Dispelling the myths of triangular co-operation – Evidence from the 2015 OECD survey on triangular co-operation (OECD, 2016)

Triangular co-operation has gained great attention as a modality of development co-operation that combines the comparative advantages of the different partners involved. It does this by making use of complementary strengths for creating synergies, learning among all partners and building relationships based on trust. It features in the 2030 Agenda and the Addis Ababa Action Agenda as an instrument to implement the internationally agreed Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). At the same time, several myths have developed about triangular co-operation projects being small in scale and scope, operating only in niche areas and lacking clear planning and implementation mechanisms. Policy makers and practitioners ask for clear evidence about the value added of triangular co-operation in comparison to bilateral or regional co-operation. This report presents the results from a survey of triangular co-operation that the OECD conducted in 2015. It summarises and analyses the 60 responses provided (see Annex 1) that cover over 400 triangular co-operation projects and activities. The report is structured around three “myths” about triangular co-operation and provides evidence from the survey on the reality.