Regional Initiatives: Collaborating to solve common issues

In some parts of the world, UNFPA helps to organise regional initiatives to address specific issues which may be common to two or more countries. Turkey and South Caucasus is a region where a number of such issues have already benefited from this approach.

What is a regional Initiative ?

Typically, a regional initiative involves UNFPA and the governments of two or more countries in the region working together on a specific project or programme perhaps with additional input from other bodies, such as Non Governmental Organisations or the private sector. Funding can come from a number of sources. The European Union is a key donor, but contributions or expertise can also come from other sources for example, governments, multi-national bodies, or the private sector.

An example of a successful regional initiative is t he EU/UNFPA Reproductive Health Initiative for Youth in Asia (RHIYA) . This involves the governments of seven countries, UNFPA and the EU and aims to improve the sexual and reproductive health of adolescents and young people in South and Southeast Asia.

What are the benefits ?

Countries involved in a regional initiative benefit from the sharing of knowledge and experiences about a common issue or problem. Participating governments and other organisations are able to learn about, replicate and expand best practices. Collaboration can improve and widen the impact of programmes or projects. It also establishes networks for future cooperation. By joining a regional initiative on an issue, governments often show more political commitment to addressing it.