18 February 2014: The objectives of the post-2015 development agenda should inspire and shape international Public-Private Partnerships’ (PPPs) best practices and standards, according to the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) PPP Business Advisory Board. At its latest meeting, the Board noted insufficient funding to improve accessibility to basic services and address infrastructure gaps, and stressed the private sector’s role in financing and meeting development goals.

The Board, which comprises a group of the world’s leading international companies, met in Geneva, Switzerland, on 13 February 2014. Participants called for good governance and an enabling environment for PPPs to be included in the post-2015 development agenda and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Noting that PPPs can act as a tool for achieving sustainable development, participants recommended improving governance, including “zero tolerance for corruption,” in order for PPPs to have a developmental impact.

“PPPs already are improving accessibility of essential services to the socially and economically vulnerable in society,” declared James Stewart, UNECE PPP Business Advisory Board Chairman.

Participants identified a lack of information and clear project templates and guidelines on international best practices as holding back PPPs both in the UNECE region and beyond. The Board also agreed on an experience and knowledge sharing programme with several countries, including the Philippines, Morocco and Turkey.

The Board aims to help the UNECE’s International PPP Centre of Excellence develop international best practices and standards in PPPs and to facilitate their implementation in sectors such as renewable energy, health, information and communications technology (ICT), transport, and water and sanitation. [UNECE Press Release]