Cross-sector partnerships - how different sectors can work together to meet sustainability goals

IBLF believes that cross-sector partnerships are an effective route to social cohesion, environmental stability, equitable economic growth and sustainable development. It also believes that it is likely that cross sector collaboration will be the only way to meet the United Nations' Millennium Development Goals, aimed at eradicating poverty by 2015.

Many companies understand the importance of working in partnership with governments and non-governmental organisations. And leading NGOs, such as Greenpeace and Oxfam, are increasingly working with companies to promote sustainable development and improve business practices.

So why is this?

Organisations partner with others because they know that they can achieve their goals more effectively through working together rather than by working alone. In contrast, working separately can all too often lead to the development of a 'blame culture' in which problems are regarded as someone else's fault.

Over time, this has a negative impact on societies, economies and the natural environment.

However, an analysis of partnerships that are established and have stood the test of time shows that those that are most successful produce multiple benefits for all stakeholders.

Whilst partnerships are often a good idea in theory, they are frequently less successful in practice. Too many cross-sector activities described as 'partnerships' are in fact more a case of business as usual – each sector has its own way of operating, and only reluctantly and partially relinquishes its own working culture and relative autonomy.

Without developing new ways of working within and between organisations, partnerships simply do not work: a successful partnership involves each sector bringing together a different set of values, resources and competencies.

IBLF has been promoting cross-sector partnerships since its inception and has developed programmes in the field of cross sector partnering that build capacity of individuals and organisations. Two of these – the Post-graduate Certificate in Cross-sector Partnership (a collaboration between IBLF and Cambridge University Programme for Industry) and the Partnership Brokers Accreditation Scheme (a collaboration between IBLF and the Overseas Development Institute) – have now an alumni of over 300 from organisations in all sectors worldwide. 

A third, The Partnering Initiative (developed in collaboration with University of Cambridge Programme for Industry), is focused on developing the art and science of cross-sector partnership. The Initiative has established useful methodologies and resources to support partnership practitioners, available from www.thepartneringinitiative.org

The Partnering Initiative has also compiled some successful examples of cross-sector partnerships, including:

	Agua Para Todos (Water for All) – an initiative in Bolivia that helped resolve the so-called water wars in Cochabamba, following a controversial privatisation of the water system. Download more information
Rio Tinto with the Eden Project and Dundee University – two partnerships that helped mining company Rio Tinto tackle specific sustainable challenges in the UK. Download more information
	The Amazon Cacao Development Alliance – a group of NGOs, businesses and local communities creating alternatives to coffee and cocoa production in Ecuador's Amazon region. Download more information

In September, The Partnering Initiative is starting work on a new toolbook – the fourth in a series – to tackle an often-neglected area of partnerships: the challenge of ensuring effective communication within a partnership.

Action-based research for Talking the Walk: a Communication Toolbook for Partnership Practitioners will commence at the end of September at The Partnering Initiative's Partnering Event, a three day event in the UK where partnership practitioners will debate topical issues in cross-sector partnership. The event will feature workshops, a debate and a gala dinner hosted by Leigh Clifford, Chief Executive of Rio Tinto.

In addition to The Partnering Initiative, IBLF has developed a number of partnerships that have enabled businesses, governments and other organisations to meet their goals. Read more about IBLF's partnering work.