Knowledge

Localising Protection Responses in Conflicts: Challenges and Opportunities

Humanitarian Policy Group at ODI (2019)

To enlighten international humanitarian organisations’ understanding of local and self-protection efforts, this report analyses the opportunities and challenges faced by civilians in conflict situations where they are forced to provide their own frontline ‘protection services’. This paper gives recommendations for a more strategic and informed approach to localised protection responses.

Do Fragile and Conflict-affected Countries Prioritise Core Government Functions?

Oxford Policy Management (2019)

Drawing on five case study examples from Colombia, Myanmar, Pakistan, Sierra Leone and South Sudan, this study commissioned by UNDP examines to what extent ‘core government functions’ (CGF) contribute to changes in fragile and conflict-affected situations (FCAS). By comparing the different experiences of the aforementioned countries, the report seeks to determine to what extent their transitions have been affected by increased investments in CGF. The report is part of a multi-country research project that aims to comprehend whether and in what way investing in public spending on CGF can result in more successful transitions towards peace in fragile and conflict-affected countries.

Parliamentary Handbook on the Women, Peace and Security Agenda

UNDP (2019)

By outlining ideas for action and showcasing real-life examples, the Parliamentary Handbook on the Women, Peace and Security Agenda (WPS Agenda) aims to provide parliamentarians and other stakeholders with tools to advance the WPS Agenda. The Handbook summarizes lessons learned from UNDP’s Global Project on Parliaments and Civil Society as Partners Supporting the WPS Agenda and complements them with international best practice examples and evidence on the ways in which parliaments can support women’s participation in peacebuilding and security.

Five Principles for Engaging Citizens in Anti-Corruption Mechanisms

Transparency International (2019)

Together with I-Watch Tunisia, Transparency International Georgia has produced a guide on anti-corruption measures. Derived from research concerning people’s motivation to and manner in which corruption is reported, I-Watch Tunisia and TI Georgia have developed mechanisms to fight corruption and support committed citizens. The guide provides organisations with ‘five principles for engaging citizens in anti-corruption mechanisms’ to develop improved anti-corruption strategies and sustainable anti-corruption mechanisms.

Creating Liveable Cities: Regional Perspectives

African Development Bank, Asian Development Bank, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and Inter-American Development Bank (2019)

Rapid urbanisation has been identified as one of the key trends of the 21st century. This poses an enormous and growing challenge to cities. In order to positively affect development, national and local governments need to invest in infrastructure and services as well as develop strong urban governance, planning and financing mechanisms. The publication 'Creating Livable Cities: Regional Perspectives' takes stock of key patterns of urbanisation and urban development across developing and emerging economies and examines policy interventions and solutions to promote competitive, inclusive, equitable, and environmentally sustainable and climate resilient cities.

Data Collaboratives: Leveraging Private Data for Public Good

GovLab (2019)

In 2015 the GovLab introduced the term data collaboratives to describe new forms of partnerships in which participants from different sectors—in particular companies—exchange data to create public value. In their new report GovLab examines existing data-collaboration models and practices. In total, the report identifies 11 different types of data collaboration approaches across six models and describes 47 real-world examples. The report illustrates how public value can be generated from data collaboration and concludes with recommendation on how to further advance the field.

Fiscal Transfers in Asia: Challenges and Opportunities for Financing Sustainable Development at the Local Level

UNDP (2019)

This report provides an overview of fiscal transfers in Asia and gives key recommendations to improve resourcing and design of fiscal transfers, improve administration and performance of SDG-related service delivery. Taking into consideration that most central governments are heavily involved in making funds available to subnational governments (SNGs) at the local level, the design and administration of fiscal transfers is essential to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Artificial Intelligence in the Delivery of Public Services

ESCAP and Google (2019)

According to a new report by ESCAP and Google Artificial Intelligence (AI) presents a unique source to improve public service delivery in sectors such as health, justice, agriculture, environment, insurance and social welfare. By drawing on case studies conducted in Australia, Brazil, India, Israel and two other unnamed OECD member countries the report summarizes key lessons and identifies recommendations for governments to implement AI in the area of service delivery to achieve greater efficiency, fairness and equity.

The Localization of the Global Agendas: How Local Action is Transforming Territories and Communities

UCLG (2019) The fifth Global Report on Decentralisation and Local Democracy (GOLD Report) by United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) assesses the progress of the 2030 Agenda. The report analyses what efforts have been made to localise the 2030 Agenda and carves out the challenges and opportunities still faced by the local level. Underscoring that there is still a long way to go, UCLG stresses that cities and territories are the backbone of social, economic, environmental and cultural development. Therefore, UCLG encourages all spheres of government and all stakeholders to support the ‘whole of society’ approach via localisation. Moreover, the report outlines how trends affect the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and provides policy recommendations

The Future of Cities: Opportunities, Challenges and the Way Forward

JRC (2019) In its report 'The Future of Cities: Opportunities, Challenges and the Way Forward' the JRC identifies key drivers affecting urban development. By highlighting both challenges as well as strengths, the report informs the discussion on the future of cities and offers alternatives to both scientists and policymakers. To increase momentum, the report is part of an online 'living' platform that makes use of additional analyses, discussions, case studies, comments and interactive maps. The platform serves as a permanent virtual space for researchers, practice and policymaking communities to exchange views and increase their knowledge on the future of cities.