FOREWORD This publication brings together for the first time under one cover in one volume all the major documents dealing with TCDC within the UN system. It includes resolutions and decisions of the UN General Assembly, ECOSOC, the High-Level Committee (HLC) on the Review of TCDC and the Executive Board of UNDP. It also contains a list of all of the decisions adopted by the HLC at its various sessions as well as a list of the various evaluations carried out over the years in respect of TCDC.
The Buenos Aires Plan of Action (BAPA), which was adopted at the Conference on TCDC held in Buenos Aires from 30 August to 12 September 1978 and which provides the basic conceptual and operational framework for the promotion and implementation of TCDC, is mentioned in this compilation of documents. However, in view of its length and importance, the BAPA resolutions are published as a separate document.
Decisions on TCDC over the years have been many and varied and deal with an issue on which there have been more intergovernmental decisions than perhaps any other area. In the past, it has often proved difficult to keep track of these various decisions. This document is intended, therefore, to serve as a ready reference to the rich variety of decisions that have been adopted on the subject of TCDC over the years.
I have great pleasure in commending this volume to development practitioners and to the serious student of TCDC.
DENIS BENN
Director
Special Unit for TCDC
7 May 1995
CHAPTER - I
Introduction to Buenos Aires Plan of Action (BAPA) and other major decisions This is a compilation of important documents on Technical Cooperation among Developing Countries (TCDC).
TCDC as a form of cooperation is not new, but it received added emphasis in the UN development system with the UN GA Resolutions on New Dimensions of Technical Cooperation; first, Resolution 3251(XXIX) on December 4, 1974, followed by the more definitive Resolution 3461(XXX) on December 11, 1975.
The United Nations Conference on TCDC held in Buenos Aires, Argentina, from August 30 through September 12, 1978 formally defined the TCDC concept and its operational principles. One hundred and thirty-eight states adopted by consensus a Plan of Action for Promoting and Implementing Technical Cooperation among Developing Countries and gave it the name of the city that had been host to the Conference.
The UN General Assembly in its thirty-third session on December 19, 1978, resolved to endorse the Plan and urged all Governments and elements of the UN system to implement its recommendations.
The Plan of Action (BAPA) may well be the most exhaustively and carefully debated document of its kind. Fully five years of detailed, progressively expanding analysis and discussion of the need for and potential of technical co-operation among developing countries - at national and regional levels, in expert groups and intergovernmental meetings, and at the headquarters of the United Nations Development Programme and the other agencies and organizations of the United Nations development system - went into the drafting of the Plan. At the Buenos Aires Conference itself, hundreds of government specialists in development from all over the world, including 45 Cabinet Ministers, 41 Deputy Ministers, and 81 heads of departments of development planning and cooperation, studied and debated every line of the draft with special determination, often working late into the night.
The resultant Plan is a detailed blueprint for major changes in approaches to development assistance and for a dramatically heightened emphasis on national and collective self-reliance among developing countries as foundations for an equitable economic system and greater integration of the world economy.
The Plan is a seminal document which needs reading again and again to identify, in the necessarily compressed language of each Objective and Recommendation, the concrete and urgent development problems which are sought to be overcome. Every national and international institution involved in any degree in development will wish to use it, continuously as a checklist of factors necessary to consider in programme and project design, resource selection, and evaluation. This Plan has been separately published as a self-contained document and is not reproduced in this compilation.
The compilation contained herein begins with the Resolution of the UN General Assembly A/Res/33/134 of December 19, 1978, by which BAPA was endorsed. As background reference GA Resolutions 3251 (XXIX) of December 4, 1974 and 3461 (XXX) of December 11, 1975 on New Dimensions of Technical Cooperation are also included.
The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in its forty-first session while reviewing TCDC noted that the modality was still marginally applied in the implementation of programmes and projects. It took a very important decision and called upon all parties in the development effort to give first consideration to the use of TCDC modality. ECOSOC Resolution 1992/41 of July 30, 1992 is reproduced in full.
BAPA, in Recommendation 37 decided to entrust to a high-level meeting of representatives of member states the responsibility of overall intergovernmental review of TCDC within the UN system. This review meeting was held in 1980 and 1981 and thereafter biennially. At the second meeting in 1981 it was named the High-level Committee (HLC) on the review of TCDC. The meeting reviews biennial performance and provides guidelines for future action. Some of the important decisions of the HLC are reproduced here.
On the tenth anniversary of BAPA, a full review of the Plan of Action and its implementation was undertaken by the HLC in its sixth meeting from 18 to 22 September 1989. Decision 6/1 of September 29, 1989 reaffirmed the validity of BAPA. UN General Assembly in its forty fourth session in 1989 endorsed the decisions of HLC in Resolution 44/222 of December 22, 1989. Additionally it adopted a separate Resolution on the tenth anniversary of BAPA, Resolution 44/223 of December 22, 1989. All these three documents have been reproduced in this compilation.
In its second meeting in 1981 the HLC, while considering the policies, rules and procedures of the UNDS, laid down the criteria to judge TCDC project proposals. HLC Decision 2/9 of June 7, 1981 also covered other issues of topical interest. These basic guidelines, to be used in assessing TCDC project proposals, still hold to the present day. This decision is fully reproduced in this compilation.
The first high-level meeting of representatives of all member states in elaborating Recommendation 3 of BAPA called for the establishment of national focal points for TCDC. The very first Decision 1/1 of June 2, 1980 was devoted to the subject of focal points. The fifth meeting of the HLC decision 5/6 of May 27, 1987 related to TCDC focal points in the UN development system. Both these decisions find a place in this compilation.
Intergovernmental TCDC programming exercises began in 1983 when China opened up training opportunities in some of its major institutions to other developing countries with a further offer to provide expert services to countries with matching needs. The subsequent Beijing TCDC Programming Exercise in November 1983, attended by eight other developing countries, resulted in bilateral agreements for 37 activities between the countries in some of which China was not a party. This gathering adopted the idea of designing activities such as training, exchange of know-how, experts and even small equipment by matching capacities with needs and thus building bridges of cooperation between developing countries. The HLC provided guidelines on this exercise in its fifth meeting in May 1987, in its sixth meeting in September 1989 and again in the seventh meeting in 1991. All the three decisions - Decision 5/8 of May 27, 1987, Decision 6/5 of September 29, 1989, and Decision 7/2 of June 6, 1991, are reproduced in this compilation.
On the occasion of the tenth anniversary, the HLC made a number of important recommendations for the strengthening of TCDC. HLC Decision 6/4 of September 29, 1989 focused on prioritisation of sectors and areas for application of TCDC; compilation, dissemination and exchange of information on needs and capacities, specially training opportunities; the work of national TCDC focal points; and the desirability of greater use of national experts, consultants and experiences. This decision is reproduced here.
UNDP prepared a strategy for TCDC in the 1990s and presented it to the HLC in its eighth meeting from May 25 to May 28, 1993. The HLC reviewed the overall framework and in Decision 8/2 dated June 4, 1993, welcomed the strategy and gave further guidance on it. UNGA in its forty-eighth session, while endorsing the HLC decisions, specifically requested implementation of the strategy in Resolution 48/172 dated December 21, 1993. The strategy document, the HLC Decision 8/2 and the UNGA Resolution 48/172 are included in this compilation.
The High-level Committee on the Review of TCDC had its first meeting in 1980 and thereafter it met on seven subsequent occasions, including the last meeting in May-June, 1993. A list of all the decisions taken by the HLC in its eight meetings is reproduced for ready reference.
A number of important studies and evaluations of TCDC in its various aspects have been made since the adoption of BAPA. A list of these reports is also compiled for useful reference.
CHAPTER - II
UN General assembly resolution endorsing Buenos Aires Plan of Action (BAPA)
Resolution 33/144 dated December 19, 1978
The General Assembly, Recalling its resolutions 3201(S-VI) AND 3202 (S-VI) of 1 May 1974 containing the Declaration and Programme of Action on the Establishment of a New International Economic Order, 3281(XXIX) of 12 December 1974 containing the Charter of Economic Rights and Duties of States and 3362(S-VII) of 16 September 1975 on development and international economic co-operation,
Recalling further its resolution 31/179 of 21 December 1976 and 32/183 of 19 December 1977 on the United Nations Conference on Technical Co-operation among Developing Countries as well as resolution 32/182 of 19 December 1977 on technical co-operation among developing countries,
Taking note of the Economic Declaration and the Action Programme for Economic Co-operation adopted by the Fifth Conference of Heads of State or Government of Non-Aligned Countries1 held at Colombo from 16 to 19 August 1976, and of the Declaration and the Action Programme for Economic Co-operation adopted by the Conference of Ministers for Foreign Affairs of Non-Aligned Countries, held at Belgrade from 25 to 30 July 19782,
Taking note also of resolution CMRes/560(XXIX) adopted by the Council of Ministers of the Organization of African Unity at its twenty-ninth ordinary session, held at Libreville from 23 June to 3 July 19773 and endorsed by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the Organization of African Unity at its fourteenth ordinary session, held at Libreville from 2 to 5 July 1977, and of resolution CM/659(XXXI) adopted by the Council of Ministers of the Organization of African Unity at its thirty-first ordinary session, held at Khartoum from 7 to 18 July 19784, Bearing in mind the recommendations made at the Conference on Economic Co-operation among Developing Countries, held at Mexico City from 13 to 22 September 19765 and the decisions of the First Conference of Heads of State and Government of the Organization of African Unity and the League of Arab States, held at Cairo from 7 to 9 March 19766,
Bearing in mind also the Kuwait Declaration on Technical Co-operation among Developing Countries of 5 June 19771, Recognizing the role of technical co-operation among developing countries for initiating, designing, organizing and promoting co-operation so that developing countries can create, acquire, adapt, transfer and pool knowledge and experience for their mutual benefit and for achieving national and collective self-reliance,
Declaring that the United Nations Conference on Technical Co-operation Among Developing Countries, held at Buenos Aires from 30 August to 12 September 1978, is a major step in the strengthening of co-operation among developing countries and that the implementation of its decisions would constitute a major contribution in the evolution of international co-operation for development and in the establishment of the new international economic order,
Considering that the agreements reached at the Conference call for urgent action,
Expresses its appreciation and thanks to the Government and the people of Argentina for the excellent facilities and generous hospitality provided for the United Nations Conference on Technical Co-operation among Developing Countries;
Commends the Secretary-General of the Conference on the successful preparation and organization of the Conference2;
Takes note with satisfaction of the report of Conference;
Endorses the Buenos Aires Plan of Action for Promoting and Implementing Technical Co-operation among Developing Countries3 as an important instrument of the international community to intensify and strengthen co-operation among developing countries, thus making international co-operation for development more effective;
Endorses the resolutions adopted by the Conference on assistance to Namibia, national research and training centres of multinational scope, and technical co-operation among developing countries in the spheres of employment and human resources4;
Urges all Governments to take intensified and sustained action for the implementation of the Buenos Aires Plan of Action for Promoting and Implementing Technical Co-operation among Developing Countries and the resolutions adopted by the Conference;
Requests the organs, organizations and bodies of the United Nations development system, including the regional commissions, to take expeditious action, within their respective fields of competence, for the implementation of the Buenos Aires Plan of Action for Promoting and Implementing Technical Co-operation among Developing Countries and the resolutions adopted by the Conference;
Calls upon other subregional, regional and interregional intergovernmental organizations to take all necessary measures, as appropriate, for the implementation of the Buenos Aires Plan of Action for Promoting and Implementing Technical Co-operation among Developing Countries and the resolutions adopted by the Conference;
Requests the Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme to give the necessary orientation to the activities, programmes and projects of the United Nations Development Programme in order to support the objectives of technical co-operation among developing countries, including the strengthening of the Special Unit for Technical Co-operation among Developing Countries so as to assist the Administrator in carrying out the functions described in recommendation 34 of the Buenos Aires Plan of Action for Promoting and Implementing Technical Co-operation Among Developing Countries1;
Commends the organs, organizations and bodies of the United Nations development system, including the regional commissions, for their effective contribution to the Conference and to its preparation, through the Interagency Task Force, and recommends the continuation of consultation and co-ordination on technical co-operation among developing countries by appropriate means;
Decides to entrust the over-all intergovernmental review of technical co-operation among developing countries within the United Nations system to a high-level meeting of representatives of all States participating in the United Nations Development Programme, to be convened by the Administrator of the Programme in accordance with the provisions of the Buenos Aires Plan of Action for Promoting and Implementing Technical Co-operation among Developing Countries, requests him to report to the General Assembly at its thirty-fourth session on the organizational and substantive arrangements for the first meeting, to be held in 1980, and also decides that Arabic will be an official language at these meetings.
