Coordination at the sectoral level

The discussion among donors as well as between donors and the government of the last year has shown that many actors, both on the donor and the government sides, have not been sufficiently aware of experiences and best practices appearing elsewhere, especially of successful examples of programme approaches or sector wide approaches (SWAps), which have considerable potential also in the context of the Kyrgyz Republic.

Experience from other countries suggests that real gains in ODA efficiency and effectiveness will only become possible if alignment can be advanced by the development of common government-donor frameworks, and the move towards program approaches in key areas of external assistance. Thus the following measures are considered to be a priority:

• Develop solid Program Approaches (or Sector Approaches) in key sectors and areas, such as education, health, agriculture, fiscal decentralisation and social protection. Government and donors should commit themselves to develop as soon as possible agreed sector policies and strategies in the sectors mentioned above, and to agree on formal coordination frameworks (donor-government partnerships or platforms). Adequate TA should be made available jointly or at least in a closely coordinated manner to support the concerned ministries in taking the lead in sector coordination as well as policy formulation.
• As an agreement between the Ministry of Health and major donors in the health sector exists to develop a programme approach ("Health SWAp") for the sector, the above steps should be immediately taken. The health sector could then be considered as the pilot for programme approaches in the Kyrgyz Republic.