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The Global Transition Dialogue #2
Exploring options for a green economy knowledge-sharing
platform
Cameron Allen
Rio+20 Secretariat (UN-DESA)
March, 18th, 2012
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In a nutshell…
1. Rio+20 submissions & the Zero Draft – GE chapter
2. What does the literature say – definitions and designs for K-S platforms?
3. Some interesting case studies of “platforms”
4. What does this mean - exploring options for a Green Economy Knowledge-Sharing Platform
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1. Rio+20 submissions Conference is about filling the gaps in implementation
and coordination… work-shop not a talk-shop Various proposals in submissions to ZD on the means of
implementation and greater coordination
knowledge sharing
capacity building
International institutions
technical assistance
technology transfer
trade
international cooperation
toolkits
finance
partnerships
For Today:
Many countries see the value in sharing experiences, lessons learned and good practices - incl. EU, Canada, China, Israel, Japan, Kenya, Liechtenstein, Norway, RoK, Russia, Switzerland and others
Also closely linked to proposals for capacity building mechanisms and int’l cooperation around finance, tech transfer and assistance.
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Closer look at the K-S platform proposal:An international knowledge-sharing platform to help countries to design and implement national green economy policies
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Zero Draft – GE Chapter The K-S platform would include:
A menu of policy options A toolbox of good practices in applying GE policies at
various scales A set of indicators to measure progress A directory of technical services, technology and financing
that could assist developing countries
Request the UN SG to establish such a platform.
A lot of questions…. aims/objectives, governance arrangements, components and integration
Q. How can we better define a green economy knowledge-sharing platform???
2. What does the literature have to say?
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Definitions…
Probably not so important what we call it – more important are what it aims to achieve and how.
With modern ICTs the possibilities are endless
websites gateways
Portals
wikisforums
databasesCommunities
of practice
Knowledge platform: a web-site or other virtual platform for sharing of data, tools and experiences (CLEAN, 2011)
Good practice… Countries now rate acquisition of knowledge as more
valuable than financial lending (World Bank, 2011)
Proliferation of platforms – e.g. in energy & low-emission development alone there are over 50 platforms and networks – up from 10 only 3 years ago (CLEAN, 2011)
New generation of rich, interactive ICT technologies are driving this...
…. but ICTs by themselves won’t promote effective knowledge sharing Platforms need to be effectively designed, coordinated
and managed – they need clear objectives, a strong commitment to sustained support and consistent, ongoing resources
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Design of a K-S Platform Two-tiered approach (Lin, 2011):
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+
FacebookWiki
Customized consultation for knowledge exchange between
participants
General infrastructure to share knowledge
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A search-and-match platform that provides practical information on development solutions and case studies – it could be organised by sector and supported by key int’l organisations.
A network of government officials, experts and practitioners A regular forum or policy dialogue to share knowledge and policy
challenges
Four key components (Task Team on South-South Cooperation, 2011):
• Monitoring for results, developing good practice, peer reviews, convening events
• Mobilising resources and partners to facilitate K-S transactions
• Online databases, libraries, CoPs, dialogues, workshops etc.
• To match demand and supply of knowledge
Demand Driven
Brokering Mechanism
Implement-ation
support
Benchmarking and
knowledge sharing
Funding
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Services approach (CLEAN, 2011)
Knowledge platforms & Networks
Best practices, data and
tools
Expert assistance
Virtual (webinars/
blogs)
Expert
Workshops
Country peer
exchange
Reports (issues and innovation)
Training
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Q. What can we learn from emerging practice?
3. Some interesting case studies
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South-South Knowledge Exchange
A global platform of support services for World Bank teams and clients Brokering: a mechanism to match supply with demand Financing: a financing mechanism to support SSKE activities Design: “know-how” on KE, including an online toolkit. Implementation: using the Global Development Learning Network and online
CoPs to support countries and build capacity Results: document results through an online knowledge database,
incorporating a searchable global map interface.
Urbanization Knowledge Platform and Partnership Aims to become the world’s “go to” hub for urban knowledge
exchange
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Connections: “matching” service; messaging; CoPs Q&A; open online forum.
Knowledge: real-time, online knowledge exchanges; ‘thought leaders’; yearly review meetings; policy insight research and briefings.
Data: online data platform for cities data using open data and Google; indicators to benchmark cities for comparison.
CLEAN and LEDS partnership bring together donors, practitioners, and partner govts to share knowledge for LEDS planning and activities.
