Assessing Factors Influencing Global Partnerships for Sustainable Development: The Case of United Nations Environment Programme

Partnerships with both public and non-public entities, are a crucial part of most of the United Nations system organization in its pursuit for achieving its' mandates. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) engages in many such partnerships through the implementation of programme activities. It is worth noting that, the volume of resources entrusted to partners are remarkable. Clear structure and measures of accountability are a requirement for partners when applying for Call for Proposals. This ensure that funds are used for the intended purpose with minimum risks of mismanagement, fraud and exploitation. Member states have raised their concerns regarding the performance of partners and have demanded for greater accountability of the resources that are allocated to partners through the United Nations. The study relied both on primary and secondary data and the findings revealed UNEP as the agency within the United Nations organization system that has set the pace as the foremost worldwide environmental advocate for sustainable development. Through partnerships the agency attains its mandates by addressing environmental challenges and issues through partnerships. Different forms of partnerships take places and involves the collaboration of UNEP granting funds to other entities (International Organizations) to implement programmes/projects. However, the agency has several deficiencies that were identified through this study. These include un-economical use of project funds, waste indication of resource that come about due to poor project planning and lack accountability for funds that have been disbursed to partners. The study recommends, executive heads should institute effectiveness in project execution. In-depth assessments during the selection of partners for effective and efficient programme implementation. Tools and mechanisms to facilitate systematic identification of fraud risks and investment in performance evaluation systems.