecountries,SE4Allpartnersareworkingtoimplementandfinancetransformativeenergyprojects,includingthroughthedevelopmentofSE4AllCountryActionAgendasandInvestmentProspectuses,butalsoenergypolicies,ruralelectrificationplans,andstrategiesforscalinguprenewableenergy,energyefficiencyandcleancookingsolutions.
Assuch,variousLDCshavealreadyembarkedontheSE4AllCountryActionProcess,whichbuildsonmulti-stakeholderconsultationsandimprovesinstitutionalcoordinationaswellasstimulatingadditionalprivatesectorinvestments.Theprocessisconnectedtosupportforinstitutionalcapacitybuildingaswellasfinancialsupportfortheimplementationofthecountries’SE4AllActionAgendas,suchastheEUSE4AllTechnicalAssistanceFacility,ElectriFI,ortheSEFAGMGProgrammeandmore.FormoreinformationontheProcesspleasereviewtheSE4AllCountryActionReferenceDocument(CARD):http://www.se4all.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/CARD.pdf
TheProcessisfurthersupportbytheSE4AllEnergyAccessPractitionersNetworkwhichlinksupmorethan2000practitionersaroundtheglobe,workingtogethertocatalyzethescale-upofrenewableandlow-carbontechnologiesandspurthemarkettowarduniversalenergyaccess.TheNetwork’sparticularfocusisontheremovalofmarketbarrierstotheeffectivedeliveryofenergyservicesbypromotingtheadoptionofnewtechnologiesandinnovativefinancialandbusinessmodels,aswellastheidentificationanddisseminationofbestpracticesandadvocacyforuniversalenergyaccess.ThisincludessupportforSMEcapacitybuilding.
Furthersupportforcapacitybuilding,researchandthedisseminationoftechnologiesisprovidedbytheSE4AllKnowledgeHub,theWorldBank,andtheSE4AllCapacityBuildingHub,theEnergyandResourcesInstitute(TERI).
On2October2015,aG20EnergyAccessActionPlanwasannouncedundertheTurkishG20Presidency,withthesupportofSE4All,Africanstakeholdersandotherinternationalorganizations.ItwasadoptedatthefirstevermeetingofG20EnergyMinisters.TheActionPlanfocusesonimprovingcoordinationofassistance,publicandprivateinvestment,capacitybuildingandtechnologydissemination,withaspecialfocusonSub-SaharanAfrica.SE4AllismandatedtosupportcollaborationundertheActionPlan,involvingalsootherrelevantorganizations.
Source:www.se4all.org
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UNESCO:AsacontributiontotheUNInitiativeon“SustainableEnergyforAll,”aprojectconcerningthe“solarelectrificationofruralschools”waslaunchedinsub-SaharanAfricancountries.Theprojectconcernsthesolarelectrificationof75ruralschoolsin5sub-Saharancountries(Benin,Madagascar,Mauritania,NigerandTogo).Theprojectaddressesenergyaccessinruralareaswiththeaimofimprovingthequalityofeducationbyusingsolarenergypoweredsystems.TheprojectalsoincludesanICTcomponentandacapacitybuildingelementtoensurethesustainabilityoftheprojectandtherelatedinfrastructureandequipment.
Recognizingthatthesupplyofskilledmanpowerisacriticalelementinthetransferoftechnology,UNESCOlaunchedtheGlobalRenewableEnergyEducationandTraining(GREET)Programmeasaconceptualandorganizationalframeworkforpromotinghumanandinstitutionalcapacitybuilding,includingintheareaofenergypolicyandthroughrelatedexchangeofknow-howandbestpractice.UndertheGREETProgramme,regionalsummerschoolsareorganizedonanannualbasisforAfricaandSouthEastAsia.Trainingactivitiesonrenewableenergyandrelatedlearning/teachingmaterialsarealsobeingdeveloped.
WMO:ThenationalMeteorologicalandHydrologicalServices(NMHSs)havehistoricaldatathatcanbeusedtomakeanassessmentandmappingofWindEnergyPotentialinacountryorregiontoenableproperinstallationofwindpowergenerators;theRegionalClimateOutlookForums(RCOFs)forSeasonalWeatherOutlooksbytheWMOdesignatedRegionalClimateCentres(RCC)andNMHSsprovidecrucialinformationforHydropowergeneration&distribution;theGlobalFrameworkofClimateServices(GFC)hasfivepillarsoneofwhichistheUser-InterfacePlatform(UIP)whichaddressestheconcernsoftheProvidersofClimateinformationandservicesandUsersofthesameinformationandservicesinkeysectorexemplarsthatincludeAgriculture,Water,Health,DRRandEnergy;NMHSsprovidedataonwindspeed&direction(windload)fordevelopmentofWindFarmsinRAI.TechnologytomeasureweatherelementsisbeingimprovedthroughuseoftheAutomaticWeatherStations(AWSs).
UNEPsupportsLDCsanddevelopingcountriesingeneraltoimproveenergyefficiencyandincreaseuseofrenewableenergyaspartoftheirefforttoachievelow-carbonandclimateresilientdevelopmentpathways.Itdoessobyprovidingguidanceonsoundpolicy,technologyandinvestmentchoicesandtherebyassistscountriestoreduceemissionsanddrivesustainabledevelopment.Withitsteamofexpertsandanetworkofpartners,itsupportsthedeploymentandscalingupofcutting-edgecleanenergytechnologies,andremovaloffinancialandotherbarrierstorenewableenergyandenergyefficiency.UNEPsupportscountriesthroughthecombinationoffourareasoffocusedintervention:improvingunderstandingofscience;providingsoundpolicyadviceforstrengtheningpolicyandinstitutionalframeworkpolicies;catalyzingpublicandprivatefinanceforcleanenergy;andstimulatingtheuptakeoflowGHGandclimatefriendlytechnologies.
UNIDO:Renewableenergymini-grids:InChad,theGlobalEnvironmentFacility(GEF)hasapprovedin2012aUSD1.8millionprojectpromotingrenewableenergy-basedmini-gridsforruralelectrificationandproductiveuses.Inthisregard,UNIDOissupportinginfrastructuredevelopmentandaccesstoinnovativeandsmartfinancialmechanismsthroughmini-hydropowerbasedgridsdevelopmentinruralareas.Consequently,UNIDO’sapproachintendstobridgethegapintheproductionofcleanenergyinruralareasthrough:(i)trainingskilledandknowledgeabletechnicians
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andpublicofficers,(ii)raisingawarenessabouttheappropriatetechnologieswhileusingthebestpracticestomaximizeeffectiveness;and(iii)puttinginplacepoliciesencouragingtheinvolvementoftheprivatesector(iv).ThisprojectisexpectedtobereplicatedinRwanda,UgandaandotherLLDCs.
IFAD:BiogasisbecomingincreasinglymorepopularasaformofenergytopowerruralcommunitiesinAfricawholivefarawayfromtheelectricitygrid.Asalow-costintegratedsystemprovidingalternativeenergyaswellasorganicmanure,italsoprovidesananswertoreducinggasemissionsandimprovingsoilfertility.
InRwanda,theInternationalFundforAgriculturalDevelopment(IFAD)issupportingbiogasaspartofanenvironmentalsolutiontoreducethecuttingandburningofwood,stillprevalentinruralareasaswellashelprehabilitatedegradedland.SomeinnovativebiogassystemsarebeingimplementedundertheIFAD-supportedKireheCommunity-basedWatershedManagementProject(KWAMP)intheKireheDistrictinthesouth-eastofthecountry."Underthisproject,IFADispilotinganewbiogastechnologycalled"Flexibiogas"developedinKenya,whichiswellsuitedtosmallfarmerswithlimitedlivestock.
UNCDF:TheCleanStartProgrammesupportslow-incomeconsumerstotransitiontocleanerandmoreefficientenergythroughmicrofinance.CleanStartisaglobalUNCDFprogrammehelpingtoliftatleast2.5millionpeopleoutofenergypovertyby2017.Thiswillhelpcontributetoachievingdevelopmentgoalsonpovertyandhunger,education,gender,health,andenvironmentalsustainability.Toachievethisvision,theprogrammeprovidesriskcapitalandtechnicalassistancetocompetitivelyselectedfinancialserviceprovidersandenergyenterprisesto:developandrefinescalableconsumerfinancingmodels(FinanceforCleanEnergy);increasethe‘scale’potentialofthesemodelsbytacklingcriticalbottlenecksinthevaluechain,fore.g.distribution,consumerawareness(TechnicalAssistanceforCleanEnergy);makeresearchandtoolsgeneratedintheprocesswidelyavailabletotheindustry(Output3:GlobalKnowledgeandLearning);advocateforpositiveindustry-widechangesandbrokerpartnershipswithupstreamvaluechainactors,forexamplee.g.investors,policymakers(Output4:AdvocacyandPartnerships).
A. 3PRODUCTIVECAPACITY:SCIENCEANDTECHNOLOGY
1) IsyourorganizationactivelysupportingeffortstoestablishaTechnologyBankand
Science,TechnologyandInformationsupportingmechanism?
UNESCO,OSSC,UNWOMEN,UNESCO,ILO,ITU,WIPO,UNIDO,WMO,UNEP,UNCTAD,ESCWA,SE4ALL,WorldBank,IAEA
2) Doesyourorganizationprovideenhancedfinancialand/ortechnicalsupporttoLDCresearchanddevelopment,scienceandtechnology,includingstrengtheningofnationalinstitutions?
UNESCO,ESCAP,FAO,UNESCO,UNCDF,ILO,ITU,WIPO,UNIDO,WMO,UNEP,UNCTAD,ESCWA,SE4ALL,WorldBank,IAEA
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Selectedactivitiesinscienceandtechnology:
Strengtheningofinstitutions:formeteorology(WMO),forfoodsafetylaboratories(FAO),forICTs/broadband(ITU),forinvestmentsintechnology(UNIDO),fordigitalfinanceandmobilefinancialservices(UNCDF),foradvancededucationinmathematics,science,engineering,andICT(WorldBank)
Curriculumdevelopment(ILO)
PolicysupportinSTI(UNESCO,ECA),foodsafetyrisks(FAO/WHO),ICTs/broadband(ITU)
Knowledgeplatforms,publicationsandtools:UNESCOGlobalObservatoryofSTIPolicyInstruments,ScienceandTechnologyDataBankforscienceandtechnologymonitoring(ECA),ClimatePolicyCentre(ECA/UNDP/UNEP/WMO/UNOPS),GlobalDatabaseonFoodConsumptionData(FAO/WHO),WSISStocktakingPlatform(ITU),GlobalEnvironmentOutlookandUNEPLive(UNEP),InvestmentandTechnologyPromotionOffices(UNIDO)
Capacitybuilding/training:UNESCO,ESCWA,IAEA
Technologytransfer:ICTs/broadband(ITU),applicationsfornucleartechnology(IAEA)
UNITEDNATIONSTECHNOLOGYBANKFORTHELDCS
TheIstanbulProgrammeofActionhighlightedtheimportanceofscience,technologyandinnovation(STI)asakeydriverofproductivecapacitybuildinginLDCs,andcallsfortheimprovementofSTIcapacitiesofLDCsasavehicleforstructuraltransformation.Withinthiscontext,theUNGeneralAssembly,initsresolution67/220,requestedtheSecretary-Generalto“undertakeajointgapandcapacityanalysiswiththeaimofestablishingaTechnologyBankandascience,technologyandinnovation-supportingmechanismdedicatedtotheleastdevelopedcountries.”Amongthefindingsofthisanalysiswasthattherewasnodedicatedmechanismtoaddresstheparticularproblemsidentifiedinacomprehensiveandintegratedmanner.ThereportoftheSecretary-Generaltothe68thsessionoftheAssemblyproposedtheconceptofaTechnologyBankwiththreeinterrelatedfunctionsaimingtoimprovethescientificresearchandinnovationbaseofLDCs,helpLDCsaccessandutilizetechnologiesrelevanttotheirdevelopment;andfacilitateknowledgeaccessandnetworkingamongtheSTIcommunityinLDCs.
TheAssemblycalledontheSecretary-General,onthebasisofvoluntarycontributions,toconstituteahigh-levelpanelofexpertsdrawnfromtheLDCsandtheirdevelopmentpartners,theUNsystemandotherrelevantstakeholderstocarryoutafeasibilitystudy,withsecretariatsupportfromOHRLLS,inordertoexaminetheTechnologyBank’sscope,functions,institutionallinkagewiththeUNandorganizationalaspects.TheUNGeneralAssemblyprovidedforoperationalizingtheBankduringits70thsession.Significantly,target17.8ofthe2030AgendaforSustainableDevelopmentisto“fullyoperationalizethetechnologybankandscience,technologyandinnovationcapacity-buildingmechanismforLDCsby2017andenhancetheuseofenablingtechnology,inparticularinformationandcommunicationstechnology.”TheGovernmentofTurkeyhasofferedtohosttheTechnologyBank.
Source:OHRLLS
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TheILO’sEmploymentIntensiveInvestmentProgramme(EIIP)hascollaboratedwithandsupporteduniversities(some14inAfricaand12inAsia)toraisetheawarenessofyoungprofessionalsontheuseofappropriatetechnologieswithanaimtocreatecapabilitiesandincreasetheemploymentcontentofinfrastructure-relatedactivities.Itprovidessupporttotheseinstitutions´throughthedevelopmentoftrainingmaterial,research,developmentandimplementationbyprovidingcurriculumdevelopmentandready-mademodulesfortraining.Similarexchangeandsupportisprovidedthroughdevelopingandnetworkingnationaltraininginstitutesforcapacitybuildingofpublicandprivatesectoroperators.
UNESCOhasbeenactivelysupportingLDCs,mainlyinAfrica,toformulate,revieworprovidemethodologiestomonitorandevaluatetheimplementationoftheirSTIpolicies.Todate,14AfricanLDCshavereceivedtechnicalsupportinthisarea(Benin,BurkinaFaso,Burundi,Gambia,Malawi,Mauritania,Mozambique,Niger,RDC,Rwanda,Senegal,Tanzania,Togo,Zambia).AnumberofthesecountriesalsoparticipatedintheUNESCOGlobalObservatoryofSTIPolicyInstruments(GO-SPIN)project-anopenaccessdatabasehelpingcountriestoreformandupgradetheirnationalSTIsystemsandtoenablepolicymakersandresearcherstomonitorandevaluatetheirpoliciesandprogrammes.TechnicalsupportisalsoprovidedtotheLDCstobuildtheirhumanandinstitutionalcapacitiestoimprovethegovernanceoftheirSTIsystems.Furthermore,UNESCOisalsoworkingwithuniversitiesintheLDCstoestablishsustainableSTIpolicytrainingandresearchprogrammesthatcanaddressthelackofhumanexpertiseandinstitutionalcapacitiesinSTIpolicyandinnovationmanagement,andissupportingtheestablishmentofinternationalinter-universitynetworksforcapacity-buildinginSTIpolicy.
UNEPfacilitatespolicymakingatglobal,regionalandnationallevelsthroughthedevelopmentofintegratedassessmentsthatprovidesoundscienceasabasisfordecision-makingthroughtheGlobalEnvironmentOutlook(GEO)seriesofreports.UNEPLive,launchedinearly2014,providesasystem-wideapproachtokeepingtheenvironmentunderreviewandfacilitatestheexchangeandsharingoflatestdataintoanintegratedtapestrythatsupportsassessmentsofthestate,trendsandoutlooksoftheenvironment.Theplatformallowscountries,researchers,communitiesofpracticeandotherUNEPstakeholderstoaccessandsharedataandknowledgefromglobal,regionalandnationalsources.Nearreal-timedataofairqualityindexes,volcanicactivity,sea-levelriseaswellasspatialvisualizationofred-listspeciesandfreshwatertreatiesarealreadyavailable.Nationaldata-setsfromover100countriesarealsoonline.Countrycontributionsareparticularlyimportant,asministries,especiallyinLDCsandotherdevelopingcountries,oftenholdvastandusefulamountsofdatathatarenoteasilyaccessible.
UNCDF’sMobileMoneyforthePoor(MM4P)programmehassupportedbranchlessandmobilefinancialservicesinaselectgroupofLDCssince2012.In2014,UNCDFhasexpandedtheMM4Pprogrammeanditwillnowbeabletoincreasemobile-enableddeliverychannelsforfinancialservicestoserve17.75millionactivedigitalfinancialclients,representinganetincreaseof11.58millionusersacrosseightLDCs(Benin,Lao-PDR,Liberia,Malawi,Nepal,Senegal,Uganda,andZambia).Thesetargetsaimtocatalyzetheuptakeneededforthemarkettohavesufficientmomentumtoultimatelyreachthemajorityoftheadultpopulation.
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TheBetterthanCashAlliance(BTCA)waslaunchedinSeptember2012inresponsetopublicandprivatesectordemandformorestrategicadvocacy,researchandguidanceondigitizingthesecashpayments.TheBetterthanCashAllianceisanallianceofgovernments,privatesectoranddevelopmentorganizationscommittedtoacceleratingtheshiftfromcashtoelectronicpayments.TheBetterthanCashAllianceisfundedbytheBill&MelindaGatesFoundation,Citi,FordFoundation,MasterCard,OmidyarNetwork,USAIDandVisaInc.TheUNCapitalDevelopmentFundservesasthesecretariat.
WorldBank:TheWorldBank’snew$150millionAfricaHigher-EducationCentersofExcellenceProjectisfunding19university-basedcentersforadvancededucationinWestandCentralAfrica.Itwillsupportregionalspecializationamongparticipatinguniversitiesinmathematics,science,engineering,andICTtoaddressregionalchallenges.TheBankhassetoutavisionofachievinguniversalfinancialaccessby2020throughtheconcertedeffortsofcountriesleadingtheirownreformsandthroughtheharnessingoftechnologyanddatatoreducethecostsandrisksoffinancialservices.Inrecentyears,theBank’sinvestmentshavehelpedtosupport1.8millionfarmersinadoptingimprovedagriculturaltechnology.
IAEA:Actingasarepositoryforknowledgeandafacilitatorfortechnologytransfer,theIAEAinseveralLDCsaimstoleveragethedifferencesamongMemberStatesinthesameregionbyenablingcooperationbetweenthem,creatingsynergiesthroughnetworking,knowledgetransferandcapacitybuildinginspecializedareaswherenucleartechnologieshaveanapplication,namelyintheareasof:foodandagriculture;humanhealth;environmentalprotection;watermanagement;sustainableenergydevelopment;industrialapplications;radiation,wasteandrecycling.Throughtheuseoffellowshipsandscientificvisits,whichprovidespecifictrainingtoprofessionalsinenhancingtheirtechnicalskills,theIAEAiscontributingtopromotinginnovationinscienceandtechnology.TheIAEAwelcomesopportunitiestoestablishcooperationwithaccreditedinstitutionstoensurerecognitionoflong-termtrainingprovidedthroughitstechnicalcooperationprogramme.
WIPOworkswithLDCs’developmentpartnersfromgovernmentandprivatesectortoaffordenhancedaccessbyLDCstoglobalpatentinformationsystemaswellastofeefreeaccesstohighendtechnicalandscientificresourcesmaterials.IncooperationwithpublicandprivatesectorpartnersWIPOhasputinplaceanumberofknowledgesharingplatformssuchas:AccesstoResearchforDevelopmentandInnovation(ARDI)whichfocusesonimprovingLDCs’accesstoscholarlyliteraturefromdiversefieldsofscienceandtechnology;theAccesstoSpecializedPatentInformation(ASPI),whichisapublic-privatepartnershipadministeredbyWIPOandmadepossiblethroughcooperationwithleadingpatentinformationprovidersthatprovides,eligiblepatentofficesandacademicandresearchinstitutionsinleastdevelopedanddevelopingcountriesfreeorlow-costaccesstosophisticatedtoolsandservicesforretrievingandanalyzingpatentdata;andWIPORe:Searchwhichcatalyzesthedevelopmentofmedicalproductsforneglectedtropicaldiseases,malaria,andtuberculosisthroughinnovativeresearchpartnershipsandknowledgesharing.TheoverarchinggoaloftheseplatformsistocontributetoeffortsbyLDCstoenhancescience,technologyandinnovationcapacityandstrengthenmeaningfulintegrationintotheglobalknowledgearchitecture.WIPOhasalsojoinedwithotherpartnerstosupportLDCstoaddresstheirgreentechnologyneedsthroughtheestablishmentofWIPOGREEN-aninteractivemarketplacethatpromotesinnovationanddiffusionofgreentechnologies.Itdoesthisbyconnectingtechnologyandserviceproviderswiththoseseekinginnovativesolutions.InthecontextofSTI,infrastructure-relatedchallengesintheareaofinnovation
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capacitybuildingareaddressedthroughtheestablishmentofTechnologyandInnovationSupportCenters(TISCs).Thesecentersareestablishedthroughanationalmulti-stakeholders’participatoryprocesswhichfacilitatescoordinatedfunctioningandpromotionoftheuseofthesecentersinLDCs.WIPOalsosupportLDCstoestablishstart-upacademytofacilitateindigenouscapacitydevelopmentinIPteachingtowardsbuildingnationalknowledgebasedininnovation,scienceandtechnology.
A4PRODUCTIVECAPACITY:PRIVATESECTOR
1) DoesyourorganizationprovideorsupporttheprovisionofenhancedfinancialandtechnicalsupportandthefacilitationoftechnologytoLDCstoremovestructuralandinstitutionalconstraintsontheprivatesector?
UNEP,UNIDO,ILO,WIPO,FAO,ITU,WMO,UNCDF,ESCAP,ESCWA,CFC,OSSC,SE4ALL,UNWOMEN,UNDP,UNCTAD,WorldBank,IFAD
2) Doesyourorganizationsupportinitiativestostrengthentheinstitutionalandmanagerialcapacitiesandtheproductivityofsmallandmedium-sizedenterprisesinLDCstoimprovetheircompetitiveness?
ITC,UNIDO,ILO,WIPO,FAO,ITU,WMO,UNCDF,ESCAP,ESCWA,CFC,OSSC,SE4ALL,UNWOMEN,UNDP,UNCTAD,WorldBank,DESA,IFAD
Selectedactivitiesintheareaofprivatesector
Capacitydevelopmentactivitiesanddevelopmentoftheso-calledePingelectronictoolkit(www.ePingAlert.org)tofacilitateprivatesectoraccesstoinformationonchangesintrade-relatedmeasuresof(potential)tradingpartners(DESA).Theseactivitiesarepartofacapacitydevelopmentprojectforremovingconstraintsinutilizingtrade-relatedinternationalsupportmeasuresforLDCs.TheobjectiveoftheprojectistoincreasenationalcapacityinthegovernmentsandexportsectorsofparticipatingLDCstoaccessandeffectivelyusethetrade-relatedinternationalsupportmeasuresforadvancingdevelopmentstrategiesofLDCsinovercomingstructuralandeconomicvulnerability.
Trainingprogramforentrepreneurs(ILO,UNCTAD,FAO,UNDP-youthorientation,UNIDO-youthandwomen,UNWomen)
Advocacyandoperationalsupportonintellectualpropertyrightprotectionandexploitation,andinestablishinglinkagesbetweeninnovatorsandinvestors(ECA)
Policyrecommendationsonimprovingthebusinessenvironmentoftheprivatesector,includingthefinancialsector(IMF,UNIDO),regulatoryframeworks,intellectualpropertyandfinancingmechanismsforresearchanddevelopment(ECA),creativeindustries(UNIDO),inclusivefinance(UNCDF)
Knowledgeplatformsandtools:SS-GATE,Women’sEmpowermentPrinciples
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Promotionofpublic-privatepartnerships(ITUinICTs/broadband)(UNEPtopromotelinkagesbetweensustainabilityandfinancialperformance)
Curriculumonentrepreneurshipforsecondaryandvocationalschools(UNIDO)
Directsupportforinclusivefinancialservicesandproducts(UNCDF)
Supportinglocalpipelineofbankableprojects(UNCDF)
Financingforprivatesectordevelopment(WorldBank)
OSSC:SS-Gate,amarketplatform,facilitatestheSouth-Southtransferoftechnology-basedsolutionsbetweensmallandmedium-sizedenterprisesbasedindevelopingcountries.Thesetechnologiesboostproductivecapacities,employmentcreationandinfrastructuredevelopmentintheSME/privatesectorofdevelopingcountries.SS-Gatealsosupportspublicprivatepartnershipsinsupportoflocalgovernmenteffortsandinclusivedevelopment.SS-GATEhascreatedanopensourceplatformthatisavailableforusebySMEsindevelopingcountries.SS-GATEcreatesinstitutionalpartnershipswithlocalagencieswhohaveanexistingmandatetosupportlocalSMEsandSMEnetworksandtocoordinateforeigndirectinvestmentforthatpurpose.SS-GATEaddsvaluetothisworkbylinkingtheselocalagencies(turnedintoSS-GATE“countrycenters”)withotheragenciesintheGlobalSouththroughtheSS-GATEglobalplatform,throughdirectlinkagesandlistingofselectedappropriateprojects/technologies.ThisisdesignedtosupporttechnologytransferonaSouthtoSouthcorridor.SS-GATEwasestablishedasanot-for-profitandindependententityundertheguidanceofUNOSSC,with50countrycentresperformingastheconduitofprojectsandtechnologysourcing,therebynotduplicatingeffortsandreducingcosts.
UNCTAD:ThistypeofassistanceisprovidedthroughUNCTAD’sEmpretecprogramme.InEthiopia,UNCTADiscurrentlysupportingtheEntrepreneurshipDevelopmentProgram(EDP).TheEDPaimstounleashthegrowthpotentialofmicro-andsmall-scaleenterprisesthroughentrepreneurialskillstrainingandprovisionofbusinessadvisoryservices.Theprojectidentifiesandselectsgrowth-orientedenterprises,aswellaspotentialentrepreneurs,unemployedyouth,andwomenentrepreneurs,andprovidesthemwithentrepreneurshiptrainingandanintegratedrangeofbusinessdevelopmentservices.UNCTAD’sEmpretecmodelisthemainmethodologyforentrepreneurshiptraininginthecountryandisbeingimplementedthroughEmpretecGhana,whichhasbeendeliveringanumberofworkshopsinthecountry.LocaltrainerswillbecertifiedunderUNCTAD’ssupervisionin2015.UNCTADprovidedassistancetothe8establishedEMPRETECcentresinLDCsthroughadvisoryservices,policyworkshopsandseminarsbasedontheEPF,trainingtoentrepreneursandSMEsandsupporttoregionalnetworksandinitiatives.
TheBusinessLinkageProgrammeaimstoconnectlargecompanieswithdependablebusinesspartnersindevelopingcountries.In2014,ZambiaandtheUnitedRepublicofTanzaniabenefitedfromtheprogramme.Thereisagrowinginterestfromlargecompanies,bothdomesticandforeign,insourcinglocally.UNCTAD’seffortsareonprovidingaportfolioofservicesthatbuildthecapacityofselectedlocalsupplierstoenterthecompanies’valuechainsandbecomeenduringbusinesspartners.
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ITU is an organization based on public-private partnership since its inception. It has a membership of 192 countries, over 700 private-sector entities and academic institutions, twelve regional and areas founded on the principle of international cooperation between governments and the private sector. Going forth it is clear that adoption of regulatory reforms, the development of ICTs/national broadband action plans and significant investment through public and private partnerships are essential for LDCs in order to fully benefit from the catalytic impact that ICTs can have in creating economic growth and efficiency across all socio-economic services and sectors. It is imperative to leverage ICT for development (ICT4D) to drive the development of the LDCs for building viable productive capacities. Achieving this goal will require concerted efforts, as well as forging smart partnerships for the implementation of the Special Programme for LDCs. Multilateral organizations and the private sector can help make a difference by accelerating the pace of telecommunication development in LDCs—This is an area on which ITU is working tirelessly to achieve tangible results for the benefits of the LDCs. Best practices and lessons learned for enhanced inter-agency collaboration can include many ITU’s achievements in the LDCs resulted from public-private partnerships.
ITC: Improving the international competitiveness of SMEs from LDCs is ITC’s raison d’être. The support ITC provides includes sharing knowledge, building productive capacity and implementing integrated solutions to help LDCs use trade as an engine for sustainable growth and jobs. ITC’s main focus is to facilitate SME success in international business. Having worked with SMEs for 50 years, ITC is familiar with the unique needs of SMEs, including women-owned enterprises, and has vast experience in improving their international competitiveness and connecting them with markets.
ITC works to boost SME competiveness and supply capacity by improving supply chain management, as well as marketing and branding. ITC also provides training and advisory services to improve production methodologies that help boosting productivity. It helps companies tap into international markets by facilitating business contacts and by enabling them to comply with standards and technical regulations. It also brings together public and private sector actors to jointly contribute to a conducive business environment. ITC also works with the private sector to support its capacity as buyers, investors, and providers of technical assistance.
UNDP:InthecontextoftheAfricanFacilityforInclusivemarketsinitiatives,UNDPhavesetupprojectstopromoteprivatesectorledgrowth.Forexample,Tanzaniahasexperiencedstrongeconomicgrowth,yetthelackofcapacitywithinmanyburgeoningenterpriseshindersthesustainabilityofthesegrowthrates.Someexistingbarrierstowardsthisachievementlieinidentifyingandattractingcompetentmanagers,whilesystemicinadequatetrainingleadstolowqualityproductoutput.Toenhancecompanies’managementandtechnicalproficiency,UNDP’sProjectAfricanTrainingManagementServices(ATMS),inpartnershipwiththeAfricanManagementServiceCompany(AMSCO),collaboratedwithSadolinPaintsandAARHealthInsurancetosupportthemincapacitydevelopment.Overall,thispartnershiphelpedgenerate4,838newjobsinTanzania,andmicrofinanceinstitutionswereabletoapproveover37,000newloanstoTanzanianbusinesses.
IFAD:IFAD’sapproachinsupporttosmallholderandmicro,smallandmediumenterprises(MSMEs)focusesoninclusivevaluechainsandbuildsonIFAD’sPublic-Private-ProducersPartnership(PPPP)model.Besidesworkingwithgovernmentstosupportenablingpolicyenvironmentsandpublic
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investmentsininfrastructureandotherpublicgoods,IFADactsasanhonestbrokerbypromotingwin-winrelationshipsbetweensmall-scaleproducersandotherenterprisesthatmakeupthelocalprivatesector,buyers,inputsuppliers,Micro-financeinstitutions(MFIs)andcommercialbanks.
Inaddition,inmanycountriesIFADworkswithgovernmentstobuildthecapacityoflocalMFIsandlinkthemtoformalcommercialbanksinordertoenhancetheaccessibilityoffinancialservicesforpoorruralpeopleandenablethemtoraisetheirproductivityasfarmersandoperateasMSMEs.
Forexample,inEthiopiaIFADhasfocusedonruralsavingsandcreditcooperativesandMFIsastheonlyinstitutionsinthecountrywithacapacitytoprovidefinancialproductstargetedtotheneedsofsmallholdersinremoteruralareas.IFAD’sapproachhascombinedinstitutionalcapacity-building,improvementofregulationandacreditlinetoaddresstheliquiditygapsoftheseinstitutions.
UNCDF’sworkoninclusivefinanceengageswitharangeofcountry-basedinstitutionstodevelopinclusivefinancialsystemsandtoensurethatarangeoffinancialproductsisavailabletoallsegmentsofsociety,atareasonablecost,andonasustainablebasis.UNCDFsupportsawiderangeofprivatesectorproviders(suchasmicrofinanceinstitutions,banks,cooperatives,moneytransfercompanies)andavarietyoffinancialproductsandservices(suchassavings,credit,insurance,payments,andremittances).UNCDFalsosupportsnewerdeliverychannels(suchasmobilephonenetworks)thatofferrelevantpotentialforscale.UNCDF’sworkininclusivefinancecontinuestobuildonitssuccessinmobilizingmoney‘outofthemattresses’(or‘sleepingcapital’),providingpoorpeopleasafeplacetosave,whilealsointermediatingfundingformicro,smallandmediumenterprises-sizeenterprisestoinvestintherealeconomyoftheircountries.
Forinstance,MicroLeadsupportstheexpansionofFinancialServiceProviders(FSP)whichpursueasavings-ledapproachinthebeliefthatsavingswillallowlow-incomepopulationstotakecontroloftheircomplicatedfinanciallives.Inparticular,MicroleadseekstorespondtotheruralvacuumofservicesinLDCs.ItprovidesanexcellentexampleofhowUNCDFleveragesitsfundingtocatalysedomesticsavings:withaninitialcorecontributionofUSD5Million,UNCDFmobilizedUSD20millionfromtheBill&MelindaGatesFoundationtolaunchMicroLead.UNCDFinvestedthefundsinFSPsfromtheSouthwhobroughtaboutUSD100millionoftheirownequitytofundtheirexpansioninLDCs.After5yearsofoperations,theseFSPscombinedtoreachoveronemilliondepositors,withloanandsavingbalancesofUSD450Million.TheMicroLeadExpansionprogrammeisnowhalfwaythroughimplementationworkingwithavarietyofproviderswithtargetstoreachanadditional1.3millionclientsandmobilize$190millionindepositswhilemovingfurtherintoruralmarkets.MicroLead/MicroLeadExpansionwasimplementedinBhutan,Burundi,DRC,Ethiopia,Lao-PDR,Liberia,Malawi,Myanmar,Rwanda,Samoa,Sierra-Leone,Solomon-Islands,SouthSudan,Tanzania,Timor-Leste,Uganda,Vanuatu.
Inaddition,byprovidingtechnicalandfinancialsupportatthelocallevelforinfrastructure,UNCDFhelpstoimprovethecapacitiesofprivatesector.Improvingtheofferofroads,bridges,dams,electricity,investinginmarketsandeconomicinfrastructurehelpslocaleconomiesandopennewopportunitiesforwomen,youngandmen.Forexample,UNCDFhasinvestedmorethan$10millioninbasicservicesandinfrastructurethroughlocalgovernmentstotestinnovativefinancingthroughtheLocalDevelopmentFund(LDF)mechanism,oftenenhancedthroughperformance-basedgrantsandoperationalexpenditureblockgrants.ThelargestinvestmentswereinSomalia($3,634,015),
MainstreamingtheIPoAfortheLDCs|23
Bangladesh($2,140,000)andMali($1,737,906).InSomalia–whereUNCDFworkswithUNDP,theInternationalLabourOrganization,theUnitedNationsHumanSettlementsProgramme(UN-Habitat)andtheUnitedNationsChildren’sFund(UNICEF)ontheUnitedNationsJointProgrammeonLocalGovernanceandDecentralizedServiceDelivery–morethanhalfofallinvestmentsweremadeintransportinfrastructure,therebyimprovingaccesstomarketsandhelpinglocaleconomiesgrow.Thisprogrammealsostandsoutfortheproportionofprojectsithasimplementedusingpublic-privatepartnerships,throughwhichalmostonefifthofallinvestmentsweremade.
WorldBank:TheBank’sprivatesectorarmIFCanditspoliticalriskinsurancearmMIGAarerampinguptheireffortstoleverageprivatesectorinvestmentandcreatemorejobsandeconomicopportunitiesforthepoor.Thisyear,IFCprovidedmorethan$22billioninfinancingforprivatesectordevelopment,about$5billionofwhichwasmobilizedfrominvestmentpartners.MIGAissued$3.2billioninpoliticalriskandcreditenhancementguaranteesunderpinninginvestments,includingthoseintransformationalprojects.
