Global challenges require collective action through international diplomacy and partnerships. Strong institutions, shared rules and multilateral frameworks enable co‑operation, while strategic engagement, coalition‑building and evidence‑based advocacy help mobilise stakeholders. Aligning national priorities with global commitments strengthens joint action and supports effective responses to sustainable development.
International diplomacy and partnerships to address global challenges
Abstract
Countries face numerous common challenges and opportunities: climate change, environmental protection, global health, trade and finance, peace and security, migration. Global inter-dependence and the scale of these issues mean that going it alone is neither realistic nor desirable. Only together can countries unlock the benefits of common rules and tackle cross-border issues that threaten sustainable development.
Strong institutions, rules and norms help countries build trust and co-operate to manage global challenges effectively.
Countries have general and specific commitments to collaborate for sustainable development. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development sets out a common agenda for individual and collective action, building on collaborative partnerships involving all countries and all stakeholders. SDG 17 contains specific objectives to ensure that a global partnership for sustainable development supports developing countries.
Binding and non-binding international frameworks also set out objectives and concrete measures for collaboration and exchange in numerous policy areas, including climate, public health, biological diversity, migration and refugees, trade, tax, and combatting money laundering and terrorist financing.
Pillar I.1 of the OECD DAC Peer Review Analytical Framework sets out the expectations of the Development Assistance Committee (DAC) for how members use a strategic approach in their global and domestic engagement to achieve the 2030 Agenda, including by supporting global public goods and addressing global challenges. This includes advancing international debate, helping to agree or enhance collective frameworks, and using evidence and leadership to encourage others to implement them.
1. Defining clear priorities and action for international advocacy and collaboration. Countries define actions for international leadership in key policy areas according to their areas of strength. They also identify stakeholders, determine responsibilities and set out how to measure progress.
Japan champions disaster risk reduction and recovery, sharing its domestic expertise, advancing dialogue in global fora, and making it a focus of development co-operation.
Ireland’s third action plan on women, peace and security sets out actions for each lead department for international funding, multilateral diplomacy and peace-keeping as well as domestic activities. The plan features a detailed monitoring framework.
Norway’s Ocean strategy includes a dedicated chapter on how Norway will work in a broad range of international fora to promote the protection and sustainable use of maritime resources.
2. Supporting multilateral frameworks for global sustainable development. Governments enable the effective functioning of multilateral frameworks, mobilising quality funding, taking active responsibility in their governance and strengthening their focus on global sustainable development.
Portugal’s presidency of the EU Council helped forge common positions on development co-operation issues.
Through very long-term and innovative financing for Gavi, development co-operation partners have provided key support for the development and efficient distribution of vaccines that save children.
France not only helped achieve the adoption of the Paris Climate Agreement, but also played a major role in promoting, implementing and encouraging accession to the agreement.
Thanks to joint board membership by its environment and foreign ministries, Denmark actively supports the Green Climate Fund, for instance on its Indigenous Peoples’ policy.
3. Mobilising international allies and domestic expertise. Governments build coalitions with key stakeholders and help reflect the views of developing countries. Domestic expertise within line ministries, sub-national entities, the private sector and civil society can be mobilised to help tackle international challenges.
The United Kingdom joined forces with Kenya and the International Disability Alliance to organise a Global Disability Summit. Strong diplomatic outreach helped secure commitments that will be tracked by a Partnership Forum, in collaboration with Norway.
Italy has advanced international support for the protection of cultural heritage in conflict, drawing on substantial domestic expertise.
Germany offered its facilities to and supported Fiji as the first small island developing state (SIDS) to preside over the international climate conference, COP 23.
4. Promoting research and evidence to inform advocacy and shape debates. Research, evidence and learning, including from the member’s own approaches, inform its actions and international advocacy, enabling it to promote high-quality responses by other stakeholders.
The Netherlands actively promotes responsible business conduct (RBC) in international fora and domestically. To inform its work, it has conducted evaluations of its international RBC policy, including Dutch engagement in international initiatives, and on Dutch RBC agreements.
The United Kingdom is a strong advocate of gender equality and has spearheaded efforts on the prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment in development co-operation. Its efforts on violence against women are bolstered by learning from its bilateral co-operation.
The International Development Research Centre in Canada supports the research and capacity of knowledge institutions in developing countries on key challenges such as global health and climate.
How do we know if DAC Members are moving in the right direction?
International debate progresses on (new) issues or challenges.
Collective frameworks or commitments are agreed or strengthened to address an issue, and backed up by resources.
Other states and stakeholders adhere to, actively engage in and follow up on collective frameworks.
Joint international action leads to measurable progress in tackling the common challenge.
United Nations, [website].
Group of 20 (G20), [website].
OECD, [website].
DAC Evaluation Resource Centre (DEReC), OECD [website].
More Framework principles are available on Development Co-operation TIPs • Tools Insights Practices.
