Virtual Exhibition E-Discussions: Working Together for Sustainable Development

The report outlines key observations from a virtual consultation on sustainable development partnerships, emphasizing that success depends on a compelling motive, shared vision, and the ability to move from information sharing to action. It identifies various partnership typologies—including public education, issues-based, community development, and resource management—and highlights the critical need for equitable treatment of southern partners. The document argues for a shift from 'short burst project funding' to sustained support and notes a significant gap between local-level success and the ability to influence national or international policy.

• The success of a sustainable development partnership is measured by three factors: the achievement of immediate goals, the quality of the internal experience (such as trust and knowledge sharing), and the 'multiplier effect,' where the partnership influences policies and practices beyond its original scope.
• Four essential requirements for partnership success are identified: a compelling motive for collaboration, a transition from mere information sharing to actual joint work, the development of mutual working methods, and the communication of results to external parties.
• Partnerships often exhibit asymmetries in power, size, and resources. While partners do not need identical expectations, they must have mutual clarity regarding their respective objectives. There is a specific need for the equitable treatment of partners from southern or transitional countries to ensure their expertise is utilized and fairly compensated.
• There is a notable disconnect between the success of community-based initiatives at the local level and the capacity to effect change in the national or international policies that often cause the original problems.
• The donor community is encouraged to move away from 'short burst project funding' toward more sustained transfers of assets, skills, and knowledge. Governments can further support partnerships by creating enabling conditions, such as policies promoting public participation and improving communication infrastructure.
• Monitoring and evaluation are recognized as necessary for maintaining partner commitment and ensuring work is completed, yet there is limited understanding of how to implement these processes effectively given limited financial and human resources.

APA

Creech, H., & Willard, T. (2002). Virtual Exhibition E-Discussions: Working Together for Sustainable Development. International Institute for Sustainable Development. https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/networks_virtual_ediscussions.pdf

Chicago

Creech, Heather, and Terri Willard. Virtual Exhibition E-Discussions: Working Together for Sustainable Development. International Institute for Sustainable Development, 2002. https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/networks_virtual_ediscussions.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Creech |first1=Heather |last2=Willard |first2=Terri |title=Virtual Exhibition E-Discussions: Working Together for Sustainable Development |publisher=International Institute for Sustainable Development |date=2002 |url=https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/networks_virtual_ediscussions.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{creech2002virtual, author = {Creech, Heather and Willard, Terri}, title = {{Virtual Exhibition E-Discussions: Working Together for Sustainable Development}}, institution = {International Institute for Sustainable Development}, year = {2002}, url = {https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/networks_virtual_ediscussions.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }