|
The key implementation tool of the GfD Initiative are its Regional Working Groups. They are designed to drive an in-depth and results-oriented regional policy dialogue among the Initiative's Key Actors, the participating Arab and OECD countries. Each Regional Working Groups is dedicated to one of the GfD Initiative's six priority reform areas as follows:
Regional Working Groups are presided over by an Arab Chair and an OECD Co-chair, with Arab Chairs usually hosting Regional Working Group meetings in their respective countries. All participating countries are invited to take part in these meetings, but do so on a voluntary basis to ensure that Regional Working Groups are driven by players committed to reform and co-operation, and are based on country ownership and demand. Regional Working Group participants come from a variety of backgrounds, ensuring an appropriate mix of experts and policy makers from both Arab and OECD countries. A key criterion for all participants is their capacity to influence the reform agenda in their country and their particular field.
Participation of country delegates from across the MENA region leads to a broad, regional perspective and to the exchange of best practices, the sharing of knowledge and lessons learned, and the avoidance of mistakes previously committed by others. In order to ensure maximum coordination and cooperation at the national level, Regional Working Group delegates are supported by their National Co-ordination Committees, which promote what has become known as the Initiative’s ‘whole-of-government’ approach.
The Initiative is subdivided into several Implementation Phases. During Phase I (June – September 2005), Working Groups take stock of current reform efforts in the region, analyze persisting barriers to reform and exchange know-how on how to overcome them, all the while making use of OECD member countries' experience and best practices. In Phase II (until Spring 2006) they formulate the Initiative’s National Action Plans, including specific time-bound targets to be met throughout the Initiative’s three-year duration. Phase III (starting early 2006) will combine capacity-building activities with the implementation of pilot projects that serve to highlight the feasibility of the National Action Plans. Phases II and III will be accompanied by continuous monitoring efforts.
Regional Working Groups meet up to three times a year.
|