B. Agriculture,FoodandNutritionalSecurityandRuralDevelopmentContext:Theagriculturesector,whichplaysacrucialroleinalmostallLDCs,bothinpromotingfoodsecurityandasthemajoreconomicactivityformuchofthepopulation,faceshugechallenges.Thesestemfromalackofadequateinvestmentinphysicalinfrastructure,scientificandtechnologicaldevelopment,researchandagriculturalextensionsservices,aswellasfromtheadverseimpactsofclimatechange,environmentaldegradation,desertification,andotherchallenges.Newinvestmentsarerequiredinregionalandnationalagriculturalandfisheryresearchandruralinfrastructure,extensionofbetterfarmingandfishingpracticesandinnovativeandsustainabletechnologies,aswellasmarketingadvice,structuredandeffectivefinanceandgreatertenuresecurity,includingaccesstoandcontroloverlandbyfemalefarmersirrespectiveoftheirmaritalstatus.
TheLDCsarehometo30percentoftheglobalpopulationlivingwithhunger,whileaccountingforonly12percentoftheworldpopulation.3
GoalsandTargetsoftheIPoA:
(a) Makesubstantialprogresstowardseradicatinghungerby2020;(b) Substantiallyincreaseinvestmentinruralinfrastructure;(c) Ensureaccesstosafefoodandemergencyfoodassistanceinallleastdeveloped
countries.
Questions:
Doesyourorganizationprovideenhancedfinancialand/ortechnicalsupporttoLDCsforthedevelopmentoftheagriculturalsector?
OSAA,OSSC,OPS,ESCAP,WFP,HABITAT,UNEP,UNWOMEN,UNDP,UNCDF,ODC,UNCTAD,FAO,ITU,UNIDO,WTO,EIF,ILO,WIPO,WMO,WorldBank,IAEA,IFAD
32014figures,sourceA/70/83-E/2015/75.
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B.1AGRICULTURE,FOODANDNUTRITIONALSECURITYANDRURALDEVELOPMENT
1) Doesyourorganizationsupporteffortsaimedatincreasingagriculturalproductionandproductivity?
FAO,ITU,ODC,WIPO,ILO,WMO,ESCAP,ESCWA,OSAA,OSSC,WFP,HABITAT,UNEP,UNWOMEN,UNDP,UNCDF,UNCTAD,CFC,EIF,OPS,WorldBank,IAEA,IFAD
2) DoesyourorganizationsupporttheeffortsofLDCstoestablishorstrengthensafetynetssuchasaccesstoagriculturalfinance,insuranceandotherrisk-mitigationtools?
FAO,ITU,ODC,UNDP,EIF,ILO,WMO,CFC,OSSC,WFP,UNWOMEN,WorldBank,IFAD,UNCDF
3) Doesyourorganizationprovidefoodassistanceandsafetynetprogrammestoaddresshungerandmalnutrition,basedonneeds?
FAO,ITU,ODC,ILO,ESCAP,WFP,UNICEF,UNWOMEN,UNDP,WorldBank
4) DoesyourorganizationprovidesupporttotheeffortsofLDCStoestablishorstrengthenagriculturaland/ormarineresearchanddevelopmentinstitutions?
FAO,ITU,ODC,UNESCO,WMO,HABITAT,UNEP,UNWOMEN,ESCAP,UNCTAD,WorldBank,IAEA,IFAD
5) DoesyourorganizationsupporteffortstoprovideandsupportLDCswithhigh-yieldingandclimate-resilientcropvarieties,includingsaline-,drought-,andsubmersion-compatiblespecies,includingthroughthetransferofappropriatetechnologyandtechnicalknow-how?
FAO,ITU,ODC,ILO,UNDP,UNWOMEN,OSSC,CFC,WMO,WorldBank,IAEA,IFAD
6) DoesyourorganizationsupportLDCstoestablishandupgradetheirownnationaltestingandcertificationinstitutionsandsupporttheparticipationofLDCsinregionalandglobalstandard-setting?
FAO,ITU,ODC,UNESCO,UNIDO,WTO,EIF,WMO,ESCAP,UNDP,CFC,UNCTAD,WorldBank
7) DoesyourorganizationsupportLDCs’national,regionalandinternationalagriculturalandfisheryresearchinstitutions,helpbuildcapacitiesintropicalagriculturaltechnologiesandstrengthenagriculturalknowledgeandinformationsystemssupportedbyagriculturalextensionservices?FAO,ITU,ODC,WIPO,EIF,WMO,UNEP,UNDP,UNWOMEN,ESCAP,HABITAT,WorldBank,IAEA,IFAD
Selectedactivitiesintheareaofnutritionalsecurityandruraldevelopment
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Investmentstoraiseagriculturalproductivityandresilience,especiallyforsmall-holderfamers(WorldBank)
Provisionofseedmoneytodevelopprojects/programmesandfacilitatefundmobilization:BoosterFundtofinancepartnershipsforfoodsecurityandclimateresilienceandtosupportagriculturefinancetoreachsmallholderfarmers(UNCDF)
Grantschemesforagriculture(EIF,food-andcashforassets,WTOontradeandinvestmentaspects)
Provisionofaid:food(WFP),cashtransfers(UNICEF)
Strategiesandplans(ruraldevelopment,socialprotection(ILO),landrights(ECA),fooddistributionandfood-securityandnutrition(WFP)
Developmentandimplementationofstand-aloneprojects(constructionandrehabilitationofruralroadsandmarkets(OPS),demining(OPS),ruralinfrastructureforwells,watercatchmentareasandwaterdistribution(OPS),droughtresistantseeds(UNDP),infrastructuredevelopmentandmarketaccess(UNIDO),improvingfoodsecurityforpoppygrowingfamilies(ODC),strengthening,developingandintensifyingurbanandperi-urbanagricultureandforestry(UNHabitat)
Advisoryservicesandpolicyadvice(povertyreductionandgrowthimpedimentslinkedtoagriculturaldevelopment(IMF,UNDP),mainstreaminglandpolicyandgovernanceissues,foodsecurity,assessmentsofimpactsoftrade-relatedpoliciesintheagriculturalsector(UNEP)
Organizationofglobalforums,conferences,EGMsandworkshops(FAOonimprovedcropproductivity,UNDPonstandardsforproducts)
Capacitybuildingandtraining:landrightsandplanning(ECA),foodsecurity(FAO/WFP),technologytransfer:agro-technologies(OSSC)greenhouseproduction(EIF),useofradiationtechnologyforfoodandagriculture,cropproductivity,bettersoilandwatermanagementandpestcontrol(IAEA/FAO)
Advocacyandoutreach:ruraldevelopment,landrights,governance,mainstreaminglandinnationalagriculturalinvestments,socialdialogue(ILO,ECA,Habitat)
PPP:GreenCommoditiesProgramme(UNEP),GlobalAgricultureandFoodSecurityProgram(WorldBank)
Knowledgeplatforms(weatherandclimaterelated(WMO)onfoodpricesandpolicy(FAO),vulnerabilityassessments(WFP),knowledgecentres(ODC)Knowledgedissemination(organicagriculture(UNCTAD,UNEP)
Publications/manuals(UNCTAD’sLDCReport2015on“transformingruraleconomies”,NEPADprogressreportsoncomprehensiveAfricaAgricultureDevelopmentProgramme(ECA),fisheriesandaquacultureemergencyresponseguidelines(FAO)
StandardsandTradeDevelopmentFacility,Foodstandards(FAO)
Dataandstatistics(UNICEF)
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FAO:hasbeenhelpingtheGovernmentofBangladeshtoformulateandimplementacomprehensivenationalFoodPolicyandaCountryInvestmentPlan(CIP)foragriculture,foodsecurityandnutrition.TheCIP(2011-2015)hasbeeninstrumentaltomobilizeadditionalresourcestopursuethehigher-levelgoalofimprovingnutritionstatusofitspopulationinthefaceofclimatechangeandscarcenaturalresources(soilsandwater).Thetoolisalsousedtocoordinateandharmonizeinvestmentsbyvariouspartners,alignexternalfinances(loansandgrants)andasabasisforannualmonitoringasanaccountabilitymechanismtoassessprogress.TheCIPwasdevelopedinthewakeofthe2008foodpricecrisisandgreatlybenefittedfromtheUNSecretaryGeneralHighLevelTaskForce(HLTF)support,whichenabledtheentireUNcountryteamtosupporttheCIPprocess.Byprovidingitstechnicalsupport,FAOwasactingasacatalyzeronbehalfoftheentireUNsystem.Thiswasanexcellentexampleofinter-agencycollaboration,withvariousagenciesbringingtheirrespectiveareasofexpertise,e.g.UNICEFonnutritionissues,WFPonsafetynetsandfooddistributionprograms,etc.IFAD:Theagriculturalsectorisnotonlythemostimportantforruralpovertyreduction;itisalsoofcriticalimportancetotheeconomiesofmanydevelopingcountries,whichdependaboveallonagriculturalcommoditiesasthemainsourceofexportearnings.Around70percentofthepopulationofLDCsliveinruralareas,andmostdependonsmall-scaleagriculturefortheirlivesandlivelihoods.Inrecentyears,soaringfoodpriceshavehadnegativeshort-runeffectsondevelopingcountriesthatdependonimportsfortheirfoodsecurityandwherethevastmajorityofhouseholdsarenetfoodbuyers.Givenitsmandate,inallitsoperationsIFADinvestsinagricultureandruraldevelopment.Inaddition,IFADalsosupportsresearchtoincreaseproductivityandcropdiversification.Forexample,realizingthatcassavaisoneofthemostimportantsourcesoffoodenergyinthedrierareasofthedevelopingworldandithasanoutstandingperformanceunderharshconditionsofclimateandsoil,IFADissupportingappliedresearchonpost-harvesttechnologytoopenavenuesforcashincomegenerationthroughawholenewrangeofhighlymarketablecassavaproducts.
WFP: In2014,WFP-supportedactivitiesreached47.9millionpeoplein39LDCs,withdirectexpensestotalingUSD2.2billion(55%oftotaldirectexpenses).ButWFP’sfoodassistancehaspositiveeffectsformanymorepeople.Thissupportisdifficulttoquantifyintermsofbeneficiaryfigures:technicalassistancefordesigninganationalschoolfeedingprogramme,forexample,canultimatelybenefitmillionsofchildren.Innovativetechnologiesthatimprovetheefficiencyofpublicdistributionsystems,projectssupportinglocalproductionofsupplementaryfoodsandknowledgetransferstoimprovefoodsecurityanalysisareexamplesofWFP’ssupportthatcannotbequantifiedintermsofbeneficiariesofdirectfoodassistancetransfers.TheimpactofWFP’sworkclearlyextendsbeyondthenumberofpeoplereceivingdirectassistance,anditisreflectedintheincreasingdemandfromhostgovernmentsfortechnicalassistancetodevelopfood-securityandnutritionpoliciesandnationalsafety-netprogrammes,andtoincreasecapacitiesinministriestoimplementthem.
Inaddition,WFPsupportsinnovativefoodassistancetoolsincludingfood-andcash-for-assetsprogrammesandsupporttogovernmentsafetynetstargetingthemostvulnerableandusefoodassistanceasaninstrumenttobuildproductiveassets.Productiveassetsandbetterlandmanagementtechniqueshelphouseholdsandcommunitiesenhancetheirownfoodsecurityandbecomemoreresilient.WFPalsoprovidesgovernmentsandotherpartnerswithvulnerabilityand
MainstreamingtheIPoAfortheLDCs|27
analysismappingtoidentifytheunderlyingcausesofhungerandfoodinsecurityaswellastechnicalsupportforpolicydevelopmentinordertoeffectivelyaddressthem.
ThroughPurchaseforProgress(P4P),WFPisworkingwiththegovernmentsof14LDCsandpartnerswithotherUNagencies,non-governmentalorganizations,civilsocietyandtheprivatesectortoreducepost-harvestlossesandpromoteeconomicopportunityandagriculturalproductivitygainsbyprocuringcommoditiesandspecializednutritiousfoodslocallyandregionallywheneverfeasible,includingfromsmallholderfarmersandwarehousereceiptsystems.Forexample,intheDemocraticRepublicofCongo,theP4Pprogramme,jointlyimplementedwithFAO,focusesonrevivingagriculturalmarketsdamagedbyyearsofmismanagement,disruptionandarmedconflict.
WFPprovidesfoodassistancethroughactivitiesdesignedtoimprovethefoodsecurityandnutritionalstatusoffood-insecurehouseholds.Foodassistancehelpsmitigatingtransitoryfoodinsecurityandpreventingdeteriorationofthenutritionstatusofvulnerablepeople,especiallyduringtheagriculturalleanseasons.WFPalsosupportscommunities’capacitiesempoweringthemtoadoptsustainablelivelihoodsandbuildlong-termfoodsecurity.WFP'sprogrammeofworkincludesnationalcapacitydevelopmentandmodellinginnovationsinfoodassistance.
WFPsupportsandimplementssafetynetstoensurethatadequatefoodisavailabletovulnerablepeopleatcriticaltimes.InmanyLDCs,householdsheadedbywomenareoftenmorefood-insecurethanthoseheadedbymen:toaddressgendergapsinaccesstofoodandtoensurethatthemostvulnerablepeoplewerereached,WFPadapteditssafety-netprogrammestolocalcontexts.
FAO,IFADandWFParecollaboratingunderanewandinnovativejointprojecttoreducefoodlossesthrough a new global Community of Practice on food loss reduction andworking in threeAfricanCountries;BurkinaFaso,theDemocraticRepublicoftheCongo,andUganda.
ILO:Strivingtounleashthepotentialofagricultureonasustainablebasis,theGermangovernment—togetherwithDeutscheBankandKfW—establishedtheAfricaAgricultureandTradeInvestmentFund(AATIF)in2011.TheFundisaninnovativepublic-privatepartnershipdedicatedtoupliftingAfrica'sagriculturalpotentialforthebenefitofthepoor.Itaimstoimprovefoodsecurityandprovideadditionalemploymentandincometofarmers,entrepreneursandlaborersalikebyinvestingpatientlyandresponsiblyinefficientlocalvaluechains.
TheILOhasjoinedforceswiththeAATIFinarangeofLDCs,includingBurundiandZambiaaimingtodevelopamethodologytoassessthesocialandenvironmentalriskofinvestmentsinagricultureinAfrica.InZambia,theAATIFfundsupportsinvestmentinmodernirrigationsystemstoensureproductioninthedryseason.Inordertocomplywiththesocialsafeguardrequirementsofthefund,theprojectcommittedtopayatleastminimumwagetoemployees,adjustregistrationformsinordertobeabletoidentifyminors,ensureschoolingoffarmchildrenbyexpandingschoolbuildings,providingtransportationbetweenthefarmandschool,improvetheoccupationalhealthandsafetymanagementsystemandprovidetreatedmosquitonetsforfarmworkersandtheirfamilieslivingonthefarm.Gender-sensitivetrainingmaterialshavebeendevelopedtothisendtobuildcapacitiesinreinforcingsocialcomplianceinagriculturalinvestments.Thematerialsaretargetednottowardsoneparticularcountry,butrathertowardsagriculturalfinancestakeholderswhowishtoinvestinAfrica.InthisworktheILOhasalsostrengtheneditstieswithUNEP.
MainstreamingtheIPoAfortheLDCs|28
UN-HabitatcollaboratedwiththeResourceCentersonUrbanAgricultureandFoodSecurity(RUAF)Foundationonapilotprojecttointegrateurbanandperi-urbanagricultureinthecityclimatechangeandurbandevelopmentstrategiesofthreecities:BoboDioulasso(BurkinaFaso),Kathmandu(Nepal)andKesbewa(SriLanka).Urbanagriculture,whenplannedandmanagedproperly,cancontributetoclimatechangeadaptationandmitigationeffortsbyloweringtheecologicalfootprintassociatedwithfoodproductionandbyincreasingvegetationcoverandreducingsurfacewaterrun-off,whileatthesametimeconservingbiodiversity.Theactivityaimedalsoatenhancingthesupplyoflocallyproducedfoodandthusreducesthecommunity’sdependencyonfoodimports,improvingurbanfoodsecurityandgeneratingincomeandjobcreation.Atthesametimeitsoughttoenhancethecollaborationbetweenlocalgovernmentsandstakeholdersinvolvedinhorticulture,livestock,agro-forestryandaquaculture.Theactivity’sco-benefitsincludethegreeningofurbanspaces.
UNEP:UNEPandFAOsignedanMOUinSeptember2014tocollaborateonthefollowingoverarchingpriorities:i)SustainableFoodSystems,ii)EcosystemServicesandBiodiversityinAgriculture,ForestryandFisheries,iii)DataandStatistics,iv)InternationalLegalInstruments,LegislationandRegulatoryMatters.
UNIDO:AcceleratedAgribusinessandAgro-industriesDevelopmentInitiative(3ADI):The3ADIisajointInitiativebetweentheFAO,IFADandUNIDOwhichaimsatenhancingcountries’resourcebasedcomparativeadvantagesthroughtheimplementationofcompetitiveagrovaluechains.The3ADIcontributestoinfrastructuredevelopmentandmarketaccess(e.g.boostingexportcapacitieswhilereducingrelianceoncommodities).Forinstance,inUganda,throughthe“ResilienceBuildingthroughBananaValueAddition”project(USD10,934,933)UNIDOisstrengtheninglocalcommunities’capacitiestoengageintheproductionofprocessedgoodsforexports.Inaddition,inMali,theSheaButtervaluechainprojectfundedbythegovernmentofLuxembourg(Euros1,000,000)addressedinfrastructureobsolescenceandhightransportcostsbyfacilitatingmarketaccessanddevelopingcompetitiveness.Intermofactivities,1,000womenacross100ofthepoorestvillageshaveseentheirlivelihoodincreaseandtheDioila’sWomenCooperativehasbeencreatedthroughUNIDO’ssupport.Moreover,theCooperativehassuppliedtheFrenchcosmeticscompanyChimitexwitharound140tonsofsheabuttersoap.Inthesameline,inEthiopia,UNIDOandtheOPECFundforInternationalDevelopment(OFID)supportedtheimplementationoftheBelesvaluechainproject(USD600,000).Consequently,UNIDOprovidedtechnicalassistancetofarmingcommunitiestoincreaseproductionofhighvaluegoodsforexports.FarmtoForktraceabilitytofacilitateseafoodexports-Bangladesh:Recognizingtraceabilitychallenges,UNIDO,incooperationwiththeEU,hasdevelopedBangladeshnationalcapacitytosetupatraceabilitysystemwhichwillreassurebuyersandensuretheindustry’scontinuedaccesstokeyexportmarkets,especiallywiththeEU.IncooperationwiththeInternationalTradeCentre(ITC),UNIDOhasintroducedits‘BetterWorkandStandardsProgramme(BEST)-BetterFisheriesQuality(BFQ)’throughaprojectamountingtoEUR13,525,000.Theprojectallowedtheoperationalizationofafulltraceabilityprocessalongthewholesupplychainfrom“farmtofork”,coupledwithimprovementsintesting,inspectionandhygienicpractices,notonlytoensuretheBangladeshseafoodindustry’scontinuedinternationalmarketaccessbutalsoassuresfoodqualityandsafetyforbothexportandlocalconsumers.Furthermore,30testinglaboratorieshavebeensetupandseveralhundredofficersandfarmerstrainedonGoodAquaculturePractices(GAP)andHazardanalysis
MainstreamingtheIPoAfortheLDCs|29
criticalcontrolpoints(HACCP).ItisworthmentioningthattheBangladeshFrozenFoodsExportersAssociationmainlycomposedofsmallholdershasseenitscapacitiesstrengthen.UNDP:TheInclusivemarketsinAgricultureandTradeinUgandaprogrammefinancedbyUNDPcontributestotheobjectivesofUganda’sAgriculturedevelopmentstrategyandInvestmentPlan,particularlytoincreasemarketaccessandvalueadditionforproducts.Theprojecthashelpedsmallfarmerstoorganize,improvetheirproductivityandqualityofproducts,andconnecttomarkets.Basedoncarefulvaluechainanalysesandtheassessmentofanumberofindicators,includingthemarketpotentialandinclusivenessofthepoor,threecommoditieswerechosen:rice,beansandcassava.Theprogrammefacilitatesaccesstogoodqualityseedstoplant.EquatorSeedsLimited,oneoftheleadingseedcompaniesinUganda,isfullyengagedintheproduction,processingandmarketingofqualityseedsandotherrelatedagroinputs.Throughcapacitybuilding,farmersaretaughtgoodagriculturalpracticestargetedatproduction,allthewayuptopostharvesthandlingpracticestoensurethatwhatevertheyproduceisofgoodqualityandguaranteedapremiumprice.ThesupplycontractssignedbyfarmerswithEquatorSeedsLtd,whichsecureanoutletfortheirproduce,arebeingusedasguaranteebyfarmerstoaccessfinancingthroughbanksandotherfinancialinstitutions.
UNCDF:InordertocapitalizeonthelessonslearnedUNCDFislaunchingin2015aglobalprogrammeonfoodsecuritycalled“FinanceforFood”,whichacknowledgestheneedexpressedbylocalauthoritiesforanimprovedmechanismforfinancingfoodsecurityatthelocallevelusingaLocalFoodSystems(LFS)approachthataddressesfoodsecurityproblemsbylookingatitsinstitutionalandeconomiccontextbeforeidentifyinggapsinpublicandprivateinvestments.Inaddition,usingintergovernmentalfiscaltransfersandothersourcesofpublicandprivatefinance,UNCDF’sLocalDevelopmentFundearmarksfundsforfoodsecuritytobechanneledfromthenationaltothelocallevel.Thefundsareinvestedinproductiveenterprisesandlocalinfrastructuretohelpimprovelocalresiliencetofoodshocks.Theseincludeinvestmentsinmicro-dams,productionfacilities,roads,storagefacilitiesandirrigationinfrastructure.
EIF:TheEIFfundsprojectsinLDCs.Morethanhalfofthealltheseprojectsarefocusedonsupportrelatedtothedevelopmentoftheagriculturesectorandrelatedvalueaddition.
WorldBank:Tohelpcountriesmeetfoodandnutritionneedsandraisetheincomesofsmall-holderfarmers,theWorldBankGroupisexpandingitssupporttoagricultureandrelatedsectorsreaching$8-$10billionduring2013-15.Thepredominantfocusisonraisingagriculturalproductivityandresilience,especiallyforsmall-holderfarmers,andbetterlinkingthesefarmerstomarkets.Additionalemphasisisbeinggiventotheareasofclimate-smartagriculture,privatesectorresponses,longer-termmanagement,gendermainstreaming,nutrition,andlandscapeapproaches.TheWorldBankalsocoordinatestheGlobalAgricultureandFoodSecurityProgram,aglobalpartnershipsupportinglong-term,country-ledagricultureandfood-securityplansandhelpingtopromoteinvestments,especiallyforsmall-holderfarmers.
IAEA:TheIAEAcomplementstheworkofotherUNagenciesdirectlymandatedwithimprovingfoodsecurityandnutrition,whereradiationtechnologiesmayhaveanapplication.Inthisregard,theIAEAtogetherwithFAO(throughthejointFAO/IAEADivision)providessupporttoLDCsinfoodand
MainstreamingtheIPoAfortheLDCs|30
agriculture,supportsnationalgoalsaimedatenhancingcropproductivity,bettersoilandwatermanagementaswellaspestcontrol.
InthemajorityofLDCs,nationalexpertiseandinfrastructurefortheuseofnucleartechniquesinfoodandagriculturearebeingestablished.Majorareascoveredundertheprogrammeinthissectorcontinuetobe:controllingmajorinsectpeststhatthreatenfoodcropsandspreaddisease;improvinglivestockproductionandhealth;improvingsoilandwatermanagementinordertomitigatetheeffectsofclimatechange,andenhancingfoodandbiofuelproduction;developingnewvarietiesofcrops,andsupportingresearchinareasofbiotechnologyandplantbreeding;upgradinglaboratorymanagementandqualitycontrolforfoodandagriculturalproduction;analyzingfoodsforcontaminantsintheinterestofpublichealthaswellasfoodsafetyandquality;andtofacilitatenationalcompliancewithinternationalstandardsforfoodexports.
Aregionalprojectentitled“SupportingInnovativeConservationAgriculturePracticestoCombatLandDegradationandEnhanceSoilProductivityforImprovedFoodSecurity”waslaunchedtoenhancetheuseofnucleartechniquesforassessingsoilerosionandsoilredistributionprocessesandtestingtheefficiencyofinnovativesoilconservationmethodsinAfrica.FiveLDCsparticipateinthisregionalproject,namelyBenin,Madagascar,Mali,SenegalandUganda.
Aregionalprojectentitled“EnhancingCropNutritionandSoilandWaterManagementandTechnologyTransferinIrrigatedSystemsforIncreasedFoodProductionandIncomeGeneration”waslaunchedtostrengthentheuseofnucleartechniquesforquantifyingefficiencyofwaterandnitrogenuseunderdifferentirrigatedcroppingsystems.TenLDCsparticipateinthisregionalAFRAproject,namelyBenin,BurkinaFaso,Ethiopia,Mali,Niger,SierraLeone,Sudan,Uganda,UnitedRepublicofTanzaniaandZambia.
AnationalTCprojectinMyanmar,“SupportingtheNationalFoot-and-MouthDiseaseControlProgramme”isincreasingproductivityinthelivestocksectorbyimplementingsustainablestrategiestocontrolanderadicateFoot-and-MouthDisease.
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C. Trade
Context:TradehasanimportantroleinensuringthesustainableeconomicdevelopmentofLDCs.Asat2011,whentheIPoAwasadopted,thecollectiveshareininternationaltradeofLDCswasatjustover1percentofworldmerchandisetrade,andwashighlyconcentratedonafewexportproducts,halfofwhichflowtodevelopingcountries.LDCs,withsupportfromtheirdevelopmentpartners,shouldaddresssupply-sideconstraintsbyenhancingproductivecapacitiesandreducingconstraintsontheprivatesector,aswellasbuildinganddiversifyingtheirexportbase.ItisessentialtoseriouslyworktowardscreatingfavorablemarketaccessconditionsforallproductsoriginatinginLDCs,includingthroughthereductionoreliminationofarbitraryorunjustifiednon-tariffbarriersandothertrade-distortingmeasures.Regionalcooperation,includingthroughregionaltradeintegrationandotherarrangements,canfacilitateLDCs’developmentandtheirbeneficialintegrationintotheworldeconomyby,interalia,increasingthesizeofmarkets,improvingtheircompetitivenessandenhancingregionalconnectivity.
AttheNinthMinisterialConferenceofWTO,heldinBaliinDecember2013,WTOmembersreaffirmedtheircommitmenttoduty-free,quota-freemarketaccessforLDCs.WTOalsoagreedontheoperalizationofthe15-yearservicewaiverandtheprinciplethatthenewAidforTradeworkprogrammeshouldbeinformedbythepost-2015developmentagenda.WTOmembersalsoreachedagreementontradefacilitationthatmaybenefittheLDCS.
Significantprogresshasbeenmadeintheperiod2013-2014onissuesofinteresttoLDCs,includinginthecontextofthecommencementofworkonimplementationoftheLDCDecisionstakenattheNinthWTOMinisterialConference.InlinewiththeWTO'sHongKongMinisterialDFQFDecision,mostdevelopedMemberstodayprovidetherequired97%accesstotheLDCs.DevelopingcountrieshavealsotakenconcretestepstoincrementallyimprovemarketaccessopportunitiesforLDCexportsandanumberofthemhavenotifiedtheirLDCschemestotheWTOprovidinggreatertransparency.Asaresult,productexclusionsfromduty-freeaccesshavenarroweddownsignificantly.
IntheareaofRulesofOrigin,asmandatedbytheBaliDecision,MembershavestarteddiscussionsonPreferentialRulesofOriginintheCommitteeonRulesofOrigin.ItishopedthatmoreMemberswillbeforthcomingwithsubmissionsthatcanformthebasisofthesediscussions,therebycreatinginroadsintoimprovingPreferentialRulesofOrigin.
Ontheserviceswaiver,MembershavealreadyheldtheBalimandatedHigh-LevelMeetingatwhichindicationsweremadetoLDCsofthesectorsandmodesofsupplyinwhichsuchMemberswillbewillingtograntLDCspreferentialmarketaccesstoLDCservicesandservicesuppliers.Continueddiscussionsontheseissues,includingthesubmissionsofnotificationslinkedherewith,willassistLDCstobetterpreparethemselvestotakeadvantageofpreferentialmarketaccessintheareaofservicestrade.
Oncotton,therehasbeensustainedmomentuminaddressingthedevelopmentaspectsofcotton,includingthroughcontinuedengagementbytheDirector-GeneralinhisConsultativeFrameworkMechanismonCotton.Thishasbeenimportantinkeepingdonorengagementactiveonthesector.
MainstreamingtheIPoAfortheLDCs|32
Intheareaofintellectualproperty,WTOMembersextendedthetransitionperiodforLDCsuntil1January2021toprotectintellectualpropertyundertheWTO'sTRIPSAgreement.Thisisinrecognitionoftheirspecialrequirements,especiallytheireconomic,financialandadministrativeconstraintsandtheneedforflexibilitysothattheycancreateaviabletechnologicalbase.
TheobligationsfordevelopedcountriestoprovideincentivesfortechnologytransferareinArticle66.2oftheTRIPSAgreement.Inaddition,adecisionadoptedbyMembersin2003asksthedevelopedcountriestosupplyinformationonhowtheirincentivesarefunctioninginpractice.WTOorganizesannualworkshopsinvolvingdevelopedcountriesandLDCstodiscussthereportssubmittedbyMemberspursuanttothe2003decision,thushelpingLDCstounderstandthevariousactionstakenbydevelopedcountriestopromotetechnologytransfertoLDCs.
WithrespecttoAidforTrade,effortsareongoingtoenhancetheshareofassistancetoLDCs.TheFifthGlobalReview,onthethemeofreducingtradecostsforinclusive,sustainablegrowth,providedanopportunitytokeepaspotlightonthis.
TheSPSMarketAccessPrioritizationguide,developedbytheSTDF,aimstohelpcountriesprioritizedifferentSPSinvestmentoptionslinkingthemtotradeimpacts,basedonMCDA,andseekstoclarifythecostsandreturnsofinvestmentsinSPScapacitybuilding.PromisingresultshavebeenachievedintheapplicationoftheMCDAintheareaofSPSinvariousLDCsnotablyintermsof:(i)settingprioritiesamongvariousSPScapacity-buildingneedsformarketaccess;(ii)raisingawarenessabouttheimportanceofinvestinginSPScapacity;and(iii)contributingtoenhanceddialogue(public-publicandpublic-private)onSPScapacitybuildingatthecountrylevel.
TheEIFisassisting37LDCsinthedevelopmentandstrengtheningoftradecoordinationandsupportmechanisms.Thishasresultedinanincreasednationalandpoliticalconsiderationoftradeasatoolfordevelopment.78%ofEIFLDCsreportthattradeisincludedintheNationalDevelopmentPlan(upfrom56%reportedin2009).Nineteen(19)countries(upfromeightin2009)haveup-to-datetradestrategiesinplace,withanincreasebothintheirqualityandreportedimplementation.
DTISshavebecomeanimportanttoolinsettingLDCstradeagendaaslinkedtothePovertyReductionStrategyPapers(PRSP)/nationaldevelopmentplansandindeterminingthedirectionofAidforTradeatcountrylevel.In2013,90%ofEIFTier1countriesreportedtwoormoreprojectsrelatedtotheDTISActionMatrix,asopposedtoonly42%ofthesamegroupin2009.
AsamechanismforbuildingtradecapacityofLDCs,theEIFhasbeenmakingamajorcontributionnotonlytowardstheirgraduationbutalsotofacilitateasmoothtransitionfromLDCstatus.DTISsidentifysourcesofgrowthandproposereformmeasuresforLDCstotakefulladvantageoftradeopportunities,thuscontributingtothe"incomepillar".TheEIFalsocontributestothe"vulnerabilitypillar"ofthegraduationindicatorsthroughtwosub-indices,namely,throughthereductionofmerchandiseexportconcentrationandbyalleviatinginstabilityofexportsofgoodsandservices
ThroughitsTier1andTier2projectstheEIFissupportingLDCsinadvancingtheirdeliveryinmanyofthekeypriorityareasoftheIPOAsuchas:productivecapacitydevelopment,mobilizingfinancialresourcesfordevelopmentandcapacitybuilding,andgoodgovernanceatalllevels.
GoalsandtargetsoftheIPoA:
MainstreamingtheIPoAfortheLDCs|33
(a) SignificantlyincreasetheshareofLDCs’tradeinglobaltradewiththeaimofdoublingtheshareofLDCs’exportsinglobalexportsby2020,includingbybroadeningLDCs’exportbase;
(b) MakesubstantialeffortsforanearlyandsuccessfulconclusionoftheDohaRoundoftradenegotiationswithanambitious,comprehensive,balancedanddevelopment-orientedoutcome.
Questions:
DoesyourorganizationprovideassistanceinincreasingtheshareandbroadeningthebaseofLDCs’exportswiththeaimofdoublingtheirshareofexportsinglobalexportsby2020?
UNIDO,WTO,EIF,ITC,FAO,ITU,WMO,UNWOMEN,UNDP,UNEP,OPS,ESCWA,OSAA,OSSC,UNCTAD,WorldBank,DESA
C1.TRADE
1. DoesyourorganizationsupporttheeffortsofLDCstostrengthentheirhuman,institutionalandregulatorycapacitiesintradepolicyandtradenegotiationsinareassuchasmarketentryandaccess,tariffs,customs,competition,investmentandtechnology,andregionalintegration?
UNCTAD,FAO,ITU,UNIDO,ESCAP,ESCWA,ILO,WIPO,WTO,EIF,ITC,UNWOMEN,UNDP,UNCDF,OPS,WorldBank,DESA
2. Doesyourorganizationprovidetechnicaland/orfinancialsupporttonationalandregionalprojectsthatareaimedatincreasingtheproductivity,competitivenessanddiversificationofLDCeconomics,includingthroughstrengtheningthecapacityoftheirtradeingoodsandservicesandofLDCs’firmstointegrateintointernationalvaluechains?
UNCTAD,FAO,ITU,UNIDO,ESCAP,ESCWA,ILO,WIPO,EIF,ITC,UNDP,UNEP,UNWOMEN,OSAA,OSSC,CFC,WorldBank
3. Doesyourorganizationprovidefinancialand/ortechnicalsupportaimedatthediversificationofLDCeconomieswhileprovidingfinancialandtechnicalassistancethroughappropriatedeliverymechanismstomeettheirimplementationobligations,includingfulfillingSanitaryandPhytosanitaryAgreementandAgreementonTechnicalBarrierstoTraderequirements,andtoassisttheminmanagingtheiradjustmentprocesses,includingthosenecessarytofacetheresultsofmostfavourednationmultilateraltradeliberalization?
UNCTAD,FAO,ITU,UNIDO,ESCAP,ESCWA,WIPO,WTO,EIF,WMO,UNDP,UNWOMEN,WorldBank,DESA
MainstreamingtheIPoAfortheLDCs|34
4. DoesyourorganizationassistinensuringthatpreferentialrulesoforiginapplicabletoimportsfromLDCsaresimple,transparentandpredictableandcontributetofacilitatingmarketaccess?
UNCTAD,FAO,ITU,UNIDO,ESCAP,ESCWA,WTO,ITC,WFP,CFC,IPU
5. Doesyourorganizationassistintheimplementationofeffectivetrade-relatedtechnicalassistanceandcapacity-buildingtoLDCsonaprioritybasis,includingbyenhancingtheshareofassistancetoLDCsforAidforTradeandsupportfortheEnhancedIntegratedFramework,asappropriate,andstrengtheningtheircapacitytoaccessavailableresources?
UNCTAD,FAO,ITU,UNIDO,ESCAP,ESCWA,ILO,WTO,EIF,ITC,IMF,UNDP,UNWOMEN,OPS,OSSC,WorldBank
6. DoesyourorganizationsupporttheprovisionofincentivestoenterprisesandinstitutionsindevelopedcountriestopromoteandencouragetechnologytransfertoLDCstoenablethemtocreateasoundandviabletechnologicalbases?
