Below is a concise proposal submitted to DGG to BDP’s Policy Group as part of the so-called multi-practice proposals that the Bureau plans to launch. This is still a very early stage in the process.
Concept
The explosive growth of mobile technologies and social networks’ role in recent events in the Middle East provides fertile ground to think outside the box and plug new technologies into the core development process.
The “democratization” of access to technologies and social media opens the door for new ways to address development gaps. This entails a two-pronged approach: 1. Give people a voice in decision-making that will directly affect their lives and make them part and parcel of it. It is now possible for public institutions to reach out and interact with stakeholders rapidly and efficiently. 2. Use the new technologies to deliver some of the essential public services and information people need to access to improve their lives and become active citizens.
Team
DGG is already undertaking some of this work in the area of e-governance. But the approach described above cuts across most, if not all, of the areas in which BDP works, including inclusive growth and environmental sustainability, for example. On this basis, a cross-practice team led by DGG can be easily established and include both the Poverty (and HIV) and EEG Practices. Within DG, cluster leaders can be part of the cross-practice team and appoint working-level cluster members to the team.
Deliverables
They can include:
- Cross-practice concept and guidance note
- Dedicated TWs group and development area
- Mapping of ongoing UNDP and other activities in this area
- 3 to 5 pilot programmes regionally distributed
- Monitoring and impact assessment of pilots
- Capturing of lessons learned good practices
- Revision of concepts and guidance notes
- Mainstreaming into UNDP’s programme countries
Budget
Between 250k to 500K for the first year. Pilots are not envisaged to be “expensive” and will also build on ongoing programmes and projects.
Cheers, Raúl
