Networks of subnational entities in governance for sustainable development An assessment

1. Networks of subnational entities in governance for sustainable developmentAn assessment Sander HappaertsInstitute for International and European Policy Leuven Centre for Global Governance Studieslunch seminar 27 May 2009

2. Content • Introducing the topic • Inter-subnational networks: conceptual framework • Illustration: ENCORE and nrg4SD • A member’s experience: Flanders • Future perspectives

3. Introducing the topic • Increasing agency of subnational entities in global governance • Subnational entities in governance for SD • Important role • Implementation responsibilities • Often far-reaching competences • Closeness to citizens and stakeholders • Interested in multilateral policy processes! not recognized as decision-makers • Complexity and uncertainty → desire for policy learning

4. Introducing the topic (2) - lack of representation in multilateral bodies - desire for policy learning ↓ Inter-subnational networks “associations formed between subnational entities of different states whose ultimate purpose is to act as pressure groups in multilateral institutions, and foster cooperation based upon common interests, needs and aspirations”(adapted from Sodupe, 1999, p. 62)

5. Conceptual framework → External vs internal dimension External dimension • A direct route to multilateral decision-making • Identity politics Development of an international image • European perspective: New Regionalism Formal vs informal mechanisms Cooperation encouraged by European Commission • Recently: activity at global level • Influence?

6. Conceptual framework → External vs internal dimension External dimension • A direct route to multilateral decision-making • Identity politics Development of an international image • European perspective: New Regionalism Formal vs informal mechanisms Cooperation encouraged by European Commission • Recently: activity at global level • Influence?

7. Conceptual framework (2) Internal dimension • Joint approach to common problems 1970s: cross-border cooperation Later: shared political or economic interests • Policy learning, best practices • Bilateral partnerships • Networking, informal cooperation e.g. coordinating for Council of Ministers

8. Inter-subnational networks and SD

9. ENCORE Environmental Conference of the European Regions Creation • 1993, by Walloon government Goals • Discussion forum for subnational Environment ministers • Influencing EU environmental policy • Larger role for subnational entities in policy-making and implementation

10. ENCORE (2) Organization • 2-yearly ministerial conference • Rotating presidency and secretariat • Steering group Membership • Not formalized, no obligations • Broad participation • Since 2001: new EU MSs

11. ENCORE (3) Activities • High-level conference subnational ministers, European Commissioner, EU officials • Resolutions, action plans • Since 2004: thematic working groups • Information-sharing • Informal cooperation

12. nrg4SD Network of Regional Governments for Sustainable Development Creation • 2002, Johannesburg Goals • Representing subnational entities at the global level, expressing their viewpoint in global governance for SD • International recognition for the role of subnational entities • Information-sharing, partnerships • Promoting SD at the subnational level • North-South relations

13. nrg4SD (2) Organization • 2 co-chairs • Secretariat and continental focal points • Steering committee • Annual general assembly • 3-yearly summit Membership • 29 subnational entities • 7 associations • 2 ‘stakeholders’

14. nrg4SD (3)

15. nrg4SD (4) Activities • Accreditation (UNFCCC, UNEP, UNCSD) • Policy papers, declarations • Information-sharing, best practices • Partnerships • Informal cooperation

16. Flanders Participation • Desired partner • General policy line: proactive presence↔ for SD: low political investment • nrg4SD • Co-founder • Initially: active • Since 2007: growing scepticism • ENCORE • Initially: low profile • 2008: first ministerial presence • Future?

17. Flanders (2) Policy impact • Bilateral partnerships (with privileged EU partners, e.g. Basque Country, Catalonia, Lombardia, North Rhine-Westphalia, Wales) • Informal cooperation (e.g. Austrian and German Länder) Evaluation • External dimension • Opportunities of extra-state route are not exploited • Importance of identity politics • Internal dimension • Networking and bilateral cooperation with European partners • Policy learning?

18. Future perspectives • Growing cooperation and interdependence between networkse.g. FOGAR (Forum of Global Associations of Regions) • Increasing cooperation with other actors • Intergovernmental, e.g. UNDP, UNEP • Non-governmental, e.g. Climate Group • Debate: state or non-state actors? • Agenda focus shifts towards climate change Copenhagen as the next big event

19. Thank you! Sander Happaerts Institute for International and European Policy, KULeuven Parkstraat 45 box 3602 BE-3000 Leuven +32 16 32 30 27 sander.happaerts@soc.kuleuven.be