UNCTAD,FAO,ITU,UNIDO,ESCAP,ESCWA,WIPO,WMO,WTO,EIF,UNWOMEN,OSSC
7. DoesyourorganizationsupportLDCs’effortsinpromotingsubregionalandregionalcooperation,includingexportpromotionandimprovingregionalconnectivitythroughtrade-facilitatingmeasures,suchasjointprojectsoncustomsandborderproceduresandinsofaraspossible,transportinfrastructureandlinkages,telecommunicationsfacilitiesandenergy?
UNCTAD,FAO,ITU,UNIDO,ESCAP,ESCWA,WTO,ITC,WMO,UNDP,WFP,HABITAT,UNWOMEN,OPS,OSAA,OSSC,WorldBank
Selectedactivitiesintheareaoftrade
Supporttotradecapacityinfrastructure(UNIDO),tradeandexportcapacitybuildingthroughtourism(UNIDO),policyadviceandtechnicalassistanceonrulesoforigin(UNCTAD),onweather/climaterelatedaspectsoftrade(WMO),onprotectionofwomeninformalcross-bordertraders(UNWomen)
Studiesforcapacitybuildingtoimplementpoliciesfordiversificationofeconomies(OSAA),ontradeandgender(UNCTAD)
ExportDiversificationtoolkit(IMF),InvestmentPolicyReviews(UNCTAD),Balanceofpaymentstatistics(IMF),
Dataharmonizationandprovision(includingonbalanceofpaymentsanddirectionsoftrade)(IMF)
SpecialanddifferentialtreatmentflexibilitiesforLDCsinrules(WTO)
CapacitybuildingontradenegotiationsandA4T(ECA),marketaccessandfisheriestrade(FAO),non-tariffmeasures(UNCTAD),workshoponmainstreamingtradeintonationalpolicies(UNCTAD)
MainstreamingtheIPoAfortheLDCs|35
AdvisoryservicesandtrainingworkshopsonBalipackage(ESCWA),ontradenegotiationswithafocusonagriculture,foodsecurityandruraldevelopment(FAO),oninvestmenttreaties(UNCTAD),onwomeninformaltraders(UNWomen)
MainstreamingStandardsandcodesofpractice,suchasCodexAlimentariusandinternationalrequirementsinfishsafetyandqualityandscalingupofvalue-additionaswellaspromotionof“madein”initiatives(FAO,UNCTAD),regulationssupport(UNIDO)
Mainstreamingtheenvironmentaleffectsofmacro-economictradeandfinancialpolicies,includingtechnicalassistanceandpolicyadvice,includingthroughtheGreenEconomyInitiative(UNEP)andNationalGreenExportReview(UNCTAD)
Loanandgrants(WBasreportedbyUNOPS)oncustomsreform,youth-to-youthgrantsschemes(UNIDO)
Regionalintegrationandthedevelopmentofregionaltradestrategies(UNDP,WorldBank)
Advocacyforemploymentandgender-responsivetradeandtradepolicies(UNDP),oneconomicdiversification(OSAA),ongreatermarketaccess(IPU),duty-freeandquota-free(WTO)
Constructionoftransportandtransitcorridorstospeedfoodassistance(WFP)
DESA:DESAisimplementingaprojectoncapacity-buildingforremovingconstraintsinutilizingtrade-relatedinternationalsupportmeasuresforLDCs.LDC-specifictrade-relatedmeasuresareoftendifficulttoaccessduetothelackofawarenessinLDCs,thecomplexityintheprocessforgainingaccesstothesemeasures,andtheirdispersionacrossarangeofdevelopmentandtradingpartners.Moreover,institutionalconstraintsarepreventingLDCsfromutilizingthesupportmeasurestothefullestextent.InanefforttoassistLDCsinaddressingtheseconstraints,UNDESAhasinitiatedaprojectwiththeobjectiveofincreasinginstitutionalcapacityinthegovernmentsandexportsectorsofLDCstoaccessandeffectivelyusethetrade-relatedsupport.TheprojectfocusesonidentifyingthoseLDC-specificsupportmeasuresaddressingthelimitationsaffectingexportgrowthinanumberofpriorityexportsandonevaluatingexistinginstitutionalcapacityconstraintswithrespecttousingthosemeasuresinselectedcountries.Givenlimitedresourcesfromnationalbudgetsandthedonorcommunity,LDCsneedtoprioritizewhichparticularinstitutionalcapacityconstraintsshouldbeaddressedforimprovingaccesstothevarioussupportmeasuresidentifiedbytheproject.Forthispurpose,apriorityselectionmechanismbasedonaCost-BenefitAnalysis(CBA)methodologyhasbeendevelopedbyUNDESA.TheCBApresentsanapproachtoidentifykeyinstitutionalconstraintsinaccessinginternationalsupportmeasuresandamethodologyforprioritizingsupportbasedoninformationcollecteddirectlyfrompublicandprivatesectorstakeholders.Theprojectisalsodevelopingtheso-calledePingtoolkit(seepilotversionatwww.epingalert.org)allowingpublicandprivatesectorstakeholderstoretrieveinformationaboutchangesintechnicalbarrierstotrade(TBT)andsanitaryandphytosanitary(SPS)measuresof(potential)tradingpartners.Theprojectisimplementedin4pilotcountries.Furtherdetailsabouttheprojectcanbeaccessedatwww.un.org/ldcportal
Underasubsequentcapacity-buildingprojectDESAwillworkwithselectedLDCstocollectdataandinformationonavailableISMsandthedegreetowhichtheyareusedindifferentsectors,andtouse
MainstreamingtheIPoAfortheLDCs|36
thisinformationinimpactassessmentandevidence-basedpolicies.TheprojectwillsupportthesecountriesinidentifyingkeyproductivesectorswhereISMsandnationalpoliciescouldhavethegreatestimpacttosupportsmoothtransition,andwillworkwithgovernmentstakeholders,chambersofcommerceandsectorassociationstodevelopsmoothtransitionstrategies.InadditiontheprojectwillworkwithUNandbilateraldevelopmentpartnersineachcountrytodeveloplinkswiththeirfuturesupporttothetargetLDCsandpromotesustainability.
UNDP:InthecontextoftheEIF,UNDP’sactivitiesconcentrateonfourareas.Viatradediagnosticandneedsassessments,UNDPmapsthecurrentsituationinacountryandidentifiesprioritysectorsandpolicyreformsnecessarytoenhancetradeopportunitieswithanimpactonpovertyreduction.AssistancefortheformulationofdiagnosticstudieswasprovidedtoCambodia,Comoros,Chad,SouthSudanandYemenin2013-2014.UNDPhelpsLDCstomainstreamtradeinthenationaldevelopmentstrategy,enablingthecountrytousetradeasameansfordevelopment.Capacityassessmentsoftraderelatedinstitutionshelptoidentifyinstitutionalconstraintsthathampertradeandstrategiestotacklethese.Overthelasttwoyears,supportoncapacityassessmentwasprovidedtoMalawi,Samoa,SierraLeoneandSouthSudan.UNDPalsoassistsinsettingupstructurestocoordinateAidforTradeassistancefrombilateralandothermultilateraldevelopmentpartners.
ITC:ITengagesinaseriesofactivitiesrelatedtoconnectingdevelopingcountrybusinessestovaluechains,buildingsustainablemarketlinkagesanddeliveringpositivedevelopmentoutcomes.
ITCpromotesregionaleconomicintegrationinAfricainpartnershipwithregionaleconomiccommunitiesandtheAfricanUnion.ItalsoprovidesupporttoLDCstodesigntradestrategiesthatenablethetransformativechangenecessaryforSMEstobemorecompetitiveinternationally,facilitatinggrowthandemployment.ITCisrevampingandrollingoutitsValueAddedtoTradeprogrammebypackagingsolutionstohelpSMEsprovideadifferentiatedandvalue-addedofferandaddressproductionandlogistics-relateddifficultiesingettingproductstomarket.Thesolutionsofferedwithintheprogrammearemodularinnatureandarecustomisedtosuitclientneeds.Themainelementsoftheprogrammearelogisticandsupplychain,exportmarketing,meettechnicalandqualityrequirementsandfostermarketlinks,
FAOiscurrentlydevelopingastrategytoengagemorefullywiththeEnhancedIntegratedFramework(EIF)forTrade-relatedTechnicalAssistancewithaviewtostrengthenFAO’scapacitytomainstreamtradeandrelatedpoliciesandmechanismsintoagricultureandfoodsecuritystrategies.FAOengageswithcountriestofacilitateunderstandingoftheWTOSPSandTBTAgreements,includingtherelevanceofCodexstandardsasreferencestandards,anddevelopmentofofficialnationalcontrolscompliantwiththerequirementsoftheseAgreements.Thisincludescross-bordercontrolsforfood.WiththeTradeFacilitationAgreement,FAOwillcontinuetoengagewithrelevantstakeholdersatglobalandcountryleveltoensurethatconsiderationstoensurefoodsafetyandprotectconsumersaretakenintoaccountwhenanalyzingbordercontrols.
MainstreamingtheIPoAfortheLDCs|37
UNCTADorganizedaregionalworkshoponmainstreamingtradeintonationalpoliciestoreducepovertyinLDCsinMaseru,Lesotho,inMarch2015.TheworkshopreviewedthenationalstudiesofthethreecountriesinAfricatounderstandthemainstreamingoftrademeasuresintonationalpolicies,andtheconstraintsfacingthecountriesinmakingtradeanengineofhumandevelopment.Strategiestoaddressthesechallengeswereidentified.Buildingproductivecapacitieswasidentifiedasacriticalelementformainstreamingoftradepoliciesintopovertyreductionmeasures.
Outofthe38investmentpolicyreviews(IPRs)completedbyUNCTAD,16werepreparedforLDCs.Aroundfive-sixyearsafterthecompletionofanIPR,UNCTADpreparesareportthatassessestheextentoftheimplementedrecommendations.TheImplementationReportsforLDCsshowedgoodtostrongimplementationrecords,increasedinterestbyexistinginvestors,andincreasedcapacityformarketinvestmentopportunities.FollowingthereviewoftheirinvestmentpoliciesbyUNCTAD,mostbeneficiarycountriesrecordedincreasesinFDIinflows.
TheEnhancedIntegratedFramework(EIF)
EIFisamulti-donorprogramme,whichsupportsLDCstobemoreactiveplayersintheglobaltradingsystembyhelpingthemtacklesupply-sideconstraintstotrade.Inthisway,theprogrammeworkstowardsawidergoalofpromotingeconomicgrowthandsustainabledevelopmentandhelpingtoliftmorepeopleoutofpoverty.TheEIF'sglobalreachismatchedbythewiderangeofactiveengagementandcoordinationwithEIFCountriesfromPartnerAgencies(IMF,ITC,UNCTAD,UNDP,WB,WTO,UNIDO,UNWTO,withUNOPSasTrustFundManager).
TheEIF'ssupporttotheLDCs'tradeagendacomesintheformofcomprehensiveprojectsbuildinginstitutionalandproductivecapacity.Institutionalcapacity-buildingisthroughfundingfromtheEIF'sTier1window;forproductivecapacity-building,itisthroughtheTier2window.Tier1'SupporttoNIAs'projectstypicallyincludefourresultsaimingatenhancingcapacityto(1)managethecountry'stradeandAidforTradeagenda;(2)mainstreamingtradeintotheoveralldevelopmentplan;(3)coordinatingsupporttotheAidforTradeagenda;and(4)mobilizingresourcestofundprioritiesfortradedevelopment.Tier2projectsaddressawidevarietyofproductivecapacityfields,e.g.,agri-valuechains,textile/clothingvaluechains,tourism,tradefacilitationandstandardscompliance.
TheEIFisassistingLDCsinthedevelopmentandstrengtheningoftradecoordinationandsupportmechanisms,providingsupporttoministriesofcommerceandtrade.ThroughtheEIFNationalImplementationArrangements,theEIFdevelopsanin-countryplatformthatfomentsdonoranddevelopmentpartnercoordination.
Thishasresultedinanincreasednationalandpoliticalconsiderationoftradeasatoolfordevelopment.78%ofEIFLDCsreportthattradeisincludedintheNationalDevelopmentPlan(upfrom56%reportedin2009).Nineteen(19)countries(upfromeightin2009)haveup-to-datetradestrategiesinplace,withanincreasebothintheirqualityandreportedimplementation.
Sources:WTOandenhancedif.org
MainstreamingtheIPoAfortheLDCs|38
UNEPseekstoidentifyopportunitiesatthecrossroadsofGreenEconomyandTrade.Ifwearetoreversetheglobaldeclineofbiodiversity,mitigatethereleaseofgreenhousegases,haltthedegradationofterrestrialecosystemsandprotectouroceans,theninternationaltrademustbecomesustainableandresponsible.Furthermore,ifwearetosucceedineradicatingpoverty,wewillneedtoensurethattradebenefitsthepoor.
Whenaccompaniedbyappropriateregulation,internationaltradeandthegreeneconomycaninteractinabi-directional,mutuallybeneficialway.TheGreenEconomytransitionopensuprichnewopportunitiesforregionalandglobaltrade.Forexample,theglobalmarketinlow-carbonandenergyefficienttechnologiesisprojectedtonearlytripletoUS$2.2trillionby2020.Atthesametime,theRio+20conferenceidentifiedinternationaltradeasanenginefordevelopment,sustainedeconomicgrowthandthetransitiontoagreenereconomy.
UNEPaimstoenhancesynergiesbetweengreeneconomyandtradeby:informingtheinternationaldebatethroughcutting-edgeresearch;engagingwithawiderangeofnon-governmentalorganizations,businesses,researchplatforms,andUNpartnersinimplementingtheGreenEconomyInitiative;andprovidingdemand-drivenpolicyadvice,technicalassistanceandcapacity-buildingtocountrieswhowishtouseinternationaltradeasanengineforagreeneconomytransition.
UNEP’stradeworkisvestedinstrongpartnershipswithotherinternationalorganizations,andcontributestoaholisticandconcertedapproachtochallengesatthenexusofgreeneconomyandtrade.
ECA:,incollaborationwithUNEP,FAO,UNDPandUNIDO,producedthefiftheditionoftheSustainableDevelopmentReportonAfrica(SDRA-V)underthetheme,achievingsustainabledevelopmentinAfricathroughinclusivegreengrowth.AspartoftheSDRA-Vprocess,thesustainabledevelopmentindicatorsetthatwasproducedforthefourtheditionwasupdatedinconsultationwithmemberStates,partnersandotherstakeholders.PrimarydatawascollectedfromBotswana,BurkinaFaso,Cameroon,Ethiopia,Ghana,Kenya,Morocco,Nigeria,Rwanda,Senegal,SouthAfrica,TunisiaandUganda)usingtheupdatedindicatorset.Additionally,casestudiesoninclusivegreengrowthwereconductedinfourselectedcountries,namely,Ethiopia,Ghana,MoroccoandSouthAfrica.InadditiontoprovidingaholisticassessmentofprogresstowardssustainabledevelopmentinAfrica,thereporthighlightsthesignificanceofpromotinginclusivegreengrowthinselectedsectors(agriculture,ecosystemsgoodsandservices,energy,industryandtrade)tospurgreentransformationintheregion.Inthisregard,SDRA-VisexpectedtocontributetoenhancingthecapacityofmemberStatestoformulateandimplementpolicyreforms,andtomonitorprogresstowardsgreentransformation.
ECAhasconductedstudiesonthelinkagesbetweeninclusivegreeneconomypoliciesandstructuraltransformationinfivecountriesacrossthesubregionsofAfrica,namely;BurkinaFaso,Ethiopia,Gabon,Mozambique,andTunisia.Additionally,theCommissioncarriedoutquestionnairesurveysonthesameinCameroon,Ghana,Kenya,Mauritius,RepublicofCongo,Rwanda,SenegalandSouthAfrica.ThestudiesandsurveyssoughttoanalyzeinclusivegreeneconomyrelatedpoliciesinAfricaandexplorethelinkagestostructuraltransformationplans,andrelatednationaldevelopmentvisionsandstrategies.TheintentistoexaminetheroleandsignificanceofinclusivegreeneconomypoliciesinfosteringsustainablestructuraltransformationinAfrica.Thestudyreportsandcompleted
MainstreamingtheIPoAfortheLDCs|39
questionnairesformedthebasisforthepreparationofasynthesisreportonInclusivegreeneconomypoliciesandstructuraltransformationinselectedAfricancountries.Thereportaimstopromoteunderstandingandtheadoptionofinclusivegreeneconomypoliciesthatfostersustainablestructuraltransformationintheregion.
ECAhasalsoproduced,incollaborationwithUNEP,areporton“EnablingmeasuresforaninclusivegreeneconomyinAfrica”thatexaminesanddocumentstheroleandsignificanceofvariousenablersthatcouldfacilitateasmoothtransitiontoaninclusivegreeneconomyinAfrica,takingintoaccounttheimplicationsofsuchatransitionfortheregion.Enablersexaminedarepoliciesandinstitutions,policyinstruments,technologydevelopmentandtransfer,capacitydevelopmentandfinancing.Thereportrecognizestheroleandparticipationoftheprivatesectorascritical,thusthemainstreamingofthisaspectinallthechapters.
D. Commodities
Context:ManyLDCsremaincommodity-dependent,withasignificantnumberrelyingprimarilyonagricultureorontheextractionofveryfewnaturalresourcesandprimaryproductsforexport.Primarycommoditiesin2014madeup77percentoftheLDCs’exportsofgoods,mirroringtoalargeextentthestructureoftheLDCproductionbase.ThissituationmakesLDCsvulnerabletoexternaltradeshocksowingtovolatilityofcommodityprices,whichalsoimpactsdomesticresourcemobilization.ThereisaneedforconcertedmeasuresandactionstosupportLDCs’effortstoreducecommoditydependence,includingthroughthediversificationoftheirexportbase,andtomitigateandreducetheadverseeffectsofcommoditypricevolatility.
GoalsandTargetsoftheIPoA:
BroadenLDCs’economicbaseinordertoreducecommoditydependence.
Questions:
1)Doesyourorganizationprovideanyformofassistance,financialortechnical,tosupporteffortsofLDCstobroadentheireconomicbaseinordertoreducecommoditydependence?
IMF,FAO,ITU,UNIDO,EIF,ITC,UNEP,UNDP,UNWOMEN,ESCWA,ESCAP,CFC,OSAA,UNCTAD,WorldBank,UNCDF
D1COMMODITIES
1) DoesyourorganizationsupporteffortstoassistLDCstobettermitigateandmanagetherisksassociatedwiththevolatilityofcommoditypriceswithoutdistortingmarketbehaviorbystrengtheningandexpandingexistingfacilities,onamutuallyagreedbasis?
ITU,WMO,UNDP,ESCAP,IMF,WTO/EIF,ITCESCWA,WFP,UNWOMEN,CFC,UNCTAD,WorldBank,IFAD
MainstreamingtheIPoAfortheLDCs|40
2) DoesyourorganizationsupportmeasuresbyLDCstoenhancecorporatetransparencyandaccountabilityofallcompanies?
ILO,ITU,WMO,UNDP,ESCAP,WorldBank
3) DoesyourorganizationsupportLDCsinstrengtheningtheircapacitytomanagetheirnaturalresources,includingminerals,energyandagriculture,andtodiversifytheircommoditybase,includingthroughthetransferoftechnology?
ITU,WMO,UNDP,ESCAP,FAO,WIPO,UNIDO,EIF,UNEP,UNWOMEN,WFP,ESCWA,OSAA,CFC,UNCTAD,WorldBank,IAEA,IFAD
4) DoesyourorganizationsupportLDCsinstrengtheningeffectivemarketingsystemsandsupportframeworksforsmallcommodityproducersinleastdevelopedcountries?
ITU,WMO,UNDP,ESCAP,ILO,WIPO,FAO,UNIDO,EIF,ITC,CFC,WFP,UNWOMEN,UNCTAD,WorldBank,IFAD
Selectedactivitiesintheareaofcommodities
Technical assistance and policy advice in managing natural resource wealth (IMF), incommercializationoftheagriculturalsectorandpromotionofagribusiness(FAO),indiversificationalongthefishvaluechain(FAO);vulnerabilityprofiles,tradeanddevelopmentstrategies,EmpretecProgramme (UNCTAD); on economic diversification (OSAA), vulnerability and analysis mapping(WFP), innationalqualitycontrolalong thesupplychain(UNIDO), reviewofpolicyandregulatoryframeworks to enhance corporate transparency and accountability in the mining sector (ECA),strategyforsupportingsustainableandequitablemanagementoftheextractiveindustries(UNDP)
Capacitydevelopmentandtraining:fishsafetymanagementprogrammeandfoodsafetyandqualityassurance(FAO),mainstreaminggreeneconomy(UNEP)andad-hocexpertgroupmeetingsinqualityandSPSstandards(FAO).
Environmentalcapacitybuildingandtechnologysupportfortransitioningtoagreeneconomy(UNEP)
Directprojectsupportandleveragingoffinancefornon-traditionalexportsectors(EIF)
IBRDfinancialproductstofunddevelopmentprogramsandmanagerisksrelatedtocurrency,interestrates,commodityprices,andnaturaldisasters(WorldBank)
Studies:DiagnosticTradeIntegrationStudies(EIF),Valuechainanalysisofinternationalfishtrade(FAO),CommodityandDevelopmentReport(UNCTAD),LDCReport(UNCTAD),CropandFoodSecurityAssessmentMissions(FAO/WFP)
Surveillanceandprogramdiscussionsinthecontextofbalanceofpaymentsneeds(IMF)
EIF:TheEIFspecificallyaimstoincreasetheshareof,anddiversificationin,non-oiltradeinLDCs.TheEIFalsoaimstoincreaseemploymentinnon-traditionalexportsectors.Thisisdoneboth
MainstreamingtheIPoAfortheLDCs|41
throughanalysisintheDiagnosticTradeIntegrationStudiesandthroughdirectprojectsupportandtheleveragingofadditionalfinancetosupporttheseinitiatives.
TheIMFdevelopednewmacro-fiscalframeworksandpolicyanalysistoolsforResourceRichDevelopingCountries(RRDCs)thatcouldenhanceFundpolicyadviceinitspolicypaperMacroeconomicPolicyFrameworkforResource-RichDevelopingCountries.Thepaperputsforwardfivekeyinnovations:afiscalsustainabilityframeworkthataccountsforthegrowth-andrevenueenhancingimpactofpublicinvestment;asustainableinvestmenttoolforRRDCstoanalyzethefiscalandmacroeconomicimplicationsofsaving/investmentscalingupscenarios;asetofproposedfiscalindicatorsforRRDCstaffreportstomeasurethesavingsfromanduse(consumptionorinvestment)ofresourceflows;anewtoolkitfordesigningfiscalrulesthatsmoothrevenuevolatilityandassesslong-termfiscalsustainability;andaframeworkthatgeneratescurrentaccountbenchmarksforexternalsustainabilityanalysisinRRDCs.
TheFundhastopicaltrustfundsthatfinancetechnicalassistanceonspecifictopicstolow-andlowermiddle-incomecountries.TheManagingNaturalResourceWealthandTaxPolicyandAdministrationtopicaltrustfunds,withfive-yearbudgetsof$25.3millionand$27million,respectively,completedthreeyearsofoperationsinFY2014.
ProvidinganalyticalworkthroughflagshippublicationsinApril2015toaddressvolatilityincommodityprices,suchastheimpactofoilpricesacrosstheFund’smembershiphadbroadimplicationsfortheworkoftheIMF.Bilateral,regional,andglobalsurveillanceactivitiesalladjustedtotherapidlychangingenvironment.ArticleIVconsultations,RegionalEconomicReports,andtheFund’sflagshippublications—theWorldEconomicOutlook(WEO),GlobalFinancialStabilityReport(GFSR)andFiscalMonitor—alldevotedconsiderableattentiontoissuesrelatedtooilpricevolatilityforinstance.
WorldBank:IBRDoffersfinancialproductsthatallowclientstoefficientlyfundtheirdevelopmentprogramsandmanagerisksrelatedtocurrency,interestrates,commodityprices,andnaturaldisasters.Infiscalyear2014,theBank’sTreasuryexecutedU.S.dollarequivalent(USDeq)4.3billioninhedgingtransactionsonbehalfofmembercountries,includingUSDeq.2.7billionininterestratehedges,USDeq1.1billionincurrencyhedges,USDeq52millioninhedgesagainstnon-IBRDobligations,andUSDeq547millionfordisasterriskmanagement.Inaddition,theBank’sTreasuryexecutedswaptransactionstotalingUSDeq33.1billiontomanagetherisksofIBRD’sbalancesheet.
TheWorldBankcontinuestobealeaderinglobaltransparencythroughitsAccesstoInformationPolicy.Thispolicy,implementedin2010,recognizestherighttoatwo-levelappealsprocesswhenarequestforinformationisdenied.Inkeepingwithitscommitmenttotransparency,accountability,andresults,theBankcontinuestoworkwithlocalstakeholderstomaximizetheoutreachandimpactofthispolicy.
ILO:TheinnovativeILO/IFCBetterFactoriesCambodia(BFC)programmemonitorsfactories,trainsmanagementandworkers,andprovidesguidanceandadviceonfactoryimprovementsthathelpenterprisespreserveprofitswhilerespectingworkers'rightsinthegarmentindustry.BFCiscommittedtosupportingthecompetitivenessoftheCambodiangarmentindustryandhelpingtomaintainthereputationofCambodiaasanethicalsourcingdestination.Thisisalsodoneby
MainstreamingtheIPoAfortheLDCs|42
maintainingaBetterFactoriesCambodia'sTransparencyDatabase.WithinthenextyearitisforeseenthatalltheBetterWorkProgrammeswillcreatetheirownTransparencyDatabases,whichwilllookataccountabilityandtransparencyinthegarmentsectorinthefollowingLDCs:Bangladesh,HaitiandLesotho.
FAO:ThroughFAO’sCropandFoodSecurityAssessmentsMissions(CFSAMS),whichareconductedjointlywithWFP,FAOmonitorsnationalandglobalmarketandtradedevelopmentsusingitswebportalinadditionwiththefollowing:
(i) CropProspectsandFoodSituation:publishedfourtimesayearandfocusesondevelopmentsaffectingthefoodsituationofdevelopingcountries,withaspecificsectiononAfrica.
(ii) CerealSupply/DemandBalanceSheetsforeachofSub-SaharanAfricacountriesisalsopublishedfourtimesayear.
(iii) GlobalFoodPriceMonitor:publishedmonthlyandfocusesoncurrentfoodpricesatworld,regionalandcountrylevelwith3sectionsdescribingthepricesituationinLDCs.
(iv) CountryBriefsforLDCs:over400wereupdatedduring2010-2014.
(v) DatabaseofInterpolatedEstimatedDekadalRainfallforLDCs:updatedtimelyandregularlyduring2010-2014.
(vi) FoodOutlook:publishedtwiceayearandfocusesondevelopmentsaffectingglobalfoodandfeedmarkets,withcomprehensiveassessmentsandforecastsonacommodity-by-commoditybasis.
FAORiceMarketMonitor:publishedfourtimesayearandprovidesananalysisofthemostrecentdevelopmentsintheglobalricemarket,includingashort-termoutlook.
FAOhascorporativeprogramswithIFIssuchastheWorldBankandIFADininfoodsecurity,nutrition,agricultureandruraldevelopment(FSNARD),sustainablenaturalresourcemanagement(NRM)andclimatechangemitigationand/oradaptation(CCM/A)indevelopingcountriesandcountriesintransition,assistinggovernmentsandcountrystakeholders,maindevelopmentpartners,inparticularinternationalfinancinginstitutionswiththestrategicplanningandimplementationoftheirinvestmentstoachievegrowth,povertyalleviation,foodsecurityandnutritiongoals.IFAD:IFADprovidesfinancialandtechnicalsupporttoLDCsforthedevelopmentoflocalandcountry-levelmarkets,workingonbothstimulatingsupplyanddemand(viaincomeincrease)forlocalproducts.Inaddition,IFADworksonregionalmarketlinkages.Allthishelpsdecreasedependenceoncommunityexports.
UNEP:AnexampleofUNEP’sworkinstrengtheningLDCscapacityintheareaofagricultureistheUNEP-UNCTADCapacityBuildingTaskForceonTrade,EnvironmentandDevelopment(CBTF).ItlaunchedaninitiativecalledPromotingProductionandTradingOpportunitiesforOrganicAgriculturalProductsinEastAfricawhichwasanefforttogreenagricultureandopennewmarketaccessopportunitiesforEastAfricanregion.Atthetime,thereweremorethanfivedifferentpublicstandardsandseveralprivateandinternationalstandardsbeingusedintheregion.Theproliferation
MainstreamingtheIPoAfortheLDCs|43
ofstandardsposedsignificantproblemsforlocalfarmers,includinghighcompliancecosts.Moreover,thevariousschemescausedanobstacletoregionaltradeandlimitedcooperationamongorganictradersatatimewhendemandoutstrippedsupplies.Toaddressthesechallenges,itwasdecidedjointlybyEACmemberstates,UNEPandUNCTADthataregionalorganicstandardwouldbebeneficialforboostingproductionandtradeoforganicproducts.TheCBTFfacilitatedaregion-wideprocessoftechnicalcooperationbetweencountries,whichincludedintensivepublicconsultationswithabroadrangeofstakeholders.
Aregionalpublic-privatesectorworkinggroupwasalsoestablishedwithmembersfrombureausofnationalstandards,organicmovements(NGOs)andcertificationbodies(privatesector),whichfurtherdevelopedandtestedthedraftstandard.Finally,in2007,theEACCouncilofMinistersadoptedtheEastAfricaOrganicProductsStandard(EAOPS).ItwasthesecondregionalorganicstandardafterthatoftheEuropeanUnion,andthefirstevertobedevelopedthrougharegion-widepublic-private-NGOpartnership.Thesuccessoftheinitiativeislargelyattributedtotheinclusivenessoftheprocess.Itwasguidedbynationalgovernments,anditsdevelopmentandpilottestingwasledbynationalNGOsandtheprivatesector.
UNDP:UNDPadoptedtheStrategyforSupportingSustainableandEquitableManagementoftheExtractiveIndustriesin2012.TheStrategyintroducesabroadapproachinhelpingresource-dependentcountriesdeveloptheircapacities,institutionsandgovernancesystemstoenabletheirextractivesectorstocontributetosustainabledevelopmentprioritiesandtoserveascatalystsforeconomicdiversification.Since2012,UNDPhassupported17LDCswithextractiveindustryrelatedactivities.Forinstance,inLesothoandBurundi,UNDPactivelyengagedinsupportingthedevelopmentofcomprehensiveoil,gasandminingpolicieswithtransparentgovernancestructures.InCambodia,UNDPhassupportedthedevelopmentoftheminingandpetroleumsectorsthroughcapacitydevelopment,policydialogueandknowledgesharing.UNDPisalsocurrentlyprovidingpolicyadviceandtechnicalassistancetoLiberia,YemenandZambiaonissuesrangingfromrevenuemanagement,diversificationstrategiestostrengtheninglocalcontentprovisions.
E. HumanandSocialDevelopment
Context:Women,menandchildrenarethegreatestassetsofLDCs;theirpotentialbothasagentsandbeneficiariesofassistancemustbefullyrealized.About60percentofthepopulationofLDCsisundertheageof25.LDCsfaceseriouseconomic,humanandsocialdevelopmentchallenges.Theywillcontinuetofacethesignificantburdenofpovertyincomingyearsunlessconcretestepsaretakentotackleitsrootcausesinasustainableway,includingbybuildingproductiveandhumancapacity.PovertyandhungeraremultidimensionalproblemsthatposeseriousconstraintstoLDCs’effortstomakeprogressinhumanandsocialdevelopmentowingtoinabilitytoaccessessentialservicessuchaseducation,health,waterandsanitationandtoaccessproductiveresourcestoparticipateinsocial,economicandpoliticallifeandbenefitfromeconomicgrowth.LDCsarestarklylaggingbehindinmeetingmostoftheinternationallyagreeddevelopmentgoals.
GoalsandTargetsoftheIPoA:Specificgoalsandtargetswillbeenumeratedundertheareasencompassedbythispriorityarea,whichare:
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1. Educationandtraining2. Populationandprimaryhealth3. YouthDevelopment4. Shelter5. Waterandsanitation6. Genderequalityandempowermentofwomen7. Socialprotection
DoesyourorganizationprovideassistancetoLDCswithrespecttohumanandsocialdevelopment?
ILO,IMF,EIF,ITC,ITU,FAO,UNESCO,UNIDO,WIPO,WMO,UNWOMEN,UNEP,UNICEF,WFP,HABITAT,UNDP,UNCDF,ODC,UNFPA,OPS,ESCWA,OSAA,OSSC,SE4ALL,UNCTAD,WorldBank,IAEA,IFAD
E.1.HUMANANDSOCIALDEVELOPMENT:EDUCATIONANDTRAINING
GoalsandTargets:
(a) EnsureuniversalaccesstofreeprimaryeducationinLDCsbyincreasingtheenrolmentandretentionrates,andalsoincreaseaccesstosecondary,tertiaryandvocationaleducationandskilldevelopmenttraining;(b) Increasethequalityofeducationandtrainingthatisofferedatalllevelsandincreaseliteracyandnumeracyratesofadultsandchildren;(c) Eliminategenderdisparitiesineducationandtrainingandensureequalqualityofeducationbetweenmalesandfemales.
Questions:
1) DoesyourorganizationprovidefinancialortechnicalsupportforLDCstoimplementtheirnationaleducationplansandprogrammes,includingincreasedaccessibilityinruralandremoteareas?
UNESCO,FAO,WMO,ILO,EIF,UNIDO,WIPO,ITU,ITC,UNICEF,UNWOMEN,WFP,UNFPA,ESCAP,OPS,WorldBank
2) DoesyourorganizationsupportLDCstogobeyondMDGtargetsineducation,especiallyinincreasingenrolmentanddecreasingdropoutratesthroughmeasuressuchasabolishingschoolfees,providingschoolmealsandensuringthatschoolshaveseparatesanitationfacilitiesforboysandgirls?
UNESCO,FAO,WMO,WFP,UNICEF,UNWOMEN,OPS,ESCAP,WorldBank
3) DoesyourorganizationassistinprovidingsupporttoLDCs’effortstotrainandretainteachersandtrainers,particularlyinruralandunderservedareas?
UNESCO,FAO,WMO,UNIDO,ITU,EIF,UNWOMEN,UNICEF,UNFPA,ESCAP,WorldBank,IFAD
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4) DoesyourorganizationsupportLDCeffortstoimprovehighereducationalandtechnicalandvocationeducationandtraining?
UNESCO,FAO,WMO,ILO,UNIDO,EIF,ITU,WIPO,UNEP,UNCDF,UNICEF,WFP,HABITAT,UNWOMEN,OPS,OSSC,UNCTAD,WorldBank,IAEA,IFAD
5) DoesyourorganizationsupporthighereducationinstitutesinallocatingplacesandscholarshipsforstudentsandtraineesfromLDCs,inparticularinthefieldsofscience,technology,businessmanagementandeconomics?
