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The Millennium Development Goal 8 on a global partnership for development is one of the less known MDGs. But its objective – to achieve a global partnership for development – is central to the achievement of all the MDGs by 2015. A list of concrete actions lays out how to accelerate progress towards this MDG by 2015.

Partnerships lie at the heart of MDG success stories. And − as the development landscape becomes more complex with new actors, new challenges and new funding streams − the importance of partnerships is growing. It is clear that the MDGs cannot be reached without full participation from all members of society
 (governments, parliamentarians, civil society, private sector) working towards a common agenda.

Smarter partnerships aim to maximise the impact of every partner’s input. From public-private partnerships to South-South co-operation, these alliances have shown how to leverage the greatest possible
development impact from all development resources, including aid. Efforts to bring in new actors, and promote innovation and mutual accountability have proven their effectiveness in delivering results such as getting children into school, caring for those affected by HIV/AIDS and malaria, and slowing the rate of deforestation. Based on frank and open discussion among development stakeholders, mutual and peer learning, and monitoring what does and doesn’t work, these approaches can and should be replicated further − such as in tax and development, innovative finance, conflict and fragility and climate change – to accelerate progress towards the MDGs by 2015.

Some emerging principles that underpin smarter partnerships for development:

• Inclusive partnerships: Real, effective and equal partnerships so that all stakeholders can shape political decision-making for development
• Sharing knowledge: A shared understanding of what works and what doesn’t work, based on technical expertise, evidence, statistics and good practice
• Peer pressure: Monitoring and gathering evidence to inform policy; upholding commitments and promoting best practice
• Mutual accountability: All stakeholders work towards common objectives, based on joint monitoring and review, in line with the Paris Declaration and Accra Agenda for Action
• Linking global and national priorities: Providing a platform for dialogue on development at country level with strong links to global and regional institutions and processes

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The OECD and the Millennium Development Goals