Trade Interests and UN Funding: Commercial Earmarking of Multi-bi Aid

The book explores country earmarking of contributions in the voluntary financing system of the United Nations, finding that OECD/DAC donor countries influenced a significant portion of voluntary multilateral funding decisions during the Millennium Development Goals. It argues that the practice of commercial earmarking in the context of specialized UN agencies can be a blessing or a curse depending on the availability of parallel, flexible funding and the creation of adequate political and operational space for supranational norm-keepers.

Format: Hardback
Length: 174 pages
Publication date: 16 July 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book delves into a fascinating aspect of donor behavior within the voluntary financing system of the United Nations, specifically examining the phenomenon known as country earmarking of contributions. Through extensive research, the author uncovers that a significant portion of voluntary multilateral funding decisions during the era of the Millennium Development Goals were influenced by the commercial priorities of the OECD/DAC donor countries. The theoretical contribution of this work lies in exploring the potential policy advantages that can be achieved by aligning donors' commercial interests with multi-bilateral development programs.

The book takes a holistic approach, considering its empirical findings within the current framework of the Sustainable Development Goals and the associated aid financing architecture. Despite the often-negative associations associated with commercial aid giving, the author argues that it is challenging to make a definitive negative judgment on the practice of commercial earmarking in the context of specialized UN agencies. The author emphasizes that the success or failure of commercial earmarking will largely depend on the availability of parallel, flexible funding and the creation of adequate political and operational space for supranational norm-keepers.

In synthesizing the existing knowledge concerning the supply-side of multi-bi aid, this book offers an accessible and comprehensive overview of the topic that will appeal to students and scholars of global governance and international organizations. The book provides a valuable resource for those seeking to understand the complex dynamics and implications of commercial aid in the global development landscape.

Weight: 288g
Dimension: 144 x 223 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367545628