Networks of subnational entities in governance for sustainable developmentAn assessmentSander Happaerts Institute for International and European PolicyLeuven Centre for Global Governance Studies lunch seminar 27 May 2009

Content

Introducing the topic

Inter-subnational networks: conceptual framework

Illustration: ENCORE and nrg4SD

A members experience: Flanders

Future perspectives

Introducing the topic

Increasing agency of subnational entities in global governance

Subnational entities in governance for SDImportant roleImplementation responsibilitiesOften far-reaching competencesCloseness to citizens and stakeholdersInterested in multilateral policy processes ! not recognized as decision-makersComplexity and uncertainty desire for policy learning

Introducing the topic (2)

- lack of representation in multilateral bodies- desire for policy learning Inter-subnational networks

associations formed between subnational entities of different states whose ultimate purpose is to act as pressure groups in multilateral institutions, and foster cooperation based upon common interests, needs and aspirations (adapted from Sodupe, 1999, p. 62)

Conceptual framework External vs internal dimension

External dimensionA direct route to multilateral decision-makingIdentity politicsDevelopment of an international imageEuropean perspective: New RegionalismFormal vs informal mechanismsCooperation encouraged by European CommissionRecently: activity at global levelInfluence?

INTRA-STATEEXTRA-STATEINTRA-EUROPEANMULTI-LEVEL ROUTEEUROPEAN ROUTEEXTRA-EUROPEANNATIONAL ROUTEDIRECT ROUTE

Conceptual framework External vs internal dimension

External dimensionA direct route to multilateral decision-makingIdentity politicsDevelopment of an international imageEuropean perspective: New RegionalismFormal vs informal mechanismsCooperation encouraged by European CommissionRecently: activity at global levelInfluence?

Conceptual framework (2)Internal dimensionJoint approach to common problems1970s: cross-border cooperationLater: shared political or economic interestsPolicy learning, best practicesBilateral partnershipsNetworking, informal cooperatione.g. coordinating for Council of Ministers

Inter-subnational networks and SD

ENCOREEnvironmental Conference of the European Regions

Creation1993, by Walloon government

GoalsDiscussion forum for subnational Environment ministersInfluencing EU environmental policy Larger role for subnational entities in policy-making and implementation

ENCORE (2)

Organization2-yearly ministerial conferenceRotating presidency and secretariatSteering group

MembershipNot formalized, no obligationsBroad participationSince 2001: new EU MSs

ENCORE (3)

ActivitiesHigh-level conferencesubnational ministers, European Commissioner, EU officialsResolutions, action plansSince 2004: thematic working groupsInformation-sharingInformal cooperation

nrg4SDNetwork of Regional Governments for Sustainable Development

Creation2002, Johannesburg

GoalsRepresenting subnational entities at the global level, expressing their viewpoint in global governance for SDInternational recognition for the role of subnational entitiesInformation-sharing, partnershipsPromoting SD at the subnational level North-South relations

nrg4SD (2)Organization2 co-chairsSecretariat and continental focal pointsSteering committeeAnnual general assembly3-yearly summit

Membership29 subnational entities7 associations2 stakeholders

nrg4SD (3)

nrg4SD (4)

ActivitiesAccreditation (UNFCCC, UNEP, UNCSD)Policy papers, declarationsInformation-sharing, best practicesPartnershipsInformal cooperation

FlandersParticipationDesired partnerGeneral policy line: proactive presence for SD: low political investmentnrg4SDCo-founderInitially: active Since 2007: growing scepticismENCOREInitially: low profile2008: first ministerial presenceFuture?

Flanders (2)Policy impactBilateral partnerships (with privileged EU partners, e.g. Basque Country, Catalonia, Lombardia, North Rhine-Westphalia, Wales)Informal cooperation (e.g. Austrian and German Lnder)

EvaluationExternal dimensionOpportunities of extra-state route are not exploitedImportance of identity politicsInternal dimensionNetworking and bilateral cooperation with European partnersPolicy learning?

Future perspectivesGrowing cooperation and interdependence between networks e.g. FOGAR (Forum of Global Associations of Regions)

Increasing cooperation with other actorsIntergovernmental, e.g. UNDP, UNEPNon-governmental, e.g. Climate Group

Debate: state or non-state actors?

Agenda focus shifts towards climate changeCopenhagen as the next big event

Thank you!

Sander HappaertsInstitute for International and European Policy, KULeuvenParkstraat 45 box 3602BE-3000 Leuven

+32 16 32 30 27

sander.happaerts@soc.kuleuven.be