Enhancing Coordination and Synergy between the RCM and RDT in Africa

1. Enhancing Coordination and Synergy between the RCM and RDT in Africa 10th Session of the RCM Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 5 November 2009

2. Need for RCM – RDT Linkages • Increasingly premium placed on the goal of improved coordination as a means of enhancing UN coherence, obtaining maximum results from limited resources • Both RCMs and RDTs important instruments for achieving this goal • have a common objective: avoiding overlap, maximizing synergy and impact • Improved complementarity and coordination between the RCMs and RDTs can further avoid duplication and create potential for greater synergy

3. Current Situation • Collaboration between RCMs and RDTs is an “emerging” issue and varies across regions • Currently RCM and RDT relationship weak at best to non-existent • No consistent, regular linkage

4. Actions to maximize synergy with RDTs • Study on RCM and RDTs in July 2008 recommended: • Regular interaction and consultations • Participate in each others meetings • Back-to-back annual meetings of RDT and RCM • Regular attendance of Regional Commissions representing the RCM at RDT meetings • Representation of RDTs in the Annual Sessions of the RCM • Emphasized need to coordinate respective work plans for highest combined value-addition

5. Actions to maximize synergy with RDTs… • Clear division of labour summarized :

6. Guiding Principles for Creation of Linkage • Coordination is mutual responsibility between RCMs and RDTs • should be based on stronger, 2-way collaborative interaction • Processes for coordination should be ‘light’ and not add to existing bureaucracy • Relative positioning and division of labor between the RCMs and RDTs should be based on clear, distinct roles deriving from their respective mandates • Responsibility of coordination must be shared among the RCM, RDT and their respective members

7. Mechanism for establishing linkage • 2006 High-level Panel called for UN regional setting to be reorganized around the catalytic role to be played by the Regional Commissions (RCs) and UNDP • Reconfirmed commitment to collaborate when RC and UNDP signed Umbrella Agreement in 2007 called for • RC to continue to organize annual RCMs in consultation with UNDP, which is to participate at senior level • RC to participate as observers in relevant segments of UN Resident Coordinator/resident representative meetings and for UNDP to facilitate Regional Commission contributions to UNDG regional structures • Regional Commissions and UNDP to hold annual consultations at the global and regional levels • Agreement provides the mechanisms for effective collaboration between the RCs and UNDP as well as for effective communication and coordination between RCMs and RDTs

8. Operationalization of the Agreement • ECA to build and maintain close and reciprocal relationship with UNDP in light of their respective leadership roles in the RCMs and RDTs • they should also seek to strengthen relations with the regional arms of other agencies. • ECA should consult with UNDP in the preparation of the Annual meeting of the RCMs • Actions with respect to synergy with RDTs that have been outlined would benefit from support from UN leadership, starting with the DSG (as chair of the RCM) and the UNDG Chair • UNDP (and UNDG) to confirm the shared understanding of the respective roles of the RCM and RDT

9. En fin… There is a need for … • Discussion between ECA’s Executive Secretary (as coordinator of RCM) and RDT Chair • Pursue through RCNYO ongoing efforts for integration of the RCM into the CEB Architecture • Agreement on actions related to improving synergy/coordination • Dissemination of knowledge of potential contribution of RCM to UNCTs and the CEB machinery by RCM members