CHAPTER - III
NGA Resolutions on new dimensions of Technical Co-operation
Resolution 3251(XXIX) dated December 4, 1974 Resolution 3251(XXIX), as recommended by Second Committee, A/9860, adopted without vote by Assembly on 4 December 1974, meeting 2306.
The General Assembly,
Recalling its resolutions 2974(XXVII) of 14 December 1972 and 3177(XXVIII) of 17 December 1973 on co-operation among developing countries,
Recalling further its resolution 3172(XXVIII) of 17 December 1973 on the convening of a special session of the General Assembly devoted to development and international economic co-operation,
Conscious of the role that the United Nations Development Programme should play in the establishment of a new international economic order, in accordance with the pertinent national economic order, in accordance with the pertinent provisions of the Declaration and the Programme of Action on the Establishment of a New International Economic Order adopted by the General Assembly at its sixth special session, and of the contribution which technical co-operation among developing countries could make to the establishment of such a new economic order,
Aware of the need to give international development co-operation a truly universal character and to enhance the over-all efficiency and extend the dimension of the activities of the United Nations development system by making a systematic and comprehensive effort to pool and utilize the capacities, experiences and resources of the developing countries,
Convinced of the need to make the fullest use of the capacity and experience of all Member States, independent of their degree of development, in united action designed to accelerate the integral development of the developing countries, especially the relatively less developed among them,
Convinced further of the importance of ensuring the optimum impact of the multiplier effect of the assistance provided to developing countries, in particular the assistance provided by the United Nations Development Programme,
Endorses the final report of the Working Group on Technical Co-operation among Developing Countries taking into account the decision of the Governing Council of the United Nations Development Programme at its eighteenth session, and, accordingly, requests the Administrator of the Programme to take all appropriate measures for its implementation;
Endorses the establishment of a special unit within the United Nations Development Programme to promote technical co-operation among developing countries -- principally through the implementation of the recommendations of the Working Group -- which should have the functions set forth in the appendix of the report of the Working Group, and with the objective of integrating this activity of technical co-operation among developing countries fully within the Programme;
Invites the participating and executing agencies of the United Nations development system to carry out the measures contained in the recommendations addressed to them in the report of the Working Group and to give their full support to Member States and to the United Nations Development Programme for the implementation, as appropriate, of those recommendations of the Working Group;
Requests the Governing Council of the United nations Development Programme to consider at its twentieth session the scope of, and the financial and other necessary measures to convene at an early date, an intergovernmental symposium on technical co-operation among developing countries sponsored by the United Nations Development Programme, under the aegis of the United Nations, to be preceded by regional intergovernmental meetings, and to report on the action taken to the General Assembly at its thirtieth session through the Economic and Social Council at its fifty-ninth session;
Requests the regional commissions to study and give priority attention to measures designed to implement the recommendations addressed to them in the report of the Working Group;
Requests the Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme to report, through the Governing Council of the Programme and the Economic and Social Council, to the General Assembly at its thirtieth session on the action taken regarding paragraphs 1 and 4 above and on the progress made with regard to the functioning of the special unit mentioned in paragraph 2 above;
Requests the participating and executing agencies of the United Nations development system and the regional commissions to report on the action taken, pursuant to the request contained in the present resolution, to the General Assembly at its thirtieth session through the Governing Council of the United Nations Development Programme and the Economic and Social Council, and to report periodically thereafter through the Governing Council at its January session -- commencing in 1976 -- and the Economic and Social Council;
Requests the Secretary-General, together with the Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme, to bring to the attention of Member States the report of the Working Group and to give wide publicity to the report through the Office of Public Information and the Centre for Economic and Social Information of the Secretariat, and to report on the action taken to the General Assembly at its thirtieth session through the Governing Council of the United Nations Development Programme at its twentieth session and the Economic and Social Council;
Requests the Secretary-General to prepare a progress report on the measures taken by the United Nations Development Programme, the executing and participating agencies and the regional commissions, pursuant to the request contained in the present resolution, and to submit it to the Preparatory Committee of the special session of the General Assembly devoted to development and international economic co-operation, to be held in 1975, for its consideration;
Decides to consider the question of technical co-operation among developing countries at its special session devoted to development and international economic co-operation and to include an item entitled "Technical co-operation among developing countries" in the provisional agenda of its thirtieth session.
B. Resolution 3461(XXX) dated December 11, 1975 Resolution 3461(XXX), as recommended by Second Committee, A/10468, adopted without vote by Assembly on 11 December 1975, meeting 2436.
The General Assembly,
Bearing in mind its resolutions 3201(S-VI and 3202(S-VI) of 1 May 1974, containing the Declaration and the Programme of Action on the Establishment of a New International Economic Order, and resolution 3362(S-VII) of 16 September 1975 on development and international economic co-operation,
Reaffirming its resolution 3251(XXIX) of 4 December 1974 on technical co-operation among developing countries,
Recalling the consensus of 1970 adopted by the Governing Council of the United Nations Development Programme at its tenth session and the decision taken by the Governing Council at its twentieth session concerning new dimensions in technical co-operation,
Recalling further Economic and Social Council resolution 1963(LIX) of 30 July 1975,
Noting with satisfaction the decisions taken at the eighteenth and twentieth sessions of the Governing Council of the United Nations Development Programme concerning technical co-operation among developing countries,
Recognizing that technical co-operation among developing countries should be seen as an integral part of over-all co-operation for development as highlighted by the Working Group on Technical Co-operation among Developing Countries in its final report,
Conscious that technical co-operation among developing countries constitutes one of the most effective channels for promoting economic co-operation among developing countries, to enable them to achieve collective self-reliance,
Noting with satisfaction the statement made on behalf of the Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme at the 1666th meeting of the Second Committee in the introduction of the item,
Requests the Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme, in view of the importance of technical co-operation activities among developing countries, to integrate those activities through the work of the Special Unit for Technical Co-operation among Developing Countries into the regular framework of the Programme, including the activities and projects carried out by the organizations of the United Nations development system financed by the Programme, and to give them due priority;
Emphasizes the need for the speedy implementation of the recommendations contained in the final report of the Working Group on Technical Co-operation among Developing Countries by all Governments, by the United Nations Development Programme and by the participating and executing agencies as the prerequisite for the review of those recommendations envisaged by the Governing Council of the Programme in the light of the experience gained in the process of implementing the final report of the Working Group;
Requests the Secretary-General, together with the Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme, to prepare a study on the existing rules, regulations, procedures and practices followed by the United Nations development system in recruiting experts, sub-contracting, procuring equipment and providing fellowships, which would include the consequences for the Programme of giving preferential treatment to the developing countries in the above-mentioned areas, in order to promote self-reliance in the developing countries through the support of technical co-operation among developing countries, in a manner consistent with the maximum effectiveness of the Programme, and to submit that study, together with concrete suggestions and recommendations for their improvement, to the Governing Council of the Programme at its twenty-third session;
Requests the Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme, for the purpose of achieving a practical application of technical co-operation among developing countries, to give special consideration to the recruitment of experts, consultants and subcontractors from developing countries and to purchase suitable and competitive equipment and material that can be supplied by developing countries;
Requests the United Nations Development Programme and the participating and executing agencies to intensify their efforts to achieve full utilization of national institutions in developing countries and the building up of new capacities in those countries, in the promotion of technical co-operation among developing countries;
Requests the Secretary-General to provide the necessary funds under the regular budget of the United Nations to cover the cost of providing conference servicing facilities for the four intergovernmental regional meetings and for the conference on technical co-operation among developing countries to be organized and conducted by the United Nations Development Programme;
Invites the Governments of the developing countries of each region, in view of the preparatory nature of the intergovernmental regional meetings along the lines suggested by the Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme at the twentieth session of the Governing Council of the Programme and to include the consideration of items on arrangements for inter-regional co-operation and on the interrelationship between technical and economic co-operation among developing countries and financial arrangements for the promotion of technical co-operation among developing countries, envisaged in the final report of the Working Group; Governments of other Member States may also participate in these meetings in order to prepare themselves for the conference;
Invites the intergovernmental regional meetings to include in their reports conclusions and recommendations for consideration at the conference;
takes note with appreciation of the offer made by the Government of Argentina to act as host of the conference in 1977 and requests the Governing Council of the United Nations Development Programme to submit recommendations on the organization of the conference, through the Economic and Social Council, to the General Assembly at its thirty-first session;
Stresses the need for closer co-ordination of the activities pertaining to technical co-operation among developing countries; to this end, Governments, the specialized agencies, the regional commissions and other organizations of the United Nations system should cooperate fully with the United Nations Development Programme in the promotion of such activities;
Requests the Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme to ensure that the Special Unit for Technical Co-operation among Developing Countries in the Programme establishes close collaboration with schemes of co-operation among developing countries that are taking place outside the United Nations system;
Decides, in conformity with paragraph 10 of its resolution 3251(XXIX), to include the item entitled "Technical co-operation among developing countries" in the provisional agenda of the regular sessions of the General Assembly.
CHAPTER - IV
ECOSOC Resolution on TCDC Resolution 1992/41 dated July 30, 1992 Technical cooperation among developing countries
The Economic and Social Council,
Reaffirming the continued validity and importance of all the recommendations of the Buenos Aires Plan of Action90/ in promoting technical cooperation among developing countries,
Reaffirming further the recommendations that the entire United Nations development system must be permeated by the spirit of technical cooperation among developing countries and that all relevant organizations of the United Nations system should play a prominent role as promoters and catalysts of technical cooperation among developing countries91/,
Recalling General Assembly resolutions 45/191 of 21 December 1990 and 46/143 of 17 December 1991 on developing human resources for development,
Recognizing that increased cooperation is taking place among developing countries and their institutions through the sharing of expertise, experience and facilities,
Recognizing also that technical cooperation among developing countries is an effective tool for implementing development programmes and projects through the use of relevant experience and expertise and could also facilitate trade among developing countries,
Reiterating that developing countries have a primary responsibility for promoting technical cooperation among themselves, and that developed countries and the United Nations system should assist and support such activities and should play a prominent role as promoters and catalysts of technical cooperation among developing countries, in accordance with the Buenos Aires Plan of Action,
Taking note with appreciation of the recent measures taken by organizations of the United Nations system to identify technical cooperation among developing countries as a priority theme, provide increased support to promotional activities and arrange for monitoring technical cooperation among developing countries through the mechanisms established for project appraisal and approval,
90/ Report of the United Nations Conference on Technical Cooperation among Developing Countries, Buenos Aires, 30 August-12 September 1978 (United Nations publication, Sales No. E.78.II.A.11 and corrigendum), chap. I.
91/ Ibid., part one, chap. I, para. 45.
