2. Harmonization, and Alignment are among key principles of the Paris Declaration(PD) on Aid Effectiveness. The PD is an International Agreement aimed at improving Aid effectiveness which should result into more sustainable Services. Harmonization and Alignment are applicable at the two main levels of development: National and Global while Coordination is applicable at all levels Introduction
3. Donors implement common arrangements and simplified procedures. Harmonization reduces transaction costs and donors should concentrate their participation in areas where they have a comparative advantage. Recipient Governments and Donors should have same objectives, adopt same approaches(Planning, Triggers for Disbursements, Reporting, Monitoring, Evaluation). Examples: SWAPs, JAF, SPR in Uganda. Harmonization is mainly applicable at country level. But there could be requirement at Global level as well. Harmonization
4. Can be at all levels(Global, National, Local Government, Beneficiary) Can be by Donors, Sectors, Private, NGOs Involves the Exchange of Information in order to avoid duplication, Contradictions Promotes Equity, Efficient use of scarce resources, Transparency. Examples – Uganda include: The Water sector working Group, District Water and sanitation Coordination Committees, Uganda Water and sanitation NGO Network (UWASNET). Coordination
5. Alignment requires that Donor support should be aligned with countries strategies, systems, procedures and structures. Donors should respect procedures and systems in place in target countries. Donors should base their overall support on partner country’s national development strategies, institutions and procedures. The Key requirements here are good controls, Good Governance and Trust. Alignment
6. Harmonization, Coordination and Alignment are Good Principles and Key to providing Sustainable Service, BUT we need to understand them deeper, perhaps through practical examples and experiences, Customize them before Embracing fully. For example is there need and space for experimentation and innovation. These Principles are Key But Not the only ones. There is need to find linkages with other equally important Elements. For example the other Symposium Strands, namely Service Delivery, Financing, Governance. conclusion