UNESCO,FAO,WMO,WIPO,ITU,OSSC,UNCTAD,WorldBank,IAEA
SelectedActivitiesineducationandtraining
Technicalandvocationaleducation(ILO,WMO,UNESCO,UNHabitat)
Rehabilitation,building,establishmentofschools(UNOPS,UNHabitat)
Curriculumdevelopment(UNFPA,UNIDO)
Professionaldevelopmentandtraining(UNFPA,UNESCO,FAO,UNCTAD,WorldBank,IAEA)
Capacitydevelopmentandtraining(UNESCO,WTO/EIF)
Policyadvice(UNESCO,UNEP,UNICEF)
FinancialliteracytrainingandyouthemploymentandentrepreneurshipinSub-SaharanAfrica(UNCDF)
Financialsupport(UNESCO,WorldBank)
Advocacy(UNESCO,FAO,UNICEF)
Highereducationexchanges/scholarship(ICT,OSSC)
Knowledgeplatformsandconnectivity(ITU,UNWomen,UNCTAD)
Schoolfeedingprogrammes(WFP)
UNESCOanditspartnersareworkingwiththeLDCstoaccelerateeffortstoachievetheEducationForAll(EFA)goalsbeforethe2015targetyear,andtocontributetothedevelopmentofthepost-2015educationagenda,includingthroughstock-takingexercisesandthroughtheparticipationoftheLDCsinregionalandglobalconferences,suchastherecentWorldEducationForum,heldinMay2015from19-22MayinIncheon,Korea.TheForumadoptedtheIncheonDeclaration,therebycommittingtopromotingeducationopportunitiesforallby2030withintheEducation2030FrameworkforAction(FFA),aroadmapforgovernmentstoachievetheEducation2030Agenda.TheFFAwaslaunchedandendorsedbytheglobaleducationcommunityduringahigh-levelevent,heldalongsidethe38thsessionofUNESCO’sGeneralConference.
Atcountrylevel,UNESCOisprovidingsupporttotheLDCsinthefollowingareas:
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• TeachingandLearning:UNESCOissupportingthedevelopmentandimplementationofteacherpoliciesandprofessionaldevelopmentprogrammes.Atotalof17LDCshavethusfarbenefittedfromUNESCO’ssupportforinstitutionalcapacitydevelopment,withafocusondevelopmentorreviewofteachereducationcurriculumandqualificationframeworksandstrategies;
• TechnicalandVocationalEducationandTraining(TVET):SolidprogresswasregisteredinimplementingactivitiesinthethreecoreareasofUNESCO’sStrategyforTVET:upstreampolicyadviceandcapacitydevelopment,normativework,andknowledgesharing.Thusfar,atotalof14LDCsbenefittedfromTVETpolicyreviewsandcapacitydevelopment.
• Literacy:UNESCOisalsoprovidingtechnicalandfinancialsupporttoreinforceliteracypoliciesandplansintheLDCs,andtosupporttargetedliteracyinterventionsforyouthandadultswithlimitedliteracyskills,withaparticularfocusongirlsandwomen.Atotalof25LDCsbenefittedfromUNESCO’sworkinthisregardduringthebiennium.Thisalsoincludedsupporttomeetliteracylearningneedsofout-of-schoolchildrenandyouththroughstrengtheningnationaleducationsystemsandprovidingflexiblelearningopportunities.Atthegloballevel,UNICEFandtheUNESCOInstituteforStatistics(UIS)developedandlaunchedaglobalreportonout-of-schoolchildren,whichincludedkeydataandfindingsinthisareaforLDCs.UNESCOalsoadvocatedforintensifiedcollectiveeffortstopromoteliteracyinthepostUnitedNationsLiteracyDecade(UNLD,2003-2012)throughaneffectivemulti-stakeholderpartnershipinsupportofcountryactionattheUNGA,whichincludedthepreparationofkeyreportsonthisissue.
• Educationsector-widepoliciesandplanning:Aspartofitskeyroleinsupportingupstreameducationpolicyplanning,UNESCOissupportingLDCsincapacitydevelopmentonimproving,revising,preparingand/orimplementingeducationsector-widepoliciesandstrategies.15LDCshavebeenprovidedwithsupportforthisbiennium.UNESCO’sInternationalInstituteforEducationalPlanningisalsoprovidinglarge-scalecustomizedtrainingsinLDCsineducationalplanning,onspecifictopicssuchasdecentralizationofeducationortransparencyandanti-corruption.
WFP:WFP’sschoolmealsandtake-homerationsprovideanincentivetofamiliestosendtheirgirlstoschoolandtonourishthemwhilethere.Schoolmealsandtake-homerationshelpkeepgirlsinschools,andlowerdropoutrates.Keepingadolescentgirlsinschoolsgivesthemabettereducationandcontributestoraisingtheageatwhichtheymarryorhavechildren.
WFP’scontributiontotheeducationsectorisalsoalignedwiththeIPoA’scallonthedevelopmentpartnerstoimplementspecificactiontopromoteincreasedaccessibilityinruralandremoteareasaswellastoincreaseenrolmentanddecreasedrop-outratesthroughactivitiessuchschoolmeals,amongothers.In2013,WFPcarriedoutschoolfeedingprogrammesin39LDCs.Theschoolfeedingprogrammesactasasafetynetinsupportofvulnerableschoolchildrenandtheirfamiliesandcontributetobreakingtheintergenerationalcycleofchronichungerthroughbetteraccesstoeducation,betterlearningandbetternutritionandhealth.
Thebenefitsofschoolfeedingextendbeyondtheclassroomastheyareoftencombinedwithdewormingandmicronutrientfortification,especiallywhentailoredtospecificnutritionalneeds-suchasthoseforadolescentgirls-thatinvestmentismultiplied.Asoftenaspossible,foodisprocuredlocally,whichbenefitslocalfarmersandthewholecommunity,whileenhancingthesustainabilityoftheprogramme.
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ITUhasdevelopedaninitiativetoConnectaSchool,ConnectaCommunitythatassistsitsMemberStatestoleveragetheirconnectedschoolsascommunityICTcentres,providingICTskillsforthesocialandeconomicdevelopmentofpeoplewithspecialneeds,includingwomen.WiththisinitiativeITUsharesbestpracticesoncommunityICTcentresforthesocialandeconomicempowermentofwomen.
ConnectaSchool,ConnectaCommunityInitiativeisanexampleofpublic-privatepartnershipeffortstopromotebroadbandschoolconnectivitytoservebothstudentsandtheircommunities.ConnectedschoolshavethepotentialtoserveascommunityICTcentrestoprovideaccesstoservicesforpersonslivinginrural,marginalurbanandisolatedareas,withemphasisondisadvantagedandvulnerablegroupssuchaswomenandgirls,indigenouspeople,personswithdisabilities,youthandchildren.Bestpracticescanbecompiledandsharedonpracticalexperiences.ITUprovidesalsoscholarshipsforgirlsinthetechnologyfieldintheLDCs.
ITC:ITC’sYouthandTradeProgrammeenablesyoungentrepreneurstointernationalizetheirbusinessandgainincreasedincomeopportunities.Theprogrammecoordinateswithrelevantpolicymakers,TradeandInvestmentSupportInstitutions(TISIs),aswellasdiverseactorsintheentrepreneurshipecosystemsatcountry,regionalandinternationallevelincludingchambersofcommerce,privatesector,universities,financialinstitutions,impactinvestorsandexistingincubators.TheYouthandTradeprogrammeisapragmaticresponsetoconnectyoungentrepreneurstointernationalmarketsandimprovetheirincomeopportunities.
YouthandTradeRoadmapAYouthandTradeRoadmapprovidespolicymakersanopportunitytorapidlyidentifygrowingsectorsthatcanreadilyintegrateyouth.Theroadmapoffersastrategicengagementwithtrade,allowingpolicymakers,privatesectorandotherkeystakeholderstoidentifymechanismswithwhichtoenhancetheabilityofyouthtoengagealonghighpotentialvaluechainswhileaddressingthemainconstraintstotradecompetitiveness.
TradeAcceleratorforyouth-ownedSMEsTheTradeAcceleratorforyoungentrepreneursisaninnovativeandsustainablemodeltofostertheintegrationofyouth-ownedSMEsintointernationalmarketsandvaluechains.Inpartnershipwithahostinstitution,theTradeAcceleratormodelinstallsinthecountryanecosystemofinstitutions,advisers,mentors,impactinvestorsandotheractorstosupportyouth-ownedSMEswithtailoredservicesasspringboardstoaccessinternationalmarkets.
E-LearningTheE-LearningcoursepackageforyoungentrepreneursavailablethroughtheITCSMETradeAcademyintroducesarangeofinternationalbusinessconceptsandbuildstheirtradecapacity.Theknowledgegainedwillassistyoungentrepreneurstoconsider,assess,andplanexpandingtheirbusinessinternationally.
UNWomen:ThejointprogrammeonEmpoweringAdolescentGirlsandYoungWomeninEducationwillbeimplementedbetween2015and2020initiallyin5countries,4ofwhichareLDCs(Nepal,Tanzania,MaliandNiger).TheinnovativeJointProgrammeisapartnershipbetweenUNESCO,UNFPA,andtheWorldBankasatechnicalpartner.TheProgrammelooksbeyondgenderparityand
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theMDGfocusareasineducationtoaddresstheempowermentofgirlsandyoungwomentostayinschoolandtohaveopportunitiesforsecondchancesateducationeveniftheydropout.ItwillemphasizetheuseofICTsasatoolforachievingqualityteachingandlearning.Across-sectoralapproachallowstheprogrammepartnerstoaddresscapacitydevelopmentwithintheeducationsector,developanenablingenvironmentforgendersensitiveeducationpolicies,andaddressthelinkagesbetweenhealthandeducationbyprovidingsupportforvarioushealthservicesforadolescents.
E.2.HUMANANDSOCIALDEVELOPMENT:POPULATIONANDPRIMARYHEALTH
GoalsandTargetsoftheIPoA:
(a)AchievetargetsunderMDGs4and5by2015and,buildingonthese,furthersignificantlyreducetheinfant,under-fiveandmaternalmortalityratesandchildunder-nutritionby2020;
(b)Provideuniversalaccesstoreproductivehealthby2015,includingintegratingfamilyplanning,sexualhealthandhealth-careservicesinnationalstrategiesandprogrammes;
(c)AchievetargetsunderMDG6by2015and,buildingonthis,furtherreversethespreadofHIV/AIDSandtheincidenceofmalariaandothermajordiseases.
Questions:
1) DoesyourorganizationprovidefinancialortechnicalsupportforLDCstostrengthentheirnationalhealthsystems,inparticularhealth-financingsystemstoimproveaccesstoaffordablequalityprimaryhealth-careservices?
ITU,WMO,UNICEF,UNFPA,OSSC,ILO,WIPO,OPS,UNWOMEN,ESCAP,WorldBank,IAEA
2) DoesyourorganizationsupportworkwithLDCstoimproveaccesstomedicines,encouragethedevelopmentoftechnologyandthetransferoftechnology,theproductionofaffordable,safe,effectiveandgoodqualitymedicines,fosteringtheproductionofinnovativemedicines,generics,vaccinesandotherhealthcommodities?
ITU,WMO,UNICEF,UNFPA,OSSC,UNIDO,WIPO,UNDP,WorldBank,IAEA
3) DoesyourorganizationsupportLDCstodeveloptheircapacitytosystematicallycollectandanalyzedemographicdatatobeused,interalia,fordesigningappropriatenationalpolicies?
ITU,WMO,UNICEF,UNFPA,OSSC,FAO,UNWOMEN,WFP,HABITAT,ESCWA,DESA,WorldBank,IAEA
SelectedActivitiesintheareaofpopulationandprimaryhealth
Public-privatepartnershipstotacklediseasesandempowerpeople(ILO,UNOSSC,ITU/WHO)
Traininginpublichealthrelatedissues(ILO,UNOPS,UNICEF,IAEA)
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Construction/support/rehabilitationofhealthcareinfrastructure(UNOPS,UNIDO)
Policyadviceforstrengtheningpublichealthsystemsandservices(UNFPA,FAO,ITU/WHO,UNICEF)
Datacollectionandmanagement(UNFPA,WMO,UN-Habitat,UNICEF)
Supportformedicinal/pharmaceuticalsector(UNIDO,EIF)andnuclearmedicine(IAEA)
Knowledgeplatforms(WMO,UNOSSC,ITU/WHO,IAEA)
Advocacy(ScalingUpNutrition)(UNICEF),universalhealthcoverage(WorldBank)
InvestmentstowardsachievingtheMDGsinhealth(WorldBank)
UNICEFfocusesfirstandmostintentlyonthechildrenleftfurthestbehind–anequity-basedapproach–liesattheheartofthemissionandworkofUNICEF.Whetherchildrencomefromthepooresthomesorthemostmarginalizedethnicgroups,UNICEFhaslongbeencommittedtoputtingtherightsofthesechildrenatthetopofouragenda.IntheLDCs,UNICEFcontinuestostrengthenitseffortstoreducedisparities.In2014,UNICEFspent53%oftotalprogrammefundsinLDCs.UNICEFfocusesinvestmentinareasthatprovidethegreatestreturn–andthemostsustainableresults.Agreaterfocushasbeenmadetoreachthemostvulnerablepopulations,especiallywomenandchildren,especiallysinceweknowthatthataroundhalfthepopulationinLDCsisunder18.
ResultsreportedbyUNICEFOfficesin2014include35of59targetcountrieseliminatingmaternalandneonataltetanuswithUNICEFsupport;100countriesprocuring2.71billiondosesofvaccines,covering40percentoftheworld’schildren;measleseliminationandrubellacontrolin15countries,involvingmorethan160millionchildren;mainstreamingofriskreductionandresilience,includingclimatechange,innationalhealthstrategiesandplansin34countries;13.8millionpeoplegainingaccesstoimproveddrinkingwaterandmorethan11.3milliontosanitationinnon-emergencysettings,andmorethan19,000communitieshometo9.3millionpeoplecertifiedasopen-defecation-free.
UNOSSCinpartnershipwiththePanAmericanHealthOrganization(PAHO),theRegionalOfficefortheAmericasoftheWorldHealthOrganizationinitiatedin2011theSouth-SouthGlobalHealthExchange(SS-GHX).ItwasdevelopedtosupporttheUNSecretary-General’sglobalhealthagendas.SS-GHXpromotescooperation,sharingandexchangesofsuccessfulhealthpractices.Itaimstoidentifyhigh-impactpractices,policiesandresearchaswellasinnovativehealthtechnologiesandfundingresourcestofacilitatethetransferofappropriate,adaptableandaffordablesolutionsthateffectivelytacklethespecifichealthneedsofdevelopingcountries(withastrongemphasisonLDCs).SS-GHXworkstohelpscaleupanddisseminateSoutherninnovationsviaanonlineplatformandanofflinesupportandserviceplatform.
SS-GHXutilizesamulti-sectoralandpublic-privatepartnershipapproachtoenhanceimplementationeffortsatboththeglobalandlocallevels.Keyfocusareasincludematernalandchildhealth,non-communicablediseasesandHIV/AIDSinresponseto,amongothers,the2011GeneralAssemblyhigh-levelmeetingonnon-communicablediseasepreventionandcontrolandtheSecretary-General’sGlobalStrategyforWomen’sandChildren’sHealth.SS-GHXhasbeenendorsedbytheInnovation
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WorkingGroupoftheUnitedNationsSecretary-General’sEveryWomanEveryChildmovementasasustainablebusinessmodelforscalingupdevelopmentsolutionsandfundingopportunitiesforLDCsandcountriesintheSouth.
ITUandWHOlaunchedon17October2012,anewandinnovativepartnershipprogrammeonNCDscalled‘BeHealthyBeMobile’“tounleashthepotentialofmobiletechnologiesfornon-communicablediseases,toempowerpeople,communitiesandnationsatlarge,byfacilitatingthetransformationofmobilephonesatthehandsofallintoenablingtoolsthatprovideaccesstorelevantinformationandservicesthataddressthepreventionandcontrolofNCDs.”
Amongnewtechnologies,mobileshavebeenthemostrapidlyadoptedtechnologyinhistory,andtheyarenowusedinconnectionwithawiderangeofpublichealthinitiatives,inbothdevelopedanddevelopingcountries.Bytheendof2013,therewerealmostasmanymobilecellularsubscriptionsastherearepeopleontheplanetwith6.8billion;andover90%oftheworld’spopulationisalreadycoveredbyamobilecellularnetwork.Mobilephoneshaveuniqueadvantagesinthehealthsector,inbeingavailable,accessible,affordable,portable,innovativeandempowering.Theyprovideaccesstoservicesforthosewhoarenoteasilyabletoengagewiththeformalhealthsystem.ExamplesinLDCsincludemDiabetesinitiativeinSenegaltoincreaseawarenessandpatienteducationaboutdiabetesthroughSMSmessages,usingcellphonestotrainhealthworkers,anddeliveringremoteconsultationservicesaswellasprovidingtreatmentandmanagementsupportfordiabetics.InZambiathemCancerprogramwasimplementedbecauseZambiahasoneofthehighestprevalenceofcervicalcancerintheworld;andmanychallengesremaintoensurescreeningofallwomendespitenationalefforts.Theinitiativeprovidesnationalsmsbasedservicestothecountry’swomen,encouragethemtogoforscreeningforcervicalcancerandprovidefollowupservicesviaphones.TheITU/WHOJointInitiativeincludesalsothedevelopmentofmHealthtools,thedevelopmentofmanualsor“PlanningandImplementationDocuments”thatarecreated,refined,usedincountriestobecometheblueprintforhowacountrycanrunanationalmHealthprogramme.Theycontainthebusinessandtechnologyrules,operationguides,aswellasthecontentforthespecificintervention.
UNDPhasfocusedonfacilitatingaccesstomedicinesbysupportingcountriestotakefulladvantageoftheflexibilitiespermittedundertheWTO’sAgreementontheTrade-RelatedAspectsofIntellectualPropertyRights(TRIPS)toincreasetreatmentaccess.ThisworktakesplaceinthecontextofincreasingnumbersofpeopleinneedoftreatmentcausedbytherevisionoftheWHOtreatmentguidelinesin2013.ThisworkisalsointhecontextofanincreasedrelianceondomesticfinancingforHIVtreatmentasmultilateralfundingbecomeslessavailableincertainregions.Forexample,UNDPco-hostedtwoconsultationsinpartnershipwithcivilsocietyattherequestofthegovernmentofUgandain2012,resultinginthedevelopmentofabookletusedforadvocacypurposedbycivilsociety.Asaresultoftheseconsultations,UNDPsupportedtheGovernmentofUgandatoreviseitsIndustrialPropertyBilltoincorporatepublichealthsensitiveflexibilitiesavailableintheTRIPSAgreement.TheBillwaspassedbyParliamentinAugust2013andsignedintolawbythePresidentinJanuary2014.UNDPhasprovidedsimilartechnicalsupporttoanumberofLDCs,andhasalsodevelopedanissuebriefinpartnershipwithUNAIDSadvocatingfortheextensionoftheLDCwaiverattheWTO.
UNFPA:“UNFPASupplies”,formerlycalled“UNFPAGPRHCS”isoneofUNFPA’sflagshipprogrammesthatprovidesearmarkedadditionalsupporttowidenaccesstoareliablesupplyofReproductive
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Healthcommodities(includingcontraceptivesandlife-savingobstetricdrugs)in35LeastDevelopedCountriesgrapplingwithhighmaternaldeathrates,lowratesofcontraceptiveuseandagrowingunmetneedforfamilyplanning.In2007,theprogrammewaslaunchedin12countries.By2015,coveragehadexpandedto46countries(thatis,35LDCsand11LowerMICs).Cumulatively,UNFPAhasmobilizedatotalof$780.7millionfortheprogrammebetween2007and2014.Sixty-fivepercent(65%)ofavailableresourceshavebeeninvestedinprocurementofcommodities,while35%havebeeninvestedinstrengtheningnationalcapacitiesandhealthsystems.Overthecourseof2013and2014,theprogrammehasreachedanestimatedcumulativetotalof68millionusersofmodernfamilyplanning.Assuch,theprogrammemayhaveavertedupto17millionunintendedpregnancies,51,000maternaldeathsand3.1millionunsafeabortions.Moreover,duringthesameperiod,theprogrammehaspotentiallycontributedtoUS$750millionincumulativecostsavingsforfamiliesandnationsincludingthecostforantenatalcareandtreatmentforpregnancyrelatedcomplications.
UNFPAisamemberoftheH4+partnershipofUNagencies(WorldHealthOrganization(WHO),UNICEF,theJointUNProgrammeonHIV/AIDS(UNAIDS),UNWomenandtheWorldBank).H4+focusesonimprovingmaternalandchildhealthin75countriesofwhich44areLDCs.TheH4+advocatesforastrongerfocusonreproductive,maternal,newbornandchildhealth(RMNCH)withinthenationalhealthsectorplansandenabledsomegovernments,suchasBangladeshtoreducematernaldeathsbymorethantwothirdsandhalveneonataldeathsbetween2008and2014.ThesecondphaseoftheinitiativeaimstotranslatetheSDGsandtheUNSecretaryGeneral’s“everywoman,everychild,everyadolescentstrategy”intorealitywithafocusonqualityandsustainablematernalandnew-bornsolutionsincludingintroductionofacadreofmidwivesmeetinginternationalstandardsandtherevitalizationoffamilyplanningprogrammes.
IAEA:Aprojectentitled“DeterminingtheImpactofVitaminAandZincSupplementationonIntestineParasiteMorbidity,SchoolPerformanceandBodyCompositionAmongSchoolChildren”,whichwaslaunchedinBurkinaFasotodeterminetheimpactofvitaminAandzincsupplementationonintestineparasitemorbidity,schoolperformance,bodycompositionandVitaminAandzincstatusinschoolchildren.
Threeprojectsentitled“EnhancingEbolaDiagnosticCapacityusingnuclear-derivedtechniqueatWHO/NICDEVDLakkaLaboratory”,“EnhancingEbolaDiagnosticCapacityusingRT-PCRattheLiberianInstituteforBiomedicalResearch”and“StrengtheningHumanResourcesforEbolaVirusDiseaseDiagnosticinLiberiausingNuclear-derivedTechniques”forSierraLeoneandLiberia.Theprojectswerelaunchedin2014aspartoftheIAEAcontributiontotheinternationaleffortstofighttheoutbreakoftheEbolaVirusDisease(EVD).Theprojectsaimatenhancingdiagnosticcapabilitiesinthesecountries.
Aregionalprojectentitled“ApplyingNuclearTechniquestoDesignandEvaluateInterventionstoReduceObesityandRelatedHealthRisks”,whichwaslaunchedtosupporttheimprovementofrelevantinterventionstopreventandcontrolobesityinAfrica.Theprojectfocusesonthedevelopmentofhumanresourcesforusingstableisotopetechniquestoassessbodyfat,totalenergyexpenditureandphysicalactivity.Toaddressthisneed,regionalprofessionalsarebeingtrainedthroughaMaster’sDegreeinNuclearScienceandTechnology.TwelveLDCsparticipateinthisregionalproject.
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TheIAEAissupportingYemenwiththeestablishmentofacentralizedhospitalradiopharmacyandpositronemissiontomographyatthenuclearmedicinecentreintheAl-ThawraModernGeneralHospital.TheaimofIAEAsupportis,ontheonehand,toenhanceexistingnuclearmedicineservicesinYementhroughthecentralizedproductionandqualitycontroloftechnetium-99mkits.TheIAEAthereforesupportstheprovisionofnecessaryequipmentforcentralizedradiopharmacy,suchasalyophilizer,laminarairflowcabinet,hotcellsanddosecalibratorforestimationoftheradioactivityofdosestomeettherequirementsofgoodmanufacturingpractice(GMP)andradiationprotectionregulations.Additionally,theIAEAsupportsYemenwiththeintroductionofmoreadvanceddiagnostictechniquesthroughtheintroductionofpositronemissiontomography(PET)whichisamoreaccuratediagnosticimagingtechniqueusedforearlydetectionofcancers.
TheIAEAissupportingBangladesh’sBangabandhuSheikhMujibMedicalUniversity,throughtheTCproject,“ImprovingtheManagementofOncological,CardiovascularandInfectiousDiseases,particularlyTuberculosis”,whichseekstoimprovetheintegrationofPET/computedtomography(CT)technologyindiagnosticmedicine.
E.3.HUMANANDSOCIALDEVELOPMENT:YOUTHDEVELOPMENT
GoalsandTargetsoftheIPoA:
(a)Strivetoensurethefullandeffectiveparticipationofyouthinthelifeofsocietyandindecision-makingprocesses;
(b)Buildtheeducationalandskillscapacityofyouthandachievefullandproductiveemploymentanddecentwork;
(c)Enhanceyouthparticipationintheeconomythroughimprovingaccesstovocationaleducation,volunteeringandemployment.
Context:LDCsingeneralhaveahigherfertilityrate,andthereforeattachgreatimportancetoyouthandyouthemployment.Peopleundertheageof25comprise61percentofthepopulationofLDCs,whichisoneofthehighestratesintheworld.Figuresfrom2013indicatethatmorethan10percentofliterateyouthbetweentheagesof15-24wereunemployedin24LDCs.Limitededucation,lackofworkingskillsandhighyouthunemploymentcontributestoconsiderableyouthunderemploymentandlow-incomeself-employment,oftenintheinformalsector.Employment-to-populationratiosforyouthaged15-24areconsiderablyandconsistentlylowerthanthoseforthepopulationasawholeacrossLDCs.Investmentineducation,skillssets,employmentandempowermentisfundamentaltoachievingasustainablefutureandensuringpeaceandsecurity.Youngpopulationsshouldbeinapositiontocontributetosuchaprocesssubstantiallyaschangeagents.4
Questions:
4SeeA/70/83-E/2015/75.
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1) Doesyourorganizationprovidefinancialand/ortechnicalassistancetosupportLDCs’policiesandprogrammesthatprovideeconomicopportunitiesandproductiveemploymenttoyouth?
ILO,UNIDO,WTO/EIF,ESCWA,OPS,DESA,UNCTAD,UNDP,UNCDF,WMO,WorldBank,IAEA,IFAD
2) Doesyourorganizationsupportformalandnon-formaleducationsystemsinLDCsforcapacity-buildingandskilldevelopmentofyouthandadolescents?
ILO,UNIDO,WTO/EIF,UNEP,UNICEF,UNDP,OPS,DESA,OSSC,WMO,WorldBank,IAEA,IFAD,UNCDF
3) Doesyourorganizationsupportthepromotionofyouthexchangeprogrammes,includingthroughvirtualcampusesandothernetworkingmechanisms?
UNICEF,DESA,WIPO,WMO,IAEA,IFAD
SelectedactivitiesonYouth
Policysupportonyouthemploymentandcivilparticipation(ILO,UNESCO,UNWomen)
Advisoryservicesontransitionfrominformaltoformaleconomy(ILO,FAO)
Institutionalcapacitybuildingforyouthemployment(EIF,FAO,UNIDO)
ICTinfrastructure,includingfortechnologyandinnovation(ITU)
E-training,includingyounggovernmentofficials(IMF),virtuallaboratories(WMO),academydistancelearning(WIPO)
Advocacyandoutreach(UNFPA,UNICEF,UNWomen)
Education/trainingforyouthinemployment-generatingareas(UNCDF,UN-Habitat,UNDP,UNIDO,WorldBank,IAEA)
Knowledgeandsocialmediaplatforms(ECA,UNDP,UNWomen)
Financialinclusiontargetedatyoungpeopletohelpthemmanagetheirfinanciallivesandstartsmallbusinesses(UNCDF)
SolutionsforYouthEmployment,aglobalcoalition(WorldBank)
WorldBank:Highereducationplaysakeyroleinpromotingeconomicgrowthanddevelopment,especiallyforAfrica’sfast-growingyouthpopulation.Asoneofthelargestfinanciersofhighereducationintheregion,theBankismobilizingitsknowledgeandleadershipbehindcountriestochampioneducation.TheWorldBank’snew$150millionAfricaHigher-EducationCentersofExcellenceProjectisfunding19university-basedcentersforadvancededucationinWestandCentralAfrica.Itwillsupportregionalspecializationamongparticipatinguniversitiesinmathematics,
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science,engineering,andinformationandcommunicationtechnology(ICT)toaddressregionalchallenges.
Furthertothis,theWorldBankisundertakingmuchworkonyouthunemployment,withtherecentlaunchoftheSolutionsforYouthEmployment,aglobalcoalitionthatactstoaddressthepervasivechallengesofyouthemployment.
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ECAdevelopedatool,aknowledgeplatformtoshareECA’sworkandbestpracticesonsocialpoliciesincludingyouthissues.Theplatformwasusedbybothpolicymakersandyoungpeopleandwasusedtofacilitatethesharingofgoodpracticesatindividualandcountrylevelonissuesofyouthemployment.Theplatformenhancedpeerlearning,informationsharingandknowledgecreationamongtencountriesincludingLDCsonhowtheircountrieswereaddressingyouthunemploymentissues.TheplatformwasalsousedtoobtaintheviewsandinputofyoungAfricansontheareaofthecreativeeconomyasanewdevelopmentpathwayforyouthemploymentinAfrica.
IFAD:Oneofthechallengesfacingyoungruralpeopleislackofaccesstoinformationandnetworksthatwouldhelpthemtoshareskills,businessopportunitiesandcreatelinkswithdecision-makingprocessesthataffectthem.DuringIFAD’sCartagenaworkshoponruralyouthentrepreneurshipinNovember2010,participantswrestledwiththeseissues.Theydiscussedideasforconnectingyoungpeopletoenablethemtoshareinnovations,experiencesandideasandtomoreeffectivelyparticipateinkeydecision-makingprocesses.Oneoftheoutcomesofthesediscussionswascreationofthe
THEUNSYSTEMWIDEACTIONPLANONYOUTH
AspartofhisFive-yearActionAgendaforhissecondterminoffice,theSecretary-GeneralcalledforthedevelopmentofaSystem-wideActionPlan(Youth-SWAP)toenhancethecoherenceandsynergyofUNactivitiesinfivekeyareasrelatedtoyouth:employmentandentrepreneurship;protectionofrightsandcivicengagement;politicalinclusion;education,includingcomprehensivesexualityeducation;andhealth.
TheYouth-SWAPprovidesstrategicguidancetotheUNsystemasawholeinitsworkonyouth.Itprovidesanopportunitytobolsterinter-agencycollaborationonyouthissuesattheglobal,regionalandnationallevels.EnshrinedwithinthelargerframeworkoftheWorldProgrammeofActionforYouth,theYouth-SWAPbuildsonthespecificmandates,expertiseandcapacitiesofindividualUnitedNationsentities,poolingthestrengthsofthewholeUnitedNationssystemandpromotingjointprogrammaticwork.
TheInter-agencyNetworkonYouthDevelopment(IANYD),anetworkofmorethan40UNentities,developedtheYouth-SWAPin2012throughaconsultative andpreparatoryprocessconsistingofaglobalsurveytoobtaininputstotheYouth-SWAPframework.Over13,500youngpeoplefrom186countriesparticipated.TheYouth-SWAPwasendorsedbytheUnitedNationsSystemChiefExecutivesBoardforCoordinationinApril2013.ThefirstYouth-SWAPreportandwebsite(unyouthswap.org)werelaunchedinOctober2014.
In2014,aYouthSWAPMonitoringandEvaluationframeworkwasdeveloped.ThisframeworkisbasedontheimportantrolethattheYouth-SWAPplaysasareportingtooltomeasuretheprogrammaticstewardshipoftheUNsystem.ItwillallowtheUNsystemtoidentifythecountriesandtopicsforwhichadditionaleffortsareneededintermsofyouthdevelopmentsupportforevidence-baseddecisionmakingandprogramming.Itwillalsostrengthenaccountabilityvis-à-visMemberStatesbytrackingtheglobalUNeffortonyouthdevelopmentatthecountrylevel.Itisthereforenotatooltomeasuretheglobalsocio-demographicstatusofyouth.TheframeworkwasadoptedbytheIANYDinJanuary2015forthepurposeofapilotphaseaimedatapartialtestofthesurveyinstrumentonYouthEmploymentandEntrepreneurship.Theresultsofthepilotphasewillbemadeavailableinthelastquarterof2015.
Source:UNDepartmentforEconomicandSocialAffairs
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GlobalYouthInnovationNetwork(GYIN),aplatforminspiredandledbyyouthandopentoyoungruralpeoplewiththepassiontoinspiretheircommunitiesandencouragechange.
GYINiscomprisedofrepresentativesfromyouthdevelopmentandleadershiporganizationsworkingforeconomicempowermentofyoungwomenandmenthroughouttheworld.Itsmembersincludeyoungentrepreneurs,farmers’organizations,NGOsandrepresentativesfromgovernmentsandinternationalorganizations.GYIN’smissionistoestablishaglobalnetworkofyoungentrepreneurs,withtheultimateaimofcontributingtopovertyreductionbyprovidingopportunitiesforyoungpeopletoserveasagentsofchangethroughinnovation,entrepreneurship,leadershipandself-employment.Throughitsmembersitworkstocreateaplatformforsharingskills,knowledgeandexperience.Italsosupportsyoungentrepreneursinimplementingandexpandingprojectsaimedatdevelopingtheirlocalcommunities.
EstablishedinOctober2011,GYINcreatesanopportunityforyoungpeopletonetworkandinteract.Italsomakesyouthaccessibletoplannersanddecision-makers,supportingtheirdirectinvolvementinpolicydiscussionsandinitiativestopromotetheireconomicempowerment.Theyoungpeoplereportthatwhentheyhaveanopportunitytodiscusspolicydirectlywithpolicymakersthroughsuchaforum,theirviewsarereceivedmorethoroughlyandsincerelythanhastraditionallybeenthecase.Inaddition,buildingoninteractionsfromyoungpeoplethroughGYIN,IFADisincreasinglywideningthespacesforruralyouthandtheirorganizationstobeheardatoflevels.
UNCDF:YouthStart(BuildingYouthInclusiveFinancialSectorsinSub-SaharanAfrica)aUNCDFinitiativeestablishedinpartnershipwithTheMasterCardFoundation,aimstoincreaseaccesstofinancialservicesforlow-incomeyouthinsub-SaharanAfrica,withanemphasisonsavingsandfinancialeducation.Afterworkingforfouryearswith10leadingFSPsineightcountriesinSub-SaharanAfrica(BurkinaFaso,DemocraticRepublicofCongo,Ethiopia,Malawi,Rwanda,Senegal,TogoandUganda),theinitialtargettoprovideaccesstofinanceto200,000youthbetweentheagesof12-24wasmorethandoubled,with450,000youthhavinggainedaccesstofinancialservices,whilethescopeofproductsofferedexpandedto17newyouthdemanddrivenproducts.AsofDecember2014,YouthStartFSPpartnersgrantedaccesstosavingsaccountstoalmost515,000youngpeople(46%youngwomen),trainedover500,000youthinfinancialeducation(54%youngwomen),andprovidedloanstoalmost72,000youngentrepreneurs.Theseyoungclientshaveaccumulated$14.8millioninsavingswhileyoungentrepreneursaccessed$7.3millioninloanstoeitherstartuporexpandtheirownbusinesses.
UNESCOisworkingtopromoteyouthdevelopmentintheLDCsintheframeworkofitsOperationalStrategyonYouth(2014-2021),whichdefinesthemainaxesoftheOrganization’sworkinthisarea:providingsupportfortheformulation,reviewandimplementationofyouthpolicieswiththeparticipationofyouth;capacitydevelopmentforthetransitiontoadulthood;andcivicengagementanddemocraticparticipationandsocialinnovation.AnexampleofUNESCO’sworkinthisareaistheinteragencyreviewprocessofZambia’sNationalYouthPolicyincoordinationwithILO,UNICEF,UNFPAandtheUNCountryTeam.Thepolicyreviewprocessappliedaparticipatoryandinclusivemethodologicalapproachbuildingon,andfeedingintonationalanddevelopmentpriorities.Thetwo-yearprocess(2012-2013)engagedconcernedstakeholders,fromgovernmenttocivilsociety,multilateraldonorsandagencies,academia,aswellasyoungwomenandmen.Youthengagementandparticipationwasenabledfromthedesignofthepolicyreviewprocess
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throughoutitsimplementationandfinalization:thenationalYouthDevelopmentCouncil,aswellasrepresentativesofyouthNGOsandassociationweredirectlyinvolvedinallstagesoftheprocess,andextensiveconsultationswereconductedwithyoungwomenandmeninallprovincesofZambia.ThenewNationalPolicyonYouthisaccompaniedbyadetailedActionPlanidentifyingkeyactionsandrelatedresponsibilitiesamongallstakeholdersengagedintheprocessandconcernedbytheimplementationofthepolicy.