Concerned, however, that technical cooperation among developing countries since the adoption of the Buenos Aires Plan of Action has not been widespread and is still marginally applied in the implementation of programmes and projects,
Calls upon all parties in the development effort to make concerted, planned and vigorous endeavours to benefit from utilization of the capacities of developing countries, by giving their full support and first consideration to the use of the modality of technical cooperation among developing countries;
Urges all parties to enhance the scope and application of the modality in work carried out at all stages of the project cycle;
Requests all parties to increase support activities aimed at enhancing awareness in government institutions, the private sector and non-governmental organizations of the modality of technical cooperation among developing countries;
Calls for increased use, where appropriate, by developed country partners of consultants from developing countries so as, inter alia, to improve the cost-effectiveness of projects and programmes;
Urges the United Nations Development Programme and other organizations of the United Nations development system to consider improvements to the working and scope of the Information Referral System (INRES), to improve and expand data and information on existing technical capabilities in developing countries through INRES and to enhance access to such information;
Also urges the United Nations Development Programme and other organizations of the United Nations development system to intensify, within existing resources, their efforts to build national capacity for human resources development in developing countries;
Invites all countries and organizations of the United Nations development system to review further their policies and practices to facilitate the use of technical cooperation among developing countries in the design, formulation, implementation and evaluation of programmes and projects supported by them;
Urges developing countries to encourage greater use of technical cooperation among developing countries in the implementation of national development activities and projects, including procurement practices;
Invites developing countries to strengthen their national focal points for technical cooperation among developing countries to enable them to promote more effectively and monitor progress in technical cooperation among developing countries;
Requests the Secretary-General to report to the Economic and Social Council at its substantive session of 1994 on this assessment of the implementation of the present resolution.
CHAPTER - V
HLC Decision on tenth anniversary of TCDC Decision 6/1 dated September 29, 1989
6.1. Tenth Anniversary of the Buenos Aires Plan of Action
The High-Level Committee
Decides to recommend to the General Assembly the adoption of the following resolution:
The General Assembly
Considering the importance of the tenth anniversary of the adoption of the Buenos Aires Plan of Action for Promoting and Implementing Technical Co-operation among Developing Countries, a/
Concerned that the economic situation of developing countries, which has been aggravated over the past decade, has had an impact generally on international co-operation for development and on the implementation of the Buenos Aires Plan of Action,
Recognizing, however, that developing countries have achieved significant progress in implementing the recommendations contained in the Buenos Aires Plan of Action, and that technical co-operation among developing countries has gradually become a means through which they contribute to development,
Reaffirms the continued validity and importance of the Buenos Aires Plan of Action for Promoting and Implementing Technical Co-operation among Developing Countries;
Emphasizes the imperative need to strengthen the implementation of activities and projects for technical co-operation among developing countries through the increased allocation and utilization of financial resources, as appropriate, for the promotion and implementation of projects for technical co-operation among developing countries;
Requests the various parties participating in the promotion and implementation of technical co-operation among developing countries, particularly within the United Nations system, including the United Nations Development Programme, the specialized agencies and the regional commissions, to give the necessary priority for the support, encouragement and implementation of specific activities and projects, so that such co-operation will become a basic component of their policies for development;
a/ Report of the United Nations Conference on Technical Co-operation among Developing Countries, Buenos Aires, 30 August-12 September 1978 (United Nations publication, Sales No. E.78.II.A.11 and corrigendum), chap. I.
Urges the international community, including governmental and non-governmental organizations, to be favourably disposed to the requests for technical and financial support presented to them, in order to implement the specific activities and projects of technical co-operation among developing countries;
Reiterates the need for developed countries and their international co-operation agencies to lend their firm support to technical co-operation among developing countries, in accordance with recommendations 35 and 36 of the Buenos Aires Plan of Action and in the context of recommendation 38 thereof. b/
CHAPTER - VI UNGA Resolutions on Tenth Anniversary of TCDC
Resolution 44/222 dated December 22, 1989 44/222. Economic and technical co-operation among developing countries
The General Assembly,
Recalling its resolutions 33/134 of 19 December 1978, in which it endorsed the Buenos Aires Plan of Action for Promoting and Implementing Technical Co-operation among Developing Countries, and 42/180 of 11 December 1987, as well as other relevant resolutions of the General Assembly,
Emphasizing the important role that technical co-operation among developing countries plays in the growth and development of those countries,
Reaffirming that developing countries have the primary responsibility for promoting technical co-operation among themselves, that developed countries and the United Nations system should assist and support such activities, and that, in addition, the United Nations system should play a prominent role as promoter and catalyst of technical co-operation among developing countries, in accordance with the Buenos Aires Plan of Action,
Reaffirms the continued validity of all the recommendations of the Buenos Aires Plan of Action for Promoting and Implementing Technical Co-operation among Developing Countries and the importance of technical co-operation among developing countries;
Reaffirms also the continued importance of the High-Level Committee on the Review of Technical Co-operation among Developing Countries as the principal forum in which representatives of all the Member States of the United Nations and other relevant bodies of the United Nations system review and promote technical co-operation among developing countries;
Endorses the decisions adopted by the High-Level Committee at its sixth session, taking into account the intergovernmental arrangements envisaged in recommendation 37 of the Buenos Aires Plan of Action;
Urges all Member States, the United Nations Development Programme and other relevant organs, organizations and bodies of the United Nations system to give high priority in their particular fields of activity to the support and promotion of activities in technical co-operation among developing countries;
Requests the Secretary-General to report to the General Assembly at its forty-sixth session on the implementation of the present resolution.
85th plenary meeting
22 December 1989
Resolution 44/223 dated December 22, 1989 44/223. Tenth Anniversary of the adoption of the Buenos Aires Plan of Action for Promoting and Implementing Technical Co-operation among Developing Countries
The General Assembly,
Considering the importance of the tenth anniversary of the adoption of the Buenos Aires Plan of Action for Promoting and Implementing Technical Co-operation among Developing Countries,
Concerned that the economic situation of developing countries, which has been aggravated over the past decade, has had an impact generally on international co-operation for development and on the implementation of the Buenos Aires Plan of Action.
Recognizing, however, that developing countries have achieved significant progress in implementing the recommendations contained in the Buenos Aires Plan of Action, and that technical co-operation among developing countries has gradually become a means through which they contribute to development,
Reaffirms the continued validity and importance of the Buenos Aires Plan of Action for Promoting and Implementing Technical Co-operation among Developing Countries;
Emphasizes the imperative need to strengthen the implementation of activities and projects for technical co-operation among developing countries through the increased allocation and utilization of financial resources, as appropriate, for the promotion and implementation of projects for technical co-operation among developing countries;
Requests the various parties participating in the promotion and implementation of technical co-operation among developing countries, particularly within the United Nations system, including the United Nations Development Programme, the specialized agencies and the regional commissions, to give the necessary priority to the support, encouragement and implementation of specific activities and projects, so that such co-operation will become a basic component of their policies for development;
Urges the international community, including governmental and non-governmental organizations, to be favourably disposed to the requests for technical and financial support presented to them for the implementation of specific activities and projects of technical co-operation among developing countries;
Reiterates the need for developed countries and their international co-operation agencies to lend their firm support to technical co-operation among developing countries, in accordance with recommendations 35 and 36 of the Buenos Aires Plan of Action and in the context of recommendation 38 thereof.
CHAPTER - VII
LC Decision on criteria for TCDC Projects Decision 2/9 dated June 7, 1981
2/9. Technical co-operation among developing countries and the policies, rules and procedures of the United Nations Development Programme>P> The High Level Committee
Recalling recommendations 33, 34 and 38 of the Buenos Aires Plan of Action for Promoting and Implementing technical Co-operation among Developing Countries,
Recalling also Committee decision 1/7,
Recalling further decision 80/46 of the Governing Council of the United Nations Development Programme,
Bearing in mind the views expressed by delegations at the first and second sessions of the High Level Committee,
Takes note of the report on technical co-operation among developing countries and the policies, rules and procedures of the United Nations Development Programme n/and of the report on the status on the use of the Programme Reserve for financing the promotion of technical co-operation and the recommendation for an additional allocation during the third cycle; o/
Recommends that the Governing Council of the United Nations Development Programme
Ensure that for the period of the third programming cycle earmarking from country IPFs for technical co-operation activities for the benefit of other countries does not exceed 10 per cent of the country's IPF or $7.5 million, whichever is smaller;
Lift the present blanket restriction on the reimbursement of local currency costs;
Ensure that the following basic guidelines of technical co-operation among developing countries be used in assessing technical co-operation project proposals:
n/ TCDC/2/17.
o/ TCDC/2/L.4
Technical co-operation activities or projects involve the deliberate and voluntary sharing or exchange of technical resources, skills and capabilities between two or more developing countries for their individual or mutual development;
Technical co-operation among developing countries is initiated, organized and managed primarily by developing countries themselves. In such a process Governments of developing countries would normally take the lead or responsibility. Technical co-operation among developing countries could also involve the participation of national public institutions, and within the framework of the policies laid down by Governments of developing countries, private organizations and individuals;
The financing and project inputs, such as expertise, consultancy services, research and training facilities, equipment and supplies in technical co- operation activities, should be the primary responsibility of developing countries themselves and the country IPF should be considered as a catalyst and a supplementary contribution. At its third session, in 1983, the High-level Committee will, on the basis of financial data for the years 1980-1982 submitted by the Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme, consider guidelines for the share of earmarked IPF funds of total contributions for technical co-operation;
Technical co-operation among developing countries can include all sectors and all kinds of technical co-operation activities of developing countries. It can be bilateral or multilateral in scope, subregional, regional or interregional in character. It should try, whenever possible, innovative approaches, methods and techniques particularly adapted to local needs as well as existing modalities of technical co-operation to the extent that they are considered use
Allow that projects conforming to the basic guidelines enumerated in the previous paragraphs may be financed from country IPFs subject to the existing rules and procedures established for the United Nations Development Programme as a whole, with regard to project assessment, approval, implementation and evaluation. Within this framework, expenditure for provision of inputs necessary in the execution of projects should be allowed in the same manner and with the same flexibility as for the rest of the Development Programme;
Allow that advances, current payments and reimbursements from the IPF resources be made by the Programme in the currencies of expenditure on the inputs concerned, and shall be drawn as far as possible from the Programme's holding of such or any other suitable currencies;
Apply the following rules with regard to the reimbursement of certain local costs, associated with services and materials, which the Governments or national public or private institutions of the "IPF country" should primarily bear in accordance with subparagraph 2 (c) (iii) above;
Any part of the salary and allowances of professional staff and any part of the cost of contractual services payable in the home country of the staff or contractor would be reimbursable in the "IPF country" currency only;
The local currency cost of equipment and materials purchased would be reimbursable in the "IPF country" currency only;
Apply regular Development Programme procedures related to approval of its assisted projects, compensation, hiring of national experts, procurement of equipment and services, subcontracting and related matters;
Incorporate the above principles and criteria into the standing guidelines and instructions of the United Nations Development Programme Policies and Procedures Manual;
Recommends that the Governing Council request the Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme for the purpose of monitoring the guidelines of technical co-operation set out in subparagraph 2 (c), to notify the Committee at its third session on:
The relevant financial costs of projects funded from the country IPFs and the national resources of participating Governments;
The amounts of IPF resources, if any, expended by the Development Programme in implementing the provision of subparagraphs 2 (e) and (f) above;
The breakdown of expertise, equipment and supplies, consultancy services, and training present in these projects;
Recommends that the Governing Council of the United Nations Development Programme should consider favourably the proposal of the Administrator to use $1 million for the period of 1982-1983 for promotional activities of technical co-operation among developing countries, o/ and that a report containing an assessment on the use of the funds should be submitted by the Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme to the High-level Committee at its next session;
Requests the Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme to provide member countries, on request, lists of available experts in developing countries for technical co-operation projects.
