Global Futures Initiative

A partnership is above all an association between development actors that integrates their resources to find solutions to key issues. Partnerships have gained much traction in recent years, but much tribute remains at a superficial level, expecting good things to follow automatically. But because partnerships are so vital in the 21st century, they must be more than a buzzword. Five levels should be kept in mind.

Level one involves standardization of information among stakeholders. For stakeholders to combine their  resources and knowledge so as to address development issues, there must be a common understanding of relevant information. A first crucial step is nomenclature. A particular word or phrase can be applied entirely differently between sectors and countries, and that difference can cause confusion and prevent collective progress towards goals. Cross-sectoral linkage and communication are vital and can be achieved only with a common language. At the HLPF on Sustainable Development in July 2014, Joel Khathutshelo Netshitenzhe of South Africa suggested a common glossary. Partnerships between the public and private sectors can only be successful if they are supported by strong communication.

The second level of partnerships, research and development, is closely related to the standardization of information. Data and information gaps pose major challenges. Democratic and free access to information prevents would mean poor countries would not have  to bear the costs of sustainability alone. Significant scientific research and development must underpin the technological advancements crucial to implementing goals for the future. Actors in partnerships must be cognizant of the value of scientific research, and direct resources to further R&D efforts.

The third level of successful public-private partnerships involves the process of policy-making. “Siloed” policy creation, the practice of treating problems on an individual and isolated level, results in different plans of action for different sectors. Integrated policy-making, particularly for partnerships that seek to combine the efforts of the public and private sectors, is what is needed. Governments, private corporations, and scientists need to embrace trans-discipline and trans-sectoral.

The fourth level of partnerships is implementation, often the largest challenge that faces any partnership. After all, what use is research and policy-making if they are not meaningfully implemented? Realistic goals are a first step, with  concrete steps. Realistic financing is also important.

Finally, a successful public-private partnership must acknowledge the realities and interests that bind public and private actors. Both public and private stakeholders seek to advance their own interests, sometimes at the expense of the partnerships they form. So clear accountability is needed to ensure that competing self-interests do not threaten larger development goals.

Dr. Kim stressed in his lecture that there is an economic upside to having healthy people in developed countries. In the short term, however, more direct incentives should be considered to compel private sector actors to establish and remain in public-private partnerships.

Rohan Mishra is an undergraduate student in Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service, where he is pursuing a degree in International Politics and certificates in Australia, New Zealand, and Pacific Studies and International Development.