The programme emphasises partnership and collaboration. The partnership development phase commenced with the regional consultation in New Delhi in April 2002 attended by 68 country delegates from 16 countries in the region, 24 representatives from ten external support agencies (ESAs) and 13 representatives from NGOs, international capacity building institutions and the private sector. Country-specific needs and priorities as well as existing capacities in cities and institutions within the region were presented and discussed at the consultation.
Primary partners such as local governments and non-governmental and community based organizations are supported by the programme. Partnerships with external support agencies and with similar programmes in the region have also been developed.
The following collaboration general principles are followed:
- Focus on action and policy in programme implementation
- Cooperation is based on comparative strengths and advantages
- Exploitation of existing institutions and networks for programme implementation
The programme governance structure, comprising a donor coordination group
and a multi-stakeholders' forum, was established during the initial phase
of the programme. In-country consultations are used firm up implementation
arrangements with care being taken to include organizations representing the
urban poor in the programme governance structure. A network of city-level
stakeholders monitors improvements in water and sanitation services in cities
within the region.
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