1/1. Report on the progress made in implementing the tasks entrusted to the United Nations development system by the Buenos Aires Plan of Action for Promoting and Implementing technical Co-operation among Developing Countries
The High-level Meeting,
Recalling recommendation 34 of the Buenos Aires Plan of Action for Promoting and Implementing Technical Co-operation among Developing Countries a/ entrusting the Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme with responsibility to prepare, in collaboration with other organizations of the United Nations development system, a progress report on the implementation of the Plan of Action and to make suggestions to expedite progress through new actions and initiatives,
Expressing its appreciation for the efforts undertaken by the United Nations development system and summarized in the progress report to implement the tasks entrusted to it by the Buenos Aires Plan of Action for promoting and supporting technical co-operation among developing countries,
Recognizing that certain actions in response to recommendations of the Buenos Aires Plan of Action require particular attention and effort on the part of Governments of developing countries, Governments of developed countries and organizations of the United Nations development system, to ensure that successful implementation of technical co-operation among developing countries on a wide scale,
Urges the organizations of the United Nations development system to give sufficient attention, using the country's own language as much as possible in the formulation and development of programmes designed to orient and train their staffs and those in developing countries concerned with national focal points and with technical co-operation, in the programming and implementation of activities of technical co-operation among developing countries;
Invites all Governments of developing countries which have not yet done so to establish national focal points or other appropriate mechanisms for technical co-operation among developing countries in keeping with recommendation 3 of the Plan of Action for Promoting and Implementing Technical Co-operation among Developing Countries, a/ to promote technical co-operation among developing countries and to facilitate the co-ordination of technical co-operation among developing countries at the national level; to undertake long-term information and education programmes, including national workshops with the support of the United Nations development system, if necessary, for the purpose of breaking down attitudinal barriers to technical co-operation among developing countries as urged in recommendation 13 of the Buenos Aires Plan of Action, and in general to actively plan and implement projects of technical co-operation with other developing countries, with the support of the United Nations development system if necessary;
Invites Governments of developing countries and, at their request, with the support of the organizations of the United Nations development system and other international specialized organizations and the Governments of developed countries to give special attention in keeping with recommendation 27 of the Plan of Action, to the potential of technical co-operation among developing countries in controlling the "brain drain" from developing countries and planning and encouraging patterns of voluntary migration among developing countries which are beneficial to their mutual human resources and over-all development requirements;
Invites Governments of developing countries to disseminate information on their special experiences in technical co-operation among developing countries and their needs and capacities, making optimum use of technical information systems at the national, regional and global levels; and to make available, with priority, to the Special Unit on Technical Co-operation among Developing Countries of the United Nations Development Programme and other concerned United Nations bodies, noteworthy case studies, wherever they are considered appropriate, of bilateral and multilateral innovations in technical co-operation among developing countries, actions and modalities for appropriate dissemination and for incorporation in the progress report to be prepared for the next High-level Meeting;
Invites the Governments of developing countries and the organizations of the United Nations development system to give sufficient attention to the important role that can be played by voluntary agencies and the private sector in supporting government actions of technical co-operation among developing countries, as envisaged in recommendations 11 and 12 of the Plan of Action relating to professional and technical organizations;
Invites the Governments of developed countries to make available, on a voluntary basis, to the Special Unit on Technical Co-operation among Developing Countries of the United Nations Development Programme information relating to their progress in implementing the relevant recommendations of the Buenos Aires Plan of Action for dissemination and incorporation in the progress report to be prepared for the next High-level Meeting.
10th plenary meeting
2 June 1980
a/ Report of the United Nations Conference on Technical Co-operation among Developing Countries, Buenos Aires, 30 August-12 September 1978 (United Nations publication, Sales No. E.78.II.A.11 and Corrigendum), chap. I.
Decision 5/6 dated May 27, 1987
5/6. National focal points and report of the meeting of TCDC focal points of organizations of the United Nations development system held in New York
The High-level Committee,
Having considered the report of the meeting of TCDC focal points of organizations of the United Nations development system, j/ held in New York on 4 and 5 March 1986,
Noting with appreciation the initiative taken by the United Nations Development Programme to convene the meeting with a view to strengthening technical co-operation among developing countries within the United Nations system,
Urges the organizations of the United Nations development system to adopt and implement the recommendations made at the meeting for strengthening technical co-operation among developing countries within the organizations of the United Nations development system and with respect to the procurement of goods and services from developing countries by organizations of the system; k/
Requests the Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme to convene meetings of focal points for technical co-operation among developing countries of organizations of the United Nations development system every two years, preferably immediately prior to each session of the High-level Committee, to discuss ways and means of further strengthening technical co-operation among developing countries;
Further requests the Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme to report to the High-level Committee at its sixth session on the implementation of the present decision;
Invites the United Nations Development Programme, the organs and bodies of the United Nations development system and the developed countries to assist the developing countries to strengthen their focal points for technical co-operation among developing countries in order to enable them to participate effectively in activities for technical co-operation among developing countries.
CHAPTER - IX
HLC Decision on TCDC Programming Exercise
Decision 5/8 dated May 27, 1987 5/8. Strengthening and improving intergovernmental programming exercise for technical co-operation among developing countries
The High-level Committee,
Recalling the Buenos Aires Plan of Action for Promoting and Implementing Technical Co-operation among Developing Countries d/ and the relevant resolutions of the United Nations,
Reaffirming the important role of technical co-operation among developing countries in economic development as well as in the reinforcement of individual and collective self-reliance of developing countries,
Taking note with satisfaction of the results of the intergovernmental programming exercises for technical co-operation among developing countries in recent years,
Bearing in mind that these exercises should be guided by the principle of equality and mutual benefit between and among participating developing countries, ensuring the achievements of practical results and the use of resources of technical co-operation among developing countries mainly for the implementation of concrete projects,
Considering that the involvement of developed countries in supporting and financing projects resulting from the intergovernmental programming exercises for technical co-operation among developing countries would be an important element of North-South co-operation,
Considering further that the support and involvement of international financing institutions would further enhance the promotion and implementation of activities for technical co-operation among developing countries,
Recalling in this regard recommendations 35 and 36 of the Buenos Aires Plan of action, in which, inter alia, Governments of developed countries were invited to give full support to technical co-operation among developing countries,
Recalling also recommendation 32 of the Buenos Aires Plan of Action, in which the United Nations Development Programme was given the responsibility for catalyzing and promoting technical co-operation among developing countries throughout the United Nations system,
Considering the need for further strengthening and improving intergovernmental programming exercises for technical co-operation among developing countries to meet the growing requirements of developing countries in their economic development,
Recognizes that intergovernmental programming exercises for technical co-operation among developing countries between and among participating countries could constitute a useful modality for promoting technical co-operation among developing countries and that such exercises require, for further strengthening and improvement, an adequate evaluation of the concrete execution of the agreed projects and activities;
Recognizes further that these exercises should continue to be closely linked with priorities and planning for national development objectives;
Invites developing countries to support and participate in the intergovernmental programming exercises for technical co-operation among developing countries and to take appropriate follow-up actions in accordance with their own capacities and requirements;
Requests that regional, interregional and global programming exercise, sectoral and/or comprehensive, for technical co-operation among developing countries continue to be held in accordance with the expressed needs of the developing countries and that an adequate evaluation of these exercises be made;
Emphasizes the importance of the catalytic and promotional role of the United Nations Development Programme in these exercises and its role in the execution of projects thereof;
Recommends that the implementation of projects resulting from these exercises be incorporated, whenever possible or appropriate, into the programmes, including country, regional, interregional and global programmes, of the United Nations Development Programme;
Invites other United Nations bodies to participate, whenever appropriate, in these programming exercises for technical co-operation among developing countries and to provide financial support for the execution of projects resulting therefrom;
Invites developed countries to provide support and financing for projects and activities resulting from these exercises;
Encourages and calls upon the international and regional financing institutions to join the efforts of the organs and organizations within the United Nations system to assist developing countries in their activities for technical co-operation among developing countries;
Invites participating countries to share information and experience related to these exercises;
Requests the Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme to submit to the High-level Committee at its sixth session an analytical report containing an evaluation of these exercises and the state of the implementation of projects resulting therefrom.
7th plenary meeting
27 May 1987
Decision 6/5 dated September 29, 1989 6/5. Promotion of programming exercises, including meetings for negotiation with respect to technical co-operation among developing countries
The High-level Committee,
Recalling General Assembly resolution 42/179 of 11 December 1987 on strengthening and improving intergovernmental programming exercises for technical co-operation among developing countries,
Also recalling the fundamental aim of strengthening the concept of collective self-reliance among developing countries through technical co-operation among developing countries,
Expressing its satisfaction over the holding of programming exercises, including meetings for the negotiation of activities and projects for technical co-operation among developing countries,
Stressing the need for programming exercises to facilitate the integration of technical co-operation among developing countries into the mainstream of technical co-operation among developing countries into the United Nations system, and particularly those of the United Nations Development Programme,
Expresses its satisfaction with the recently conducted programming exercises, including meetings for the negotiation of activities and projects for technical co-operation among developing countries;
Requests the United Nations Development Programme to continue offering its firm support to such exercises and meetings, recognizing their catalytic role in promoting technical co-operation among developing countries, and to continue to support the implementation of the activities and projects resulting from such exercises;
Urges the developed countries, agencies and organizations of the United Nations system and other international organizations to support such exercises and meetings and to obtain financing for activities and projects for technical co-operation among developing countries that emerge therefrom in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Buenos Aires Plan of Action for Promoting and Implementing Technical Co-operation among Developing Countries; a/
Also urges the United Nations Development Programme to include, as appropriate, projects emerging from such exercises and meetings in its regional, interregional and global programming;
Invites subregional, regional and international financial institutions that finance development to participate by offering financial support to technical co-operation among developing countries, in particular projects and activities resulting from the meetings and programming exercises, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Buenos Aires Plan of Action for Promoting and Implementing Technical Co-operation among Developing Countries;
Requests the Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme to carry out an evaluation of the programming exercises already concluded, focusing especially on the planning and follow-up methodology, in order to increase and improve the efficacy of future exercises in the context of strengthening technical co-operation among developing countries;
Invites the developing countries to identify priority themes or sectors that, in accordance with their interests and priorities and their national development plans, could be included within the regional programming of activities for technical co-operation among developing countries, and to that end, invites Governments to transmit information to the regional focal points and instruct them to elaborate a regional programming plan for their consideration, once such information is processed;
Also invites the parties concerned, in particular the United Nations system, to give the necessary attention to the promotion and strengthening of sectoral intergovernmental and other programming exercises of technical co-operation among developing countries, whose choices should be in full consonance with the economic programmes and priorities of the concerned countries.
Decision 7/2 dated June 6, 1991 7/2. Intergovernmental programming exercises for technical cooperation among developing countries
The High-level Committee,
Recalling General Assembly resolution 42/179 of 11 December 1987 and decision 44/450 of 22 December 1989 on further strengthening and improving intergovernmental programming exercises for technical cooperation among developing countries,
Recalling also its decision 6/5 of 29 September 1989 on the promotion of technical cooperation among developing countries programming exercises, including meetings for negotiations with respect to technical cooperation among developing countries,
Takes note of the progress report of the Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme d/ on strengthening and improving intergovernmental programming for technical cooperation among developing countries, which reviews the exercises and meetings convened during 1989 and 1990;
Notes the fact that the technical cooperation among developing countries programming exercises are being evaluated by independent consultants under the auspices of the Special Unit for Technical Cooperation among Developing Countries with the view to increasing and improving the effectiveness of exercises in further strengthening technical cooperation among developing countries;
Encourages Governments of developing countries that have formalized bilateral technical cooperation among developing countries projects and activities through past technical cooperation among developing countries programming exercises, to continue to provide the necessary financial and other resources to facilitate their implementation, including, where necessary, support from their country indicative planning figures;
Calls upon the international community to continue to provide support to supplement the resources of the developing countries in the implementation of projects agreed on in technical cooperation among developing countries programming exercises;
Calls upon the Administrator to ensure the implementation as per the agreed schedule of programming exercises for which memoranda of understanding have been signed with Governments;
Requests the Administrator to undertake follow-up and evaluation of the programming exercise and, at the request of the participating developing countries, mobilize financial support for the projects and proposals agreed upon by the concerned countries;
Invites the Governments of developing countries to carry out follow-up and evaluation of technical cooperation among developing countries projects and to communicate their results to the Special Unit for Technical Co-operation among Developing Countries so as to facilitate the adoption of remedial measures;
Also invites the Governments of developing countries to identify ways and means for ensuring that technical cooperation among developing countries projects are consistent with national development plans and objectives;
Stresses the need for the United Nations development system to emphasize the importance of the sectoral approach and technical cooperation among developing countries regional, interregional and global programming exercises;
Requests the Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme to report to the Committee at its eighth session on the implementation of the present decision with particular emphasis on the outcome of the evaluation of the exercises.
