The New Frontier in Sustainable Development: World Summit on Sustainable Development Type II Partnerships

Abstract

This article examines an innovative form of environmental governance that was introduced at the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg in 2002.  The "Type II" partnership is a voluntary, multi-stakeholder initiative to achieve sustainable development outcomes. Little has been written on why partnerships have gained prominence in the international environmental arena, and whether they are deserving of this. This article argues that Type II partnerships are a promising solution to sustainable development issues. Despite criticism, the emphasis placed on Type II Partnerships at the World Summit was deserved.  The article also explores ways partnerships may be utilised as an effective mechanism for achieving sustainable development.  The process surrounding the World Summit on Sustainable Development partnerships, and the guidelines for those partnerships, can be refined to improve their effectiveness.  This article highlights issues that influence improvement of partnerships.  A number of principles to guide changes made to the partnership process are formulated, and suggestions are made on how partnerships can become as effective as possible.