❑ A key role for external support is to strengthen and guide the conceptual understanding of pro-poor PPPs. To establish pro-poor PPPs requires a solid understanding of how PPPs work in general, what drives their potential efficiency and value, and how this translates into operational structuring and procedural approach. If practitioners do not have this understanding there is a danger that well-intended pro-poor PPPs that are established will not in fact benefit the urban poor. For example if private partners attain 'monopoly' positions and do not face competition, or if regulation is not effective, or if partners do not carry enough risk, then the PPP may in fact cost more and not be better value than traditional service delivery approaches.
❑ External support and external parties can play a key facilitative role in bringing stakeholders together. This is especially relevant where existing relationships between (local) government, private sector and communities are undeveloped. Stakeholders often need basic support in making initial contacts and establishing appropriate engagement processes.
❑ One of the most effective ways of disseminating the pro-poor PPP concept is through demonstration. External support can facilitate such learning by seeing' in multiple ways.
❑ Most countries and local cities will lack the technical capacity (certainly initially) for mobilising effective pro-poor PPPs. External support can facilitate access to such technical expertise, and to build domestic / local expertise over time.
❑ External support can helpful to conceptualise, design and undertake appropriate pro-poor PPP processes at both policy / environment level and project level. Similarly, external support, guidance and examples of policy, legal, institutional and similar arrangements can be extremely valuable.
❑ An especially useful benefit from external support is to access international experience and exposure, and to share lessons across different country and sectoral experiences.
❑ Linked to the potential to bring international depth into local PPP initiatives, external support can be essential for mobilising and enhancing capacity development of the sector both at international level, and within particular domestic contexts. Initiatives such as the PPPUE Global Learning Network are good examples of how such support can be operationalised.