In 2008, the world witnessed an unprecedented convergence of food-related, energetic, environmental, political, financial and economic crises. As the international community is collectively facing multiple global challenges that threaten to reverse development progress, many nations look at Brazil as a contributor with capacity to alleviate tensions in areas such as climate change, trade, food security, HIV/AIDS, biodiversity, social technology and human security. In fact, not only is Brazil self-sufficient in both food and energy, it has also accumulated valuable knowledge and expertise in the condition of the largest and leading Middle-Income Country (MIC) of the region. With a population of 194,2 million (UNFPA, 2008) and a per capita income of US$ 8.949 (UNDP, 2008), Brazil has done especially well in recent years, obtaining important economic, social and environmental advances.

The country has practically achieved universal basic education, with 97% enrollment of children 7 to 14 years old and there was an impressive reduction in poverty and inequality rates, reaching historically low figures. The poverty rate, as measured by the local minimum wage, fell from 32.9 percent in 2003 to 25.6 percent in 2006, meeting the Millennium Development Goal (MDG). This reduction was due mainly to higher economic growth, well targeted conditional cash transfer programs (such as the Family Grant, or “Bolsa Familia”), increases in labor income and the decline in unemployment - from over 12 percent in 2003 to just below 10 percent in 2006 and 2007 (World Bank, 2008). The Gini coefficient, which measures income concentration, continued to fall from 0.59 in 1997 to 0.53 in 2007, reaching its lowest point in three decades. As the country’s income inequality has decreased, a larger Brazilian middle-class has emerged. According to a recent study, since 2002 the proportion of the population that falls under this definition has increased from 44% to 52% (FGV, 2008). Brazil, notorious for its extremes, is now a middle-class country, listed in the High Human Development Category.

In spite of these achievements, poverty and inequality remain at high levels, and there is still a large gap in the access and quality of pre-school and secondary education. Poverty is concentrated primarily in the North-East where approximately 60% of Brazil’s poor live, and ethnic minorities such as indigenous and afro-descendent groups are especially affected by inequalities in living standards and opportunities (DFID, 2007). Currently, the average income of the richest 20% is 21.8 times higher than that of the poorest 20%(UNDP, 2007/2008). In the years to come, UNCT support will be geared to strengthening capacity for equitably distributed development results, hence transforming the MDGs into a reality for all citizens, regardless of their gender, race, or geographical region. This calls for a repositioning that combines clear focus on the most vulnerable groups and increased capacity to deliver results.

Summary on progress towards UNDAF outcomes

(A) SUPPORT TO NATIONAL PRIORITIES & CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT

Drawing on the assets of its entire system, the UNCT played a crucial role in collectively supporting national priorities. In line with the UNDAF document, UN agencies continued to contribute to the implementation of major national programmes, according to their respective mandates and expertise. With an increased flow of information and interaction between UNCT members, opportunities to strengthen complementarities and synergies were maximized, notably within the existing TGs.

Through its HIV/AIDS TG, led by WHO/PAHO in close coordination with UNAIDS, the UNCT has contributed to ongoing national efforts to scale-up the response against HIV/AIDS. To ensure greater coherence and impact of its action, the TG has developed an “Integrated Plan” aimed at addressing regional inequities. In partnership with the National AIDS Programme, two States were identified (Amazonas and Bahia) for coordinated actions at local level, with an approximate budget of US$ 1.3 million. Interagency missions – in partnership with the Brazilian Government – were made to both States in order to establish priority thematic areas and actions to be jointly implemented.

The Programme “Health and Prevention in Schools” (SPE), implemented by UNESCO, UNICEF and UNFPA, in partnership with the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education, continued to produced significant results. According to the National AIDS Programme’s most recent data, 400 municipalities have adopted the programme, compared to 100 in 2006, raising awareness on important topics such as HIV/STD prevention, adolescent pregnancy, sexuality, and drug use/abuse in over 52,000 schools, reaching over 15 million adolescents throughout the country. In addition, in 2008, UNFPA, UNIFEM and UNICEF, contributed to the decentralization process of the pioneering ``Integrated Plan to Halt the Feminization of HIV and AIDS``. During the year, six macroregional workshops were organized with active participation of all sectors, for the development of State Plans that will be implemented in the years to come.

