Very often companies, foundation, NGOs or even individuals come to UNFIP seeking advice on how to engage with the UN. UNFIP views itself as a one-stop for those seeking UN partnerships as we are able to recognize where in the UN system an appropriate partner may be found. Yet there's much more to forging a successful partnership than navigating the UN system and handing over contact information. It is really about building relationships. Quick response time, thoroughness, managing expectations, an understanding of what is important to a partner as well as what is important to the UN - these are all aspects of fostering a healthy partnership.
It is ideas, not money, which will bring successful cooperation. Money comes later when common ground has been found and partners can assist or develop a project or programme with the UN.
I don't, however, want to paint only a rosy picture. That would only be telling half the story. In many ways the partnership approach seems to be falling short. Many partnerships fail, or fail to live up to their intentions. Part of the problem that we have seen is:
• the lack of a widely shared understanding about what constitutes a true partnership; partners must have a common definition of the project at hand, even if their institutions do not share a common vision;
• managing expectations;
• the incentives of the various sectors involved;
• and how partnerships are best established, operated and evaluated.
Partnerships cannot be a patchwork quilt of well-meaning intentions and ideas sewn together. They require nurturing, compromises, re-assessment. And maybe most of all, patience. Partnership building is generally not a speedy process - but it can be a very effective and rewarding endeavor.