Working Group 3 Thematic Clustering VALUE ADDED of

Working Group 3 Thematic Clustering

VALUE ADDED of thematic ‘cluster’ approach Roles and Activities • • Information Sharing Networking Creating new partnerships (synergies) Gap Identification / sharing of members’ priorities • Identify focus areas and collectively advance the implementation towards concrete results for the benefit of the countries • Mobilise resources in support of focus areas

How will thematic cluster approach work Guiding Principles • Provide incentives for participation and contribution • Benefit and build on existing networks and their activities (International, regional and national levels, agencies, platforms…. ) • Avoid further layers of bureaucracy (avoid meetings for the sake of meetings) • Avoid rigid process and build in flexibility to accommodate developments and evolving priorities • Associating states with clusters (resources and conceptual support) • Inter-cluster coordination to further realize synergies • Voluntary participation • Work to enhance integration between the International, Regional, National, Local levels

Some Preliminary Suggestions: • Establish a network and facilitate ongoing dialogue among the Members (electronic) • Web-based information sharing (Member work plans, related activities, new partnerships and initiatives, gaps and areas of focus relevant to the cluster) • Meetings on the margins as relevant

Role clarification Convener • To ensure that all interested partners with relevant capacities are engaged in the clusters • To facilitate the report of the cluster to the global platform and the PAC • To facilitate inter-cluster coordination by participation in the MOB • Other specific roles of the Convener to be determined by the clusters themselves Cluster • Role Clarification for the Cluster: (See value add)

Role Clarification Secretariat • Designate a dedicated staff member in support of each cluster • Provide secretariat support to each cluster and the conveners • Resource support to the cluster • Promote the results in close collaboration with the clusters and give visibility to the work of the clusters

Outputs • Gaps and needs identified • Built upon priorities of action of Members to address target focus areas • Alignment of Member plans and activities to advance focus areas for maximizing benefits at national level • Resource mobilization for addressing gaps (focus areas) • Consolidated reporting of the contributions of members and progress made for each cluster

Next Steps • • • Upon the request of the Working Group, Secretariat will circulate the proposed table of cluster (workdoc 3. 0) for comments on memberships in different clusters, and refining the priorities of each cluster Working Group noted that resource implications of the process should be addressed The Process and roles should be further explained within and across clusters