CHAPTER - X
HLC Decision on strengthning of TCDC Decision 6/4 dated September 29, 1989 6/4. recommendations for the strengthening of technical co-operation among developing countries
Bearing in mind the general evaluation of the implementation of the recommendations of the Buenos Aires Plan of Action for Promoting and Implementing Technical Co-operation among Developing Countries a/ and the analysis of the responsibilities of the various parties participating in the promotion and implementation of technical co-operation among developing countries, in particular the developing countries,
Taking into account the difficulties most frequently faced by national focal points, which, in turn, have an adverse impact on the promotion and implementation of activities for technical co-operation among developing countries,
Considering that it is appropriate for developing countries that deem it necessary to be able to earmark a percentage of their national indicative planning figure for the promotion of and support to activities for technical co-operation among developing countries and to allocate, where advisable, national budget items in local currency,
Decides to formulate a set of recommendations and measures that, in accordance with the conditions, interests and priorities of each of the countries involved, could be considered by Governments with a view to expanding and improving their activities, projects or programmes for technical co-operation among developing countries, as follows:
Those developing countries which have not already done so should elaborate directories of the supply and demand for technical cooperation among developing countries that would specify priority areas or sectors and employ appropriate methodologies in this elaboration;
National focal points should design mechanisms or systems for periodic updating of information on needs and capabilities for technical co-operation among developing countries;
Developing countries, in the context of their national development programmes, should ensure easy access by focal points to national data banks and information systems;
Developing countries should develop, in turn, registries and/or data banks on experts, institutions and professional organizations and local techniques capable of transferring knowledge and technologies, together with equipment and services produced in the countries; as those banks are set up, methods of dissemination and exchange shall be decided upon, with a view to utilizing the potential of technical co-operation among developing countries in the various regions, thereby paving the way for greater participation in the activities and projects promoted;
Opportunities for technical and financial support should be identified in an effort to strengthen national focal points;
Those countries which have not already done so should incorporate the Technology Information Pilot System, considering the importance of strengthening technical co-operation among developing countries in the scientific and technological sector, and recommends that ties be formed among the organizations that promote this sector, bearing in mind the considerable potential for carrying out activities and projects for technical co-operation among developing countries on a regional and interregional basis;
CHAPTER - XI
HLC Document on TCDC strategy for the 1990s Document TCDC/8/4 , April 5, 1993
UNITED NATIONS TCDC
Technical co-operation Distr. among developing countries GENERAL TCDC/8/4 5 April 1993
ORIGINAL: ENGLISH OF TECHNICAL COOPERATION AMONG DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
Eighth session New York, 25-28 May 1993
REPORT ON DEVELOPMENT OF A STRATEGY OF TECHNICAL COOPERATION AMONG DEVELOPING COUNTRIES IN THE UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT SYSTEM
SUMMARY
The present report is submitted in compliance with decision 7/6 of the High-level Committee.
The report in its first part provides a summary of the conclusions of the various exercises on review and evaluation of the programmes and activities undertaken by the United Nations development system for TCDC and also of the findings of various consultations held with Governments, intergovernmental organizations and United Nations agencies and organizations on all aspects of TCDC. Specifically, it summarizes the identified impediments to TCDC.
In the second part the report explains the evolution of the strategy for the 1990s and provides brief information on strategy reviews undertaken by three specialized agencies: WHO, FAO and UNIDO. Then it sets out for the consideration of the High-level Committee the objectives and elements of TCDC strategy primarily for the United Nations development system. The specific thrusts of TCDC strategy in the 1990s are brought out in paragraphs 27 to 36.
INTRODUCTION
The High-level Committee on the Review of Technical Cooperation among Developing Countries, at its seventh session, endorsed the proposal of the Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme that an overall framework for the promotion and application of TCDC in technical cooperation programmes and activities of the United Nations development system (UNDS) in the 1990s be formulated in accordance with the guidelines of the Buenos Aires Plan of Action (BAPA), 1/ taking full account of the recommendations of the Group of Governmental Experts on the rules, regulations and procedures of the United Nations organizations, 2/ the Joint Inspection Unit (JIU) report 3/ and ongoing evaluations.
The Committee appreciated the importance of developing a strategy for the UNDS that will make the system in the 1990s more efficiently supportive of the endeavours of developing countries and their institutions in applying TCDC. The Administrator was requested to present the proposed strategy paper at the eighth session in 1993 for review and comments.
Account was taken of the above-mentioned earlier reports and several initiatives and evaluations undertaken since 1990 for the preparation of this report. Notable among these were the evaluation of the project of action-oriented TCDC activities, 4/ evaluations of TCDC-INRES (Information Referral System), 5/ programming exercises undertaken, 6/ focal points, 7/ and the strategies adopted by some of the United Nations organizations. Mention should be made of the strategy paper by the Latin American Economic System (SELA), 8/ regional TCDC focal point, as a very useful contribution. Views and inputs were also obtained from other activities such as the regional TCDC focal points, the United Nations agencies focal point meeting last year, an expert group meeting on the status of TCDC held in Rabat.
BACKGROUND
The adoption of the Buenos Aires Plan of Action provided strong impetus to TCDC by adopting 36 specific recommendations for the support and promotion of TCDC and establishing the mechanisms and arrangements for the implementation of the Plan and its recommendations. The BAPA exhorts the United Nations organizations by calling on them to be "permeated by the spirit of TCDC" and that all of them "should play a prominent role as promoters and catalysts of TCDC",
The continued validity of the BAPA has been repeatedly confirmed. The adoption of General Assembly resolution 33/134 endorsing the BAPA initiated a broad-based movement in favour of TCDC. It was followed by the adoption of similar resolutions and decisions by the conferences or governing bodies of specialized agencies. More recently, TCDC found strong endorsement in the South Commission report entitled The Challenge to the South. 9/ Similar emphasis is evident in FAO Conference resolution 9/85, ILO Conference resolution on technical cooperation (1987) and WHO resolution WHA.43.9 (1990). The General Assembly in 1989 once again called upon all Governments and the UNDS to implement the recommendations of BAPA. The Economic and Social Council in its resolution 1992/41 reinforced the need for wide use of TCDC by calling on all parties in the development partnership to give first consideration to TCDC in the implementation of technical cooperation programmes and projects.
GOALS OF TCDC
The established goals of TCDC are to enhance national and collective self-reliance and to broaden the base for international technical cooperation. TCDC is envisaged and encouraged as a form of cooperation which complements North-South cooperation.
The main features of TCDC activities are:
First, it is between two or more developing countries on an institution-to-institution basis, in the public or in the private sector.
Secondly, it involves sharing of experience, expertise, know-how and facilities.
Thirdly, it is managed and implemented by developing country Governments, or institutions.
Fourthly, financing of the activities is primarily by the participating developing countries.
Although application of TCDC is primarily the responsibility of the developing countries and depends largely on the policies of national Governments, BAPA assigns a very important role to the UNDS in both promotional and operational activities in support of TCDC. The assigned role for UNDS is essentially that of a facilitator and a catalyst. Promotional activities are intended to strengthen the capacity of institutions in developing countries to engage in TCDC or to prepare the foundation for launching operational activities using this modality. Operational activities involve the application of TCDC by actually sharing and exchanging technical resources, capabilities and skills between two or more developing countries.
PROGRESS SINCE THE BAPA
Over the past decade, the developing countries and United Nations organizations have succeeded in firmly placing TCDC on the agenda of their governing bodies. Considerable efforts are being made to bring about stronger political commitment, and further articulate more explicitly the policy, strategy and programmes, and determine funding and institutional mechanisms for TCDC.
The promotion of TCDC is carried out through projects and activities such as seminars, study tours, skills transfer workshops, sensitization and orientation, training, information exchange, handbooks, manuals, programming exercises, public information campaigns and networking.
Progress reports on the implementation of the recommendations of the BAPA to the High-level Committee from Governments and the United Nations governing bodies have highlighted achievements and established that there now exists a widespread awareness that TCDC could be a powerful tool for initiating, designing, organizing and promoting the kind of cooperation that can truly advance national and collective self-reliance.
Although no adequate documentation or compilation of information on TCDC carried out at national, regional and sub-regional levels exists, developing countries apply TCDC and carry out considerable cooperation activities bilaterally especially in training, exchange of personnel, and advisory services.
Despite significant progress, there is also a consensus that actual application of TCDC in development efforts is not widespread and rather slow in pace. The meeting of TCDC focal points of the UNDS rightly concluded that "TCDC Is still a largely under-utilized potential for development cooperation". 10/
Conclusions from review and evaluation
The various exercises on review and evaluation of past and ongoing programmes and activities as well as brainstorming on future directions, which have been completed since 1990, have documented the strengths and weaknesses of various programmes and activities, provided recommendations on measures for improvement, and also put forward ideas on new approaches and initiatives. These findings have generally been confirmed by consultations with Governments of developing countries, other United Nations organizations and intergovernmental organizations. The broad conclusions are as follows:
First, TCDC as a modality of project implementation has not received adequate attention and priority.
Secondly, the use of the TCDC modality has not been given priority in national development activities nor in the programmes and activities supported by UNDS.
Thirdly, a common and unambiguous understanding of what TCDC means has impeded the reporting on and determination of progress in the promotion of TCDC in the UNDS.
Fourthly, TCDC programming exercises have expanded contacts between countries, added to knowledge about capacities and needs and resulted in many operational activities. But for greater impact, such exercises need sector concentration, greater attention to project preparation and careful monitoring of project implementation.
Fifthly, in order to expand application of the TCDC modality, the capacities of developing country institutions (e.g., research and training institutions, industrial units or agricultural farms) should be strengthened. Special importance should be given to strengthened TCDC national focal points who can promote, coordinate and manage TCDC.
Sixthly, more needs to be done to ensure ready availability of quality and up-to-date information on capacities of developing country institutions. Not only should the quality and volume of the TCDC-INRES database be improved, but accessing it should be much easier and simpler.
Seventhly, in order to enhance the TCDC modality in project or programme implementation, more rigorous and continuous monitoring, evaluation and reporting should be institutionalized.
IMPEDIMENTS TO TCDC
The use of the modality has been limited owing to a wide range of reasons, mainly:
Insufficient understanding of what constitutes TCDC and the possibilities it offers;
Lack of adequate data and information on capacities existing in developing countries;
Lack of commitment as well as inadequate prioritization of TCDC in national policies;
Attitudinal and language barriers;
Internal procedures not being conducive to TCDC;
Financial constraints to meet cooperation obligations.
The most fundamental constraints are issues of awareness, information and finance. Major development programmes are not often implemented through the TCDC modality. That is partly why few countries articulate a conscious TCDC policy and the TCDC modality seldom receives any serious consideration, not to speak of first consideration. Better availability of information on needs and capacities, greater communication and contact between countries, and a perception of TCDC as a cost-effective, more appropriate and more efficient modality will enable universal acceptance in developing countries.
