Accountability for development cooperation
Mutual accountability (MA) was recognized as critical to improving the quality of development cooperation at the 2010 MDG Summit and in the2002 Monterrey Consensus on Financing for Development. Fundamentally, it is about achieving better development results.
The Development Cooperation Forum (DCF) was tasked by Member States in 2008 to review the effectiveness of MA mechanisms and transparency initiatives at national, regional and global levels, in fulfilling their basic purpose: strengthening trust among development cooperation actors and promoting predictable, cost-effective and transparent development cooperation that is country-led and inclusive.
The DCF serves as a global apex body for accountability in development cooperation. It brings together and generates new information and spurs debate, learning and action among governments, as well as other actors, like parliamentarians and representatives of civil society.
To help prepare for implementation of a post-2015 development agenda, the DCF is contributing to the design of a multi-layered monitoring and accountability framework for development cooperation. Key activities in this direction include:
- identifying accountability gaps in development cooperation at all levels;
- reviewing existing and emerging practices to put in place accountability “enablers”, such as national development cooperation strategies, monitoring frameworks and dialogue forums; and
- exploring features of accountability mechanisms needed to support delivery on post-2015 development cooperation commitments.
Such a framework would be an essential part of a renewed global partnership for development to mobilize financing and other means of implementation for a post-2015 development agenda.
Accountability
The DCF approaches accountability as instrument to help ensure delivery on commitments as well as promote mutual learning for better development results. Read more about the dimensions and types of accountability.
What is Mutual Accountability?
Mutual accountability in development cooperation originally aimed to find ways to address imbalances in the relationship between recipient and provider countries. It was largely focused on Official Development Assistance (ODA). Today, the concept is broadening to include more actors and more forms of development cooperation. It is now sometimes referred to as “multiple accountability”. Read more about actors, enablers and behaviour changes.
Accountability mechanisms in development cooperation
Most development cooperation commitments are voluntary. Enforcement is generally weak or non-existent. Yet, various forms of accountability and a range of relevant mechanisms serve to encourage delivery on development cooperation commitments. The DCF is a repository of information on such tools and their effectiveness. It is currently examining how to adapt them to best support implementation of national development priorities, inspired by a global post-2015 development agenda that is centred on both poverty eradication and sustainable development, and that applies to all countries, developed and developing. Read more about accountability in development cooperation.
A global monitoring and accountability framework for development cooperation post-2015
A monitoring and accountability framework for development cooperation commitments post-2015 will be needed to support the review of commitments and encourage greater efforts to make international assistance effective and coherent. It should be people-centred and create an environment of trust to incentivize action and foster mutual learning. Read more about the contours and challenges to set up such a global framework.
The DCF Global Accountability Survey – assessing national mutual accountability and transparency
Since 2009, UNDESA has been conducting biennial surveys for the DCF, in cooperation with UNDP, to identify national progress in mutual accountability and transparency. Survey results are assessed in comprehensive studies, informing global monitoring and providing practical suggestions for improving development results. Read more about the surveys and their findings.
Global accountability in the 2014-2016 DCF cycle
The 2014-2016 DCF cycle will further the work of the Forum on accountability as a tool for strengthening the effectiveness of international development cooperation and achieving better results for sustainable development. It will advance common understanding of opportunities and challenges in mutual accountability at all levels. It will also support the design and implementation of a monitoring and accountability framework for development cooperation post-2015. Read more about the DCF’s work stream on global accountability.
DCF analytical work on global accountability
Global accountability is one of the three work streams of the DCF since the inception of the Forum. As Secretariat to the DCF, the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs has produced a number of analytical studies and evidence-based reviews. Many of them have featured as the basis for deliberations in DCF-related and other events. Read more and access documents.
Curated collection of must reads on accountability
In preparing for the DCF analytical work and various DCF events, the DCF Team has identified a small set of essential readings on accountability in development cooperation. Learn more.
DCF events with focus on accountability
- “Accountable and effective development cooperation in a post-2015 era” (DCF Germany High-level Symposium, March 2014)
- “Working together to increase the development impact of aid” (DCF Luxembourg High-level Symposium, October 2011)
- “Reinforcing international mutual accountability”(Expert Group Meeting in Luxembourg, October 2011)
- “Rethinking Development: Towards a New Sustainable Development Architecture” (DCF Advisory Group Special Event at Busan High Level Forum on Aid Effectiveness“, November 2011)
- Special Event at the Fourth United Nations Conference on Least Developed Countries (LDC-IV), May 2010
- “Gearing development cooperation towards the MDGs: Effectiveness and Results” (DCF Mali High-level Symposium, May 2010)
- “Accountable and Transparent Development Cooperation: Towards a More Inclusive Framework” (DCF Vienna High-level Symposium, November 2009)
Interested in our work?
For further information, please contact us:
DCF Secretariat
Development Cooperation Policy Branch,
Office for ECOSOC Support and Coordination
United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, UN Secretariat Building, 25th floor
New York, NY 10017
Email: dcf@un.org
Phone: +1 917 367 9452