Capacity Development Networks May 30, 2013 Damian Indij

Content 1.Introduction 2.Why are networks functional 3.Social capital as driving force for partnerships 4.Messages

1. Introduction

Purpose of 5th Symposium Specifically designed in response to a need Members share a common vision, objectives, rules, and they carry out a set of common activities Operational guidelines in place The networks serves its members and the context needs Established capacity development networks

Purpose of 5th Symposium Relevance is based on the experience, level of activities, outreach, and knowledge of its members Key is they remain open and inclusive Combine values and resources, invigorating the capacity of each member and the network as a whole Key is leadership and network management skills to drive and give focus to networks. Guiding principles

Purpose of 5th Symposium i)create a multidisciplinary knowledge base in support of complex approaches, such as integrated water resources management; ii)combine scattered strengths of institutions into a critical mass; iii)maximise use of local skills; iv)share knowledge and expertise through communication and collaboration; v)enhance the impact of capacity development activities by coordinating and making use of members’ capacity, skills and experience. Achievements: What networks do

2. Why are networks functional

Purpose of 5th Symposium Building partnership: bringing together the right partners, securing resources, setting up governance arrangements. Managing partnerships: trust building and managing conflict, acquisition and management of resources, staffing and skills issues, performance review, and improvement (MELP). Securing outcomes. Achieving outcomes, the network has to facilitate the work of its members and have a positive social impact. What makes partnerships work?

Purpose of 5th Symposium Building trust and collaborative capacity: strong leadership; shared vision and a common basis of knowledge; a willingness to recognize difference, compromise, and ensure that all partners are treated equally; and cultural change at both the individual and organizational level (Sullivan and Skelcher 2002). Success factors for building partnerships (1)

Purpose of 5th Symposium Other factors: History of collaboration or co-operation in the community Mutual respect and understanding Appropriate cross-section of members Members see collaboration in their self-interest Multiple layers of participation Development of clear roles and policy guidelines Open and frequent communication Shared vision Sufficient funds, staff, materials, and time Skilled leadership Success factors for building partnerships (2)

3. Social capital as driving force for partnerships

Purpose of 5th Symposium Structural dimension: Network members, and partner organisations, a firm basis for connectivity and shared actions. It is key to understand that members may be more or less active at different times, but this does not imply there are not part of the network, or will not be engaged in more activities in the future. Relational dimension: Communications, ICT tools and virtual education, face to face meetings, courses, and friendly events. Cognitive dimension: networks build a shared, but open, image of the development problem. This is found in principles such as Integrated Water Resources Management, but also in views in regard to other principles, as gender balance, sustainability, equity, and water integrity.

Purpose of 5th Symposium Networks are formed by organisations which collaborate in different forms The organisational level is vital for continuity, openness, connectivity, knowledge anchorage, and replication for increased impact People "move" organisations, take decisions, embark into new developments, decide to allocate time, and to be part of shared developments From a network management perspective, managing people, and leadership within them, it one central element Messages

Purpose of 5th Symposium Social capital has a peculiar feature. Almost all forms of capital are partially or completely destroyed by its use, it happens to the machinery, equipment, natural resources, etc.. Instead, this form of capital, ethical values​​, trust, cooperation, the more you use, the more it grows. Albert Hirschman (1984)

Purpose of 5th Symposium Thank you for your attention. Damian Indij LA-WETnet Manager Latin America Water Education & Training Network