Another constraint is the weakness of institutional underpinning. TCDC activities are undertaken under bilateral, regional or multilateral programmes; but they are not properly coordinated. Most countries have established TCDC focal points but their staffing, status, location in the governmental apparatus, terms of reference as well as legal and financial standing leave much to be desired. An effective focal point at an appropriate decision-making level can help in articulating national TCDC policy, promoting the modality and in evaluating progress, monitoring implementation, and in coordinating all TCDC activities and evaluating achievements. A strong focal point and a system of interaction between focal points can easily promote networking and twinning, two instruments highly appropriate for continued TCDC and problem-solving through joint efforts.
Financing of TCDC is universally acknowledged as a major bottleneck in a more widespread application of the TCDC modality. Lack of foreign exchange is almost always given as a major impediment to implementation of programmes or projects under the TCDC modality. It is also true that many countries do not make adequate budget and logistic provision for even agreed TCDC projects. They also have not tapped available resources for TCDC activities. This is largely because TCDC is treated as an exceptional short-term or subsidiary instrument for technical cooperation. The deficiency partly is a consequence of attitudinal and institutional shortcomings.
Current environment for TCDC
There are many propitious developments and favourable circumstances for TCDC now.
First, the level of awareness about the potential of TCDC at the government level and in the UNDS may not be all-pervasive but certainly very significant. The concept of TCDC and the nature of the modality have general acceptance across the board.
Secondly, technical resources in the developing countries are indeed of high quality and available in sufficient quantity. A large number of developing countries are aware of them and can access them as well.
Thirdly, developing countries have greater confidence in their own capacities in technology, skills and management which they can mobilize and share with each other.
Fourthly, there are many development problems for which the only practicable solution can be found through TCDC and cooperative efforts of the developing countries themselves.
Fifthly, sustained momentum in economic growth demands economic cooperation among developing countries (ECDC) and expansion of South-South trade, both of which rely heavily on TCDC.
Sixthly, the squeeze on availability of external resources for developing countries makes it imperative to apply the less costly but either more or equally efficient TCDC modality.
Seventhly, developing countries are increasingly expanding TCDC through regional cooperation programmes and bilateral TCDC arrangements. The more well-placed among them are providing more financial resources for TCDC activities in their national budgets and sparing more experts and services for technical cooperation with other countries.
Eighthly, the dramatic transformation in the political and economic systems of Eastern Europe and Central Asia offers new opportunities for TCDC.
Finally, major initiatives and many intergovernmental decisions have placed high priority on TCDC. The South Commission Report has strongly underscored the importance of ECDC and TCDC. United Nations organizations are examining existing practices and searching for new ways to promote and enhance the application of TCDC. TCDC undoubtedly is given higher priority in terms of declared principles of United Nations organizations. Economic and Social Council resolution 1992/41 has given the TCDC option the highest priority.
THE STRATEGY FOR THE 1990s
TCDC has reached a turning point where application of the modality should be the "touchstone" by which progress should be measured. Progress in the implementation of the BAPA and the enhancement of TCDC in the 1990s are primarily measured by the degree of actual utilization of the TCDC modality in the implementation of programmes and projects. This in essence means the aggressive implementation of the "first consideration" exhortation embodied in Economic and Social Council resolution 1992/41.
A strategy for the 1990s should at least articulate the specific and priority objectives, the required actions/measures, and the means to enhance the wide utilization of TCDC in general.
A strategy for TCDC for a decade can only provide a broad framework that will enhance concerned effort and focus but it will not be a substitute for particular national, regional and agency needs and challenges. The development concerns to which priority is given, the types of capacities existing, the political commitment and resources available, experiences gained in cooperation activities among the countries in a country or a region, etc., greatly vary. These factors will determine the quality level, and the nature of activities carried out and given precedence for individual regions, even subregions.
The recommendations of the BAPA and the objectives and guidelines laid down therein and reinforced by subsequent decisions will continue to provide the chapeau within which TCDC will be pursued and the main tasks be fulfilled. A concentration on specific objectives during the coming years could, however, enhance TCDC more rapidly and qualitatively both within the United Nations system and in developing countries.
Strategy of the World Health Organization (WHO)
WHO traditionally has promoted collaboration between various medical training and research institutions of developing countries for joint action and sharing of knowledge and technical capacities. It has assisted technical meeting of senior health experts of developing countries. It has also prepared a TCDC directory in the health sector identifying needs and capacities and potential for cooperation. Its medium-term programme on TCDC for health for all covers the 1990-1995 period. The forty-fifth World Health Assembly in 1992, while reviewing TCDC, provided new directions for the future. 11/ In preparing national health plans and use of WHO cooperation, countries are urged to consider the TCDC modality. Cost-effectiveness of technical cooperation is sought to be enhanced by ensuring that TCDC receives first priority. Strengthening of focal points, sensitization programmes and training in TCDC are emphasized and field offices are urged to give priority to TCDC.
Strategy of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
FAO has identified elements of its TCDC strategy anew in 1991 in its medium-term plan (1992-1997). 12/ In 1992 it developed a handbook on TCDC, which is an attempt to clarify the modality and procedures and is intended as a general guide in connection with the orientation of FAO as well as that of national staff of developing countries on TCDC. 13/ Keeping the same objective in mind, FAO issues two newsletters a year on TCDC. The broad elements identified for the medium-term approach aim at integrated TCDC with the programming and implementation of developmental activities. The various measures in support of this strategy include: assistance to countries in building and improving the information base for TCDC, technical workshops and group training, networking and institutional twinning, evaluation and dissemination of lessons of experiences, catalysing financial support and enhancing awareness of TCDC modalities and operational procedures.
Strategy of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)
In addition to traditional TCDC activities like networking, institution-building, exchange programme and seminars, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) has been using three powerful instruments for promotion of TCDC. The solidarity meetings are UNIDO's own design of programming exercises for both TCDC and ECDC. The Industrial and Technological Information Bank (INTIB) and Technological Information Exchange System (TIES) are broader than TCDC-INRES but they make a positive contribution to TCDC as well. In its comprehensive strategy for TCDC and ECDC, articulated in 1992, UNIDO has broken new ground. 14/ UNIDO traditionally has been linking TCDC with ECDC and this policy continues. UNIDO is emphasizing the role of developing-country institutions for TCDC and these institutions are both industrial support institutions and public and private companies and organizations in the manufacturing sector. TCDC is to be applied by these institutions and UNIDO's policy is to make it happen. The other emphasis is on TCDC/ECDC at regional and subregional levels. Additionally, information exchange and use of INTIB and TIES is emphasized and linkage with TCDC-INRES is solicited. Promotion of industrial cooperation networks is another strategy objective. UNIDO recognizes financing as a crucial element and seeks to mobilize resources specifically for ECDC and TCDC.
Objectives
Several specific objectives need to be pursued if TCDC is to be a widely utilized modality in implementing programmes and projects. The following could, among many, be given priority attention:
The creation of a favourable environment for TCDC in developing countries by the adoption of clearly stated national policies on the priority attached to TCDC, the areas wherein it should be primarily applied; greater degree of appreciation of the potentials and comparative advantage of TCDC by development partners, particularly developing countries;
Qualitative and quantitative improvement and expansion of the information and data on capacities existing in developing countries and easy access thereto;
Wide application of the modality in the implementation of projects and programmes by rigorously implementing Economic and Social Council resolution 92/41;
Strengthened national mechanisms for the promotion and application of TCDC;
.Expansion of opportunities to facilitate the launching of new cooperation activities through tested types of activities such as the matching of capacities and needs negotiations;
Strengthening of institutions which carry out or have the potential to undertake significant TCDC activities.
Elements of the strategy
The overall framework for promotion and application of TCDC in the 1990s, as developed following the reviews and consultations, continues the measures found to be useful in the past, strengthening and modifying them as necessary, and providing new emphasis. The main strategy elements are discussed below and the new directions are particularly highlighted.
Expansion of sensitization at the national level: To achieve greater awareness of the comparative advantage and to enhance a more favourable environment for TCDC, sensitization and orientation activities at the national level have to be further intensified. The sensitization workshops currently being carried out aim at government officials and private institutions responsible or involved in implementation work, planning and the coordination and management of technical cooperation. These activities should be greatly intensified and, to facilitate this, the UNDP Special Unit has began decentralizing sensitization activities to national focal points and UNDP field offices, while continuing to provide support in the form of resource persons who have been selected from the various regions and given orientation. This approach is less expensive and enables wider coverage and many more orientation workshops than the current average of five per year. A new training manual just issued, publications, as well as visual aids such as video tapes currently under preparation will be available as resource materials. Although the Special Unit plays a more active role in this regard, most of the United Nations organizations carry out sensitization and orientation workshops. The need for sensitization and orientation for internal staff of the United Nations organizations must also be recognized and it should be provided with the same rigour.
Articulation of national TCDC policy: Support should be given to Governments to formulate and articulate national TCDC policies. For the formulation and implementation of such policies UNDS will provide every assistance.
Formulation of national TCDC policy and its careful implementation are the best guarantees for enhanced application of TCDC. A simple declaration of preference for the TCDC modality is not sufficient. How the preference will be exercised and how the policy will be implemented will also have to be spelt out in sufficient detail.
The various elements of an effective national TCDC policy can be the following:
Positive decision on the principle of according first consideration to the TCDC modality. For this purpose a coordinating authority in the Government will have to lay down appropriate criteria. The idea put forward in the Latin American context of establishing a national commission on TCDC representing government, academic institutions bodies and private enterprises should be given due consideration.
Identification of capacities which the country can offer to other countries under the TCDC modality and similarly identification of areas in which the country can use technical resources of other countries. This will call for some judgment on needs and capacities of other developing countries. What needs to be ensured, however, is that priority sectors are determined where TCDC will be applied.
Institutional arrangements will have to be made to plan, implement and coordinate application of TCDC. this is where a properly constituted national TCDC focal point can play a vital role. How contacts between participating institutions are to be established and agreements for cooperation are to be finalized, under what terms and conditions trainees or experts are to be deputed or hosted, or how the progress in implementation or the quality of output is to be evaluated, will be among many of the mechanisms to be streamlined and standardized.
The orientation of the field staff of the UNDS and their commitment to TCDC will assume a crucial role in assisting national Governments or institutions in the private sector in proceeding in this manner in programming technical cooperation. This is one way of ensuring first consideration to TCDC modality.
Strengthening TCDC focal points: Strengthening TCDC focal points in all developing countries is recognized as a matter of high priority. At the same time TCDC focal points in agencies and organizations of the United Nations also need considerable strengthening.
The agency focal points face many constraints in the important promotional task they have to fulfill. Many of them are often given a marginal role in planning and programming activities and they do not have easy access to decision- or policy-making levels. The resources allocated to play active roles are far from adequate. In the meeting of the agency focal points it was recommended that their role should be strengthened by allocating greater resources for their promotional role, greater commitment to TCDC from top management, to which the agency focal points should have easy access and support. 10/
The national focal points are usually located in the Ministries of Foreign Relations, Finance, Planning or Economic Cooperation. In some countries they are a part of the Office of the Presidency or Prime Minister or even an autonomous agency. The important point about location is the influence or leverage it allows in policy, monitoring and a catalytic role.
The following general functions of the national focal points as recommended by meetings of regional focal points deserve serious consideration. 15/
To assist in the formulation of policies and strategies for the promotion and application of TCDC at the national level.
To monitor, provide guidance and facilitate the work of national institutions to launch activities that enhance and apply TCDC.
To assist as a source of documentation, data and information on capacities in developing countries, TCDC experiences and in the collection, dissemination and updating of information pertaining to TCDC. To organize in cooperation with UNDP and organizations outside the United Nations system orientation seminars to develop national awareness and to promote the wide use of TCDC at all stages of implementation of development programmes and projects.
To coordinate all TCDC activities and all available resources to promote and enhance application of TCDC under bilateral or multilateral programmes.
