Perspectives on the Emerging Economic Powers in the UN Development System (UNDS)

The 2013 FUNDS global expert survey provides perspectives and predictions regarding the future role of the emerging economic powers (for example the BICS - Brazil, India, China and South Africa) in the UN development system (UNDS).  Key findings are summarised below, for more details and graphs please read the full Results of the survey in pdf.

A more pro-active, influential role:

Emerging economic powers will have a positive impact on the UNDS; 86% of the experts surveyed believe that these states will play a more important role in the future.  This expected increase in economic and political leverage among emerging economic powers is viewed positively, as an opportunity for the UNDS, by 69% of respondents.

Emerging powers will play a leading role in influencing and prioritising development agendas within the UNDS, according to the survey, with 83% of experts highlighting this function, compared to the 50% who believe that emerging powers will play a more active role in implementing development agendas.

Emerging economic powers should assume a more active role in the UNDS’s future reform agenda: 87% expect to see them taking a more active Intellectual leadership role regarding these reforms, and 78% believe they will be more active in the implementation of reforms. 

Changes in funding:

The overwhelming majority (89%) of experts surveyed predict that the economic progress of emerging economic powers will lead to them engaging in discussions on development cooperation resources more as donors than as recipients.

Regarding the future pattern of funding by emerging economic powers to the UNDS,  81% of experts believe that they should contribute more to core funding.  Funding from emerging economic powers is expected to be focused on South-South cooperation and on specific regions and development areas. 

More selective UNDS presence in emerging economic powers:

When asked whether the UNDS should maintain its representation (offices, staff, funding etc.) in emerging economic powers, 79% of experts replied "yes".  However, the UNDS presence should become more selective and streamlined: 82% believe that UNDS should be represented by a single unified country office.

Who are the experts surveyed?

Previously employed in UN system: 48%

Never employed in UN system: 45%

Currently working in UN system: 7%

Sector of employment:

Private sector: 59%

UN org. or agency: 21%

Non-UN international public org: 9%

Academia: 6%

National government/public sector: 3%

Non-Government Organizations: 2%

• Send by e-mail
• Sign up for Projects Updates