UNFPA,aspartoftheUNsystem,hasimplementedtheUnitedNationsSystem-wideActionPlanonYouth,andisaleadagencyforadvocacyandtechnicaloperationstobuildhumancapitalofyoungpeopleandharnessademographicdividend.In12countriesofEastandSouthernAfrica(includingDRC,Ethiopia,Eritrea,Lesotho,Malawi,Mozambique,Sudan,Uganda,TanzaniaandZambia),andsixcountriesoftheSahel(fiveofwhichareleastdeveloped),UNFPAhassupporteddemographicevaluationsofnationalprospectsforharnessingademographicdividend,andprovidedpolicyadvicetogovernmentsoncriticalinvestmentsneededforyouthempowerment,includingsexualandreproductivehealth,educationandemployment.UNFPA’sworkonthedemographicdividendspansleastdevelopedcountriesinAfrica,SouthandEastAsia,andLatinAmerica.ProjectsincludetheapplicationsofNationalTransferAccounts,theprovisionofsub-nationalanalysesofpolicyneedsandhealthandeducationprojectstoensurerights-basedhumancapitaldevelopmentofyoungpeople.
InYemen,ESCWAworkedinclosecoordinationwiththeUNCTtosupportthedevelopmentofagovernmentNationalYouthDevelopmentAgendaledbythetransitionalMinistryofYouthandSportsbetween2012and2014.Inparallel,ESCWAalsoprovidedtechnicalassistancetomainstreamyouthparticipationwithinrelevantoutcomesofYemen’sNationalDialogueConference.InSudan,ESCWAundertookinitialconsultationswiththeMinisterofYouthinlate2014tosupportnationaleffortsindesigningandimplementingnationalyouthpolicies,andfurtherengagementisplannedfor2015and2016incoordinationwithresidentUNagencies.
UN-Habitathastwoflagshipprogrammesthatfocusoncapacity-buildingandskilldevelopmentofyouth-theOneStopYouthResourceCentresandtheUrbanYouthFund.UN-Habitathasworkedwithlocalgovernment,theprivatesector,andyouthcivilsocietytoestablishmentfourOneStopcentresinthecapitalsofTanzania,Uganda,KenyaandRwanda.Theseyouthcentresprovidetraininginarangeofjobskillswiththefocusonassuringthatyouthhaveabetterchanceatachievingasustainablelivelihood.TheUrbanYouthFundhassupported270youth-ledagenciesin63developingcountrieswiththegoalofspurringyouthinnovationinarangeofurbansectors.
ITU:TheITU’sSecretary-General’snewGlobalICTEntrepreneurshipInitiativeaimingatconnectingICT-relatedentrepreneursandSMEsinemergingmarkets,suchastheLDCs,canbethebasisforenhancedinter-agencycollaborationthatcanyieldtangibleresultsandnarrowthegapofyouthunemployment.YouthrepresentthemajorityoftheLDCs’population;theinitiativewillsupportaglobalnetworkoftechnologyparks,innovationcentresandincubatorstoconnectmultipleplayersintheecosystemandyouththemselves.
UNDPdevelopeditsfirst-everCorporateStrategyonYouth(2014-2017),inalignmentwiththegoalsandobjectivessetinUNDP’sStrategicPlan2014-2017,andbuildingonthenumerousyouthinitiativesthattheorganizationhassupportedovertheyearsaroundtheglobe.Itcontains3outcomeareas:(i)enhancedeconomicempowerment;(ii)enhancedcivicengagementandpolitical
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participation;and(iii)strengthenedengagementindisasterpreparedness,crisisresponse,resiliencebuildingincrisis/conflictcontext.Itincludesrecommendationsonpartnershipswithyouthorganizationsandpavesthewayfortheestablishmentofmoreformalmechanismsforyouthparticipation(youthpartnershipplatform,youthmainstreaming,establishmentofthefirstglobalyouthteam).UNDPinAfghanistanplayedanimportantroleintheformulationofthefirstNationalYouthPolicy,whichidentifiestheguidelinesformeaningful,inclusiveandactiveyouthparticipation.UNDPAfghanistannowsupportstheformulationoftheNationalYouthStrategythatwillpavethewaytodesignanewUNjointprogrammeonYouth.InlinewithUNDP’syouthstrategy,UNDPAfghanistaniscommittedtosupportinitiativestoenhancepoliticalparticipation,capacitydevelopment,economicempowerment,andtostrengthenyouthengagementinvolunteerismthroughjointprogrammingwithUNVandotherUNagencies.UNDPAPRCpartneredwiththeAsianBarometerSurvey,aregionalresearchnetworkthatconductsregularsurveysondemocracy.Thepurposeofthispartnershipwastoincreaseunderstandingonthelevelofyouthparticipationindemocraticandpoliticalprocesses,usingthefirsthanddatacollectedbytheAsianBarometerin11countries[1],aswellasinTaiwan(ProvinceofChina).Theinformationhasresultedinaregionalpublication“YouthandDemocraticCitizenshipinEastandSouth-EastAsia:ExploringpoliticalattitudesofEastandSouth-EastAsianyouththroughtheAsianBarometerSurvey”whichprovidesregionaloverviewsonkeytopicsrelatedtogovernanceandpoliticalprocesses,aswellaspolicyrecommendations.Theseareexpectedtobeastartingpointforfurtherworkatthecountrylevel.UNDPCambodiahasoneofthemostcomprehensiveprogrammesintheregionfortargetingandinvolvingyouth.The‘StrengtheningDemocracyProgramme’(2011-2015)hasstrongyouthcomponentsincludinganationwideyouthmultimediaciviceducationcampaign(‘Loy9’)thataimstoequipyoungCambodianswithcivicknowledgeandskillstoenhancetheirparticipationindemocraticprocesses.InBangladesh,underthe‘ChittagongHillTractDevelopmentProgramme’(CHTDF),youthfromdiverseethnicgroupsareengagedinlocaltolerancebuildingandpeacepromotionthroughinitiativessuchas'SportsforPeace'and'Debatingatschoolandcollegelevels’.The'NoViolenceCampaign'ledbytheCHTPeacemakersAlliancetargetyouthasactorofchangeinstrengtheningtolerance,socialcohesionandtrustandhasprovidedpeaceandtoleranceeducationinschoolsandcolleges.
UNIDO,withintheIPoAStrategy,particularlyfocusesonempoweringyouthbyprovidingthemthenecessaryskillstorevitalizetheircommunityandparticipateintheproductionofvaluableandtradablegoods.Amongotherprojects,the‘Innovation,DevelopmentandEntrepreneurshipforAll’project(IDEA)focusesonyouth-ledinnovationenterprises,thecreationofclustersandnetworksinhighgrowthpotentialsectorsinLDCs(IDEAiscurrentlybeingpilotedinSenegalandMaliandwillbeextendedinthecomingmonthstoBurkinaFaso,Togo,ZambiaandMyanmar.TheEntrepreneurshipCurriculumProgramme(ECP)alsoaimsatstimulatingentrepreneurialtalentsamongyoungpeoplebyenhancingtheirabilitytoidentifyeconomicopportunitiesandbydevelopingothercommercialskills(e.g.Timor-Leste,Angola).
E.4.HUMANANDSOCIALDEVELOPMENT:SHELTER
GoalsandtargetsoftheIPoA:
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Increaseaccesstoaffordablehousing,landandhousing-relatedinfrastructureandbasicserviceswhileachievingasignificantimprovementinthelivesofslum-dwellersandruralpoor.
Context:TheshortfallofadequatehousinginLDCsispartlytheresultofincreaseddemandduetotherapidpaceofpopulationgrowthaswellastheneedsofrefugeesandinternallydisplacedpeopleduringandafterconflict.Itisalsoduetoinadequatesupplyofaffordablehousingresultingfromhighconstructioncosts,insufficientfinanceforhousingandinsecurelandtenurerights.Thissituationisparticularlyacuteinurbanareas,whichalsosufferfromlackofaccesstoimproveddrinkingwaterandsanitation,insecuretenure,non-durablehousingandovercrowding.Nineteenofthe25countrieswhereoverhalfoftheurbanpopulationslivesinslumsareLDCs.5
Questions:
1) Doesyourorganizationprovidefinancialand/ortechnicalsupporttotheeffortsofLDCstoimproveaccesstoland,housingandbasicservices,takingintoaccountthespecialneedsforreconstructionofLDCsdevastatedbynaturalandman-madedisastersandconflicts?
ILO,ITU,UNDP,HABITAT,OPS,FAO,WMO,UNICEF,UNWOMEN,ESCAP,WorldBank,IFAD
2) DoesyourorganizationsupportLDCsindevelopingcapabilitiesandcapacitiesofnationalandlocalgovernmentsandinstitutions,includingforthedelivery,qualitymonitoring,financingandoperationandmaintenanceofhousingandbasicservices?
ILO,ITU,UNDP,UNCDF,HABITAT,OPS,WMO,UNICEF,WorldBank
3) DoesyourorganizationsupportLDCs,includingthroughtechnologytransfer,aswellasfinancialandtechnicalassistance,forlow-costbuilding,utilizinglocalcontentsandmaterials?
ILO,ITU,UNDP,HABITAT,OPS,UNEP,UNCDF,OSSC,WorldBank
SelectedactivitiesonShelter
Technicalassistanceinrebuildinginfrastructurewithlocalemploymentcreationinruralareas(ILO)
Design/constructionofshelterinpostdisaster(OPS,UNDP)
Upgradingslums(UNHabitat)
Advisoryservicesforcityplanning,housingandrelatedinfrastructure(WMO,UNHabitat)
Reports,studies(ESCWA)
Technologytransferandinvestment(South-South)
5Ibid.
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Public-privatepartnerships,includingSustainableBuildingandClimateInitiative(UNEP)
UNOPS:InHaitiin2011,UNOPShousingportfoliofocusedontheproductionandconstructionoftransitionalwoodenshelters,asamoredurablesolutiontothetentsbeingusedinmanycampsandthiswasfundedbyavarietyofdonors.UNOPShasestablishedaproductionsiteinPort-au-Prince.Onceproduced,shelterkitsaretransportedtotheareaidentifiedforconstruction.UNOPSishiringHaitiansfromearthquake-affectedandpoorneighbourhoodsinordertoprovideincomesandstabilizelivelihoodsasasecondaryoutcomeoftheproject.Aspartofthetransitionalshelterprogramme,UNOPSofferedtotestthedesignsadoptedbythevariousshelteragencies.Thiswindloadanalysisservicewasusedbyshelteragenciestotesttheirshelter’sstrength.Theshelterdesignistestedtoatotal174kilometresperhour,equivalenttothewindgustspeedofaCategory2hurricane.
OSSC:Throughpublic-privatepartnerships,SS-GATEhassupportedtechnologytransferandinvestmentinrealestatedevelopmentforlowtomediumcosthousingandrelatedinfrastructureinLDCs.Theseprojectsarenotaoneoffprojectsbutcontinuousmarketbasedphaseddevelopmentforplannedsettlementdevelopmentwithbasicamenities.
UN-Habitatsupportsnationalandlocalgovernmentstoassesstheirhousingsituationthroughnationalandlocalhousingprofiles;developandimplementnationalandlocalhousingstrategies;andimplementslumupgradingprogrammes.UN-Habitat’smostsignificantprogrammeistheParticipatorySlumUpgradingProgramme(PSUP),whichissupportedbytheEuropeanUnionandoperatinginAfrican,CaribbeanandPacificcountries,includingmanyLDCs.In2014,thePSUPcatalyzedgrowingactionandinvestmentinslumimprovementandpreventionin35countriesandover150citiesacrossAfrican,CaribbeanandPacificStates.Advocacyforslumupgradingandprevention,povertyreductionintandemwithsustainableurbandevelopmentcontributedtoimprovedknowledgeandvisibilityofthechallengeofslumsinternationallyandespeciallywithintheUnitedNationssystem.TheoutcomesofthesecondInternationalTripartiteConferenceonSustainableUrbanizationasaResponsetoUrbanPovertyEradicationinKigali,Rwanda,September2013,includingtheKigaliDeclarationonSustainableUrbanizationforPovertyReduction,demonstratedincreasedawarenessofthefivedeprivations,andstrengthenedinternationalcooperationandpartnershipswithcountries.TheseattractedfundingandrequestsfromMemberStatestojointhePSUP.
UN-Habitatalsopromotesthemainstreamingandimplementationofnationalhousing,slumupgradingandpreventionstrategiesintegratingGlobalHousingStrategyprinciplesatcityandcommunitylevels.Currentlylocalandnationalgovernmentpartnersin35countriesareimplementingcityandcommunitydevelopmentplans.Twenty-fourhavealreadybeenimplementedandarecurrentlydocumented.
UNEP:TheUnitedNation’sEnvironmentProgramme’sSustainableBuildingandClimateInitiative(UNEP-SBCI)isapartnershipofmajorpublicandprivatesectorstakeholdersinthebuildingsector,workingtopromotesustainablebuildingpoliciesandpracticesworldwide.Theinitiativeworkstopresentacommonvoiceforbuildingsectorstakeholdersonsustainablebuildingsandclimatechange.WhyBuildings?Buildingsuseabout40%ofglobalenergy,25%ofglobalwater,40%ofglobalresources,andtheyemitapproximatelypotentialforachievingsignificantGHGemission
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reductions,atleastcost,indevelopedanddevelopingcountries.Furthermore,energyconsumptioninbuildingscanbereducedby30%to80%usingprovenandcommerciallyavailabletechnologies.
E.5.HUMANANDSOCIALDEVELOPMENT:WATERANDSANITATION
GoalsandTargetsoftheIPoA:
Halveby2015theproportionofpeoplewithoutsustainableaccesstosafedrinkingwaterandbasicsanitationandstrivetoprovidesustainableaccesstosafedrinkingwaterandbasicsanitationtoallby2020.
Questions:
1) Doesyourorganizationprovidefinancialand/ortechnicalsupporttoLDCstoimproveandexpandwaterandsanitationprovision,includingwaterpipelinesandsewagenetworks,aswellassupporttostrengthenthecapacityoflocalinstitutionsforservicedelivery,qualitymonitoring,financing,operationandmaintenance?
FAO,ITU,WMO,UNDP,HABITAT,ILO,UNESCO,UNEP,UNICEF,UNWOMEN,ESCWA,OPS,WorldBank,IAEA
2) DoesyourorganizationsupporttheeffortsofLDCstoprovideservicestotheun-served,utilizingappropriatetechnologiesandlevelsofservice,andstrengthenthecapacityofnationalandlocalinstitutionsforservicedelivery,qualitymonitoring,financing,operationsandmaintenance?
FAO,ITU,WMO,UNDP,UNHABITAT,ILO,WIPO,UNICEF,UNWOMEN,UNCDF,OPS,ESCWA,WorldBank,IAEA
3) DoesyourorganizationhelpLDCspreserveanddevelopwatersources,managewatershedsandenhancewaterproductivity,includingthroughsub-regionalandregionalcollaborations?
FAO,ITU,WMO,UNDP,UNHABITAT,ILO,UNESCO,UNEP,OPS,ESCWA,WorldBank,IAEA
4) Doesyourorganizationsupporttransferoftechnologyforwatertreatmentandwastemanagement?
FAO,ITU,WMO,UNDP,UNHABITAT,ILO,UNIDO,WIPO,UNEP,WorldBank,IAEA
5) DoesyourorganizationsupportpartnershipsandLDCs’initiativestoimprovehygieneandincreasethecoverageofbasicsanitation,especiallyforthepoor,includingtheSanitationandWaterforAllpartnership?
FAO,ITU,WMO,UNDP,UNHABITAT,WIPO,UNEP,UNICEF,WorldBank
Selectedactivitiesintheareaofwaterandsanitation
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Capacitybuildingtostrengthensocialdialoguearoundreformsinwatersector(ILO)andfortheimplementationofreforms(UNDP)
Capacitybuildingandtechnicalsupportonrehabilitationofinfrastructure(UNOPS,ILO)
Advisoryservicesonclimateandweather(WMO)
Policyadvice(IMF,UNESCO,UNDP)
Technicalassistanceandtrainingforwaterresourcemanagement.
Education,trainingandcapacitybuildinginsustainablemanagementoffreshwaterresources(UNESCO,UNEP)
Financing:WaterandSanitationTrustFund(UN-Habitat),investmentone-waste(UNIDO),WorldBankGreenBonds,andIDAfinancingforwater,sanitationandfloodprotection(WorldBank)
Localfinanceforinfrastructureandservices(UNCDF)
Partnership:SanitationandWaterforAll(UNDP)
Advocacyonaccesstoimprovedwaterandsanitation(UNICEF)
ILO:ImprovingaccesstosafedrinkingwaterandadequatesanitationisoneofthegreatestdevelopmentchallengesinAngola.Intheperiod2003-2016,thegovernment’sobjectiveistoincreasetheproportionofpeoplehavingaccesstosafedrinkingwaterandadequatesanitationfrom33percentto81percentandfrom48percentto74percent,respectively.AJointProgramme–undertakenbytheILO,IOM,UNDP,UNICEFfrom2009-1013supportedthisaimwithinfrastructureimprovementsandbyenhancingthegovernanceofthesector.Themodelofgovernanceproposedentailedpromotinganetworkofautonomousunitsofsmallutilities,withthelocalgovernmentatthe‘centre’confiningitsroletomonitoringthenetwork,regulatingthesectorandpushingfortheautonomyofcommunitiesinthemanagementoftheirwaterscheme.
WMOsupportstheNMHSstogeneraterainfallforecastsupstreamofarivercatchmentoroverurbanareasandprovidethisinformationtocityfathersinmunicipalitiestostoresufficientwaterfordrinkingandsanitationbyurbanresidents.WMOsupportsRegionalClimateOutlookForums(RCOFs)bytheWMOdesignatedRegionalClimateCentres(RCCs)andNMHSS,toprovideseasonalweatherforecastsandappropriatedatesfortreeplantingoverwatercatchments,watertowers/sheds.
IMF:WithinitsmandatetheIMFisrecognizingthatwaterchallengesincreasinglyaffecteconomicstabilityandgrowth,publicfinances,andpoorandvulnerablesocialgroups.KeyrolesfortheIMFinlinewithitsmandateandexpertiseinclude:(i)assessingtheimpactofwaterchallengesongrowthandmacro-stabilityincollaborationwithinstitutionsthatspecializeinwater;(ii)supportingpoliciestoreplaceperversesubsidieswithtargetedsocialassistanceundertherightcircumstances;and(iii)ensuringfiscalsustainabilitytosupportwaterinfrastructureinvestmentandfinancing.TherecentIMFJuly2015StaffDiscussionNote(SDN)IstheGlassHalfEmptyorHalfFull?IssuesinManaging
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WaterChallengesandPolicyInstrumentsaddressedhowtheIMFcan—andshould—playahelpfulroleinensuringthatmacroeconomicpoliciesareconducivetosoundwatermanagement.
UNESCOToassisttheLDCsinaddressingwatersecuritychallenges,UNESCOisprovidingeducation,trainingandcapacitybuildinginthesustainablemanagementoffreshwaterresourcesinthecontextofglobalchangesintheLDCsthroughitsInternationalHydrologicalProgramme(IHP),includingtheUNESCO-IHEInstituteforWaterEducation,locatedinDelft,theNetherlands,andthenumerouscentresandinstitutesundertheauspicesofUNESCOthatfocusonregionalwaterissues.TheIHPisalsoassistingwiththepreparationofnationalpoliciesregardingfreshwaterinseveralLDCs,andhasprovidedtrainingforthoseresponsiblefortheimplementationofsuchpolicies.
AnexampleisthetechnicalsupportthatIHPprovidedtotheGovernmentofKiribatitosupportthedevelopmentofitsnationalwaterresourcepolicyandimplementationplan,whicharedesignedtoprovidesafe,adequate,andaffordablewaterservicestoallcommunitiesinKiribati.Italsoaddressestheconservation,sustainableuseandefficientmanagementofKiribati’swaterresourcesandwillimprovethewelfareandlivelihoodofthepeopledespitethethreatsofclimatevariabilityandchange.ThepolicyandplanarecurrentlybeingimplementedbytheGovernment.
Habitat:TheWaterandSanitationTrustFundisafasttrackfinancingmechanismaimedatbringinginnewinvestmentandinnovativeideastotheurbanwaterandsanitationsector,expandingservicecoverageforpoorurbandwellers,andhelpinginbuildingmomentumbehindtheattainmentofwaterandsanitationMDGtargets.Sinceitsinceptionin2003,theTrustFundhasgeneratedUS$145millionfrombilateraldonors,theprivatesectorandfoundationsandenabledover1.5millionpeopledirectaccesstoimprovedwaterandsanitationthroughitsdemonstrationprojects.Ithasalsoleveragedsubstantialinvestmentsinthesectorthroughstrategicpartnershipswithdevelopmentbanksandtheprivatesector.
WorldBank:Some32millionpeoplewillbenefitfromaccesstocleanwaterandanother5.6millionfrombettersanitationfacilitiesduringIDA17.6.8millionpeoplewereprovidedwithaccesstoimprovedsanitationfacilitiesbetween2011-2013.ExamplesofprojectssupportedbyWorldBankGreenBondsincluderenewableenergyinstallations,energy-efficiencyprojects,newtechnologiesinwastemanagementandagriculturethatreducegreenhousegasemissionsandhelptofinancethetransitiontoalow-carboneconomy.Greenbondsalsofinanceforestandwatershedmanagement,andinfrastructuretopreventclimate-relatedflooddamageandbuildclimateresilience.2014IDAcommitmentsforinfrastructure—includingthesectorsEnergyandMining;Transportation;Water,Sanitation,andFloodProtection;andInformationandCommunications—reached$10.4billion.
UNDP:InAfghanistan,UNDPcontributionssupportedover200,000people–morethan40percentofthemwomen–withover985,000workdaysinshort-termlaborintransportationandinfrastructureprojects,providingimprovedaccesstomarketsto115,000households,cleandrinkingwatertoover161,000households,andcleandrinkingwaterandirrigationsystemsthatbenefittedover273,000households.
AnotherexampleisCap-Net,aglobalprogrammeunderUNDP,addressingtheneedforcapacitytoimplementreformsinthewatersector.Itisaninternationalnetworkforcapacitydevelopmentin
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sustainablewatermanagement.Itismadeupofapartnershipofautonomousinternational,regionalandnationalinstitutionsandnetworkscommittedtocapacitydevelopmentinthewatersector.
IAEA:Afour-yearprojectonwaterresourcemanagementintheSahelregionwhichcoversfivemajoraquifersystemssharedbythirteenAfricanStates,ofwhichtenareLDCs.Significantprogresshasbeenachievedinmappingundergroundwaterresourcesintheregion,providingtechnicaladviceandsupportforimprovingmanagementpracticesatthenationalandregionallevel,anddevelopinghumanresourcesthroughtrainingandcapacity-buildingactivities.LDCsparticipatedinthisproject,benefittingfromaregionalandharmonizedapproachtomanagingtrans-boundarywaterresources.
Aprojectentitled“AssessingGroundwaterResourcesintheLowlandsUsingIsotopeMethods”waslaunchedtoenhancenationalcapacityinLesothoforcomprehensiveassessmentofwaterresourcesoftheMaputsoecatchmentwiththeintegrationofisotopehydrologyapproachesfordatacollectionandinterpretation.Anotherexampleisaprojectentitled“AssessingtheImpactofRainwaterHarvestingtechnologiesonRechargeandDynamicsofGroundwaterinanInlandValleySwampatNjala”,whichwaslaunchedtoassess–usingenvironmentalisotopes–theeffectofrainwaterharvestingonthedynamicsandrechargeofgroundwaterandtosubsequentlypromotethepracticeinSierraLeone.
TheIAEAissupportingBangladeshintheestablishmentofisotopicanalysisexpertiseforthedevelopmentofanationaldatabaseforintegratedwaterresourcemanagementincoastalareasofBangladesh.ThetechniqueenablesBangladeshtomapandanalyzeavailablegroundwaterresources,identifyingsourcesofdrinkingwaterandevaluatingaquifervulnerabilitiestoavoidover-exploitationandcontamination.ThestrongsupportprovidedbytheIAEAtoBangladeshinthisareaisatestimonytotheimportanceofensuringsustainableaccesstosafeandcleandrinkingwatertoensurethehealthofthepopulationandofitsmainsourceofincomeinruralareas-livestock.
Additionally,theIAEAissupportingMyanmarwiththemonitoringandassessmentofwatershedmanagementpracticesonwaterqualityandsedimentationrateoftheInleLake.Duetounsustainableagriculturalpracticesandanincreaseintourism,thedeteriorationofwaterqualityandalsothesedimentationrateintoInleLake,hassignificantlyaccelerated.TheIAEAprovidessupportintheapplicationofisotopebasedenvironmentalmonitoringandassessmenttechniques,whichprovidevaluableinformationforwaterandnitrogendynamics,aswellaserosionandsedimentationprocesses.ThisallowsMyanmartobettermonitorthequalityofwaterandtakeappropriateremedialactions.
E.6.HUMANANDSOCIALDEVELOPMENT:GENDEREQUALITYANDEMPOWERMENTOFWOMEN
GoalsandtargetsoftheIPoA:
a)Achieveequalaccessofwomenandgirlstoeducation,basicservices,healthcare,economicopportunities,anddecision-makingatalllevels;
b)Takestepstorealizetherightofeveryonetotheenjoymentofthehighestattainablestandardofphysicalandmentalhealth,includingsexualandreproductivehealth;
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c)Accelerateeffortstopromotewomen’srightsandgenderequality,includingwomenwithdisabilities.
Context:Genderequalityandtheempowermentofwomenandgirlsarecentraltoachievingalldevelopmentgoals.Furthereffortsareneededtoendgenderinequalitiesinaccesstoeducation,healthcare,waterandsanitation,economicopportunitiesandproductiveresources,aswellastoendgender-basedviolence.ItisparticularlynotablethattheIPoAcallsforallpartnerstosupportrelevantUNagencieswithamandateingenderequalityandwomen’sempowerment,particularlyUNWomen,intheireffortstoimprovecoordinationandaccountabilityoftheUNsysteminthisarea.
Questions:
1) Doesyourorganizationcollaboratewith/supporttheeffortsofUN-WomentoimprovecoordinationandaccountabilityoftheUNsysteminthisarea?
ILO,UNESCO,UNIDO,WMO,WTO,ITC,ITU,FAO,WFP,UNWOMEN,HABITAT,UNDP,UNCDF,UNFPA,OPS,ESCAP,ESCWA,OSAA,SE4ALL,UNCTAD,WIPO,IMF,UNICEF,UNEP,ODC,DESA,UNCTAD,WorldBank,IFAD
2) Doesyourorganizationprovidefinancialand/ortechnicalsupportforLDCstoimplementpoliciesandprogrammesongenderequalityandempowermentofwomenandgirls,includingthosethatachievetheMDGs?
ILO,UNESCO,UNIDO,WMO,EIF,ITC,ITU,FAO,WFP,UNWOMEN,HABITAT,UNDP,UNCDF,UNFPA,OPS,ESCAP,ESCWA,OSAA,SE4ALL,UNCTAD,UNICEF,ODC,UNCTAD,IPU,WorldBank,IFAD
3) DoesyourorganizationsupportLDCsintheimplementationofpoliciesandprogrammesthatenhancewomen’seconomicandincome-generatingopportunities,productiveemploymentandaccesstoproductiveresources?
ILO,UNESCO,UNIDO,WMO,EIF,ITC,ITU,FAO,WFP,UNWOMEN,HABITAT,UNDP,UNFPA,OPS,ESCAP,ESCWA,OSAA,SE4ALL,UNCTAD,WIPO,OSSC,WorldBank,IFAD,UNCDF
SelectedActivitiesonGenderEqualityandEmpowermentofWomen
Collaborativein-countryworkbyUNagenciesfortheempowermentofwomeneconomicallyandtheirfinancialinclusion(ILO,IMF,UNCDF,UNWomen,UNDP)includingintheminingsector(ECA)andconstruction(UNOPS)andinruralareas(FAO/IFAD/UNWomen/WFP)includingfood/nutritionandentrepreneurship(UNIDO)
Research,datacollectionandstudies(IMF,EIF,UNWomen,FAO,UNDP,UNODC,WorldBank)
Technicalandcapacitybuildingsupportandtraining(UNWomen,UNCDF,UNDP)includingforpolitical/decision-making/leadership(UNDP,IPU)
Policyadvicefornationalplanning(UNWomen/WB,UNDP)includingmining(ECA)environmentalprogramming(UNEP),combatingviolenceagainstwomenandaccesstocriminaljusticesystem(UNODC)
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Standards:AfricanGenderEqualityandWomen’sEmpowermentScorecard(ECA/AU)
Partnershipsforgirls’education(UNESCO)
TeacherandschooladministratortrainingforSTEM(UNESCO)
Trainingmaterialsforjudges,courtpersonnelandpoliceconcerningviolenceagainstwomen(UNODC)
Trainingonwomen’sandgirls’health(IPU)
Knowledgemanagement:OneMillionBusinessWomenOnline(South-South)anddissemination(FAO)andICT(ITU),engenderImpactdatabaseandADePTGendersoftwareapplication(WorldBank)
Technicalassistancetofightmalnutritioninpregnant/lactatingwomen(WFP)
Advocacy(UN-Habitat,UNODC,UNICEF,IPU)
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ILO:InEthiopia,theILO,UNWomen,UNDP,UNICEF,UNESCO,UNDPandUNFPAhavepartneredsince2011toensurewomen’sincreasedincomesinabidtoimprovetheirlivelihoods.ThisProgrammeisalignedwithEthiopia’sGrowthandTransformationPlan,theoverarchingnationaldevelopmentstrategy,andisgroundedintheUNDevelopmentAssistanceFrameworkforEthiopia.Sofar,someresultsinclude:Increasedaccessibilityoffinancialandnon-financialservicesforeconomicallydisadvantagedwomen;Enablingenvironmentcreatedandsupportprovidedforgirlsandwomentoimproveparticipationandaccesstosecondaryandtertiaryeducation;Strengthenedinstitutionalcapacityforgendermainstreaming,and;Increasedinstitutionalcapacityandcommunitylevelknowledgetopromoteandprotecttherightsofwomenandgirls.
UNSystem-wideActionPlanforImplementationoftheCEBUNSystem-widePolicyonGenderEqualityandtheEmpowermentofWomen
TheUNSystem-wideActionPlan(UN-SWAP)ongenderequalityandwomen’sempowerment,ledandcoordinatedbyUNWomen,comprisedof15performancestandardsclusteredintosixcommonfunctionalareas,wasestablishedastheinstitutionalresponsetoResolution1997/2,bywhichECOSOCcalledupontheUNsystemtomainstreamagenderperspectivethroughoutitswork.TheUN-SWAPwasendorsedbytheUnitedNationsChiefExecutivesBoard(CEB)forCoordinationinApril2012andset2017asatargetfortheUNSystemtomeetallitsPerformancestandards.
TheUN-SWAPconstitutesthefirstunifiedframeworktosystematicallymainstreamgenderintoallfunctionsofaninstitutionandmeasureprogressrelatedtogenderequalityandwomen’sempowermentacrosstheUNsystem.ItrepresentsamajorstepforwardinensuringtheaccountabilityoftheUNsystemforitsworkongenderequalityandwomen’sempowermentandrevitalizestheworkoftheUNsystemonit.Itrequiresannualreportingbyeachparticipantentity,departmentandofficeandhasyieldedaclearer,moresystematicanduniformpictureofareasofstrengthandweaknessacrosstheUN-Systeminitsworkongenderequalityandwomen’sempowerment.
UndertheActionPlan,almosttheentireUnitedNationssystem,62entities,departmentsandofficestobeexact,havereportedoverthreeconsecutiveyearsonacommonsetofperformanceindicators.TheActionPlanprovidesanannualsnapshotofperformanceandservesasanaspirationalframeworkofstandardstowhichtoaspire.Assuch,itpropelsprogressyieldingsubstantialimprovementintheperformanceoftheUnitedNationssystemongendermainstreaming.ThethirdyearofimplementationoftheActionPlanhasseenprogressin14ofthe15performanceindicators.ThesuccessesoftheUN-SWAPasasystem-wideaccountabilityframeworkmayalsobeunderscoredbynotingtheeffortstoreplicateandestablishsubsequent“SWAP”frameworksforadditionalareas,includingthoseofYouthandIndigenousPeoples.
Source:UNWomen
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IMF:AStaffDiscussionNoteentitled“Fair Play: More Equal Laws Boost Female Labor Force Participation,”releasedinFebruary2015,examinedtheeffectofgender-basedlegalrestrictionsandotherpolicies,anddemographiccharacteristicsinlabormarkets.Drawingonalargedatasetofgender-relatedlegalrestrictions,thestudyfoundthatrestrictionsonwomen’srightstoinheritanceandproperty,aswellaslegalimpedimentstoundertakingeconomicactivitiessuchasopeningabankaccountorfreelypursuingaprofession,arestronglyassociatedwithlargergendergapsinlaborforceparticipation.
UNCDF:Recognizingthatablendofgender-sensitivepublicandprivateinvestmentwillberequiredtoadvancelocaldevelopment,in2014UNCDF,UNDPandUNWomendesignedtheInclusiveandEquitableLocalDevelopment(IELD)programme,totestwaysofunlockingprivatefinanceforpotentiallytransformativeinfrastructureprojectsthatbenefitwomen.IELDfocusesongender-sensitiveinfrastructureprojectsatthelocallevel,suchasfeederroads,bridges,andmicrohydrothathavepotentialtobesignificantdriversofwomen’seconomicempowerment.Theprogrammeusesavarietyofinvestmentforms,includingstructuredprojectfinance,public-privatepartnerships,andclusterfinancingforsmallandmediumenterprises.ThroughtheTransformativeImpactFinancing(TIF)approach,UNCDFputsitslocaldevelopmentfinanceinstrumentstoworktounlockdomesticcapitalforlocaleconomicdevelopmentandentrepreneurship,withaspecialemphasisonthedevelopmentimpactasameasureforsuccess.IELDlooksparticularlyattheinfrastructureinvestmentsthatconfrontandaddresscriticalbarrierstowomen’seconomicinclusion,notablythosethatproducegoodsandservicesthatrespondtotheneedsanddemandsofwomen.
Inaddition,UNCDFfocusesongenderequalityandempowermentofwomenthroughitsprogrammesonfinancialinclusion.UNCDFfundingfocusesonassistingFinancialServiceProviders(FSPs)toexpandtheiroutreachtowomen,withatargetofatleast50%ofclientsbeingwomen,providingpoorwomenasafeplacetosave,whilealsoexpandingaccesstocredit.
WorldBank:GenderintegrationinWorldBanklendinghasdeepened,withmorelendingoperationsincludingfollow-upactionstoaddressidentifiedgenderdisparities.Thisistrueacrossallgroupsofclientsandsectors.ThetotalshareofBanklendingthatwasgenderinformedrosefrom54percentto95percentbetweenfiscal2010andfiscal2014,ornearly$38billioninfiscal2014.Ninety-threepercentofoperationsinfragileandconflict-affectedsituationsweregenderinformedinfiscal2014,upfrom62percentinfiscal2010.Similarly,49outof54operations(over90percent)inconflict-affectedsituationsinAfricaweregenderinformedinfiscal2014.Inlate2013,theWorldBanklaunchedtwonewopentechnologyplatformsprovidingawealthofinformationaboutprogresstowardgenderequality.One,theenGenderImpactdatabase,isarepositoryofimpactevaluationswithkeyfindingsgatheredfromWorldBankandpartnerprojects.Another,theADePTGendersoftwareapplication,housesagrowingvolumeofgenderdataandproducesquick,standardizedreports,includingcross-countrylaborstatistics.