To serve as the channel of communication on TCDC between the Government and the United Nations organizations and intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations that deal with TCDC.
In order to strengthen national focal points as well as sectoral focal points, United Nations organizations will assist national focal points in establishing a comprehensive information system on all TCDC activities and initiatives of the country concerned. Support to strengthen contacts between national focal points will continue through the institutionalized arrangements of periodic meetings of regional focal points.
Database on capacities: For expanding knowledge on capacities and easily accessing technical resources available in the developing countries, the TCDC-INRES database is being updated and enriched. This is a computerized information referral system that was first established in 1976 to encourage and intensify the collection, processing, analysis and dissemination of information on capacities and needs of developing countries. It currently maintains a database of about 4,300 institutions, primarily capturing information on capacities existing in various developing countries.
The measures being implemented aim at vastly expanding information on capacities and improving its quality which will mean concentration on fewer and selected sectors of technology and expertise. Another target is to introduce a system of registration that will enable updating of all information every two years. About 20 national surveys per year are being undertaken, using national consultants in approximately 80 countries.
Providing easy access to this database to more developing country Governments and institutions is the other major objective in respect of TCDC-INRES. Limited decentralization of INRES at the regional or subregional, in preference to country, level have been planned. It is also planned that instead of only responding to inquiries, INRES information will be published and widely distributed. In fact, the first set of such publications will be available very shortly.
Mobilization and pooling of financing for TCDC: The BAPA lays down the general guideline that developing countries have the primary responsibility for financing cooperation activities. It also calls on the developed countries to provide support on a voluntary basis and "without prejudice to existing programmes, additional financial support for TCDC projects and activities, for example through third-country financing arrangements". The problem of financing TCDC is one of the most frequently discussed topics in TCDC-related forums. Two aspects should be considered to address this issue with clarity.
First, financing for promotional/advocacy activities, data and information gathering, studies and evaluation, specific meetings/workshops and programmes of institutional training or networking or mutual cooperation are some such activities. Even when the expertise and skills themselves are available free of cost, there are expenses to be met, such as travel costs. The most crucial cost element that has to be mobilized is foreign exchange.
Secondly, there is great potential, however, in the use of the modality in the preparation and implementation of programmes and projects for which resources are already available. TCDC can be used in any project regardless of source of financing and within the means available to a project. Greater efforts to implement programmes and projects, both national and externally funded, using the TCDC modality is hence of the highest priority if this form of cooperation is to be used widely. Economic and Social Council resolution 92/41 calls for giving first consideration to the TCDC option and aims at this objective.
The most common sources for financing of TCDC activities are: national treasuries and institutions of developing countries; United Nations system resources, particularly the IPF; foundations; and the private sector.
These constitute the more conventional sources but a number of other possible sources should be explored if the required resources for new activities and cooperation agreements are to be mobilized.
Bilateral assistance
Some donors are willing to have part of their bilateral assistance used by developing countries to finance projects implemented through TCDC. Such flexibility can greatly help minimize the serious constraint of lack of finance for travel and other costs which require foreign exchange. A host country could pay for local cost, the beneficiary country will continue to pay for all costs such as salaries, and donor finance could over travel and related costs through a cost-sharing arrangement. Bilateral assistance for TCDC could be more through a cost-sharing arrangement. Bilateral assistance for TCDC could be more readily and flexibly available than heretofore. Projects financed through bilateral assistance could hence be more widely implemented through this form of cooperation. Indeed, many developed countries use institutions and expertise from developed countries in the implementation of their cooperation programmes.
Complementarity of efforts and resources
Within the United Nations system, the complementarity of efforts and resources must be strengthened to pool resources in support of TCDC activities. There are good examples of cooperation in which FAO, WHO, DESD, etc., and the Special Unit have very productively and jointly helped the organization and financing of major workshops and capacities- and needs-matching exercises. This pooling of resources has meant that significant resources were mobilized and made available to finance and support important promotional activities.
Fund for support of TCDC
The need for a financing mechanism for TCDC has been underscored in many forums. The establishment of a fund to provide catalytic complementary finance to implement cooperation activities is an option often urged to be considered. It is well established that lack of finance for the implementation of cooperation agreements, resulting from programming exercises has proved to be an intractable problem. An interregional fund to finance foreign exchange components is often cited as an urgent need.
TCDC programming exercises for matching needs and capacities: Support to programming exercises will be increased for enhancing contacts, accessing knowledge in regard to needs and capacities and undertaking projects matching needs and capacities. Based on extensive evaluations of these exercises, steps have already been taken to concentrate on limited sectors in programming exercises, do a better job of preparatory work on compilation of needs and capacities, carefully developing projects in sufficient detail and arranging or identifying possible financial resources for implementing. In particular, monitoring of progress in project implementation and evaluation of achievements are being given special attention.
Networks and twinning arrangements: Networking and twinning arrangements should be given greater support and priority to facilitate sustained exchange in identified areas of cooperation. Networks provide for long-term relationship and enable the undertaking of activities such as joint research and training which require time and long-term cooperation.
TCDC in addressing common problems and issues: Another new area of focus is joint efforts on addressing common problems. It is not only a process of exchange of experience, but also an ongoing process of problem solving through cooperative efforts. In tackling new subjects like sustainable development, information networking or management of economic reforms, there may be joint arrangements set up by several countries to pool experiences and deal with emerging issues.
Notes
1/ See General Assembly resolution 33/134.
2/ Document DP/1990/77 (Governing Council of UNDP, thirty-seventh session). Report of the Meeting of the Group of Governmental Experts on the rules, regulations and procedures of the organizations of the United Nations development system concerning TCDC.
3/ See document A/40/456.
4/ Report of the evaluation mission on INT/83/904 - Promotion of action-oriented TCDC activities.
5/ Reports on INRES-South evaluation: Proposed agenda for INRES action: Major challenges to management for enhancing size, scope and value of database, August 1991; INRES-South evaluation Part II: business development analysis, September 1991.
6/ Report on evaluation of TCDC programming exercises. Prepared by A.M.A. Muhith, A. Riva, R. Hammelton. May 1991.
7/ Report of the Meeting of the TCDC Focal Points of the Organizations of the United Nations Development System (TCDC/7/6), 1991.
8/ Regional TCDC guidelines and strategies for the 1990s: SELA 23rd regular meeting (document SP/CL/XVIII.O/DT No. 17), September 1992.
9/ The Challenge to the South: The Report of the South Commission (London, Oxford University Press, 1990).
10/ See note 7.
11/ Forty-fifth World Health Assembly, "Improving technical cooperation among developing countries", report by the Director-General of WHO (document A/45/11), 6 April 1992.
12/ Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, medium-term plan, 1992-1997 (document C91/23), 1991.
13/ FAO Handbook on TCDC (Rome, 1992).
14/ UNIDO Industrial Development Board, eighth session (document IDB, 8/13), 14 June 1991.
15/ Report of the TCDC National Focal Points Workshop at Damascus (SU/TCDC, UNDP), August 1992.
HLC DECISION ON FRAMEWORK FOR TCDC Decision 8/2 dated June 4, 1993
8/2. overall framework for the promotion and application of technical cooperation among developing countries in the 1990s
8/2. overall framework for the promotion and application of technical cooperation among developing countries in the 1990s
The High-level Committee,
Reaffirming the importance of the implementation of the Buenos Aires Plan of Action, b/
Recalling Economic and Social Council resolution 1992/41 of 30 July 1992, in which the Council invited all parties to give first consideration to the use of technical cooperation among developing countries in programme and project implementation,
Recalling its decision 7/6 of 6 June 1991 of the High-level Committee, in which the Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme was requested to prepare and report on an overall framework for the promotion and application of technical cooperation among developing countries in the 1990s, and its decision 7/9 of the same date on the International Consultative Meeting on Technical Cooperation among Developing Countries,
Taking note of the report on the development of a strategy of technical cooperation among developing countries in the United Nations development system d/ and of the report on the International Consultative Meeting on Technical Cooperation among Developing Countries, held in Morocco in 1993, e/
Taking note with appreciation of the contributions of organizations of the United Nations system, intergovernmental organizations and experts to the preparation of the report on the development of a strategy of technical cooperation among developing countries in the United Nations development system, d/
Aware that the policies of technical cooperation among developing countries that Governments or intergovernmental organizations may adopt will be developed within the context of their needs, capacities and development policies,
Welcome the holding of the International Consultative Meeting on Technical Cooperation among Developing Countries at Rabat, on 10 and 11 February 1993, hosted by the Government of the Kingdom of Morocco and takes note with appreciation of the recommendations of the experts as a valuable contribution to the formulation of the strategy;
d/ TCDC/8/4.
e/ TCDC/8/3, sect. I.
Welcomes the strategy for the 1990s formulated in the report on the development of a strategy of technical cooperation among developing countries in the United Nations development system;
Calls upon all parties to implement on a priority basis the elements of the strategy, as reflected in the above-mentioned document, taking fully into account the documents and additional proposals made by delegations regarding the report during the eighth session of the High-level Committee;
Expresses reservations about the reference to the possibility of establishing an interregional fund to finance foreign exchange components of technical cooperation among developing countries; and requests the Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme to consult Governments on this matter and to include the outcome of these consultations in his next biennial report;
Requests developing countries and organizations of the United Nations system expeditiously to take measures to strengthen their focal points for technical cooperation among developing countries by according them the appropriate status and providing adequate staff and resources;
Encourages all parties to consider regional and subregional mechanisms including regional programmes as suitable means to support individual countries in the implementation of the strategy;
Recognizes the importance of and potential for technical cooperation among developing countries and countries with economies in transition;
Invites interested developed countries to support the modality of technical cooperation among developing countries through their bilateral cooperation activities with interested developing countries;
Invites donor countries to support activities of technical cooperation among developing countries through trilateral arrangements;
Requests the Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme to include in his biennial report to the High-level Committee at its ninth session information on the progress made in the implementation of the present decision;
Noting that increased cooperation is taking place among developing countries and their institutions through the sharing of expertise, experience and facilities,
Recognizes that developing countries have a primary responsibility for promoting technical cooperation among themselves, and that developed countries and the United Nations system should assist and support such activities and should play a prominent role as promoters and catalysts of technical cooperation among developing countries, in accordance with the Buenos Aires Plan of Action; b/
Expresses deep concern about the financial constraints affecting the United Nations Development Programme, including the decrease in the Special Programme Resources allocation for technical cooperation among developing countries;
Invites the Governing Council of the United Nations Development Programme to consider maintaining the current staffing level in order to ensure that the increasing work of the Special Unit for Technical Cooperation among Developing Countries is not adversely affected;
Also invites the Governing Council to consider maintaining the approved Special Programme Resources allocation for technical cooperation among developing countries for the 1992-1996 cycle so as to ensure the implementation of the activities of the Special Unit for Technical Cooperation among Developing Countries;
Urges the organizations of the United Nations development system, in particular the United Nations Development Programme, to increase their efforts to support activities of technical cooperation among developing countries and improve the existing financing mechanisms, including regional, interregional and global resources;
Calls upon developed countries to take into account the current financial constraints affecting activities of technical cooperation among developing countries, as well as the cost and technical benefits of technical cooperation among developing countries, and therefore to consider increasing their support;
Also calls upon developing countries to consider increasing their support to activities of technical cooperation among developing countries.
UNGA Resolution on TCDC Strategy Resolution 48/172 dated December 21, 1993
48/172. Economic and Technical Cooperation among developing countries
The General Assembly,
Reaffirming its resolutions 33/134 of 19 December 1978, in which it endorsed the Buenos Aires Plan of Action for Promoting and Implementing Technical Cooperation among Developing Countries," and 46/159 of 19 December 1991, as well as other relevant resolutions of the General Assembly and Economic and Social resolution 1992/41 of 30 July 1992,
Stressing that technical cooperation among developing countries remains a key element in international cooperation, that it has a complementary role with respect to other forms of international technical cooperation and that its final purpose to promote economic growth and development, in particular human resource development, utilizing the capacities of developing countries,
Reaffirming also that, while developing countries have the primary responsibility for promoting and implementing technical cooperation among themselves, the United Nations system and developed countries should assist and support such activities, and that the United Nations system should continue to play a prominent role as promoter and catalyst of technical cooperation among developing countries, in accordance with the Buenos Aires Plan of Action.
