External publications

Pooled funding supports best practices in UN development work

Baumann, Max-Otto / Abualghaib, Ola
External Publications (2024)

published on devpolicy.org, 21.03.2024

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The UN’s development work is still driven by earmarked contributions, also referred to as “bilateral resources”, that are tied to specific projects or programs. One explanation for the persistence of earmarked funding might be the lack of a clear benchmark for judging funding modalities. An effective way to evaluate funding modalities is to assess the extent to which they promote best practices in UN development work. These would include the delivery of high-level policy advice based on global frameworks and local evidence; making use of the UN’s rich practical experiences from around the world; working towards systemic and long-term change; acting as a convener for stakeholders within and outside government; and operating in an integrated fashion, delivering as one. The Disability Fund of the UN Partnership on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNPRD) demonstrates how pooled funds can foster best practices in the UN development system.