The Gender and Race TG, chaired by UNIFEM, also provided technical and logistical support to the preparatory process for the Durban Review Conference that is scheduled for April 2009. Besides facilitating the organization of the Regional Intergovernmental Conference (17-19 June), in constant liaison with the OHCHR, the TG contributed to the organization of the Pre-Conference Civil Society Meeting involving NGOs, regional social black movements, Indigenous People, Jewish communities and the LGBT groups (13-15 June). Approximately 300 participants, from 33 countries of Latin America and the Caribbean took part in the event.

The UNCT also made progress in its joint agenda to enhance National Institutions’ capacities for local monitoring of the MDGs through the DevInfo technology. A new on-line MDG monitoring tool was launched under the leadership of UNDP and UNICEF, in partnership with civil society and the Ministry of Planning. Immediately after its launch, the “MDG Portal” already became a crucial instrument for local monitoring of the MDGs in all 5,564 Brazilian municipalities, much appreciated and consulted by government counterparts, civil society and the academia.

Capacity building efforts were also deployed in the context of HACT implementation. UNICEF has provided training to 76 staff members and the Operation Managers from UNFPA, UNDP and WHO/PAHO, besides a group of 67 Partners. In addition, UNICEF and UNFPA have conducted 56 micro-assessments of financial management systems and 51 partners are already using the FACE form.

(B) MAINSTREAMING HUMAN-RIGHTS INTO ALL UNCT ADVOCACY ACTIVITIES

In 2008, the UNCT has also advanced its joint advocacy campaign in the context of the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). Human Rights (HR) were hence adopted as main focus for all communications activities, enabling the UNCT to approach several development issues from the angle of disparities and exclusion. Throughout the year, a series of activities were organized by the Communications Team, led by UNESCO, such as the presentation in Rio and Brasília of short films on the timeless significance of HR and their underlying values (Dec 10), the launch of a special website and brochure on the 60 years of the UDHR, an extraordinary session in the Senate, that was broadcasted nationally (Dec 18) and the creation of an Award delivered by UNIC and the National Secretariat for HR to five journalists who distinguished themselves in the coverage of HR issues in the national press in the last three decades (Oct 27).

The UN Day Event, organized in partnership with the European Union and the Federal District, was a highly successful activity, symbolizing the importance of involving youth in the promotion of HR. Eight-hundred students from public and private schools participated in the preparatory workshops that culminated in the presentation of concrete proposals to a group of authorities for the advancement of the UDHR in their communities. The preparatory process was accompanied by an interagency team of 44 facilitators, from twelve UN Agencies and seven EU Embassies. The final event attracted 350 people, besides significant media attention.

An additional UN Day activity was the launch of the course "Dialogues with the UN" at the Catholic University of Brasília, during a symposium on Human Rights (400 participants). The course aims to bridge the gap between human rights theory and action, utilizing internal staff and expertise. Twenty-three highly qualified staff members from thirteen agencies have volunteered to deliver various lectures, which reflect the variety of UN themes and mandates through the lens of human-rights. Extra credits will be recognized on the basis of successful participation in the course.

(C) JOINT PROGRAMMES

In light of the ongoing efforts to reposition the UNCT for increased relevance in the national agenda, Joint Programmes (JPs) were seen as fundamental instruments with capacity to generate renewed opportunities for policy advice and innovative approaches.

In partnership with the National Government, the Country Team has formulated JPs for all available MDG-Fund Thematic Windows in 2008 (“Private Sector and Development”, “Children, Nutrition and Food Security” and re-submission for “Youth, Employment and Migration”). It has also formulated and obtained approval of JP documents in the areas of “Gender & Race” and “Conflict Prevention”, with a budget of US$ 4,000,000 and US$ 6,000,000, respectively. Eleven Resident Agencies were directly involved in the formulation process (UNESCO, UNFPA, UNICEF, UNIFEM, UNDP, ILO, UN-Habitat, FAO, WHO/PAHO, UNEP, UNAIDS), working in a participatory manner, under rotating leadership.

In addition, UNICEF/UNESCO, PAHO/WHO and UNFPA have initiated the implementation of the Human Security Project for São Paulo, funded by the Japanese Trust Fund for Human Security. With a total budget of approximately 3.2 million dollars, the Project aims to address urban violence through the establishment of a culture of peace at the community level.

