What has the ACC Network achieved since its establishment?
Since its establishment at the end of 1997, 83 Thematic Groups working on rural development and food security issues have been established within the UN Resident Coordinator System. Of these groups, 70 are firmly established and have made progress in the definition of their terms of reference and working agendas. Although only its early stage of development, the ACC Network has already demonstrated its potential to mobilize knowledge and resources in support of country-level action, reinforce ties between UN organizations and other partners and help reduce duplication in development efforts. The Network is increasingly recognized as a tool to identify resources for country activities and projects. UN financing agencies, such as UNDP, the World Bank, IFAD, UNIFEM, UNICEF and bilateral donors are already funding rural development and food security activities within the framework of Thematic Groups. Furthermore, there is increasing support and cooperation from national Governments, NGOs,