UNWomen:UNWomen,UNCDF,andUNDParepartnersonajointglobalprogrammeongenderresponsivelocaleconomicdevelopment.Thisinitiativebuildsonthestrategiccomparativeadvantageofeachorganizationtosupportlocalgovernmentsandprojectsinthedesign,planning,andimplementationofsustainablelocalinvestments,whichtakeintoaccountthedifferentiatedandspecificneedsandprioritiesofpoorwomenandmen.UNWomen’skeyresponsibilityhasbeenthedesign,elaboration,andapplicationofagender-responsivelocaleconomicassessmenttool,which
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providesananalysisoflocalsocio-economicsituationstoidentifythekeyentrypointsforgender-equitableinterventions.
IFAD:Genderequalityandwomen’sempowermentareakeypartofallIFAD’soperations.IFAD’spolicyonGenderEqualityandWomen’sempowermentoutlinesavisionandroadmaptoensurethatgenderismainstreamedinalloftheorganization’sactivitiesandapproaches.Inadditiontospecificprojectsexplicitlytargetingwomen,suchastheFAO,IFAD,UNWomenandWFPjointprojectonAcceleratingProcesstowardstheEconomicEmpowermentofRuralWomen,IFADhassetgendergoalsandaspecificreportingframeworkforallitsunitsandprogrammesinordertosystematizeandscaleupitseffortstoclosegendergaps.Forexample,inwesternSudan,anIFAD-supportedprogrammepromotescommunityparticipationasadriverofsustainabledevelopment.Theprogrammehasformednearly700solidarity-based,self-sufficientsavingsandcreditgroups;morethan90percentofthegroups’membersarewomen.SincetheprogrammestartedworkinDecember2005,thegroupshavefosteredastrongsavingscultureamongruralwomen.Theyhavealsoenhancedwomen’sconfidenceinundertakingneweconomicactivities,andincreasedtheirdecision-makingpowerwithintheircommunities.
Anotherexamplecomesfromtherealizationthatwhilelandisoneofthekeystobuildingbetterlivesandequalityforpoorruralwomeninmostleastdevelopedcountries,womenoftenhaveweaklandrights,oraredeniedrightsentirely,resultinginincreasedpovertyforthemselvesandtheirfamilies.Inaddition,inpost-conflictcountrieslikeBurundiyearsofcivilconflict,insecurityanddisplacementofpeoplehaveexacerbatedthedisputeoverland,withsignificanteffectsonagricultureandfoodsecurity.Duetotheincreasingpressureonavailableland,womentendtobemoredeprivedofownershipandcontroloverit.Thisistheresultofgapsinnationallegislationregardinglandownershipandthepersistenceofcustomaryrulesthataretraditionallybasedonapatrilinealsystem.IFAD-supportedTransitionalProgrammeofPost-ConflictReconstructioninBurundiworkstorestorelivelihoods,buildsocialcapital,andpromotedignityandfoodsecurityinpoorcommunities.Theprogrammehasestablishedlegalclinics,runbywomenlawyers,thatdisseminatelegalinformation,encouragingruralwomentofightdiscriminationandexercisetheirrightsinlandcasesinvolvingfamilyrelationsandinheritance.Theclinicsaremobileandtraveltoruralcommunitiesinthehills,ensuringahigheroutreachtovulnerablecommunitymembers.Activitiesalsoincludevisitsbyjudgestothehillcommunitiestoensurecompliancewithjudicialdecisions,andifnecessary,enforcethem.Thelegalclinicscloselyinteractandcollaboratewithlocalinstitutions,includingcommunitydevelopmentcommitteesandtheBashingantahe,thetraditionalnotablesofthehillcommunities,tostrengthenthepre-existingstructurescommittedtoconflictresolutionatthelocallevel.
ECA:TheECAGenderandMiningProject,whichisbeingpartneredwiththeAfricanMineralsDevelopmentCentre(AMDC)andUNWomen,seekstocontributetothestrengtheningofgenderdimensionsinAfrica’sminingsector,inordertoadvancetheeconomicempowermentofwomenthroughthecreationofdecentjobsandthelongterminclusionofwomeninthemineralsvaluechain.Itfurtheraimstosupportthemainstreamingofgenderinmininglegislationandotherauxiliarylaws,whichsupportthesectorinLDCsandMiddleIncomeCountriesonthecontinent.
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Asecondproject,whichwasoutsidethedomainofinter-agencycooperation,wasthedevelopmentoftheAfricanGenderEqualityandWomen’sEmpowermentScorecard.ThescorecardwasdevelopedbyECAinpartnershipwiththeAfricanUniontohelpmemberstatestomonitortheirprogressoncertaingendercommitmentsinkeysectorsforwomen’sempowerment.UsingtheAUparityprincipleof50:50,theaimofthescorecardwastoidentifywherecountriesstood(i.e.men’sandwomen’sstatus)ondevelopmentindicators-MDGs,toenhancewomen’sempowerment.ThisexampleistoshedlightonhowotherUNagenciescanaimtoworkwithotherorganizationstomeetglobalandregionalcommitmentsforthedevelopmentofAfrica.
UNFPAhaspartneredwiththeWorldBanktodesignandimplementthe“SahelWomen’sEmpowermentandDemographicDividend”(SWEDD)project,whichiscurrentlyunderwayinsix(6)countries,includingfiveleastdevelopedcountries:BurkinaFaso,Chad,Mali,MauritaniaandNiger.Theprojectfocusesonwomen’sempowermentandyouthdevelopmentandaddressesamyriadofissuessuchasgenderbasedviolence,earlypregnancies,andearlymarriages,whichpreventwomenandyouthfromfullyparticipatinginthesustainabledevelopmentoftheircommunitiesandcountries.
UNESCOispromotingaglobalpartnershipforGirls’educationcalled“BetterFuture,BetterLife.”Workingincooperationwithgovernments,internationalorganizations,civilsocietyorganizationsandNGOs,thepartnershipaimstoraiseawarenessandadvocatefortheimportanceofgirls’andwomen’seducationasabasichumanright,aglobalpriorityandanimperativedevelopmentobjective,sothatgirlsandwomencanaccessandbenefitfromgoodqualityeducation.ExamplesofprojectsimplementedintheLDCsthroughthispartnershipincludethe“Gender-SensitiveTrainingofTeachersandSchoolPrincipalsforGirls’andWomen’sAccess,ParticipationandAdvancementinMathematics,ScienceandTechnologyEducationproject”thatisbeingimplementedinLesothoinpartnershipwiththeGEMSFoundation.Theprojectfocusesonsettingupasupportiveenvironmentforteachersandschoolprincipalstobuildtheircapacitiestoattractandensureeffectiveparticipationofgirlsandyoungwomeninscientificfieldsofstudy,includingthroughpeerreview,mentoringandcounseling
FAO:ThejointFAO,IFAD,UNWomen,andWFPprojectAcceleratingProgresstowardstheEconomicEmpowermentofRuralWomen(RWEE),beingimplementedinEthiopia,Liberia,Nepal,Niger,andRwanda,aimstoimproveruralwomen’sfoodandnutritionsecurity,increasetheirincomes,enhancetheirdecision-makingpowerandencouragepolicyenvironmentsconducivetotheireconomicempowerment.Toreachtheseobjectives,theprojectleverageseachUNagency’scomparativeadvantagesandinstitutionalstrengthstogeneratemoresustainableandwider-scaleimprovementsinwomen’slivelihoodsandlives.
UNODCpromotesgenderequalityandempowermentofwomenthroughitsspecificworkongenderinthecriminaljusticesystem,focusingonviolenceagainstwomenandoneliminatingdiscriminationagainstwomenoffendersandprisoners.Agoodpracticeconcerningresponsestoviolenceagainstwomenisthedevelopmentofmechanismstoensurethatsuchresponsesarecomprehensive,multidisciplinary,coordinated,systematicandsustained,increasethelikelihoodofsuccessfulapprehension,prosecutionandconvictionofoffenders,contributetothewell-beingandsafetyofthevictimandpreventsecondaryvictimization.Forexample,UNODCissupportingVietNaminadoptingsuchresponses,workingunderthe“oneUN”frameworkwithUN-Womenandotherpartners.Ajoint
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assessmentofthesituationofwomeninthenationalcriminaljusticesystemidentifiedgapsandpriorityareasforcooperation.UNODCsupportedthereviewofthenationallegalaidstrategytoincreaseaccessforwomenandchildren.Itcontributedtothedevelopmentofaministerialcircularongenderequalityinlegalaidservicesandtrainedlegalaidofficersandprobonolawyersprovidinglegalaidforvictimsofdomesticviolence.UNODCsupportedtherevisionofthepenalcodeandpenalprocedurecode,promotingtheincorporationofrelevantinternationalstandardsandnorms,especiallyconcerningviolenceagainstwomen.TheOfficedevelopedtrainingmaterialsondomesticviolenceforjudgesandcourtpersonnelandtrainedpoliceofficerstoenhancetheirresponsestodomesticviolence.Domesticviolenceresponsechecklistsandinformationcollectionformshelpedfront-lineofficersinidentifyingandactingonreportedcases.UNODCalsocontinuedproducingsuccessfultelevisionprogrammestoraisepublicawarenessondomesticviolenceinVietNam.
IPUhasastronggenderprogrammethatfocusesongenderequalityinparliamentsaskeyinstitutionsofgovernmentaswellasissuessuchasviolenceagainstwomen.ActivitiesundertheprogrammebenefitLDCsdirectly(whenactivitiesaretargetedtospecificLDCcountries)andindirectly(throughregionalorglobaldebateswhoseoutcomesimpactLDCspolicies).Inaddition,theIPUtracksthenumberofwomenparliamentariansinallcountriesoftheworld,includingLDCs,andworkswithUNWomenandothers,byexercisingpeerpressureandothertactics,tospurelectoralandotherreformsconducivetomorewomeninparliamentsanddecision-makingingeneral.
E.7.HUMANANDSOCIALDEVELOPMENT:SOCIALPROTECTION
GoalsandtargetsoftheIPoA:
Enhancesocialprotectionsystemstoimprovetheresilienceofall,includingpooranddisadvantagedgroups.
Context:Socialprotectionhasbothshort-andlong-termbenefitstosustainableeconomicgrowth,povertyeradicationandsocialstability.Socialprotectionsystems,includingcashtransfers,publicworkprogrammes,andunemploymentbenefits,protectthepoorandsupportgrowth,employmentandbroadereconomicresilience.Thesesystemsactasstabilizersfortheeconomy,bolstertheresilienceofthepoorandhelppreventpeoplefromfallingintopoverty.
Questions:
1) Doesyourorganizationprovidefinancialand/ortechnicalsupporttoLDCstodevelopandimplementsocialprotectionpoliciesandprogrammes,especiallyforpooranddisadvantagedgroups?
ILO,IMF,ITU,FAO,UNESCO,UNICEF,WFP,UNDP,UNWOMEN,UNFPA,ESCAP,CFC,WorldBank
Selectedactivitiesinsocialprotection
Capacitybuildingsupportofnationalpublicinstitutions(ILO,UNFPA,IMF),educationalsystems(UNESCO)andgovernmentinstitutionsandpersonnel(ESCWA),andemergencyprevention,preparednessandresponse(UNICEF)
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Schoolfeeding,HIV/AIDsandTBprogrammesandothercapacitydevelopmentandaugmentationactivities(WFP),HIV/AIDsandjobs/livelihoods(UNDP)
Policyadviceandrecommendations(ILO,IMF,ESCWA)
Advocacyformarginalizedgroups(UNFPA)
TailoredStandardsonmaternalhealth,sexualandreproductivehealthservices(UNFPA)
Cashtransfersacrossarangeofareas(WorldBank),foreducation(UNESCO)andfood(WFPandUNICEF)
Toolkitondevelopingsocialprotectionpoliciesusingaparticipatoryapproach(ESCWA)
Jointprogrammelinkingdecentwork,childlaborinagriculture/fisheries,ruralemploymentandsocialprotection(ILO/FAO)
Workshops(ESCWA)
Datacollection,generationandanalysis(UNICEF)
Advocacy(UNICEF)
FAOhasjoinedtheRegionalSocialProtectionFloorInitiativeinAsia,andestablishedaclosepartnershipwithILO,whichresultedinajointactionplanthataddressedkeychallengesandissuesrelatedtodecentwork,childlaborinagricultureandfisheries,ruralemploymentandsocialprotection.InviewoftheimportanceofsocialprotectioninLDCsandtheneedforbetterestablishingthelinkageswithruralemploymentandagriculture,ILOandFAOconvenedaregionalconsultationin2014,whichdevelopedaRegionalPolicyFrameworkforcoordinatingsocialprotection,ruralemploymentandagriculture,andoutlinedkeyrecommendations.
WFPworkstosupportsocialprotectionthroughengagingwithgovernmentsandpartnersandbuildingtheircapacitytodevelopanutrition-sensitivesocialprotectionsystem.Thisworkonsafetynetsisdoneintwomainways:throughprovidingtransfersforfoodassistanceandthroughcapacitydevelopmentandaugmentationactivities.WFPtransfer-basedactivitiesthatmaybeemployedinsafetynetprogrammingconsistofgeneralfooddistributions;foodassistanceforassets;schoolfeeding;nutritioninterventions;andHIV/AIDSandtuberculosis(TB)programmes.
UNICEF:InUNICEF’sStrategicPlan2014–2017,“SocialInclusion”isoneofthe7OutcomeAreas.Theprioritiesinthisareaincludeare:monitoringchildpoverty(incomeandmulti-dimensionalpoverty)andidentifyingthemostvulnerablefamiliesandchildrentoreducedisparities.Workonbudgetsandalsooncashtransferschemesisacorepartofit.UNICEFalsosupportsGovernmentstoincludeemergencyprevention,preparednessandresponseintheirsocialprotectionprogrammes.Strategiesareadvocacy,policyadvice,technicalassistance,datacollection,generationandanalysis.
ESCWA:Throughseveralpublications,ESCWAexamineshowsocialprotectioncancontributetoachievingsocialjusticeandhighlightssomepositivestridesmadebyArabcountriesincludingYemenandSudantomaximizetheimpactofsocialprotectiononpovertyreduction.ESCWAresearcharguesthatsocialprotectionschemeswillonlybesustainableiftheyaregroundedinasocialcontractthat
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cementssocialprotectionasacitizenshiprightandensuresthestate’sresponsibilityfordeliveringthisrightinaneffectiveandaccountablemanner.Intermsoftechnicalsupport,ESCWAhascompletedatoolkiton“developingsocialprotectionpoliciesusingaparticipatoryapproach”.Thetoolkitaimsatenhancingthecapacitiesofgovernmentofficialsandotherkeynationalstakeholdersincludingcivilsocietyinstitutionsconcernedwithsocialprotectionprogrammesandservicesindesigning,implementing,evaluatingandfinancingsocialprotectionpolicyinaparticipatoryandconsultativemanner,basedonsuccessfulexperiencesfromotherregions.Lookingatthefuture,severalsub-regionalworkshopsareplannedfor2015and2016-2017totrainrepresentativesfromMCsonthetoolkitandadoptitatnationallevel.
UNESCOisworkingtoprovidecapacitybuildingsupportondevelopingeffective,qualityeducationsystemsintheLDCs.Thisincludesidentifyinghowsocialprotectioncansupporteducationeitherdirectlyorindirectly.InLDCs,thecostsofschoolingrepresentabarriertoaccessingeducation,andsocialprotectioninterventionscanhaveanimportantdirectorindirectroletoplayinsupportingchildren’senrolmentandattendanceatschool.Feewaiversandschoolstipends/scholarshipssupporteducationdirectlybyremovingthecostofschoolfeesforhouseholds.Theyareoftentargetedatpoorhouseholdsandsometimesdirectlyatgirls.Feewaiversandstipendsaremorecommonatprimaryschoollevel.Unconditionalcashtransfersareanindirectwayofsupportingchildren’sschooling,asparentsandcaregivershaveachoiceoverwhattospendtheincomeon.Studiesinlow-incomestablecountrieshaveclearlydemonstratedthatschoolfeesandotherindirectcostssuchasbooksanduniformsareakeyexpenditureprioritywhenhouseholdsreceiveincomesupport.Conditionalcashtransfershavealsoimprovededucationoutcomeswhenlinkedtochildren’sschoolattendance.
WorldBank:Buildingsustainableandaffordablesocialsafetynetsisanothervitalcomponentofthecampaigntoeliminateextremepovertyandpromotesharedprosperity.Infiscal2014,theWorldBankinvestedmorethan$1.8billioninsocialprotectionandlaborprograms,anditmanagesa$9.9billionportfoliowith134operationsin72countries.Cashtransfersarebecominganincreasinglyimportantsafetynettool,particularlyinpost-conflictandfragilesocieties.
TheSocialProtectionandLaborStrategy2012–22aimstohelpcountriesmovefromfragmentedprogramstoaffordablesocialprotectionsystems,toenableindividualstomanagerisk,andtoimproveresiliencebyinvestinginhumancapitalandimprovingpeople’sabilitytoaccessjobs.Socialsafetynetshaveanimmediateimpactbyputtingresourcesintothehandsofthepoorestandmostvulnerablemembersofsociety.TheWorldBanksupportssafetynetprogramsthatprotectfamiliesfromshocks;helpensurethatchildrengrowuphealthyandwell-fed,andstayinschoolandlearn;empowerwomenandgirls;andcreatejobs.Examplesofsafetynetinterventionsarecashtransfers,labor-intensivepublicworks,andschoolfeedingprograms.
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SOCIALPROTECTIONFLOORINITIATIVE
SocialProtectionFloors(SPF)arenationallydefinedsetsofatleastfourbasicsocialsecurityguaranteesthatensure:
• Essentialhealthcare,includingmaternitycare,atanationallydefinedminimumlevelthatmeetsthecriteriaofavailability,accessibility,acceptability,andquality;
• Basicincomesecurityforchildrenatanationallydefinedminimumlevel,includingaccesstonutrition,education,care,andanyothernecessarygoodsandservices;
• Basicincomesecurityatanationallydefinedminimumlevelforpersonsofactiveagewhoareunabletoearnsufficientincome,inparticularinthecaseofsickness,unemployment,maternity,anddisability;and
• Basicincomesecurityatanationallydefinedminimumlevelforolderpersons.
SocialProtectionFloorsshouldbenationallydefinedthroughsocialdialogueandallowpeopletolivealifewithdignity.Furthermore,theguaranteesshouldbeestablishedbylawandregularlymonitoredandevaluated.
TheSPFconceptwasformallyadoptedinApril2009whentheUnitedNationsSystemChiefExecutivesBoardforCoordination(CEB)endorsedtheSocialProtectionFloorInitiative(SPF-I)asoneofninejointinitiativestorespondtotheglobalfinancialandeconomiccrisisof2008.ILOandWHOwerenamedtheco-leadsoftheInitiative.
SincethedefinitionoftheSocialProtectionFloortranscendsthemandateofanyindividualagencyordevelopmentpartner,theSocialProtectionFloorInitiativewasestablishedasaframeworktohelpcoordinatetheactivitiesofallactorsworkingonsocialprotection,ensuringcoherenceofdifferentapproachesandpolicyadviceacrosssectors.TheSocialProtectionFloorInitiativehasmadesignificantprogressinthisregard,formingacoalitionof19UNbodies,internationalfinancialinstitutionsand14developmentpartners,includingbilateraldonors,developmentbanksandinternationalNGOsthatcooperateandcoordinatetheiractivitiesatnational,regionalandgloballevels.
Socialprotectionfloorsdonotdefinenewrights;rather,theycontributetotherealizationofthehumanrightstosocialsecurityandtosocialservices,asdelineatedinArticles22,25and26oftheUniversalDeclarationofHumanRightsandArticles26and27oftheConventionontheRightsoftheChild,amongotherinternationallegalinstruments.TheadoptionoftheSPF-IalsoencouragestheobservanceofConvention102onSocialSecurity(MinimumStandards)oftheInternationalLaborOrganization(ILO).Morerecently,in2012,theILORecommendation202,‘ConcerningNationalFloorsofSocialProtection’calledonILOMemberStatestoestablishnationalSPFs.
Source:http://www.socialprotectionfloor-gateway.org/132.htm
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F. Multiplecrisesandotheremergingchallenges
Context:LDCscontinuetobevulnerabletoavarietyofshocks,includingfood,fuel,financialandeconomiccrises,andnaturaldisasters,withLDCshavingtoconfrontchallengesposedbyclimatechangeandsomebyconflictsthathaveerodedsomeofthedevelopmentgainsmadebyLDCsinthepreviousdecade.Securingequitable,inclusiveandsustainableeconomicgrowthanddevelopmentinLDCsrequiresbuildingtheirresiliencetowithstandcrisesandemergingchallengesandtheimpactofclimatechange.
Atpresent,althoughLDCsarehomefor12percentoftheworldpopulation,theyaccountfor67percentofclimate-relateddeaths.ThenineLDCsthatarealsosmallislanddevelopingStatesfaceanexistentialthreatfromnaturaldisasters.TheSendaiFrameworkforDisasterRiskReduction2015-2030addressesthedisasterrisksituationoflocalitiesandmajorvulnerablegroups,andcallsforamulti-stakeholderapproachandstrongerandmorecoherentmechanismstobuildresilience.Persistentchallengesincludelimitedfinancialandhumanresources;weakcapacityatthelocallevel;poorcoordinationbetweenstakeholdersandalackofinformationonriskassessment,monitoringandevaluation,earlywarning,disasterresponseandotherdisasterriskmanagementactivities;andinsufficientpolicycoordinationonintegratingclimatechangerisksintodisasterriskmanagementstrategies.6
GoalsandtargetsoftheIPoA:
a)BuildtheresilienceofLDCstowithstandeconomicshocksandtomitigatetheiradverseeffects;
b)StrengthenLDCs’abilitytowithstandandovercometheadverseeffectsofclimatechange,enhancesustainablegrowthandprotectbiodiversity;
c)BuildtheresilienceofLDCstowithstandnaturalhazardsinordertoreducetheriskofdisasters.
F.1ECONOMICSHOCKS:
1) Doesyourorganizationprovidefinancialand/ortechnicalsupportforLDCs’riskmitigationstrategies,suchasnationalfacilitiesforcrisismitigationandresilience?
ITU,EIF,FAO,UNESCO,WMO,UNDP,UNEP,UNICEF,WFP,ESCAP,ESCWA,CFC,DESA,UNCTAD,WorldBank
2) DoesyourorganizationhelpsupporttheIMF,theWorldBankandregionaldevelopmentbanks’schemeandfacilitiestoprovideconcessionallendingandgrantstoLDCs?
IMF,ITU,UNIDO,WTO,WMO,UNDP,WorldBank
6SeeA/70/83-E/2015/75.
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Additionalinformation:TheIMFdoesnotprovidefinancingforriskmitigationstrategies,butsurveillanceactivitiesandprogramdiscussionsinclude,whererelevant,policyrecommendationstomitigaterisksandpromotemacroeconomicresilience.
F.2CLIMATECHANGE:
1) Doesyourorganizationprovidefinancialand/ortechnicalassistanceandsupporttoLDCstoaccessappropriate,affordableandsustainabletechnologiesneededfortheimplementationofNAPAsandNAMAsandthetransferofsuchtechnologies?
UNFCCC,ITU,WMO,UNEP,UNDP,UNCDF,ILO,WIPO,UNIDO,EIF,FAO,ESCWA,ESCAP,HABITAT,WFP,OPS,WorldBank,IFAD
2) DoesyourorganizationhelpfacilitateLDCs’accesstorequiredresourcesfromdifferentenvironmentandclimatefunds,includingtheGlobalEnvironmentFacility(GEF)?
UNFCCC,ITU,WMO,UNEP,UNDP,UNCDF,ILO,UNESCO,FAO,WIPO,UNIDO,HABITAT,WFP,ESCAP,UNCTAD,WorldBank,IFAD
3) Doesyourorganizationprovidefinancialand/ortechnicalassistanceandfacilitatetechnologytransfertoLDCs’effortstodevelopandimplementnationalstrategiesforsustainableuse,preservationandprotectionofthenationalenvironmentalresourcesandthesustainablemanagementofmarinebiodiversityandecosystems?
UNFCCC,ILO,ITU,WMO,UNEP,UNDP,UNCDF,UNESCO,FAO,UNIDO,EIF,WIPO,HABITAT,ESCAP,DESA,WorldBank,IAEA
4) DoesyourorganizationprovidesupportformeasurestopromoteandfacilitatecleandevelopmentmechanismprojectsinLDCstoenablethemtoharnessbenefitsofmitigationofclimatechangeforsustainabledevelopment?
UNFCCC,ITU,WMO,UNEP,UNDP,UNCDF,FAO,UNIDO,WIPO,EIF,WFP,OPS,DESA,ESCAP,ESCWA,UNCTAD,WorldBank
5) DoesyourorganizationhelpLDCsaddressthechallengesoflivelihoodandfoodsecurityandhealthofthepeopleaffectedbytheadverseimpactofclimatechangeandrespondtotheneedsofthepeopledisplacedasaresultofextremeweatherevents,whereappropriate,atnational,regionalandinternationallevels?
UNFCCC,ILO,ITU,WMO,UNEP,UNDP,UNCDF,IMF,EIF,FAO,UNFPA,OPS,WFP,UNHABITAT,UNWOMEN,UNICEF,CFC,ESCAP,ESCWA,OSAA,WorldBank,IAEA
6) DoesyourorganizationsupportenhancingthecapacityofmeteorologicalandhydrologicalservicesofLDCs?
UNFCCC,ITU,WMO,UNEP,UNESCO,ESCWA,WorldBank,IAEA,IFAD
7) DoesyourorganizationassistLDCstoenhancecapacitiesincleanenergyproduction,tradeanddistribution,includingrenewableenergydevelopment?
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UNFCCC,ITU,WMO,UNEP,UNDP,UNCDF,UNIDO,WIPO,UNESCO,EIF,ESCWA,ESCAP,SE4ALL,UNHABITAT,WorldBank,IAEA,IFAD
F.3DISASTERRISKREDUCTION
1) DoesyourorganizationprovidefinancialortechnicalassistancetoLDCstosupporttheirdisasterriskreduction,emergencypreparedness,andpost-disasterreconstructionefforts,and,inthisregard,strengthensharingofknowledgeandexpertiseaswellastransferoftechnologyundermutuallyagreedtermstoLDCs?
ILO,WMO,UNESCO,FAO,ITU,IMF,OPS,UNDP,UNWOMEN,WorldBank,UNEP,ESCWA,ESCAPWFP,UNICEF,UNHABITAT,IAEA,IFAD
2) DoesyourorganizationsupportLDCstostrengthentheircapacitytoreducetheirvulnerabilitytonaturaldisastersandtobenefitfromregionalandinternationalearlywarningsystemsandotherinformation-sharingmechanisms?
WMO,UNESCO,FAO,ITU,IMF,OPS,UNDP,UNWOMEN,UNHABITAT,UNEP,ESCWA,ESCAPWFP,UNICEF,WorldBank,IAEA,IFAD
UNFCCCFOCUSONLDCS
ThreeinterconnectedinitiativesundertheUNFCCCareabestpractice:
1. EstablishmentofanLDCWorkProgramme(throughUNFCCCdecision5/CP.7)toidentifysixpriorityareasforsupportunderclimatechange;2. Establishmentofaspecialfund(LDCFund,managedbytheGEF),tosupportimplementationoftheLDCWorkProgramme;3. Establishmentofanexpertgroupdedicatedtosupporting,guidingandadvisingLDCsonmattersrelatedtoadaptationtoclimatechange(theLDCExpertGroup–LEG)inparticular,inrelationtotheLDCWorkProgramme.
Periodicreviewofthesethreeelementsupdates,revisesandaddsnewmandatestoenhancethesupporttotheLDCsandhelpsinaddressingnewemergingneedsovertime,withoutre-inventingthewholesolutionset.
Source:UNFCCC
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Selectedactivitiesonmultiplecrisesandotheremergingchallenges
1CAPACITYBUILDING,ADVISORYSERVICES
InmainstreamingDRR(ECA,UNICEF)
Inagriculturalresilience(FAO,IAEA)
Addressingeconomicvulnerabilitiesandmitigatingmacroeconomicrisks(DESA)
Indevelopingnationalemergencytelecommunicationsplans(ITU)
CitiesandClimateChangeInitiative(Habitat)
LocalClimateAdaptiveLivingFacility(UNCDF)
Policyadviceforgovernmentalplanning(UNDP,UNWomen,UNEP)
AreasrelatedtoICTandnationalemergencytelecommunicationsplans(ITU)
Areasrelatedtogender,women’sempowermentandhumanrightsinrelationtoclimatechangeanddisasterriskreduction(UNWomen)areasrelatedtometeorologicalservices,useofrenewableenergy,water(WMO,UNESCO)
Areasrelatedtovulnerabilitymappingandriskassessment(ECA,WFP,WMO,UNESCO)
UNPLANOFACTIONONDISASTERRISKREDUCTION
In2013,CEBadoptedtheUNPlanofActiononDisasterRiskReduction,undertheleadershipoftheUNOfficeforDisasterRiskReduction(ISDR),toensurethatDRRconsiderationswouldbemainstreamedintotheprogrammesandactivitiesoforganizationsoftheUNsystem.In2014,CEBissuedastatementtotheThirdUNWorldConferenceonDisasterRiskReduction,inwhichtheBoardpledgedtoregularlymonitor,adjustandupscaleitscollectiveeffortsondisasterriskreduction,alsorecognizingtheopportunityofferedbytheconvergenceofinternationalagendasin2015and2016topromotecoherenceacrosssustainabledevelopment,peace-building,climatechange,disasterriskreductionandhumanitarianefforts.
TwelveUNsystemorganizations--FAO,UNDP,UNEP,UNFPA,UNHABITAT,UNICEF,UNOPS,WFP,WMO,WHO,UNESCOandtheWorldBank--haveprioritizeddisasterriskreductionintheir2014-2017strategicworkplans.TheyhaveincludeddisasterriskreductionintheirrespectiveResultsBasedMonitoringFrameworks,whichrepresentsa70%increaseincomparisontothepreviousworkplanningcycle.
Source:isdr.org
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Areasrelatedtodisaster-resistantconstruction(ILO)
TechnicalcapacitythroughWarsawInternationalMechanismforLossandDamage(UNFCCC)
2.TRAINING
Trainingworkshopsonclimatechangeadaptationandmitigation,suchastrainingforLDCrepresentatives/stakeholdersfromWorldHeritageSites(UNESCO)
Vocationaltraining:forwomeninflood-proneareas(UNWomen)andconstructionworkers(ILO)
Tobuildexpertiseindisasterriskreductionstrategies,preparednessandresponse(UNESCO,FAO)
3.KNOWLEDGEPLATFORMSANDTOOLS
Capturingtraditionalknowledgeonclimatechangeadaptationstrategies(UNESCO)
VulnerabilityAnalysisandMapping,EarlyWarningSystems,EmergencyNeedsAssessments,Weather-basedInsuranceandFoodSecurityMonitoringSystems(WFP,UNESCO,FAO)
GenderandClimateChangeToolkit(UNWomen)
WeatherandClimateDataandDataProcessing/Mapping(WMO,ECA)
DisasterRiskReductionforResilience(UNOPS)
DisasterLossDatabases(ESCWA)
GuidelinesonFisheriesandaquacultureemergencyresponse(FAO)
StudiesonBioenergyandFoodSecurity(FAO)
4.STANDARDSANDAGREEMENTS
Designationofbiospherereservesasobservatoriesforclimatechangemitigationandadaptationandforthegenerationofclimateservices(UNESCO)
HyogoandSendaiFrameworks
5.TECHNICAL/FINANCIALASSISTANCE/TECHNOLOGYTRANSFER
Roadsandtransportrehabilitation(ILO,UNOPS)
Reconstructionofhousing,waterandsanitationinfrastructure(UNHabitat)
AcquisitionoffacilitiestoforecasthighimpactweatherforDRR(WMO)
Emergencytelecommunications(ITU)
Supportformonitoringandrespondingtoradiologicalemergencies(IAEA)
ClimateTechnologyCentreandNetwork(UNEP)
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Environmentalrecoveryandreconstruction(UNEP)
GreenBonds(WorldBank)
6.PARTNERSHIPS/COLLABORATIVEEFFORTS
ClimateandCleanAirCoalition(UNEP)
CaribbeanandotherCoastalHazardsEarlyWarningSystem(UNESCO,CTBTO,UNDP)
LowCarbon,LivableCities(WorldBank)
GlobalFacilityforDisasterReductionandRecovery(WorldBank)
CollaborationwithInternationalRiceResearchInstitute(IAEA)
UNICEF:interventionshavebeen,increasingly,dedicatedtohumanitariancrises.Attheendof2014,theEbolaepidemicaffectedalmost10millionchildren—includingthreemillionundertheageoffive.Andasmanyas15millionchildrenhadtheirlivesupendedlastyearbyviolentconflictsinSyria,Iraq,CentralAfricanRepublic,SouthSudan,Ukraine,andtheStateofPalestine.Theresilienceworkonthosecountriestransitioningfromhumanitariantodevelopmentescalatedin2014.Asaresult,moreemphasisisneededonemergencypreparedness,whichiscriticaltomountingafaster,andmoreefficientandeffective,humanitarianresponse.
In2014,UNICEFcontinuedtosupportcountriestoachievebothhumanitariananddevelopmentresultsincooperationwithotherUnitedNationsentities,partnersincivilsocietyandtheprivatesector,andNationalCommitteesforUNICEF.UNICEFrespondedto294humanitariansituationsin98countries.UNICEFassistedmorethan18millionaffectedpeopletoaccessimprovedwatersources,4.4milliontoaccessdecentsanitation,and8.6millionchildrentoengageinformalandnon-formaleducation.UNICEFalsoprovidedpsychosocialsupportto3.1millionchildren.AmidtheSyrianconflictalone,2.8millionchildrenwereprovidedaccesstolearningmaterialsandmorethan600,000childrenreceivedpsychosocialsupportinEgypt,Iraq,Jordan,LebanonandTurkey,aspartoftheNoLostGenerationcampaign.
BeyondUNICEF’sdeepinvolvementinrespondingtothecrisesinSyriaandneighbouringcountries,UNICEFisactiveinsupportingmigrantandrefugeechildreninEuropeancountries.LookingaheadUNICEFestimatesthatasmanyas90,000refugeeandmigrantwomenandchildreninEuropecouldbeinneedofassistanceoverthenextsixmonths.UNICEF’sactionplanfocusesoncountrieswiththegreatestnumberofchildrenonthemove.UNICEFhasalreadyrampedupitssupportinCroatia,SerbiaandtheFormerYugoslavRepublicofMacedonia,andisofferingitssupporttogovernmentsandlocalpartnerstoidentifyneedsinItaly,Greece,Hungary,Slovenia,AustriaandGermany.IncountrieswherechildrenareonthemovebutwithoutaUNICEFcountryprogramme,UNICEFisdesigningcountry-specificactionplansthatcanmeetgapsincareandsupportforchildren.Technicalsupportwillbeprovidedtogovernmentsandpartnersasrequested,drawingonateamofUNICEFexpertsinemergencycoordination,childprotection,water,sanitationandhygiene,education,policyguidanceandsupplyandlogistics.