Collaborative wiki platform; LEDS Toolkit; energy datasets; resources; mapping and visualisation tools; and apps
OpenEI (Open Energy Info) A global knowledge-sharing online community working together to
connect people with the latest energy info and data
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Other platforms of interest for green economy…
Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) Green Growth Knowledge Platform (World Bank, GGGI, OECD, UNEP) Green Economy Initiative (UNEP) Green, Low-Emission and Climate Resilient Development program
(UNDP, EU) WIPO Green – Sustainable Technology Marketplace Green Economy Coalition; Stakeholder Forum; UNCSD Rio+20 web
portals… Regional: ESCAP Green Growth; Africa Platform for Development
Effectiveness… Issue/Sector-specific: ALM, CCKP, IISD Knowledgebases, CGIAR, GWP,
CIP, new platforms under development for jobs, ICTs, food security and nutrition etc. etc.
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Q. What does all this mean for a green economy knowledge-sharing platform?
4. Bringing it all together: aims, governance, structural components
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Lessons for aims/objectives..Aims/Objectives (for example):
• To promote and facilitate (via a global communication platform) the exchange of knowledge, data, good practices, lesson learned and operational guidance amongst practitioners and policy makers at global, regional and local scales.
• To provide flexible, practical policy approaches that respect the national circumstances of different countries.
• To identify and fill gaps in theory and practice and facilitate high quality international research, partnership and leadership.
• To facilitate the accelerated adaptation, adoption and transfer of technologies.
• To facilitate international cooperation and access to finance.
Lessons for governance…
Key challenge: “Platform Fatigue”! As platforms begin to duplicate services and compete for members, where members do not have the time to commit to multiple initiatives,
and where partners do not have the resources to support multiple,
uncoordinated initiatives
Considerable benefit in: forging enhanced linkages between complementary platforms and
partnerships consolidating duplicative platforms providing a coherent overarching framework to connecting platforms
so that they work together to support an integrated capacity development agenda
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Lessons for governance
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A strong political commitment and a dedicated support structure with ongoing, reliable funding. Comprising, for example:• a dedicated Secretariat or support unit• a decision-making body• an expert advisory committee• a mechanism for broader consultation and dialogue• a MoU or Terms of Reference
Any support structure would need to be integrated into the existing sustainable development governance structure, building upon existing platforms and initiatives, with numerous international organisations contributing according to their mandate and area of expertise.
Lessons for governance…
Evidence that “platform integration” is happening in the climate change and energy sector: Coordinated Low-Emission Assistance Network Global LEDS Partnership Climate Knowledge Brokers
Projects include: Development of a Portal of Portals – to easily search all LEDS
platforms and networks Training platform administrators on linking datasets between
platforms for LEDS planning – i.e. using open data formats
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Lessons for governance Perhaps green economy, or sustainable development more
broadly, provides a common thread that could link various knowledge platforms and networks together…
…. could it provide the opportunity for establishing an overarching framework and better integrate platforms and networks so they work toward common objectives?
…. who would lead such an initiative?
…. could the ball be put in motion at Rio?
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Lessons for design…
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5. Financing facility for developing countries
4. Expert focal points or hubs
3. Online data platform & GE
Toolbox
2. Brokering mechanism
1. Mechanisms for promoting connections,
networks, partnerships
Green Economy
Knowledge-Sharing
Platform
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To support implementation and in-country capacity:
• a sophisticated web portal with membership and professional networking capabilities
• messaging, online forums, access to CoP
• links to global online networks that cater for in-country capacity to design and implement knowledge sharing,
• structured online policy dialogues and video conferencing among government officials.
Options could be explored for consolidating or linking various existing online networks could be explored – e.g. create a central access hub with a unified membership…
Components of a green economy K-S platform
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To match ‘knowledge seekers’ with ‘knowledge providers’. This could include:
• A mechanism for exchange of practitioner expertise (e.g. the South-South Knowledge Exchange pilot); and
• A mechanism for exchange of technology (as per WIPO Green).
It could be supported by a database and brokering team to systematically match supply with demand and offer a variety of other services.
Components of a green economy K-S platform
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To support design of GE strategies and measures, including an interactive online Google map interface for accessing a database of GE resources and a sophisticated query function. GE resources compiled in the database could include:
• a structured menu of policy options;• “how to” toolkits and guiding principles;• analysis of case studies synthesising good
practice; and• a library of practitioner resources and reference
materials.
Components of a green economy K-S platform
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To build upon and forge linkages with existing focal points, initiatives and platforms and facilitate access to
expertise.
Hubs could be sector-based (or linked with SDGs) and use existing
international agencies or partners, and located in developed and
developing countries
CC
Components of a green economy K-S platform
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To fund knowledge sharing processes, support the platform and the design and implementation of GE strategies and policy measures.
Options include utilising existing fund facilities (e.g. GEF, GCF, WBTs) or establishing a new stand-alone facility.
Various options for the commitment of funds by donors could be coordinated via a single fund inline with an agreed work plan, such as general donations or more targeted donations for specific initiatives in different sectors, regions or countries.
Components of a green economy K-S platform
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Thank you!
http://www.uncsd2012.org/rio20/gedatabase.html