Minu Hemmati

Multi-Stakeholder ProcessesA Methodological Framework
Minu HemmatiUNED Forum, April 2001

Project Goals
Develop a common framework shared and promoted by stakeholdersBuild a knowledge baseExperiment with MSPs

MSPs
are processes of decision-finding (and possibly decision-making), which aim to:bring together all major stakeholders;achieve equity and accountability in communication between stakeholders;

MSPs
involve equitable representation of stakeholder groups;are based on democratic principles of transparency and participation;aim to develop partnerships, networks, collaboration.

Stakeholders
People who have an interest in a particular decision, either as individuals or representatives of a group;People who (can) influence a decision and people who are affected by it.

MSPs: A Spectrum
DialoguesConsensus-buildingDecision-makingImplementation Monitoring & evaluation

depending on issues, participants, time-frame, linkage to official decision-making

Building Blocks
GoalsGlobal governance reform debateTerminologyDifferent types Value / ideological baseScientific research on diverse groups20 examples

MSP Examples
Aarhus ConventionBeijing+5 Online ForumCSD DialoguesBrent Spar DialoguesFfD HearingsGRILA21 (2x)Bergen DialoguesNovartis ForumOECD Biotech Conf
NSSDsNCSDsUN Global CompactMMSDPaper InitiativeWHO ConferenceWB ReportWB GEF Country DialoguesWCD

Principles of StakeholderInvolvement and Collaboration
AccountabilityEffectivenessEquityFlexibilityGood governanceInclusivenessLearningLegitimacy
OwnershipParticipationPartnershipSocietal GainsStrengthening institutionsTransparencyVoices, not votes

MSP Phases
1. Context

2. Framing

3. Inputs

4. Dialogue / meeting(s)

5. Outputs

Throughout the process

1. Context
Process designLinkage to decision-makingStakeholder identificationFacilitation / organisational back-upFunding

2. Framing

Group compositionGoalsAgenda

3. Inputs
Stakeholder preparationsAgreed rules & proceduresPower gapsCapacity-building

4. Dialogue / Meeting(s)
Communication channelsFacilitation / chairingRapporteuringDecision-making *Closure

* optional

5. Outputs
DocumentationAction plan / implementationOngoing MS processes *Impact official decision-making *

* optional

Throughout the Process
Meta-communicationRelating to non-participating stakeholdersRelating to the general public

General Considerations
Enable all stakeholders to initiate MSPsMake the designing phase an MSPDevelop precisely defined issuesAdopt a learning approach

Outlook

A learning hub for MSPsPolitical debate