Tensions and trade-offs
Commitments to greater transparency and better data standards sit uneasily with calls for simplified reporting. Increased cash-based assistance lies in tension with the commitment to direct funding to local organisations. And efforts towards the 25% funding target for local organisations are at odds with commitments on un-earmarked funds.
Even where organisations channel funds directly to local actors, they continue to represent their own interests by pursuing partnerships with others who look and act like them, rather than rethinking their overall approach.
All 53 commitments are important, but they cannot all be implemented at once. The success of the Grand Bargain rests on its first commitment – transparency – a fundamental prerequisite if we are to fill information gaps and track the progress of other commitments. Only recently have its champions recognised the need to prioritise.
Political pragmatism needed
Perhaps the Grand Bargain’s most difficult challenge is its lack of political pragmatism. What seemed possible on paper has become more difficult to put into practice. Signatories are becoming more risk averse as they attend to domestic pressures and say they are not in a position to fund local organisations directly.
Perhaps the Grand Bargain’s most difficult challenge is its lack of political pragmatism.
The need to demonstrate results to parliaments and taxpayers is also driving demand for more earmarking and demonstration of results, which again is at odds with the commitment to reduce the reporting burden.
With the departure of the politically astute Kristalina Georgieva as the Grand Bargain’s lead and champion, the agreement risks becoming another vehicle for bad habits.
To revive the spirit of the Grand Bargain as it enters its second year, here are five ways Mr Lowcock could correct its course:
- Use the next phase of Grand Bargain implementation to articulate a future vision and role for the system he will soon step in to coordinate;
- Identify a new Grand Bargain champion to revive political support and prioritise collaboration across commitment areas – making significant progress on increased transparency will be key;
- Open formal discussions and decision-making to organisations well beyond its current signatories to more accurately reflect the interests of first responders and to make progress towards local humanitarian action;
- Use evidence gathered from the various work streams to demonstrate where change has been possible, where political interests collide and where important trade-offs must be made;
- Call out those who are using the Grand Bargain to pursue their own interests and work to bring about the political and cultural shifts that inspired the agreement in the first place.