Summary on progress in UN Reform

The UNCT shares the view that development is as a complex, multidimensional and non-linear process, and strongly believes that sustained cooperation with MICs is essential for the achievement of all major development objectives, the construction of global public goods and the reduction of social, economic and regional inequalities.

In this view, the UNCT has worked to consolidate the efforts initiated in 2007 to maximize the System’s value-added and provide a coherent and harmonized response to the specific challenges faced by Brazil as a MIC. To facilitate and guide the UN System repositioning, a case-study on the UNCT’s role in Brazil is under development, to identify the actual demands of the country and the potential added value of the various UN agencies. A first draft of the study is currently being reviewed through broad consultations involving UN Staff and partners from all sectors. The process is expected to provide the UNCT with key elements for the development of a multidimensional conceptual framework for UN action in emerging countries, as well as a strategic opportunity to strengthen high-level dialogue with National Counterparts.

As countries’ capacities and resources expand, so does their access to world-class knowledge and advice. In this sense, in order to maintain its relevance in MICs, the UN System role must be backed by optimal use of its analytical skills, global networking and comparative experience (T. Lemaresquier, 2008). In other words, in order to effectively “Deliver as One”, UN agencies must also “Think as One”. Aware of this reality, the UNCT has joined efforts to analyze and develop a common view on many relevant issues that have emerged in the international agenda in 2008. A case in point is the Paper on the Food Crisis produced by the Communications Team, Chaired by UNESCO, in coordination with technical staff from several agencies. Not only did the Paper reflect a common UNCT view of the crisis, but it also outlined possible strategies to support Brazil in its efforts to foster food security within and outside its borders. Additionally, it has served as a basis for the development of a Joint Programme aimed at fostering Food Security for Indigenous Communities and has provided the UNCT with a clear position for a coordinated dialogue with relevant National Authorities (i.e. Representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the President of the National Council for Food Security – CONSEA). In addition, a Climate Change TF, led by UNEP, was created to map all ongoing initiatives in the field and produce a JP proposal to support national authorities in addressing the Climate Change challenge.

The UN System has also continued to play a key role in South-South Cooperation (SSC), supporting the implementation of SSC programmes and activities through its different Agencies, Programmes and Funds and working together to harmonize SSC procedures and approaches. The former SSC Theme Group (TG) has been replaced by an Interagency Task-Force (TF) with an increased focus on programmatic and operational initiatives. Under the Leadership of UNFPA, the TF mapped the ongoing UNCT SSC activities, which will soon be available in an intranet web-based platform. Moreover, the TF strived to develop an innovative model to support Brazil’s SSC in a coordinated manner. Based on this model, the TF has initiated the elaboration of a Joint Framework to articulate UN Support to Brazil’s Food Security Programme in Haiti. During the year, the TG also established dialogue with relevant national actors, bilateral donor countries’ and other funding institutions, to promote collaboration in the South-South agenda. It is important to note that The "Laços Sul-Sul" Initiative, aimed at promoting universal access to HIV prevention and care in Latin American and Portuguese speaking countries, was selected by the Special Unit for SSC as one of the top six projects of 2008 and, as such, received a special award during the global South Development Expo in December. The initiative, launched by Brazil in 2004, is jointly supported by UNICEF, UNFPA, UNESCO and UNAIDS.

(B) INCREASING UNCT CAPACITY TO DELIVER RESULTS

Building on top of a good coordination platform, the Country Team decided to assess its interagency working mechanisms to ensure continued improvement of collective results and increased relevance in a MIC environment. At the request of the UNCT, an inter-agency team from Headquarters (DOCO, UNICEF, and PAHO) visited Brasilia from 24 to 28 March 2008 and conducted a series of interviews with the TGs and their chairs, the Resident Coordinator (RC) and Country Team members. Based on recommendations from this mission, the UN system in Brazil adopted a three-tiered working structure: strategic/political, policy/programmatic and operational levels. Important results of this process include the substitution of some TGs by more agile and flexible TFs; and the creation of an advisory group to the RC that is composed of a limited number of Heads of Agency (three to four), who are nominated on a rotational basis to advise the RC on joint issues while ensuring that the TGs and TFs get high-level and timely support. Although these new mechanism ate still being consolidated, most changes have already proven to be effective in intensifying the Country Team’s capacity to deliver results.