Taking note with satisfaction of the statement in the report of the Secretary General on the implementation of General Assembly resolution 46/159 that the organization of the United Nations system had reported an increased emphasis on activities in technical cooperation among developing countries and that nearly all of the responding organizations had reported having adopted or being in the process of adopting policies to accelerate the use of the modality of such cooperation, and stressing the role of the operational activities segment of the Economic and Social Council in monitoring the use of this modality.
Endorses the report of the High-level Committee on the Review of Technical Cooperation among Developing Countries on its eighth session and the decisions adopted by the High-level Committee in annex I of this report;
Urges all Member States, in particular the developed countries among them, the United Nations Development Programme and other programmes and bodies whose work is related to that of the Economic and Social Council, as well as the specialized agencies, to give high priority and full support in their specific fields of operational activities to technical cooperation among developing countries, in the fields of inter alia, science and technology, transfer of technology, capacity building, education and technical training and know-how.
Requests all parties involved in the implementation of the strategy for the promotion and application of technical cooperation among developing countries in the 1990s, as referred to in the report of the High-level Committee, to ensure the widespread use of such cooperation;
Requests the Secretary-General to report to the General Assembly at its fiftieth session on the implementation of technical cooperation among developing countries in the United Nations development system and on the follow-up to the present resolution.
Decisions adopted by the Meeting at its first session May 26-June 2, 1980
1/1. Report on the progress made in implementing the tasks entrusted to the United Nations development system by the Buenos Aires Plan of Action for Promoting and Implementing Technical Co-operation among Developing Countries.
1/2. Report on the state of transport and communications among developing countries.
1/3. Building knowledge through technical co-operation among developing countries: participation of women in development.
1/4. Establishing and strengthening national research and training centres with multinational scope.
1/5. Urbanization and poverty: sharing of experience among developing countries.
1/6. Enhancing the capacities of developing countries for technical co-operation.
1/7. Financial resources and arrangements for technical co-operation among developing countries.
1/8. Work programme for the 1981 High-level Meeting.
Decisions adopted by the High-level Committee at its second session
June 1-8, 1981
2/1. Some information on the activities of Governments in technical co-operation among developing countries.
2/2. Promoting women's participation in development programmes through technical co- operation among developing countries.
2/3. Report on the progress made in implementing the tasks entrusted to the United Nations development system by the Buenos Aires Plan of Action for Promoting and Implementing Technical Co-operation among Developing Countries.
2/4. Methodologies for promoting horizontal co-operation among developing countries in scientific and technological research.
2/5. Transport and communication among developing countries.
2/6. Institutional arrangements and administrative mechanisms for technical co-operation among developing countries.
2/7. Legal arrangements for technical co-operation among developing countries.
2/8. Potential sources for financing technical co-operation among developing countries.
2/9. Technical co-operation among developing countries and the policies, rules and procedures of the United Nations Development Programme.
2/10. Provisional agenda for the 1983 session of the High-level Committee on the Review of Technical Co-operation among Developing Countries.
Decisions adopted by the High-level Committee at its third session
May 31- June 8, 1983
3/1. Some information from Governments on their activities in technical co-operation among developing countries.
3/2. United Nations Decade for Transport and Communications in Africa, 1978-1988.
3/3. Role and potential of technical co-operation among developing countries in rural-urban migration.
3/4. Report on the progress made in implementing the tasks entrusted to the United Nations development system by the Buenos Aires Plan of Action for Promoting and Implementing Technical Co-operation among Developing Countries.
3/5. Use and proposed use of the funds from the Special Programme Resources during 1982- 1983 on promotional activities for technical co-operation among developing countries and activities in technical co-operation among developing countries under the regional and interregional indicative planning figures of the United Nations Development Programme.
3/6. Co-operative exchange of skills among developing countries through technical co-operation among developing countries - institutional and policy issues: study by the secretariat of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development.
3/7. Integration of women in development through technical co-operation among developing countries.
3/8. Measures to facilitate technical co-operation among developing countries.
3/9. Status report on the development of technical co-operation among developing countries: information referral system.
3/10. Use of country indicative planning figures for technical co-operation among developing countries.
3/ll. Assistance to developing countries with respect to activities for TCDC.
3/12. Provisional agenda for the fourth session, 1985, of the High-level Committee on the Review of Technical Co-operation among Developing Countries.
Decisions adopted by the High-level Committee at its fourth session
May 28- June 3, 1985 ( Decisions taken on June 5 )
4/1. Progress made in implementing the tasks entrusted to the United Nations development system by the Buenos Aires Plan of Action for Promoting and Implementing Technical Co- operation among Developing Countries.
4/2. Co-operative exchange of skills among countries through technical co-operation among developing countries.
4/3. Measures to facilitate technical co-operation among developing countries: staffing of the Special Unit for Technical Co-operation among Developing Countries.
4/4. Activities relating to technical co-operation among developing countries under the country regional and interregional indicative planning figures.
4/5. Information from Governments on their activities in technical co-operation among developing countries.
4/6. Utilization of funds from the United Nations Development Programme's Special Programme Resources for the promotion of action-oriented activities for technical co- operation among developing countries.
4/7. Promotion of action-oriented activities for technical co-operation among developing countries during the fourth programming cycle.
4/8. Provisional agenda for the 1987 session of the High-level Committee on the Review of Technical Co-operation among Developing Countries.
Decisions adopted by the High-level Committee at its fifth session
May 18-22, 1987 ( Decisions taken on May 27 )
5/1. Co-operative exchange of skills among developing countries through technical co-operation.
5/2. Measures to facilitate TCDC: Staffing of the Special Unit for Technical Co-operation among Developing Countries of the United Nations Development Programme.
5/3. Information from Governments and intergovernmental organizations on their activities in technical co-operation among developing countries.
5/4. Role of Women in technical co-operation among developing countries.
5/5. Progress made in implementing the tasks entrusted to the United Nations development system by the Buenos Aires Plan of Action for Promoting and Implementing Technical Co- operation among Developing Countries.
5/6. National focal points and report of the meeting of TCDC focal points of organizations of the United Nations development system held in New York.
5/7. Strengthening and improving activities for technical co-operation among developing countries undertaken by the organizations of the United Nations systems.
5/8. Strengthening and improving intergovernmental programming exercises for technical co- operation among developing countries.
5/9. Report of the Joint Inspection Unit on United Nations development system support to the implementation of the Buenos Aires Plan of Action for Promoting and implementing Technical Co-operation among Developing Countries.
5/10. Utilization of UNDP funds comprising the country, regional and interregional and global indicative planning figures for activities relating to technical co-operation among developing countries.
5/11. Provisional agenda for the sixth session of the High-level Committee on the Review of Technical Cooperation among Developing Countries.
Decisions adopted by the High-level Committee at its sixth session
Sept. 18-22, 1989 ( Decisions taken on September 29 )
6/1. Tenth anniversary of the Buenos Aires Plan of Action.
6/2. Information from Governments and intergovernmental organizations on their activities for technical cooperation among developing countries.
6/3. Review of the activities of the United Nations system within the framework of the Buenos Aires Plan of Action for the promotion and implementation of technical co-operation among developing countries.
6/4. Recommendations for the strengthening of technical co-operation among developing countries.
6/5. Promotion of programming exercises, including meetings for negotiation with respect to technical cooperation among developing countries.
6/6. Role of women in technical co-operation among developing countries.
6/7. Status of implementation of the recommendations of the Joint Inspection Unit.
6/8. Measures to strengthen the activities of the Special Unit for Technical Co-operation among Developing Countries of the United Nations Development Programme.
6/9. Provisional agenda for the 1991 session of the High-level Committee on the Review of Technical Cooperation among Developing Countries.
Decisions adopted by the High-level Committee at its seventh session
May 28-31, 1991 ( Decisions taken on June 6 )
7/1. Rules, regulations and procedures of the organizations of the United Nations development system concerning technical cooperation among developing countries.
7/2. Intergovernmental Programming exercises for technical cooperation among developing countries.
7/3. Strengthening the capacity of the Special Unit for Technical Cooperation among Developing Countries.
7/4. Information from Governments and intergovernmental organizations of their activities on technical cooperation among developing countries.
7/5. Progress made by the United Nation among Developing Countries.
7/6. Development of a strategy of tens development system in implementing the Buenos Aires Plan of Action for Promoting and Implementing Technical Cooperatiochnical cooperation among developing countries in the United Nations development system.
7/7. Role of Women in technical cooperation among developing countries.
7/8. The Challenge to the South: The Report of the South Commission.
7/9. International Consultative Meeting on Technical Cooperation among Developing Countries.
7/10. North South round table on technical cooperation among developing countries.
7/11. Technical cooperation among developing countries/economic cooperation among developing countries in the field of interregional trade.
7/12. 1993 session of the High-level Committee on the Review of Technical Cooperation among Developing Countries.
Decisions adopted by the High-level Committee at its eighth session
May 25-28, 1993 ( Decision taken on June 4 )
8/1. Progress made in implementing the Buenos Aires Plan of Action and decisions of the High- level Committee on the Review of Technical Cooperation among Developing Countries.
8/2. Overall framework for the promotion and application of technical cooperation among developing countries in the 1990s.
8/3. Provisional agenda for the 1995 session of the High-level Committee on the Review of Technical Cooperation among Developing Countries.
Joint Inspection Unit Study: United Nations development system support to the implementation of the BAPA on technical cooperation among developing countries: by Miljenko Vukovic
UN JIU, Geneva, 1985.
Evaluation Report on "Promotion of Action Oriented TCDC Activities" Project INT/83/904: by Fernando Salazar-Paredes, Miljenko Vukovic and Meral Orgun . su/tcdc, undp, new york, march, 1990.
Report of the Meeting of the Group of Governmental Experts on the rules, regulations and procedures of the organizations of the United Nations development system concerning TCDC.
UN Document: DP/1990/77 dated 11 May, 1990.
Evaluation of tcdc programming exercise: by a.m.a. muhith, ms.aurora riva and raynal hammelton su/tcdc, undp, new york, may, 1991.
Proposed Agenda for INRES Action: Major challenges to management for enhancing size, scope and nature of the Database: by Stephen Ruth SU/TCDC, UNDP, New York, August, 1991.
INRES-SOUTH Evaluation Part II: Business Development Analysis: by Susan M. Babcock SU/TCDC, UNDP, New York, September, 1991.
Evaluation Report on the Effectiveness of the National TCDC Focal Points (NFP) mechanism: The view from the Field and an Analysis and Evaluation: by Fernando Salazar-Paredes and Adama Diallo SU/TCDC, UNDP, New York, October, 1991.
Evaluation of "Cooperation South": by Abul Maal A. Muhith, SU/TCDC, UNDP, New York, May, 1992.
Report on Mid-Term Evaluation of SPR Programme: TCDC, by A.M.A. Muhith and J.A. Whittingham, SU/TCDC, UNDP, New York, April 1995.
1 A/31/197, annexes II and III
2 See A/33/206, annexes I and II
3 See A/32/310, annex I
4 See A/33/235 and Corr.1, Annex I
5 See A/C.2/31/7, part one
6 See A/32/61, annexes
1 See A/CONF.79/PC/18
2 United Nations Publication, Sales No. E78.11.A.11
3 Ibid., chap. I
4 Ibid., chap. II, resolutions 1, 2 and 3 1 Ibid., chap. I