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DESA:providesmacroeconomicpolicyadviceandcapacitydevelopmentsupporttoanumberofLDCsintheAsiaPacificregion.Thepolicyadvicegenerallyfocusedonaddressingeconomicvulnerabilities,analysingtrade-offsbetweenvariouspolicyoptionsandmitigatingmacroeconomicrisks.DESA,forexample,advisedtheRoyalGovernmentofBhutanonhowtoresolveitscurrentaccountimbalance,andaloomingcurrencycrisis,whichcouldderailthegrowthprospectsoftheBhutaneseeconomy.Italsoorganizedaseriesofpolicydialoguesandcapacitydevelopmentworkshopsduring2012-2015forofficialsfromcentralbanks,ministriesofFinanceandPlanningfromAfghanistan,Bangladesh,Bhutan,Cambodia,LaoPDRandMyanmaronmitigatingvariousmacroeconomicrisks,includingrisksassociatedwithsovereignborrowingintheinternationalcapitalmarket,pro-cyclicalfiscalandmonetarypolicystancesduringeconomicdownturnsandmanagingnaturalresourcerevenues.ItalsoadvisedLDCgovernmentsonrisksassociatedwithweakmacro-prudentialandfinancialsectorpoliciesthatcancreateassetpricebubblesandimpederealinvestmentsintheleastdevelopedcountries.
IFAD:IFADhasestablishedtheworldwidelargestadaptationprogrammeforsmallholderfarmers,theAdaptationforSmallholderAgricultureProgramme(ASAP).ThroughASAP,IFADismakingearmarkedclimatefinanceavailabletoagriculturalinvestmentprojects,increasingtheresilienceofatleast8millionsmallholderfarmers.WiththehelpofASAP,IFADhasmaderapidprogressinclimatemainstreamingacrossitsinvestmentportfolio.Todate,aroundhalfofallnewcountryprogrammesandonethirdofallnewinvestmentdesignsintegrateclimatefinanceforspecificadaptationactions.ThroughitsexperienceIFADhasrealizedthatpooragrarianeconomieswithalargeruralpopulationaremoredependentonclimate-sensitiveresourcesandmorevulnerable.Inthesecountries,thereisahigherriskoflosingdevelopmentandpovertyreductiongainstoclimatehazards.ASAPbuildsontheawarenessthatsmallholderfarmersaremorethanvictimsofclimatechange;IFADseesthemaskeypartsofthesolutiontotheclimatechangepuzzle.Poorsmallholdersarethegroupthatismostexposedtotheimpactsofclimatechange,yettheyareleastrepresentedinnationalandglobalpolicymakingontheissue.Oneaspectthatisoftenoverlookedininternationaldebatesisthatsmallholdersareamongthebestpossibleclientsforclimatefinance.ASAPallowstoinvestmoreandbetterintheiraccesstoweatherinformation,disasterpreparedness,sociallearningandtechnologytransfer,soastoenablesmallholderstoberesilient,feedagrowingplanetwhileatthesametimerestoringdegradedecosystemsandreducingagriculture'scarbonfootprint.
UndertheumbrellaofASAP,IFADprovidesbetterclimateinformationtohelpfarmersbebetterpreparedforshocksandstressesanditreducesclimate-relatedrisksthroughagriculturaldiversificationstrategies.IFADalsomakesfinancialservicesavailableforclimateriskmanagementthroughsmallgrantprogrammesforfarmerinnovation,climateriskmanagementanddisasterriskreductioninanumberofleastdevelopedcountries,includingRwanda,Cambodia,NepalandMozambique.
Inaddition,itisworthflaggingthatIFADhostsandsupportsthePlatformforAgriculturalRiskManagement(PARM),aneffortpromotedundertheG20tobuildcapacityforriskmanagementinagricultureindevelopingcountriesthroughparticipatorydiagnostics,developmentofsolutions,knowledge-sharingandnetworkbuilding.PARMpartnerswithrelevantserviceproviderstodevelopstrategiestotacklethoserisksthatcanbemanagedandtofacilitatetheincorporationofsuchstrategiesintopublicpolicies,privatesectorpracticesandagriculturalinvestmentprogrammesofpartnercountries.TheNewPartnershipforAfrica'sDevelopment(NEPAD)isanintegralpartofthis
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initiativebeingthemaincontributoronthepoliticallevel.PARMiscurrentlyfocusingonsub-SaharanAfrica,includingEthiopia,Liberia,Mozambique,Niger,Senegal,TheGambiaandUganda.
UNCDF:LoCALisanUNCDFfacilityforinvestmentinlocallevelclimateresiliencethatchannelsglobaladaptationfinancetolocalgovernments.LDCssitonitsBoard,andUNCDFoperatesasitssecretariat.LoCALprovidesamechanismtoenablethemainstreamingofclimatechangeadaptationintolocalgovernment’splanningandbudgetingsystems;increaseawarenessandresponsetoclimatechangeatthelocallevel;andincreasetheamountoffinanceavailabletolocalgovernmentsforclimatechangeadaptation.TheLoCALfacilityconnectstoexistingnationalintergovernmentalfiscaltransfersystemsandsupplementscapitalgrantstolocalgovernmentswithperformance-basedclimateadaptationfunding.Communitiesandtheirlocalgovernmentsjointlyidentifythemostpressingclimateadaptationneedstowhichthesupplementarytransfersshouldbeapplied.Thetransferscanalsobeusedforinvestmentsthatpromotefoodsecurity–suchaswatercatchmentsystemsthathelpfarmersmanagedroughts–orinvestmentsforclimate-relateddisasterriskreductionandpreparedness.Thisway,LoCALprovidesafastandeffectivemeanstochanneladaptationfinancetowhereitismostneeded,whileatthesametimeensuringlocalownership,accountabilityandresults.LoCalunfoldsinthreephases.Thefirstphase,piloting,involvesinitialscoping,followedbytestingintwotofourlocalgovernments.Thesecondphase,learningandconsolidating,takesplacein5%to10%oflocalgovernmentsinagivencountry.Thisinvolvescollectinglessons,leveragingadditionalinvestment,anddemonstratingtheeffectivenessoftheapproachatalargerscale.Thethirdphase,scaling-up,isafullnationalrolloutofLoCALbasedontheresultsandlessonsofthepreviousphases.IMF:TheFundprovidesquickconcessionalfinancialsupporttoLDCsaffectedbynaturaldisastersunderitsRapidCreditFacility.Inaddition,inFebruary2015,theIMFestablishedaCatastropheContainmentandReliefTrust(CCRT).ThisinstrumentallowstheFundtoprovidegrantsfordebtrelieftothepoorestandmostvulnerablecountrieshitbycatastrophicnaturaldisastersorpublichealthdisasters,includingepidemics.ThenewtrustisintendedtocomplementdonorfinancingandtheFund’sconcessionallending.
TheCCRTwascreatedbytransformingthePost-CatastropheDebtReliefTrust,whichwasestablishedin2010followingtheterribleearthquakeinHaiti.TheCCRThastwowindows:(1)aPost-CatastropheReliefwindow,toprovideexceptionalassistanceinthewakeofanaturaldisasterlikeanearthquakeortyphoon;and(2)aCatastropheContainmentwindow,toprovideassistanceincontainingthespreadofapublichealthdisaster.
TheintroductionofaCatastropheContainmentwindowacknowledgesthatpoorcountrieswithweakhealthsystemshavelimitedcapacitytocontainthewiderthreatposedbyapublichealthdisaster,andthattheinternationalcommunityhasastronginterestinprovidingextensivesupporttosuchcountries.Eligiblelow-incomecountriesthatarehitbypublichealthdisasterswouldreceiveup-frontgrantstoimmediatelypayoffupcomingdebtservicetotheIMF.Theamountofgrantsupportiscappedat20percentofacountry’squota.
AssistancethroughtheCCRTisavailableto38low-incomedevelopingcountrieseligibleforconcessionalborrowingandthatalsohaveeitherapercapitaincomebelow$1,215or,forsmallstateswithapopulationunder1.5million,apercapitaincomebelow$2,430.
ITUrespondstonaturaldisastersandprovidesemergencytelecommunications
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equipmenttoseveralMemberswhendisasterstrikes.ITUsupportstheLDCsandcountriesinspecialneedinregardtoclimate-changeandadaptation,assistinemergencytelecommunicationattheaftermathofanaturaldisaster;providesworkshopsandforumsonclimatechangeadaptationanddisasterriskreduction,
helpstheLDCsfordevelopingUniversalaccessfundpolicies/legislation,emergency
telecommunicationplans,e-wastepoliciesandClimate-changeandadaptation.Moreover,newactivitiesplannedforsupportingtheimplementationoftheIstanbulPlanofAction(IPoA)includethefollowing:developinge-wastenationalandregionalpolicies,establishingemergencyoperationcenters,developingcybersecuritypolicies/legislation;establishingcriticalincidentresponseteam(CIRT)anddevelopingnationalemergencytelecommunicationplans.
UNESCOprovidessupporttotheLDCsthroughitsdedicatedclimatechangeinitiativeandactionplan,whichfocusesonstrengtheningtheclimatechangeknowledgebaseforscience,assessment,monitoringandearlywarningandonpromotingthemitigationofandadaptationtoclimatechange,notablythroughfreshwaterresearchandenhancededucationandpublicawareness.Trainingworkshopsarebeingorganizedonclimatechangeadaptationandmitigation,suchasthetrainingprovidedforLDCrepresentatives/stakeholdersfromWorldHeritageSitesonclimatechangeadaptationforWorldHeritagesitesinMay2014inNairobi(Kenya).Throughitsprogrammesontraditionalknowledge,UNESCOhasspearheadedworkonimprovingtheunderstandingofhowtraditionalsocieties,suchaspastorlistsinAfrica,havedevelopedclimatechangeadaptationstrategies.InadditiontoWorldHeritageSites,UNESCOdesignatedbiospherereserveshavebeenpromotedasobservatoriesforclimatechangemitigationandadaptationandforthegenerationofclimateservices.
UNESCOisprovidingpolicysupport,researchandtechnicalcapacity-buildingfordisasterprevention,preparednessandmitigationintheLDCsinlinewiththeSendaiFrameworkforDisasterRiskReduction(2015-2030)andwillbesupportingtheLDCsinitsimplementation.TheOrganizationisprovidingsupporttotheLDCsinassessingriskfromnaturalhazardsviathedevelopmentofassessmenttoolsandhazardmappingexercises.Supportforpreparednessisfocusedmainlyonsupportingtheestablishmentofearlywarningsystems.TheOrganizationisalsoprovidingsupporttotheLDCsindevelopingdisasterriskreductionstrategiesandinestablishingstandardoperatingproceduresforvariousstagesofthedisastercycle.AwarenessraisingandtechnicaltrainingsessionsarealsobeingprovidedtoestablishacriticalmassofexpertstopracticeDRRatthenationallevel.CapacitybuildingworkshopsfordisasterriskpreparednessinworldheritagesitesarealsoorganizedincollaborationwiththeAfricanWorldHeritageFund.
AnexampleofUNESCO’sworkinthisareaisthecapacitybuildingsupportthattheOrganizationhasprovidedtoHaitianagenciestorecoverfromthedamagetotheirmonitoringandwarningcapabilitiesforcoastalhazards,andtolaythegroundforfurtherimprovements.Itisimportanttonotethatregardinghydrometeorologicalhazards,thisprojectseekstocomplementWMO'sworktoprovidecapacitydevelopmentfortheNationalMeteorologicalServiceandNationalWaterResourcesServiceofHaiti.Ontsunamiissues,UNESCOhaspartneredwithCTBTOandUNDPtogetHaitifullyintegratedintothenetworkoftheCaribbeanandotherCoastalHazardsEarlyWarningSystem(CARIBEEWS),coordinatedbyIOC/UNESCO.
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WFPhashelpedcommunitiesre-establishfoodsecuritythroughfood-for-workprojectsthatbuildflooddefensesandsmall-scaleirrigationsystems,fixdunes,planttrees,harvestwaterorrehabilitatedepletedland–allarecrucialforclimatechangeadaptation.Wherefoodandnutritionsecurityemergenciesarise,WFPinterveneswithfoodassistanceandspecificsafetynets.WFPalsosupportsmedium-tolong-termstrategiesbyengagingwiththegovernmenttoaddressissuessuchasvolatilefoodprices,monitoringvulnerability,andintegratingfoodsecurityneedsofthepoorandvulnerableintopoliciesandprogrammes,includingstrengtheningsafetynetsandsharingofbestpractice.
Asacontinentalsovereignriskpool,theAfricanRiskCapacity(ARC)providescost-effectivecontingencyfundingtoAfricangovernmentstoexecutepre-approvedcontingencyplansintheeventofseverenaturaldisastersincludingthosedrivenbyclimatechange.Seventeenofthe25signatoriestoARCEstablishmentAgreementareLDCs.AsanAfricansolutiontooneofthecontinent’smostpressingchallenges,theARCtakesontheburdenofclimaterisktoreducethetollexperiencedbygovernmentsandthefarmersandpastoralistswhomtheyprotect.DevelopedasajointprojectoftheAfricanUnion(AU)andWFP,theARCbecameaSpecializedAgencyoftheAUinNovember2012.ARCprovidesMemberStatescapacitybuildingservicesforcontingencyplanningandoperations.Anationallyregulatedfinancialaffiliate,theARCInsuranceCompanyLimited(ARCLtd),wasestablishedtoexecutetherisktransferoperations.ARCLtdusesthesatelliteweathersurveillancesoftwareAfricaRiskView,developedbyWFPduringtheARCdesignphase,toestimatetheimpactofdroughtonvulnerablepopulations–andtheresponsecostsrequiredtoassistthem–beforeaseasonbegins,andasitprogresses,sothatindex-basedinsurancepayouts,basedonAfricaRiskView,aretriggeredatorbeforeharvesttimeiftherainsarepoor.
ECA:TheEconomicCommissionforAfrica(ECA)andtheUnitedNationsOfficeforDisasterRiskReduction(UNISDR)jointDevelopmentAccountProjectonStrengtheningCapacitiesofAfricanPolicymakerstoMainstreamNaturalDisasterRiskReductionintoNational,RegionalDevelopmentPolicies,andStrategiesinAfricaundertheSeventhTrancheoftheUNDevelopmentAccountProjectsisconsideredabestpracticeinthisarea.Theobjectiveoftheprojectwastostrengthenthecapacitiesofrelevantregional,sub-regionalandnationalentitiestomainstreamdisasterriskreduction(DRR)intoregional,sub-regionalandnationaldevelopmentstrategiestocontributetomeetingtheMDGsandtheattainmentofsustainabledevelopmentgoalsinAfrica.
ProjectactivitiesweremainlytargetedatthetwoRegionalEconomicCommunities(RECs),namelytheEconomicCommunityofWestAfricanStates(ECOWAS)andtheSouthernAfricaDevelopmentCommunity(SADC),andtheirmembersStates.Inaddition,projectactivitiesincludedaregionalstudyandresultsdisseminationtoinformDRRmainstreamingbeyondthetwotargetRECs.ThemainprojectpartnerswereECA,UNISDR,theUnitedNationsDevelopmentProgramme(UNDP),theSecretariatofSADC,theECOWASCommission,andtheAfricanUnionCommission(AUC).
UN-Habitat,throughitsCitiesandClimateChangeInitiative(CCCI),ishelpingcitiesindevelopingandleast-developedcountriestoaddresstheclimatechallenge,withemphasisonasoundassessmentofclimatevulnerabilitiesandrisks,planningresponsetoclimatechange,goodgovernanceandpracticalinitiativesformunicipalitiesandtheircitizens.Theentrypointforclimateactionvariesfromcitytocityaccordingtotheircapacities,resources,vulnerabilitiesandopportunities.
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UNEP:UNEPassistsgovernments,businessesandindividualstoreduceemissionsinanefforttominimizethepaceandscaleofclimatechange,andassiststhosenationsandcommunitiesmostlikelytobeaffectedtobecomemoreresilienttochangingconditions.
TheClimateTechnologyCentreandNetwork(CTCN),partoftheUNFCCCTechnologyMechanismledbyUNEP,promotestheaccelerateddevelopmentandtransferofclimatetechnologiesforadaptationandmitigation.During2014,theCTCNrespondedtoover20requestsfortechnicalassistance,suchasprovidingguidanceonphotovoltaicsolarcelldesignandmanufacturing.
Alsoin2014,theClimateandCleanAirCoalition(CCAC)—a100-memberpartnershipactingtoreduceshort-livedclimatepollutants(SLCPs)includingblackcarbon,methane,troposphericozone,andhydrofluorocarbons—grewininfluence.TheCCACisworkingon16keymeasures,whichifimplementedby2030canreduceglobalwarmingby0.6°Cby2050.
UNOPScontributestoenvironmentalsustainabilitybymitigatingadverseimpactsontheenvironment;improvingbiodiversityandecologicalresilience;andusingrenewableresources,takingintoaccounttheinteractionsbetweenhumandevelopmentandenvironmentalsustainability.In2014,51percentofallprojectsreportedononeormoreactivitiesthatcontributedtoenvironmentalsustainabilityinthecourseoftheproject.InHaiti,forexample,withfundingfromtheInter-AmericanDevelopmentBankandtheWorldBank,UNOPSworkedwiththeMinistryofPublicWorks,TransportandCommunicationtorehabilitateroadsfollowingHurricaneSandy.Duringthoseprojects,debrisproducedfromtheworksiteswasdisposedofinalow-impactmanner,incooperationwithlocalauthorities.
WMOhasaprogrammeinDRRandliaiseswiththeUN-ISDRtoprovideanunderstandingonweatherandclimaterelateddisasters,whichnowconstituteabout90%ofallnaturaldisasters.WMOhasaVoluntaryCooperationProgramme(VCP)throughRMDPthatworkswithWB,AfDB,tosupportthestrategiesoftheGlobalFrameworkofClimateServices(GFCS),theWMOProgrammeonLDCsandSIDSincludingtheintegratedstrategyoftheAfricanMinisterialConferenceonMeteorology(AMCOMET)whichallsupport:systematicobservationthatsupportsthemonitoring,detection,attributionofclimatechange;theresearch,modelingandscenariopredictionofclimatechangeandassociatedimpacts.WMOsupportsNMHSswithnewtechnologyindataprocessingofclimatedatausingClimsoftsoftwareandarchivalofclimatedatausingClimateDatabaseManagementSystems(CDMS).WMOsupportsNMHSsofdevelopingandLDCsandSIDSretrieveclimatedatafromoldfilesinaprocesscalledDataRescue(DARE)usingmoderntechnologies.WMOsupportsLDCandSIDStoaccessGreenAdaptationfundstohelpbuildtheNMHSs’infrastructuretoenablethemprovideservicesthatsupportadaptationandresiliencebuildingofcommunitiesandeconomiestocopewithadverseimpactsofclimatechange.WMOworkswithNMHSstoprovideWeatherandClimatedatatoenablecompilationofwindpotentialforrenewableenergyfromwindpowergeneratorswindmills.
ILOconsidersdisasterriskreductionanintegralpartofsustainabledevelopmentandbelievesthatreducingrisksandbuildingbackbettercancreatedecentworkaswellassavelives.ILOresearchdemonstratesthatthereisacriticalconnectionbetweendecentjobsandresilientsocieties.Indeed,decentworkapproachestolocaleconomicrecovery,basedoninternationallabourstandards,canbedecisiveforsocio-economicresilienceinthefaceofmultiplehazards.ILO'sinitiativesintheareaof
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DRRpromotecollectivepreparedness,worktowardspreventionandmitigationandaimtostrengthenthecapacityofcommunitiestorespondandrecover.
FollowingtheearthquakethathitHaitiin2010affectingmorethan3millionpeopleanddestroyingPort-au-Prince,theILOengagedincapacitybuildinginearthquake-andhurricane-resistantconstructiontechniques.ThetrainingprogrammeA.P.R.A.S.(LearningtoRebuildaSolidHaiti),developedincollaborationwiththeNationalInstituteofProfessionalTrainingofHaitiandbasedongovernmentstandardnormsinseismic-andcyclonic-resistantconstruction,strengthenedthetechnicalcapacityofforemen,skilledworkersandsemi-skilledworkersandqualifiedthemtoparticipateintherebuildingprocessoftheircountry.
ThroughtheA.P.R.A.S.trainingprogramme,whichwasthebackboneofthreelargereconstructionprojects,theILOanditspartnersprovidedsustainablehousingsolutionsandcontributedtoenhancethelivingconditionsinthetargetneighborhoods.ILO’seffortstoadvanceemploymentandeconomicopportunitiesultimatelyhelpedincreasesocialcohesionandimprovethesocio-economicsituationofthepopulation,reducingfuturevulnerabilityandpromotinggreaterresilience.
FAOhaspublishedguidelinesonFisheriesandaquacultureemergencyresponse(http://www.fao.org/3/a-i3432e.pdf).Theguidelinesdrawonbestpracticesandlessonslearnedduringresponsetodisastersthathaveaffectedfisheriesandaquaculturesector.Theycovergeneralandtechnicalareassuchas:fisheriesandaquaculturepolicyandmanagement;capturefisheriesgear,vesselsandengines;landingsites,harbors,andanchorages;aquacultureandpost-harvest,tradeandmarkets.Theguidelineswerepublishedin2014andafirstTrainingofTrainers(TOT)coursewasrolledinMarch23-282015with22participantsfromLDCswithaviewtostrengtheningregionalandnationalcapacitiesinemergencyresponseandpreparedness.
Improvingcapacitytorespondtofoodandagriculturalthreatsandemergencies:FAOassistedLDCmembercountriestoenhanceregionalcapacityfordisasterriskreductionandmanagement,preparednessfornaturaldisastersandeffectiveemergencyresponse.Thiswasachievedthrough:strengtheningmanagementinformationsystemsandcommunications;conductingstrategicplanningtoimplementdisasterriskreductionandmanagementincollaborationandpartnershipwithotherorganizations(e.g.effectiveinteragencycoordinationtopreventandcontroltrans-boundaryanimalandzoonoticdiseases);assessingapproachesandbestpracticesincrop,aquacultureandfisheriesinsurance;providingtechnicalandcapacity-buildingsupportonbiosecurityandfoodcontrolsystemsinlinewithinternationalrequirements;andimprovingproductivityonsmallfarmsandmakingthemresilienttoproductionriskstoimprovesafetynetsforsmall-scalefarmers,livestockownersandfisherfolk.
Additionally,someotherimportantissuesthatarebeingsupportedthroughprojectsaswellasregionalworkshops/consultations/trainingrelatingtofoodsafetypolicydevelopment,supportinestablishingcoordinationmechanismsbetweenMinistries/Departmentsincountries,safetyinthefoodretailsector,strengtheningfoodstandardsettingandparticipationinCodexactivities,traceability,foodsafetyemergencyresponseplanning,riskanalysis,goodagriculturalpractices–certificationandaccreditationaspects,strengtheninginspectionandtesting.
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Developingcopingmechanismfortheimpactofclimatechangeonagricultureandfoodandnutritionalsecurity:FAOsupportsLDCmembercountriesinAsiaandthePacifictointegrateclimatechangeadaptationandmitigationintostrategiesforagricultureandruraldevelopmentwithappropriatepracticesforcopingwiththeadverseimpactsofclimatechangeontheagriculturalsector.Someofthemainoutputswere–RegionalStudieson:BioenergyandFoodSecurity;AnalyticalFrameworktoassistpolicy-makersmanagethetrade-offsassociatedwithbioenergydevelopmentandcompetitionbetweenbioenergyandfoodsecurity;sustainablebioenergyinAsiaforimprovingresiliencetohighfoodpricesandclimatechange;andastudyonclimatechangeimpactsonriceyieldsinLaoPDRtogatherinformationandknowledgeproductsforpolicy-makerstobettermanageclimateriskstothericesectorandidentifyadaptationneeds.
ControllingandPreventionofTransboundaryAnimalDiseases:FAOsupportedthestrengtheningofappliedinnovativeapproachestocontrolandpreventavianinfluenzaandotheremergingandre-emerginginfectiousdiseases(rEIDs)amonganimalsandhumans,inAsia.Inaddition,aregionalcoordinationmechanismtoaddressrEIDswasendorsedattheministeriallevelthroughahigh-levelconsultationwithASEAN.FAOEmergencyCentreofTransboundaryAnimalDiseases(ECTAD)hasbroadeneditsmandatefromHighlyPathogenicAvianInfluenza(HPAI)tootherdiseasesandhasadoptedamoreintegrated,multidisciplinaryapproachtopromotethedevelopmentofregionalandnationalOneHealthstrategiesandactionplansatregionalandcountrylevelswithWorldOrganizationforAnimalHealth(OIE)andWHOtosupportspecificdiseasecontrols(e.g.forrabies,Foot-and-mouthdisease(FMD)andH7N9).ECTADhasbecomeasignificantplatforminsupportingpreventionandcontrolofexistingandemerginghigh-impactanimalandhumaninfectiousdiseasesinthefaceofrapidlyevolvingdynamicsintheregion'slivestocksector.
WorldBank:Overthepast10years,theWorldBankhasemergedasthegloballeaderindisasterriskmanagement(DRM),supportingcountriestoprepareforandmanagedisasterrisks.Throughtechnicalandfinancialsupportforriskassessments,riskreduction,preparedness,financialprotection,andresilientrecoveryandreconstruction,theBankhelpscountriestoreducetheirvulnerabilitiesduetonaturalhazardsandclimatechange.TheWorldBank’sDRMportfolio,includingco-benefits,hasgrownabout20percentannuallyforthepastfouryearstoabout$5.3billioninfiscal2014.Duringtheyear,80percentofactiveWorldBankcountryassistancestrategiesincorporateddisasterandclimateriskanalysis,promotingacomprehensive,multisectorapproachtomanagingdisasterrisk.
TheGlobalFacilityforDisasterReductionandRecovery(GFDRR),agrowingpartnershipof21countries,istheWorldBank’sinstitutionalmechanismforDRM.Workingwithmorethan300national,community-level,andinternationalpartners,GFDRRhelpscountriestomainstreamDRMindevelopmentstrategiesandprocesses.
TheWorldBankisworkingtoleveragebothpublicandprivatesourcesofclimatefinancetosupportclimate-smartpoliciesandinvestmentsandtohelpcountriesandbusinessesadapttoachangingclimate.Infiscalyear2014,theWorldBankworkedwith62countriestotakeactiononclimatechange.TheWorldBankisoneoftheworld’slargestissuersofgreenbonds,whichfinanceclimate-relatedprojects.Sofar,theWorldBankTreasuryhasraisedover$6.3billionwithgreenbonds.IBRDhasissued66WorldBankGreenBondsin17currencies,supporting50projectsin17membercountries.ExamplesofprojectssupportedbyWorldBankGreenBondsincluderenewableenergy
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installations,energy-efficiencyprojects,newtechnologiesinwastemanagementandagriculturethatreducegreenhousegasemissionsandhelptofinancethetransitiontoalow-carboneconomy.Greenbondsalsofinanceforestandwatershedmanagement,andinfrastructuretopreventclimate-relatedflooddamageandbuildclimateresilience.TheLow-Carbon,LivableCitiesinitiativeassistsrapidlygrowingcitiestoplanforlow-carbondevelopment,focusingondiagnosticsandtoolstoimproveplanningandonnewfinancinginstruments.
IAEA:TheIAEAandtheInternationalRiceResearchInstitute(IRRI)arecollaboratingintheareaoffoodandagriculturetoenhancericeproductivity.Thecollaborationaimstodevelopimprovedricevarietiesthatareadaptabletoadverseenvironmentalconditionsincludingclimatechange.LDCsareparticularlyvulnerabletoenvironmentalchangesandthereforegreatlybenefitfromenhancedsupportintheareaoffoodsecurity.AnAgreementwassignedinJune2015tooptimizethecollaborationbetweenIRRIandtheIAEAinriceproductionbyenablingIAEAtrainingactivitiestobehostedattheIRRItrainingcenteratadiscountedrate.ThiswillbenefitLDCswhonowcanreceivepreferentialaccesstotrainingatthiscenterofexcellence.
TheIAEAisprovidingsupporttoLDCsinstrengtheningtheircapabilitiesinemergencypreparednessandresponse.EvenforcountriesthatdonothaveNPPsinoperationitiscriticaltohavecapabilitiestoaddressradiologicalemergenciesincaseoneoccursintheregion.Forexample,Afghanistanwassupportedindevelopingcapabilitiesinmonitoringanddecontaminationofthepublic,responders,vehiclesandequipment,aswellastheestablishmentofcommandcontrolsystemsandresponseorganizationsfortheprotectionofthepublicincasesofemergencies.
Additionally,inresponsetotheFukushimaNPPaccidentandtheresultingreleasesofradioactivityintotheenvironment,theIAEAlaunchedaregionalprojecttosupportmemberstatesaffectedbytheaccidentinassessingthepossibleimpactofthereleasesofradioactivityfromtheFukushimaDaiichinuclearpowerplantintothemarineenvironmentandmakescientificassessmentsofthedata.TheAgencywillsupportNepalinenhancingthesafetyofpublicplacesinareasaffectedbytherecentearthquakes.ThiswillincludeassistingNepalintestingtheintegrityofcriticalbuildingssuchashospitals,schoolsandhistoricalattractions,usingnon-destructivetestingtechniques.
G. MobilizingfinancialresourcesfordevelopmentandcapacitybuildingContext:ThelackoffinancialresourcesisoneofthebiggestconstraintsfacingLDCstoachievingsustained,inclusiveandequitablegrowthandsustainabledevelopmentandprogresstowardsgraduation.Thelowlevelsofpercapitaincome,domesticsavingsandinvestmentandasmalltaxbaselimitdomesticresources.Thereisthereforeahighrelianceonexternalfinancialresources,includingODA,foreigndirectinvestment,concessionallendingandprivateflowssuchasremittances.ManyLDCshavebenefitedfromdebtreliefmeasuresundertheHIPCandMDRIInitiatives.Theimpactoftheworldeconomicandfinancialcrisis,combinedwithfoodandfuelcrises,hasundermineddevelopmenteffortsofLDCs.
G.1DOMESTICRESOURCEMOBILIZATION
1. DoesyourorganizationsupportLDCstobuildcapacityintheireffortstoraisedomesticresourcesthroughrevenue-generationandfinancialsectorreforms,inparticularthrough
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thebuildingoftransparent,accountableandfairnationaltaxandfinancialmanagementsystems?
ODC,ILO,IMF,WMO,UNDP,UNCDF,UNEP,ESCAP,ESCWA,OSAA,OSSC,SE4ALL, DESA,UNCTAD,WorldBank
2. DoesyourorganizationsupportLDCsinthedevelopmentofanefficient,effective,well-functioningandsociallyresponsibleprivatesectorandproductivecapacity,andsupportLDCstodeveloptheircapacitytobenefitfromprivatesectorinvestments,toreducetheresourcegap,throughtheprovisionoffinancial,technicalandinstitutionalassistance?
ODC,WIPO,ILO,WMO,IMF,UNIDO,EIF,UNDP,UNCDF,UNEP,ESCAP,ESCWA,OSAA,SE4ALL,UNCTAD,WorldBank
3) Isyourorganizationinvolvedineffortstoeliminatesafehavensthatcreateincentivesfortransferabroadofstolenassetsandillicitfinancialflowsand/orassistintherecoveryandreturnofstolenassets?
ODC,IMF,OSAA,OSSC,WorldBank
4) Isyourorganizationinvolvedineffortstoenhancedisclosurepracticesandtransparencyinbothsourceanddestinationcountriesandcooperateineffortsinreduceillicitfinancialflows?
DESA,UNDP,ODC,IMF,WorldBank
Selectedactivitiesindomesticresourcemobilization
Surveillance,financialsupportandtechnicalassistanceactivities(IMF)
Capacitydevelopment(UNODC)
Improvementofassetrecoveryframeworks(UNODC/WB)
UNConventionagainstCorruption(UNODC)
UNConventionagainstTransnationalCrime(UNODC)
Researchandstudiesonstrategiestoenhancedomesticresourcesandinvestmentforstructuraltransformation,andonenhancingtheroleofthedomesticprivatesectorthroughpublic-privatepartnershipsinenergyandinfrastructure(ECA)
UNCDFoffers“lastmile”financemodelsthatunlockpublicandprivateresources,especiallyatthedomesticlevel,toreducepovertyandsupportlocaleconomicdevelopment.Throughthesefinancingmodels,publicresources-includingODA-laythegroundworkforprivateinvestment.UNCDF’sfinancingmodelsworkthroughtwochannels:1.Savings-ledfinancialinclusionthatexpandstheopportunitiesforindividuals,households,andsmallbusinessestoparticipateinthelocaleconomy,providingthemwiththetoolstheyneedtoclimboutofpovertyandmanagetheirfinanciallives.2.Byshowinghowlocalizedinvestments—throughfiscaldecentralization,innovativemunicipal
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finance,andstructuredprojectfinance—candrivepublicandprivatefundingthatunderpinslocaleconomicexpansionandsustainabledevelopment.Investmentsinlocalproductiveinfrastructureinthepublicandprivatesectorsmobilizedomesticcapitalresourcesandrecyclethembackintolocaleconomies.
G.2MOBILIZINGFINANCIALRESOURCESFORDEVELOPMENTANDCAPACITY-BUILDING:OFFICIALDEVELOPMENTASSISTANCE
GoalsandtargetsoftheIPoA:
a)EnsurethefulfillmentofallODAcommitmentstoLDCs;
b)EnsurethealignmentofaidwithLDCs’nationalprioritiesandincreasethealignmentofaidwithLDCs’nationalsystemsandprocedures.
Questions:
1) Isyourorganizationinvolvedineffortstorealizethegoalsandtargetslistedabove?
UNIDO,WMO,WTO,EIF,IMF,UNICEF,UNDP,UNCDF,ESCAP,DESA, UNCTAD,IPU,WorldBank,IAEA,DESA
SelectedactivitiesonODA:
AidforTrade(WTO,EIF)
SustainableEnergyforAll(SE4ALL)
GreenEconomy(UNEP)
KnowledgePlatform(DESA)
Campaigns(UNICEF)
Monitoringandevaluation(WTO,OSAA)
Advocacy(OSAA,UNICEF,IPU,DESA)
Supportinglocalfinancesolutions(UNCDF)
Tools:Guidancenoteonaidpolicies(IPU)andInformationportalonODA,TradeandothersupportforLDCsavailableatwww.un.org/ldcportal.DESAisundertakingthecontinuedupdatingoftheLDCPortalasrequestedbyGeneralAssemblyresolution(A/RES/67/221)onSmoothtransitionforcountriesgraduatingfromthelistofleastdevelopedcountries.
UNICEFmobilizesthemajorpartofitsresourcesthroughnon-coreresourcesandthemobilizationisfocusedonLDCsasbeingthemostvulnerable.Throughitsallocativeprocesses,UNICEFguarantees60%ofcoreresourcesallocationtoLDCs.ThroughcampaignslikeAPromiseRenewed(health),
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ScalingupNutrition(SUN),SanitationforAll,UNICEFadvocatesforandmobilizesresourcesforLDCs.
WTO:InlinewiththeNinthWTOMinisterialConferenceDecisiononAidforTrade,theAid-for-TradeWorkProgrammefortheperiod2014-2015,focusesonissuesidentifiedinglobalandregionalvaluechainworkasitimpactsondevelopingcountries'–andinparticularLDCs'–abilitytoconnecttovaluechains(i.e.tradefacilitation,tradefinance,labourskills,investmentenvironment,andinfrastructure).TheAid-for-TradeInitiativeiscontinuingtomobilizeresources.Themostrecentfiguresavailableshowthatin2012AfTcommitmentsreachedUS$53.8billion,representinga110%increasefromthe2002-05baselineperiod.OftheUS$53.8billion,24%,orUS$13.1billionwenttoLDCs.
G.3MOBILIZINGFINANCIALRESOURCESFORDEVELOPMENTANDCAPACITY-BUILDING:EXTERNALDEBT
GoalsandTargetsoftheIPoA:
a)AchievesustainabledebtlevelsinallLDCs,bearinginmindLDCs’specialdevelopmentneeds;
b)RemainvigilantinmonitoringthedebtsituationofLDCsandcontinuetotakeeffectivemeasureswithintheexistingframeworks;
c)ProvidespecificdebtreliefmeasuresforLDCsthatarenotHIPCcountriesonacase-by-casebasis.
