Multi-Actor Networks

Multi-actor networks are partnerships of actors from governments, business, civil society and academia at the national or international level to address challenges that require collaboration among the relevant stakeholders. The networks are characterized by a certain degree of institutionalization.

We facilitate international partnerships

With the adoption of the 2030 Agenda and the proclamation of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the United Nations is pointing to the high level of global social and interdisciplinary complexity as well as the acute need for action. Development goal 17 – "Strengthen means of implementation and breathe new life into the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development" – underlines the importance of increased cooperation.

Partnerships between different actors at national and international level play an important role here. With their help, challenges can be addressed that cannot be solved by one actor alone. Cooperation improves problem-solving capacities and the legitimacy of national and transnational governance. The focus is on common good-oriented solutions to a societal challenge.

Cooperation here can be characterized by a varying degree of involvement of actors from different groups (government, business, civil society, and academia) and by a certain degree of institutionalization. This should enable all actors involved to participate and contribute to the solution on an equal footing.

What are the different types of networks?

1. Knowledge

Knowledge networks are mainly used to share and disseminate knowledge and insights on a specific topic and to provide non-state policy advice. In this process, different sources of knowledge from practitioners, civil society, businesses and government institutions – usually from different countries – come together to pool expertise and advance knowledge.

2. Standardization

Standardization networks strive for voluntary standards in areas where there are no binding or only insufficient regulations. Examples are certifications, codes of conduct, but also transparent publications of information in a specific area.

3. Action

Action networks are focused on the implementation of projects. Some networks deal, for example, with the financing of projects or the setting of improved framework conditions, while others specialize in the implementation of training courses in specific subject areas.

The contribution of the Berlin Governance Platform

With our long experience on multi-actor networks, we contribute to the different phases of such networks on a national and international level.

Initiation and implementation

We start multi-actor networks ourselves to initiate necessary changes. In doing so, we attach importance to a holistic approach that is adapted to the objective. Topics such as identification and involvement of relevant actors, governance, internal collaboration and external communication are at the core of successful networks or partnerships.

Consulting and evaluation

Based on our experience, we offer advice to other networks and partnerships on strategy, collaboration and governance, and evaluation.

Projects with this format

  • LEAP Transparency

    The Local Electricity Access Programme - LEAP Transparency is a multi-stakeholder initiative working for fair and transparent access to affordable and clean electricity access mainly in rural Africa
  • Garment Industries Transparency Initiative (GITI)

    The Garment Industries Transparency Initiative (GITI) is a multi-stakeholder partnership with the aim of contributing to the implementation of labour standards in the global garment industries through improved transparency and participation.
  • Photo at a conference of the Fisheries Transparency Initiative.

    Fisheries Transparency Initiative (FiTI)

    The Fisheries Transparency Initiative (FiTI) is a global multi-stakeholder partnership to strengthen transparency and participation for sustainable fisheries.
  • Centre on Governance through Human Rights

    The Centre on Governance through Human Rights of the Berlin Governance Platform in Berlin advises on governance and human rights issues. Transitional justice in transitional societies, climate justice and cyber justice (human rights [...])
  • Centre for Natural Resource Governance

    The centre promotes cooperation between the public sector, business and civil society to solve global and local challenges.
  • Development of a Climate Policy Implementation Check

    Ambitious climate targets alone are not enough - political measures must also be implemented in order to achieve these targets. There are already a large number of tools and assessments to evaluate the [...]
  • Climate Compatible Export Credit Policies

    Effective climate policy needs dialogue. In a series of online events, topics relating to international financing for the energy transition in the Asian region were discussed in a national and supranational context.
  • Climate Transparency: Engagement in seven G20 countries

    The Climate Transparency Partnership brings together climate assessments and expertise from organisations in the G20 countries. The Partnership uses independent, comparable and comprehensive data to analyse the G20's progress in transforming [...]
  • Climate Transparency

    The Climate Transparency Partnership brings together climate assessments and expertise from organisations in the G20 countries. Since 2014, the partnership has been analysing the G20's progress on climate action using independent, comparable and comprehensive data [...]