Country Reviews … from where we were to where we are now LESSONS, EVIDENCE AND ACTION

1. Country Reviews … from where we were to where we are now LESSONS, EVIDENCE AND ACTION USMAN IFTIKHAR POVERTY GROUP BUREAU FOR DEVELOPMENT POLICY UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

2. The importance of country reviews The Results By 2009 there was a different sense Addendum A Synthesis of Lessons in Success A Synthesis of lessons about constraints The International Assessment and the MDG Action Agenda Conclusion Introduction and roadmap

3. The global and regional reports focus mainly on goal-wise performance at the aggregate level and on absolute progress over time using internationally comparable data. So, if we were to ask the question as to how many countries are on track to achieving say Goal 1 in Africa, it is not possible to get that answer easily MDG Country Reports targeted at the country level provide such information The importance of country reviews

4. Originally the main purpose of the MDG Country Reports was two-fold: public information and social mobilisation. Tool for awareness raising, advocacy, alliance building; renewal of political commitments at the country level; build national capacity for monitoring and reporting. The process of preparing the reports - define globally agreed objectives into country specific targets thus development debate on nationally defined priorities. Generate a ‘can do’ atmosphere so that policy-makers and other actors are encouraged to act… And allow for monitoring and accountability by civil society. The importance of country reviews

5. The Results – an estimated 303 reports

6. The Results • Based on a small sampling of first wave MDG Country Reports (Mongolia, Pakistan, Belize, Malawi and Togo) from 2003-2005, lesson are that these were: • Led by the governments • Followed participatory processes engaging the UN System, CSOs and other relevant stakeholders. • Provided information on the national context and capacities in addressing the MDGs and focused on providing baseline or status reporting, • recognized where and what progress has been made, • the challenges which remain • But largely focused on identifying relevant measures or interventions to address the existing challenges.

7. By 2009 there was a different sense 2010 Review needed to be different from 2005 – needed to answer a new set of questions against new challenges, realities and knowledgein a way that could be aggregated across countries. Essential that 2010 Review went beyond describing progress and trends and provides each country with the opportunity to make deeper analyses of what works, what does not and why; Essential that the collective action agenda to accelerate progress in the remaining five years builds upon robust MDG evidence especially for the LDCs. The MDG Country Reports the most appropriate tool to generate the deeper analyses Through an addendum to MDG Country Reporting Guidelines that were developed

8. Addendum • Specifically, the addendum provided guidance on undertaking: • Trends and inequality analyses • Identification of the key bottlenecks constraining progress on specific off-track MDG targets • Assessment of the impact of the economic crisis on MDG progress • Assessment of the impact of climate change on MDG progress • Assessment of Good Practice examples that accelerate progress and their replicability/scalability • UNDP Supported the development of 34 MDG Country Reports to draw lessons out and produced an MDG Synthesis Report

9. A Synthesis of Lessons in Success • Where national commitment backed planning and policy initiatives a foundation for progress has been created. • Accelerated and sustained progress cutting across some MDGs emerged where policy innovations to protect and promote the poor were pursued. • Service delivery experiments and innovations have accelerated progress where countries faced implementation challenges in delivering services. • Where economic growth included targeted ‘pro-poor’ approaches and growth in sectors that benefit the poor, poverty and hunger decreased significantly. • Where proven education interventions are part of a sequenced, holistic package, there has been significant progress on MDG 2 and MDG 3 targets.

10. A Synthesis of Lessons in Success • Where resources were invested in expanding opportunities, legal rights and participation for women and girls, progress has been catalyzed across all the MDGs. • Where health interventions addressed multiple factors, remarkable success has followed. • Where investments in environmental sustainability were scaled up, there has been progress toward the MDGs • Where strong partnerships were developed, efforts toward the MDGs were better coordinated and scaled-up. • Even where challenges have been the greatest – such as in conflict, post-conflict and disaster-prone countries – MDG achievement is possible.

11. A Synthesis of lessons about constraints • Unresponsive institutions and poor implementation • Lack of capacity • Inadequate resources • Cultural and social obstacles • Poor data and monitoring mechanisms • Conflicts, disasters, HIV/AIDS and other disease-related challenges • New and emerging challenges – shocks and vulnerabilities as a result of economic crisis, food crisis and climate change

12. The International Assessment • Evidence from 50 countries including 34 national MDG reports 2010 and other reports produced in 2009 and broader analytical work in UNDP and elsewhere including on emerging crises • Development of the International Assessment was supported by a Technical Advisory Panel (TAP): • The TAP gathered 20 leading technical experts from member states and multilateral organizations • Focuses on the broader international and national policy commitments that need to be met, the necessary policy environments and systems, and how various elements - including, but not limited to ODA - can support the achievement of the MDGs.

13. MDG action agenda for acceleration and sustainability • Support country-led development • Foster inclusive economic growth and pursue equity agenda • Expand opportunities for women and girls • Strengthen systems for education, health, water and sanitation, and infrastructure • Enhance access to alternative energy and promote low-carbon development • Scaled-up targeted interventions and implement social protection programme • Accelerate domestic resource mobilization and strengthen global partnership for development

14. The Outputs – and where they can be found http://www.beta.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/search.html?q=MDG+synthesis http://www.beta.undp.org/undp/en/home/librarypage/mdg/international-assessment---english-full-version.html

15. Moving forward The next country reports guidance will be updated to bring out the unique information for 2013 review …. We look forward to working with you …

16. Thank You