UNECE Forum: both high and low value projects are important to achieve sustainable development goals
It is commonly assumed that Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) are best suited for implementing only high-value infrastructure projects. However, there has been a recent move to change this perspective, emphasizing that small-scale projects in the context of sustainable development are just as important as larger ones. The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) has also devoted considerable attention to this issue, organizing an international PPP forum in Istanbul on May 8-10.
Lithuania stands out globally as a country where the majority of implemented PPP projects are small scale. Therefore, it is no coincidence that Lithuania was invited to share these experiences at the Forum, which could inspire other countries to implement more small-scale PPP projects, especially at the municipal level. Lithuania was represented at the event by Jekaterina Šarmavičienė, Head of the Public and Private Partnership Unit at CPVA.
During the Forum discussion on "Planning, structuring and managing small-scale PPPs in support of the SDGs," J. Šarmavičienė emphasized the importance of focusing on competency and skill development in the PPP field rather than theoretical training. According to the representative of CPVA, various tools and standardization of documents could help address the lack of competencies. Additionally, Šarmavičienė highlighted the significance of institutions sharing competencies with each other and, if necessary, involving the country's PPP competency centers in the process.
It was also noted that to reduce the costs related to the preparation and implementation of PPP projects and to increase their competitiveness and attractiveness to investors, it would be possible to implement several PPP projects together by consolidating them. This could help reduce administrative expenses, but it is important to consider that consolidated projects may involve higher risks. The discussion also considered whether small-scale PPP projects would receive the necessary financing in all cases.
Another key topic of the Forum was the circular economy and the creation of sustainable and high-quality infrastructure from a fiscal perspective, with people as the main beneficiaries. At the Forum, important methodological documents developed in UNECE working groups were also presented.
J. Šarmavičienė is a member of the UNECE PPP Working Group Bureau. Lithuania's experience has been presented at UNECE PPP events on multiple occasions. CPVA experts have been involved in the activities of the Working Group before, contributing to the development of recommendations and guidelines or testing them in the implementation of Lithuanian projects.
