The UNU Inter-linkages The UNU Inter-linkages InitiativeInitiative

Jerry VelasquezJerry VelasquezUnited Nations UniversityUnited Nations University

What will be discussedWhat will be discussed

Briefly – What is the UNU Inter-Briefly – What is the UNU Inter-linkages Initiativelinkages Initiative

What have we observed and learnedWhat have we observed and learned• Focusing on a) the regional and national Focusing on a) the regional and national

levels; b) Asia and Pacific regionslevels; b) Asia and Pacific regions What do we think can be done (and What do we think can be done (and

how)?how)?

UNU Inter-linkages InitiativeUNU Inter-linkages Initiative

Forum for discussionForum for discussion Analytical research on issues and themesAnalytical research on issues and themes

• Role of inter-linkages in compliance and Role of inter-linkages in compliance and enforcement, financing, capacity development, enforcement, financing, capacity development, Ozone/CC, BP/WTO/Codex, etc.Ozone/CC, BP/WTO/Codex, etc.

National/regional case studiesNational/regional case studies• 15+ countries in Asia and Pacific15+ countries in Asia and Pacific• 3 sub-regions (Pacific, SEA, South Asia)3 sub-regions (Pacific, SEA, South Asia)

Demonstration follow-up activitiesDemonstration follow-up activities

What have we learned? (1/2)What have we learned? (1/2)

Strategic planning Strategic planning Links to SD Links to SD• Varied responses (institutions, plans, laws, Varied responses (institutions, plans, laws,

approaches)approaches) Institutional roles and responsibilitiesInstitutional roles and responsibilities

• Often, “structure” is not enoughOften, “structure” is not enough• Often confusing and conflicting (sometimes Often confusing and conflicting (sometimes

with good reason)with good reason) Inherent “social” challenges to synergies Inherent “social” challenges to synergies

difficult to change difficult to change• Politics, culture, etc. Politics, culture, etc. • Turf wars, nepotism, etc.Turf wars, nepotism, etc.

What have we learned? (2/2)What have we learned? (2/2)

Donor driven activitiesDonor driven activities• Sometimes uncoordinatedSometimes uncoordinated• Often takes framework approachOften takes framework approach

Taking advantage of regional Taking advantage of regional frameworks frameworks • LRTAP, Barcelona, Waigani, Bamako, LRTAP, Barcelona, Waigani, Bamako,

Cartagena ConventionsCartagena Conventions• ASEAN, SPREP, SAARC, SACEP, etc.ASEAN, SPREP, SAARC, SACEP, etc.

So, how can we synergize?So, how can we synergize?

Synergies should not be for synergies Synergies should not be for synergies sakesake

Should be guided by these principlesShould be guided by these principles• Demand drivenDemand driven• Value addedValue added• Support sustainable developmentSupport sustainable development• Subsidiarity principleSubsidiarity principle

What are we doing now?What are we doing now?

Partnership on Integrated Capacity Partnership on Integrated Capacity Building in Asia and PacificBuilding in Asia and Pacific• SPREP, ASEAN, UNU, UNDP Cap2015, SPREP, ASEAN, UNU, UNDP Cap2015,

UNDP/GEF, UNEP, IGES, UNIDOUNDP/GEF, UNEP, IGES, UNIDO