Among the Sustainable Development Goals, there is a specific goal dedicated to work in Partnerships. This is SDG 17. [insert image of SDG 17]. Working in partnerships could happen through different organizational structures such as alliances, consortiums, networks. Sometimes even completely new organisations are created out of a multi-stakeholder partnership. Working in partnership is a challenging undertaking. These partnerships usually consist of a multitude of agencies, each working in the interest of achieving results against their own mandates. Just imagine the difficulties we experience when Non-Governmental Organisations, or United Nations Agencies are talking and partnering with private sector entities. It often starts with good intentions, but different sectors often speak a different jargon when talking about similar topics.

Partnerships, networks and alliances can not be managed like projects. Working through partnerships means working in a complex environment in which the working environment changes continuously. Also the inputs and contributions of its members keep on changing as their interests and experiences evolve. Since participation in a partnership is mostly voluntary, and only works when results are achieved in pursuit of a common goal, its success depends heavily on the contributions of its members.

However, working through partnerships is based on the assumption that each member will bring their comparative advantages and strengths to the forefront, which will heavily increase chances for success and bringing changes in society succesfully.