Similarly, the UNCT has also dedicated important efforts to strengthen its capacity to monitor and implement the 2007-2011 UNDAF. The initiative, fully funded with “Action 2” Funds, used a sustainable capacity building strategy that included a review of the UNDAF document (coordinated by UNESCO), two training activities for UNCT Staff on the human rights based approach to development (organized by UNDP) and the creation of an UNDAF monitoring tool, using the Dev-Info System (led by UNICEF). The monitoring tool will be operational in early 2009 and will undoubtedly facilitate the UNCT’s endeavor to deliver tangible UNDAF results.

(C) COMMON SERVICES AND PREMISES

In 2008, the UNCT undertook renewed efforts to move forward with the implementation of common premises and services, not only to achieve economies of scale but also to reduce transaction costs of its processes and increase its effectiveness. The six agencies sharing Common premises in Brasília have worked together to identify common services that can be utilized for the benefit of cost saving synergies (UNFPA, UNDP, UNEP, UNAIDS, UNIFEM and UNDSS). This process culminated in the development and subsequent signature of a specific Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which is expected to accelerate the implementation of common services in 2009.

At the local level, UNDP, UNICEF, UNESCO, UNFPA and ILO have moved forward with their plan to share sub-national common premises in the city of Salvador, Bahia. After a consultative and coordinated effort of these UN entities, an agreement was eventually reached regarding the office layout and the installation process. As the premises remodeling will start in early 2009, under the leadership of UNICEF, an operational Task-Force was created to define all common services to be adopted in the sub-national office.

Amongst other operational achievements of the Country Team is the common travel agency procurement process led by UNDP and UNESCO, with the involvement of all resident agencies. The estimated savings in air ticket issuance costs is approximately 30% when compared to 2007 figures.

Also worth mentioning is the creation of a local UN Expatriate Spouse Association (UN/BRALESA), aimed at facilitating the professional insertion of UN expatriate spouses, with contributions from UNICEF, UNIFEM, UNESCO, and UNFPA. UN/BRALESA, installed in UNDP premises, is now fully operational, as ten agencies have already signed the “regulation on the employment of expatriate spouses”.

Finally, under the DO’s guidance, the SMT continued to work on Minimum Operating Security Standards (MOSS) compliance. Twenty decentralized Staff Security trainings were organized by UNDSS, for 283 staff members from all UN resident agencies, besides One Calling Tree Exercise reaching 810 colleagues and four evacuation drills (involving other 206 staff members). Seventeen UN Offices are currently MOSS compliant.

Key aspects of the proposed 2009 workplan

2. A concerted effort will be made to ensure that all approved Joint Programmes are successfully implemented, taking full profit of the agencies’ expertise. Specific monitoring and assessment mechanisms will be implemented to foster overall effectiveness and consistency of the JPs.

3. The Country Team will proceed with the ongoing efforts to intensify its capacity to deliver results. The revamped UNCT Working Structure will be consolidated as a harmonized governance structure will be adopted for all interagency arrangements, based on clear Terms of Reference (TORs) and work plans that have precise assessable indicators.

4. Aware that a more cohesive UN can play a more influential role in advocacy and policy support, the UNCT will continue to “communicate as one” in areas that require common position and views. Building on the idea of universalizing the MDGs, the UNCT communications strategy will be structured around three main themes: (i) reducing vulnerability to climate change; (ii) addressing gender, race and ethnic disparities, and (iii) reducing the impact of the various crises on the most vulnerable groups.

5. The Country Team remains committed to expand Common Services and Premises. Sub-National Common Premises will be established in Salvador, Bahia, and will provide the UNCT with a great opportunity to implement common services at the local level, where more favorable administrative conditions have been identified. Harmonized UN “Green Offices” initiatives will also be fostered at all levels.

Recommendations

2. Incentives and career tracks of UN staff continue to follow agency lines. Recruitment policies, performance assessment and promotion should be redesigned to take into account of individual efforts to promote harmonization and coherence.

