1. The regional PAR-AC CoP Where from? Where to? Dan Dionisie, PAR-AC Policy Specialist, BRC PAR-AC CoP meeting, Oct 2007

2. Brief look back o Global PAR CoP meeting (Apr 2004, Bratislava) - brief regional (side) session on joint programming called by BRC... but no follow-up o First Regional PAR-AC CoP meeting (May 2005, Bratislava) - membership survey preceded the meeting (including votes on priorities)... but no follow-up - CoP consulted on the priorities for the 2006-2010 Regional Programme / RPAP o 2 nd Regional meeting (March 2006, Bratislava) - roundtable with external experts - discussion about linking regional programme with country programmes, and CoP role in this - specific (sub-)regional initiatives proposed by COs and BRC were discussed (subsequently implemented jointly) o Consistent effort and noticeable trend towards the CoP playing an increasing role in regional programming (...hope to advance to next level after this meeting)

3. Key features of a successful CoP...no definitive answer, but... o Shared Vision & consistent leadership/facilitation - somehow constrained by high staff turnover (COs, BRC) - KM unit at BRC investing strategically in strengthening CoPs (training for facilitators, workspaces) o Sense of community - tacit knowledge, team approach, active members (core group) - CoP vs. CO focal points on PAR-AC o Sense of purpose, result-orientation - CoP’s own outputs, initiatives vs contributions to regional, country results? - Knowledge Management vs programming role? - defining a role vis-a-vis global CoP (not a simple subset)

4. Key features of a successful CoP (cont’d) o Enabling IT platform - online workspace to facilitate flexible networking, collaborative work - minimize transaction costs o Institutionalization - so far largely informal, on voluntary basis - membership charter? ToR? induction kit for newcomers? - will the (MYFF-based) sub-practice structure survive under the new SP?

5. Progress so far o Enhancing CoP’s role in regional programming - significant progress since March 2006 (participatory regional programming, joint implementation, support to CO-led initiatives, establishment of programme and resource framework for demand-driven PAR activities) o Knowledge networking - (extended) CoP supports other networks (ACPN, Regional PAR Network of Practitioners and Experts) - on-going work on IT platform - comprehensive inventory of CO projects - some (but not much) CO-generated exchanges, mostly “radial” traffic

6. Looking forward... o What are we after? - CoP as sounding board for, and generator of regional initiatives, helps linking regional and country projects, making regional programme demand- driven and enhancing impact, sustainability - interactive IT platform / workspace facilitates increasing p2p networking, collaborative work, with BRC as facilitator, knowledge manager, advisor and sponsor for CoP-generated initiatives

7. ... to be continued