Questions:
1) DoesyourorganizationsupporteffortstoprovidefullandtimelyfinancingfortheimplementationoftheHIPCInitiativeandMDRI,includingfortheremainingeligibleLDCsincompletingtheHIPCinitiativeprocess?
IMF,ITU,ESCAP,WMO,OSAA,WorldBank,IFAD
2) Doesyourorganizationsupporteffortstofurtherexploretheuseofnewandimproveddebtinstrumentsandinnovativemechanismssuchasdebtswaps?
IMF,ITU,ESCAP,WMO,UNCTAD,WorldBank,IFAD
3) Isyourorganizationinvolvedineffortstoconsidertakingadditionalmeasuresandinitiativesaimedatensuringlong-termdebtsustainabilitythroughincreasedgrant-basedandotherformsofconcessionalfinancing,includingthroughmultilateralinstitutions?
IMF,ITU,ESCAP,UNDP,ESCWA,UNCTAD,WorldBank,IFAD
4) Doesyourorganizationassistinemphasizingtheneedforcoordinatedpoliciesaimedatfosteringdebtfinancing,debtreliefanddebtrestructuring,asappropriate?
IMF,ITU,ESCAP,UNDP,ESCWA,OSAA,UNCTAD,WorldBank,IFAD
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Selectedactivitiesinexternaldebt
Surveillanceandprogramactivitiesthatcoverdebtsustainabilityanddebtmanagementinacomprehensivemanner.AnewPolicyonPublicDebtLimitsinFund-SupportedProgramstookeffectinJune2015(IMF)
G.4MOBILIZINGFINANCIALRESOURCESFORDEVELOPMENTANDCAPACITY-BUILDING:FOREIGNDIRECTINVESTMENT
GoalsandTargetsoftheIPoA:
a)AttractandretainincreasedforeigndirectinvestmentinLDCs,especiallywiththeaimofdiversifyingtheproductionbaseandenhancingproductivecapacity;
b)EnhanceinitiativestosupportinvestmentinLDCs.
Questions:
1) Doesyourorganizationpromotestrategicandregulatoryframeworksforforeigndirectinvestmentandotherresourceflowsinthissectorthatincludevitalpolicyareassuchasinfrastructuredevelopment,tradeandtradefacilitation,researchanddevelopmentandtransferoftechnology?
FAO,ITU,WTO/EIF,ITC,ESCWA,SE4ALL,UNCTAD,ILO,IMF,WIPO,UNIDO,WMO,UNDP,ESCAP,OSAA,WorldBank
2) IsyourorganizationinvolvedineffortstosetupandstrengtheninitiativestosupportinvestmentinLDCssuchasinsurance,guaranteesandpreferentialfinancingprogrammesandprivateenterprisefundsfocusinginparticularonsectorsthatareneededtobuildupadiversifiedproductionbaseandencouragelinkageswithdomesticproductionactivitiesaswellasemploymentcreation?
FAO,ITU,EIF,ITC,ESCWA,SE4ALL,UNCTAD,ILO,IMF,WMO,UNDP,UNCDF,OSSC,CFC,WorldBank
3) Doesyourorganizationsupportcapacity-buildinginLDCs,andattheregionallevel,aimedatimprovingtheirabilitiestoattractFDI,includingtheabilitytonegotiatemutuallybeneficialinvestmentagreementsanddisseminateinformationaboutinvestmentopportunitiestoLDCs?
FAO,ITU,EIF,ITC,ESCWA,SE4ALL,UNCTAD,UNCDF,UNIDO,IMF,WMO,ESCAP,OSSC,WorldBank
4) DoesyourorganizationsupportandimplementinitiativesaimedatencouraginginvestmentinLDCs,suchasexportcredits,riskmanagementtools,co-financing,venturecapitalandotherlendinginstruments,businessdevelopmentservicesandfeasibilitystudies?
FAO,ITU,WTO/EIF,ITC,ESCWA,SE4ALL,UNCTAD,UNDP,OSSC,CFC,UNCDF,WorldBank
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5) Isyourorganizationinvolvedineffortstostrengthenpartnershipprogrammesfortechnologytransferbyfosteringlinkagesbetweenforeignanddomesticfirms?
FAO,ITU,EIF,ITC,ESCWA,SE4ALL,UNCTAD,ILO,WIPO,UNIDO,WMO, UNDP,CFC,OSSC,WorldBank
Selectedactivitiesinforeigndirectinvestment
TheFundcoremandatecoversissuesrelatedtocurrentaccountandcapitalaccountliberalization,anditssurveillance,financialsupport,andTAactivitiestopromotegrowthincludediscussionsandpolicyrecommendationsonregulatoryframeworksforcapitalflows.(IMF)
Capacitydevelopmentandtrainingrelatedtobilateralinvestmenttreaties(ESCWA)
Capacitybuildingofinvestmentpromotionagencies(UNIDO)
Partnerships(UNIDO)
G.5MOBILIZINGFINANCIALRESOURCESFORDEVELOPMENTANDCAPACITY-BUILDING:REMITTANCES
GoalsandTargetsoftheIPoA:
Reducethetransactioncostofremittanceflowsandfosterthedevelopmentimpactofremittances.
Question:
1) Isyourorganizationinvolvedineffortstomaximizethebenefitsofinternationalmigration,inaccordancewithallrelevantlegalframeworks?
ILO,UNWOMEN,UNDP,UNCDF,UNCTAD,ESCWA,ESCAP,WorldBank,IFAD
Selectedactivitiesinremittances
InternationalTransactionsinRemittances:GuideforCompilersandUsers(IMF)
FinancialEducationTrainingToolkit(ILO)
Financialinclusion(ILO,UNCTAD,UNCDF)
Mainstreamingmigrationissuesintodevelopmentplanning(UNDP,UN-Women)
Selectedexamplesofbestpracticesinareasrelatedtomobilizingfinancialresourcesfordevelopmentandcapacitybuilding
ILO:WiththehelpofitsInternationalTrainingCentreinTurin,theILOhasdevelopedafinancialeducationtrainingtoolkitwhichwillbeutilizedinaseriesofTrainingofTrainers(ToT)workshopstodeveloptheknowledgeandskillsrequiredforresponsiblebudgeting,spending,saving,borrowing,andinvestingformigrantworkersandtheirfamilies.Createdin2011,thistoolkithasbeenusedina
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rangeofLDCcountries,includingCentralAfricanRepublic,DemocraticRepublicofCongo,MauritaniaandSenegal,Haiti,andCambodiatocontributetocomprehensiveactionstowardsfinancialsecurity.(http://www.ilo.org/global/topics/labour-migration/policy-areas/remittances/lang--en/index.htm)
UNIDOestablishedtheAfricanInvestmentPromotionAgencyNetwork(AFrIPANet)inordertocoordinateinvestmentrelatedactivitiesandattractFDIintheSub-Saharanregion.Moreover,theAfrIPANetprovidescapacitybuildingtoregionalInvestmentPromotionAgencies(IPAs)throughtrainingsandnetworklinkagestotheInvestmentandTechnologyPromotionOffices(ITPOs).Todate,theProgrammehascoveredamongothers:BurkinaFaso,Burundi,Ethiopia,Lesotho,Malawi,Mali,Niger,Rwanda,UgandaandZambiaandisplannedtobereplicatedinotherLLDCs.Inthemeantime,anInvestmentMonitoringPlatform(IMP)hasbeencreatedandhostsadatabaseof7,000ForeignandDomesticcompaniesoperatinginAfrica.
IFAD:InseveralcountriesIFADtargetsarangeoffinancialproviderstoaddressissuesrelatedtoremittancetransferandremittance-basedfinancialservicesundertheumbrellaoftheIFAD-hostedmulti-donorFinancingFacilityforRemittances(FFR).TheFFRfinancesprojectsfocusedonthreemajorcategoriesofactivities:1)Improvingremittancetransmissionandaccesstoremittanceservices;2)Linkingremittancestofinancialservicesandproductsinruralareas;3)Developinginnovativeandproductiveruralinvestmentchannelsandopportunitiesformigrantsandcommunity-basedorganizations.TodatetheFFRhasfinancedalmost50projectsinover40countries,includingmanyleastdevelopedcountries.
EIFprovidesLDCswithresourcestodiagnosetheirneedsforfurthertradeintegrationandbenefittingfromtheglobaltradingsystem.Thetimingofthesestudies,so-calledDiagnosticTradeIntegrationStudies,issuchthattheirresultsfeedintotheformulationofnationaldevelopmentplansorstrategies.Thesestrategiesarethentypicallypresentedatadonorroundtableorconsultativegroupmeetingforfundingthroughthedevelopmentpartners.SuchaidcoordinationensuresthatLDCshavefullownershipoftheprioritiesfromtheAidforTradeagendathatgetfunded.Mobilizationofresources,bothwithinthedomesticandinternationalplatforms,isatthecoreoftheEIFmandate.TheEIFNationalSteeringCommitteesaredesignedtoincludemechanismsofleveragingin-countryinstitutionstoachievethenecessarylevelofresources.
TheEIFpartnershipcomprisessixCoreAgenciesandtwoObserverAgencies:theInternationalMonetaryFund(IMF),theInternationalTradeCentre(ITC),theUnitedNationsConferenceonTradeandDevelopment(UNCTAD),theUnitedNationsDevelopmentProgramme(UNDP),theWorldBankGroupandtheWorldTradeOrganization(WTO),withtheUnitedNationsIndustrialDevelopmentOrganization(UNIDO)andtheWorldTourismOrganization(UNWTO)asObserverAgencies.TheWTOisalsohosttotheExecutiveSecretariatfortheEIFinGeneva.
WorldBank:TheMultilateralInvestmentGuaranteeAgency(MIGA)armoftheWorldBankGroupprovidespoliticalriskinsuranceorguaranteesagainstlossescausedbynoncommercialriskstofacilitateforeigndirectinvestmentindevelopingcountries.Asawhole,theWorldBankhastwomaingoalsandseekstoachievethesegoalsprimarilybyprovidingloans,guarantees,riskmanagementproducts,andexpertiseondevelopment-relateddisciplines,aswellasbycoordinatingresponsestoregionalandglobalchallenges.Infiscalyear2014,theWorldBankraisedUSDeq51billionbyissuingbondsin22currencies.ItsstandinginthecapitalmarketsanditsfinancialstrengthallowedIBRDto
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borrowtheselargevolumesonveryfavorabletermsdespitevolatilemarketconditions.Ofthefiscalyear2013allocablenetincome,theBoardofExecutiveDirectorsrecommendedtotheBoardofGovernorsthetransferof$621milliontoIDA,whichwouldcontinuetosupporttheongoingdevelopmentofLDCs.
UNCDF:ispartofanetworkofpartnerslookingatnewformsofremittancepaymentstobedeveloped.UNCDFworksonhouseholdsthatarereceivingtheremittances,tobeabletogetlessexpensiveaccesstothoseresources,andpromotese-walletsandotherdigitaltechnologies,tohelphouseholdsandindividualssavethoseresourcesandconnectthemtotheformalbankingsector.
H. Goodgovernanceatalllevels
Context:Goodgovernanceandtheruleoflawatthelocal,nationalandinternationallevelsareessentialforsustained,inclusiveandequitableeconomicgrowth,sustainabledevelopmentandtheeradicationofpovertyandhunger.TheyarealsoessentialfortheachievementofthecommitmentsembodiedintheProgrammeofAction.
GoalsandTargetsoftheIPoA:
a)Strengthengoodgovernance,theruleoflaw,humanrights,genderequalityandempowermentofwomen,anddemocraticparticipation,includingbyenhancingtheroleofparliaments;
b)Strengthenandeffectivelyimplementmeasurestopreventcorruptionandtoincreasetransparencyofbudgetsandexpenditure;
c)EnhancetheinstitutionalcapacityofLDCstoensuregoodgovernance;
d)EnsurethatresourcestoLDCsareprovidedandusedinapredictable,transparentandtimelymanner;
e)ProvidecontinuedsupportforstrengthenedandeffectivevoiceandparticipationofLDCsinrelevantinternationalforums;
f)Builddurablepeaceandensurestability,securityandsustainableandinclusivedevelopmentinLDCs.
Questions:
1) DoesyourorganizationsupportLDCs’effortstodeveloptheirhumanandinstitutionalcapacitiesforgoodgovernance?
ITU,IMF,HABITAT,UNDP,UNCDF,ILO,UNIDO,WIPO,UNESCO,FAO,WMO,ODC,UNEP,UNFPA,UNICEF,UNWOMEN,OPS,UNFCCC,SE4ALL,DESA,ESCAP,ESCWA,OSAA,UNCTAD,IPU,WorldBank,IFAD
2) DoesyourorganizationsupportLDCstostrengthennationalstatisticalcapacitytodesignprogrammesandpoliciesforsustainabledevelopmentandeffectivelymonitortheimplementationofthisProgrammeofAction?
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ITU,IMF,HABITAT,UNDP,ILO,UNIDO,UNESCO,WIPO,EIF,FAO,WMO, ESCAP,ESCWA,UNEP,UNICEF,OSAA,SE4ALL,DESA,UNCTAD,WorldBank
3) Doesyourorganizationhelppromotepolicycoherenceandcoordinationofinternationalfinancial,tradeanddevelopmentinstitutions,processesandmechanisms,takingintoaccountthediversifiedandspecialdevelopmentneedsandchallengesofLDCs?
ITU,IMF,HABITAT,UNDP,ILO,FAO,WTO,EIF,ITC,WIPO,UNEP,WFP,CFC,UNFCCC,ESCWA,SE4ALL,DESA,UNCTAD,WorldBank
4) DoesyourorganizationassistintheprovisionofsupportforstrengthenedandeffectivevoiceandparticipationofLDCsininternationaldialogueandactionondevelopment,aswellasindecision-andrule-makingandstandard-andnorm-settinginallareasaffectingtheirdevelopment?
ITU,IMF,HABITAT,UNDP,ILO,UNIDO,WIPO,UNESCO,EIF,WTO,WMO,UNFCCC,CFC,ESCAP,ESCWA,SE4ALL,DESA,UNCTAD,WorldBank,IFAD,OHCHR
5) IsyourorganizationinvolvedinadvocacyorothersupportwithregardtotheratificationoraccessionbycountriestotheUNConventionagainstCorruptionandtheimplementationofanti-corruptionlawsandregulationsconsistentwiththeConvention?
ITU,IMF,HABITAT,UNDP,UNIDO,ODC,DESA,OSAA,WorldBank
6) DoesyourorganizationsupporttheeffortsofLDCstostrengtheninstitutionalcapacityandregulatoryframeworksforpreventingcorruption,briberyandmoney-laundering,theillegaltransferoffundsandotherillicitactivitiesbybothpublicandprivateentities?
ITU,IMF,HABITAT,UNDP,UNCDF,UNIDO,WIPO,FAO,ODC,UNEP,DESA,UNCTAD,WorldBank
7) DoesyourorganizationprovideappropriateassistanceattherequestoftherecipientLDC,inaccordancewiththeUNCharter,tohelppreventionandresolution,throughpeacefulmeans,includingmediation,ofconflict,andsupportconfidence-building,post-conflictpeacebuilding,reintegration,reconstructionandrehabilitation?
ITU,IMF,HABITAT,UNDP,UNCDF,ILO,UNIDO,WIPO,UNESCO,FAO,WMO,UNEP,UNWOMEN,OPS,ESCWA,OSAA,WorldBank
8) DoesyourorganizationassistinstrengtheningsupportforLDCsaffectedbyconflicttoaddresscountry-specificneedsandsituations,includingbroad-based,inclusiveandrapidsocio-economicdevelopmentwithafocusonrebuildingnationalinstitutionsandcapacity,rebuildingcriticalinfrastructureandgeneratingproductiveemploymentanddecentworkforall?
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ITU,IMF,HABITAT,UNDP,UNCDF,ILO,UNIDO,WIPO,UNESCO,FAO,WMO,EIF,UNWOMEN,WFP,UNEP,OPS,ESCWA,DESA,WorldBank,IFAD
9) DoesyourorganizationassistinharmonizingandaligningassistancewithnationalprioritiesofLDCsaffectedbyconflict?
ITU,IMF,HABITAT,UNDP,UNIDO,WIPO,UNESCO,FAO,UNIDO,WMO,EIF,UNEP,WFP,UNWOMEN,DESA,OSAA,UNCTAD,WorldBank
Selectedactivitiesintheareaofgovernance
AdvocacyandoutreachtoParliamentariansontheimplementationofIPoA(IPU)
AdvocacyfortheratificationandimplementationoftheUNConventionagainstCorruption(IMF)
Technicalassistanceinrecoveryandlong-termreconstructioninsituationsoffragility,includinggeneratingproductiveemploymentanddecentworkforall(ILO,UNDP,UNIDO),increatingandrestoringproductivecapacitiesandsupportingtrade(UNIDO)
Promotesthefinancialandfiscalaccountabilityofthelocalauthoritytothelocalcitizen(UNCDF),industrialcapacitybuilding,policysupportandstatistics,includingonrenewableenergy(UNIDO),onthepromotionoffreeandindependentmedia(UNESCO),onsustainablehumansettlementsdevelopment(UNHabitat),oneffectiveenvironmentalgovernanceandintegrationofenvironmentalsustainabilityindevelopment(UNEP),oflocalgovernancesystemstodeliverservices(UNDP),onjustice,policeandsecuritysystems(UNDP),publicadministrationintheaftermathofconflict(UNDP,UNWomen),electoralissues(UNOPS,UNWomen),buildingnationalcapacitiesforconflictpreventionandresolution,confidence-building,mediationanddialogue(UNDP),onCEDAWreportingandimplementationmechanisms(UNWomen),onmainstreaminggenderinallareasofgovernance,includingpursuanttoSecurityCouncilResolutions1325(UNWomen)
Policyadviceandresearchonbroadgovernanceissues(ESCWA,ECA),ongovernance-relatedissuesofmeteorologicalandhydrologicalservices(WMO)
Financingforgoodgovernancepracticesinthepublicsector(WorldBank)
Standardsforgoodgovernance:
VoluntaryGuidelinesforSecuringSustainableSmall-scaleFisheriesintheContextofFoodSecurityandPovertyAlleviation,2014(FAO)
VoluntaryGuidelinesfortheResponsibleGovernanceofTenureofLand,FisheriesandForestsintheContextofNationalFoodSecurity,2012(FAO)
PrinciplesforResponsibleInvestmentinAgricultureandFoodSystems,2014(FAO)
ConventionontheEliminationofAllFormsofDiscriminationAgainstWomen(CEDAW)(1981)
DESA:DESAisprovidingLDCswithdetailedinformationontheLDCcriteriaandtheLDCgraduationprocessthroughvariousoutreachactivitiesatthegloballevelaswellasincooperationwith
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UNESCAP,UNDPandOHRLLSattheregionalandnationallevel.Thereby,thecapacityofconcernedLDCstoprepareforgraduationandtoengagewithdevelopmentpartnersinthegraduationprocessisenhanced.
IMF:TheIMF’s2014vulnerabilityanalysisforlow-incomeanddevelopingcountries(LIDCs)assessedfragilestatestobethemostvulnerable.IdentifyingfragilitiesincountriesisimportanttotailorFundsupporttocountries’specificcharacteristics,which,inturn,canenhancetheeffectivenessofFundengagement.Characteristicsoffragilityinclude:institutionalweaknesses,politicaluncertainty,resourceconstraints,andvulnerabilitytoshocks.IMFengagementincountriesinfragilesituationsincludes:
- StaffGuidanceNoteontheFund'sEngagementwithCountriesinFragileSituations,www.imf.org/external/np/pp/.../042512.pdf
- MacroeconomicandOperationalChallengesinCountriesinFragileSituationswww.imf.org/external/np/pp/.../061511a.pd
- IMFEngagementwithCountriesinPost-ConflictandFragileSituations—Stocktaking(May2015).Thisreviewexaminesexperienceinimplementingthelessonsdrawninthe2011BoardpaperontheFund’sengagementwithcountriesinpost-conflictandfragilesituations(morecommonlyreferredtoasfragilestates(FS))andtheensuing2012GuidanceNote.Thefocusisoncapacitybuilding,Fundfacilitiesandprogramdesign,andpolicysupport.ThereviewidentifiesscopetoimprovetheFund’sengagementinselectedareas,namelycapacitybuilding,Fundfacilitiesandprogramdesignandpolicysupporttohelpindevelopingalternativepolicysolutionsappropriatetofragilestatescircumstancesandtheincreasedprovisionofstafftrainingonfragilestates-relatedpoliticaleconomyissues.
UNHabitat:providesthefoundationsforsustainablehumansettlementsdevelopment,withanemphasisonprovidingsolutionswithrelevanceforleastdevelopedcountries.Landistheprimaryassetforlocalgovernmentsinleastdevelopedcountriesanditseffectivemanagementhasprovedimpossibleusingorthodoxtools.Toaddressthis,UNHabitathasdevelopedalternativeframeworks,suchasfitforpurposelandadministrationandthecontinuumoflandrights,aswellastoolstoaddressspecificchallenges,suchasthesocialtenuredomainmodelandparticipatoryandinclusivelandreadjustment.Increasedsecurityoftenureisacentraltheme,asitpromotestheeffectiverecognitionofarangeofhumanrightsandgovernanceprinciplesandalsostimulateslivelihoodimprovementattheindividualandcommunitylevels.Habitatalsosupportsthecreationoflocallegalandinstitutionalframeworksthatincreaseaccountability,suchastransparencyinlocalgovernmentfinance.Itemphasizessystemsformoreeffectivemanagementandservicedelivery,suchascoordinatedmetropolitangovernanceandtheformulationofgoodqualitylegalframeworksthatareclearlyprioritizedandthataredesignedtofunctionintheirspecificcontexts.Finally,italsosupportstheengagementoflocalgovernmentsininternationaldevelopmentprocesses,toensurethattheirparticularneedsareunderstood.
UNEP:Governingtheplanet’srichanddiversenaturalresourcesandmanagingenvironmentalthreatsinaglobalizedworldofinterconnectednations,economiesandpeoplerequiresstrongerglobal,regional,nationalandlocalresponsesinvolvingawiderangeofactors.Effectiveenvironmentalgovernanceatalllevelsiscriticaltopromptandcoordinatedresponses.UNEP’smandateistobetheleadingglobalenvironmentalauthoritypromotingandstrengtheningthisgovernance.UNEPassistsmemberstatestoimplementtheirenvironmentalobligationsanddeveloptheirpolicies,lawsandinstitutionstoplaceenvironmentalsustainabilityattheheartof
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development.Forexample,theUNEnvironmentAssemblyinJune2014,inaresolution,affirmeditsstrongdeterminationtoprevent,combatanderadicatetheillegaltradeinwildlifeandwildlifeproducts,includingtimberandmarinespeciesglobally.UNEPandpartners,includingInterpol,UNOfficeonDrugsandCrime,theWorldCustomsOrganizationandtheWorldBank,andotherrelevantinternationalorganizationsarenowprovidingvaluableassistancetocountriestocombatillegalwildlifetrade.Thisstreamofworkseekstorestorestheadversedamagetoecosystemsandrurallivelihoods,includingeco-tourismandwildlife-basedtourism.
UNDP:InconflictriddenLDCs,statelegitimacyandcapacitytogovernisweak.Confidenceinthestatecannotberestoredunlessitispresentandvisiblyworkingtoimprovepeople’slives–inanequal,fairandtransparentmannertothepopulation’sbenefit.Tocontributetolong-termpeaceandhelpsocietiestorecover,themulti-agencyJointProjectshelpthestatetodeliverlocallyinawaythatstrengthensstate-societyrelationsandrebuildstrust,legitimacyandaccountability.Suchjointprojectsbuildthecapacityoflocalgovernancesystemstodeliverbasicserviceinlinewithprioritiesexpressedbythepopulation,increaserepresentationandparticipationindecisionmakinginparticularofwomenandformerlyexcludedandmarginalizedgroups,andestablishcoordinationandcommunicationplatformstomanagecontestationsdrivenbylocalissuesandhelpavoidconflictescalations.Localgovernanceactors(civilservantsandcivilsociety)becomedriversofstabilityandpeopleenjoypeaceandsocio-economicpotentials:thisimpactsthequalityoflife,reducesinequalities,andcontributestomoreresilientstate-societyrelations.
The2013SGPolicyCommitteedecisiononCoreGovernmentFunctionsmandatingUNDPtoleadimprovementsinassistanceto"coregovernmentfunctionality"intheimmediateaftermathofcrisisledtothedevelopmentoftheRestoreorReform-UNSupporttoCorePublicAdministrationFunctionsintheImmediateAftermathofConflict.Thisresourceprovidesacomprehensivelessons-learnedreviewoftheUN’spost-conflictresponsein7countrycasestudies.BasedontheactionablerecommendationsinthatUN-widereview,ajointUN/WBpartnershiponCoreGovernmentFunctionswasdesignedandfundedbytheUN/WBTrustFund.Since2014,thispartnershiphasresultedinthedevelopmentofajointUN/WBdiagnosticonCoreGovernmentFunctionsintheimmediateaftermathofconflict.LedbyUNDP,theworkingdraftversionoftheUN/WBDiagnosticwascompletedandthepartnershipenteredanewphasewithjointUN/WBpilotinginCARandfinalizationofthediagnostic.
UNDPhasverymuchtargetedLDCsintheapplicationanduseofthisdiagnostictool.ThediagnostichasbeenpilotedinCentralAfricanRepublic,andagreementhadbeenreachedtodoitinSouthSudanandYemenbutdeterioratingpoliticalandsecurityconditionshaveforcedUNDPtopostponepilots.AstothesevencountrycasestudiesthatformedbasisforLesson-LearnedReview“RestoreorReform”,sixofthesevencountrieswereLDCs:Afghanistan,Burundi,Guinea-Bissau,Liberia,SierraLeoneandTimor-Leste.
WorldBank:NewlendingcommitmentsbyIBRDwere$18.6billioninfiscalyear2014for95operations.Ofthatamount,PublicAdministration,LawandJusticereceivedthelargestsectorcommitmentsof$4.8billion,whichincludespublicsectorgovernance.Inclusiveopportunitiesinsocietyaresupportedbygoodgovernancepracticesinthepublicsector,andtheWorldBankhasalonghistoryofhelpingcountriestodevelopsoundgovernanceandeffectiveinstitutions.IntheRepublicofYemen,thegovernmentbudgetisnowpreparedusingGovernmentFinanceStatistics
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classificationsandispublishedonthegovernmentwebsitewhenitissubmittedtotheparliament.TheWorldBank’sAccesstoInformationPolicy,implementedin2010,recognizestherighttoatwo-levelappealsprocesswhenarequestforinformationisdenied.Inkeepingwithitscommitmenttotransparency,accountabilityandresults,theBankcontinuestoworkwithlocalstakeholderstomaximizetheoutreachandimpactofthispolicy.
IFAD:IFADworkswithlocalorganizationsadoptingapproachesthatpromoteself-organizingandinstitutionaltransformation.Inparticular,besidesfacilitatingthedevelopmentandtransformationoftheinstitutionallandscapetoempowerpoorpeople,IFADsupportscapacitybuildingforawiderangeoforganizationsofpoorruralpeople.Inaddition,IFADpromotesforumsfordialogueamongcommunities,grass-rootsorganizations,governments,civilsocietyanddonors,withtheaimtostrengthenpro-poorgovernanceandenablepro‑poorinstitutionaltransformation.
ECA:OnebestpracticebytheEconomicCommissionforAfrica(ECA),whichrelatestogoodgovernancehasbeentheAfricanGovernanceReport(AGR).Thisambitiousresearchprojectwasinitiatedin1999anditsmainobjectivesremainto:(a)monitorandassessprogressingovernanceontheAfricancontinent;(b)identifyandshowcasegoodpracticesaroundaselectedgovernance-relatedtheme;(c)givevoiceandpowertoAfricanpopulations;and(d)makeappropriatepolicyrecommendations.ECApartnerswithUNDPintheproductionoftheAGRnationalcountryreports.AGRIII(2013)covered40countriesandfocusedontheelectionsandthemanagementofdiversityinAfrica,whilemonitoringtheoverallgoodgovernancetrendsinthecontinent.TheupcomingfourtheditionoftheAGRwillfocusoncorruption,specificallybyprovidingacritiqueofcurrentcorruptionmeasurementsandacomprehensiveanalysisoftheinternationaldimensionofcorruption.SuchReportscontinuetobecriticalinprovidingAfricanpolicy-makerswitharealisticsnapshotoftheircountry’sperformanceintheareaofgovernance.Furthermore,infocusingonrelevanttopicalthemes,italsocontributesinsensitizingpopulationsandhelpingpolicymakersindesigningadequatepoliciesinordertoaddressspecificgovernance-relatedchallenges.
ESCWA:Intheareaofgovernance,ESCWA’sapproachfocusesonassistingmemberstatesinaddressinggovernancedeficitsandchallengesoftransitionbyprovidingsubstantiveanalysis,policyadviceandknowledgesharingattheregionallevel.ESCWAproducesevidence-basedanalysisandpolicyrecommendationsonthemainaspectsofgovernance,politicalreformsandtransitiontodemocracyinpublicationssuchastheArabGovernanceReport.ESCWA’sassistancealsoincludesanalysisandcapacitydevelopmentforcrisisandconflictmanagement,damageandlossassessment,whilehighlightingtheimportanceofdevelopingthefoundationsforresilient,responsiveandinclusivegovernanceinstitutions.Focusisalsoplacedintrackingandmonitoringtheimplementationofconsensusbuildingandnationaldialogueeffortsfromaconflictsensitiveperspective.Inparticular,ESCWAconvenedanExpertGroupMeetingontheNationalDialogueprocessforYemenin2014,whileremainingengagedinassistingYemendraftingworkablesocioeconomicscenariostomoveoutofconflict.
FAO:Twentyyearsafteritsadoption,theCodeofConductforResponsibleFisheries(theCode)remainsagroundbreaking,negotiateddocumentlayingforthprinciplesandstandardsfornationalandinternationaleffortstoensuresustainableexploitationofaquaticlivingresourcesinharmonywiththeenvironment.Draftedby170nations,negotiatedatFoodandAgricultureOrganizationoftheUnitedNations(FAO),andadoptedunanimouslybymemberstatesattheFAOConferenceon31
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October1995,theCoderemainsaremarkablyrobustandforward-lookingdocumentandhasservedasthebasisforstrengtheninggoodgovernance,theruleoflaw,humanrights,genderequalityandempowermentofwomen,inclusionofartisanalandindigenouspeoples,andstakeholderparticipationinthefisheriesandaquaculturesector.
ThreeofthemostrecentinstrumentsregardingbestgovernanceprinciplesandpracticesaretheVoluntaryGuidelinesforSecuringSustainableSmall-scaleFisheriesintheContextofFoodSecurityandPovertyAlleviation(2014);theVoluntaryGuidelinesfortheResponsibleGovernanceofTenureofLand,FisheriesandForeststheContextofNationalFoodSecurity(2012);andthePrinciplesforResponsibleInvestmentinAgricultureandFoodSy
UNESCOisprovidingcapacitybuildingsupporttotheLDCstopromotefreeandindependentmediaasacrucialmeansofpromotinggoodgovernance.Allaspectsofgoodgovernancearefacilitatedbyastrongandindependentmedialandscapewithinasociety.Onlywhenjournalistsarefreetomonitor,investigateandcriticizethepublicadministration’spoliciesandactionscangoodgovernancetakehold.
Inthisarea,supportisbeingprovidedtotheLDCsingrowingtheirnationalICTindustriesanddevelopingself-generatedemploymentopportunitiesthroughUNESCO’sYouthMobiletrainingprogrammes.ComprehensiveUNESCOMediaICTProjectsarealsobeingsupportedtoincreasetheflowofinformationtopoor,marginalizedcommunities.IncooperationwiththeAfricanYouthNetwork,theUNESCOInformationforAllProgramme(IFAP)issupportingyouthinaselectnumberofLDCstoeffectivelyrespondtocontemporarychallengessuchasunemployment,desertificationandHIV/AIDS,aswellastopromoteinterculturalunderstandinganddialogueamongstethnicgroups.TheIFAPisalsoassistingsomeLDCsinpreparingnewNationalInformationStrategies.MediaandinformationliteracyisalsobeingpromotedintheLDCs,includingthroughsupportforthedevelopmentofPressHouses,teachertrainers,repositoriesandwebsites.UNESCOisalsoprovidingsupporttotheLDCsindevelopingandimplementingMediaDevelopmentAssessmentreports.Capacity-buildingprojectsforthemainstreamandcommunitymediaarealsobeingimplementedtoincreasejournalisticawarenessandapplicationoftheRighttoInformationAct.UNESCOisalsoconsultingwithgovernmentagenciesinvariousLDCs,includingthejudiciaryandsecuritypersonnel,toidentifytheirroleinpromotingfreedomofexpressionandthesafetyofjournalists,andincreasedpublicawarenessoftheRighttoInformationAct.
UNCDF:UNCDFworksinanumberoffragileandcrisis-affectedcountries,whereitstoolshelptostimulaterecovery.UNCDFlocaldevelopmentfinanceprogrammeshavehelpedtorebuildinstitutionsandtrustinlocalgovernancewhilealsokickstartinglocaldevelopmentinCambodia,Mozambique,Nepal,SolomonIslands,Somalia,andUganda.
UNCDFalsofostersdevelopmentinfragilesettings,wherelocalgovernmentsstruggletodeliverservices.TheLocalCrossBorderInitiative,forexample,providesafinancingmechanismforinfrastructureandservicesthathavecross-borderimpactandreach,supportingeconomicintegrationandhumansecurityinpartsofWestAfrica.
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DuringtheEbolacrisis,workingcloselywithUNDPinGuinea,LiberiaandSierraLeone,UNCDFhelpednationalgovernmentsandotherpartnersintroducetechnologyforelectronicpaymentsandbiometricidentification,sothatemergencyworkerscouldbepaidreliablyandontime.
OHCHR:TheVoluntaryTechnicalAssistanceTrustFundtoSupporttheParticipationofLeastDevelopedCountries(LDCs)andSmallIslandDevelopingStates(SIDS)intheworkoftheHumanRightsCouncil(HRC)wasestablishedbytheHumanRightsCouncilthroughHRC/RES/19/26of23March2012.Itbecameoperationalin2014,supportingtheparticipationof7delegatesand2FellowsintheHRC.
In2015,theFund,whichisadministratedbyOHCHR,tripledthenumberofbeneficiariesbycoveringtheparticipationof17delegatesinaregularsessionoftheHRCand6Fellowsinathreemonthfellowshipprogramme.Ithassuccessfullyassisted32MemberStates:19LDCs,9SIDSand4LDCs/SIDSSomecountriesarebothLDCsandSIDS..ThosebenefittingcamefromAfrica(17),AsiaandPacific(8)andtheCaribbeanandSouthAmerica(7).ComparedtothetotalnumberofLDCs/SIDSthismeansthatmorethan40%ofthosecountriesbenefittedfromtheTrustFund.Whilein2014only3womendelegateswereabletoparticipate,in2015,duetoactiveoutreach,thenumberincreasedto10.APracticalGuideontheLDCs/SIDSTrustFund,intendedtobothbeneficiaryanddonorcountries,waslaunchedinGenevaandNewYork,inJuneandNovemberrespectively.ThisGuideisavailableinFrenchandEnglishandonOHCHR’swebsite.TheTrustFundhasalsobeentaskedtodevelopane-learningtoallowforthetrainingofGovernmentofficialswhocannotbenefitfromin-persontraining,aswellasforthoseworkinginPermanentMissions,orindifferentministriesinchargeofhumanrightsintheirrespectivecapitals.GoodprogresshasbeenmadeindevelopingamoduleontheHumanRightsCouncilanditsregularsessions.Itwillbelaunchedin2016.