3) SSC "Knowledge Fair" organized to showcase selected Brazilian best-practices that could be replicated in other developing countries;

4) UNCT Courses on Human Development and UN Development Cooperation offered to national Universities, using internal staff and expertise;

5) Joint analysis of relevant development/human-rights issues to foster a common UNCT view and position;

6) Coordinated response to the Climate Change challenge developed at the Country Level;

2) Definition of efficient and innovative common operational mechanisms and modalities for SSC; 1 pilot SSC Joint-Programming exercise initiated; Web-based intranet platform created to foster information sharing on SSC initiatives; # of events to improve coordination with bilateral donors , NGOs and other partners working SSC;

3) Agreement signed with Government, defining scope and responsibilities regarding the "Knowledge Fair"; Best-practices selected through public contest;

4) Pilot course "Dialogues with the UN" offered to the Catholic University of Brasília completed; # of students enrolled; Results of course evaluation; Negotiations initiated for the extension of the course to other universities; 5) Number of joint studies, papers and articles in development or published;

6) UNCT mapping of Climate Change projects and initiatives finalized; JP proposal to promote the creation of "green jobs" formulated; "Green UNCT" initiative launched to promote harmonized sustainable practices in UN offices;

2) Good MDG practices from Brazil showcased for other countries in a recognizing and enhancing Brazil's leadership role in SSC;

2) Effective implementation of the following JPs: a) Action 2 project aimed at reinforcing UN staff capacity on human-rights; b) "HIV/AIDS Integrated Plan for Bahia and Amazonas"; c) Human Security Project in São Paulo (UNICEF, UNFPA, PAHO and UNESCO); d) MDG-F JP on Gender and Race (UNIFEM, ILO, UNFPA, UNICEF, UNDP, UN-HABITAT); d) MDG-F JP on Conflict Prevention (ILO, UNICEF, UNDP, UNESCO, UNODC and UN-HABITAT);

2) Implementation status and delivery rate of the JPs;

2) Support the implementation of Bahia's "Racial Equality Plan";

3) JP on Gender & Race in implementation

2) Work-plan finalized and in implementation;

3) JP Implementation status and delivery rate;

2) UNCT capacities strengthened for effective integration of the gender dimension in the programming process;

2) Gender assessment of UN Agencies' programmes concluded; Recommendations incorporated into agencies' planning processes (e.g. CPDs);

3) Internal capacities strengthened through technical discussions on complex and/or controversial issues of the HIV/AIDS agenda;

2) Implementation status and delivery rate of the "Integrated Plan";

3) # of debates organized on complex and/or controversial HIV/AIDS issues by the "Joint UN Team";

2) Strategy to halt the feminization of HIV/AIDS improved;

2) # of initiatives to address the feminization of HIV/AIDS; Implementation status of the "Integrated Plan to Halt the Feminization of HIV/AIDS", with support from UNFPA, WHO/PAHO, UNIFEM and UNICEF;

2) Participation of UN Staff and families at HIV/AIDS learning activities strengthened;

3) Pep-Kit management plan consolidated;

2) # of HIV/AIDS learning activities for UN staff; # of staff members participating in HIV/AIDS learning activities;

3) Pep-Kit management plan status; # of dissemination activities on Pep-Kit availability for UN staff;

2) HRBA training replicated by UN agencies;

2) At least 1 agency offering HRBA training to its staff;

2) Follow-up on the roll-out of the common services management system;

2) Status of the common services management system;

3) Institutional UN image in Brazil strengthened;

4) Events organized for the UN Anniversary Week;

5) International Days jointly celebrated; 6) UNCT communication culture fostered;

7) "Universalization of MDGs" adopted as main communications theme;

2) Analysis of general perception of the UN in Brazil concluded; Results discussed by the Com-Team & presented to the UNCT;

3) # of news posted in the UN website; # of visits to the UN website; institutional folder produced and distributed;

4) UN Anniversary Week event's outreach;

5) # and outreach of International days jointly celebrated;

6) # of UN Staff trained on media/communications tools; # of capacity building initiatives for the Com-Team;

7) # of joint events, articles and publications with focus on the "Universalization of MDGs";

2) RC Office trained on emerging coordination issues;

2) 01 Regional Workshop for Coordination Officers; Regular participation in Coordination Practice Networks;