Between the 24th and the 27th of February the 9th Annual PPP Week was held in Istanbul. The event, hosted by the Istanbul PPP COE, was attended by PPP public and private sector practitioners from 65 countries and 37 PPP Units.
The conference theme “More with Less” was embraced by participants who shared and debated ideas in 26 sessions. Global paradigm shifting topics and best practices that were discussed included: people first concepts, integrating SDG goals into PPPs for global good, the increasing importance of AI and digitization, the UNECE Piers methodology, transformative infrastructure, resilient and innovative financial tools and systems – including blended finance, and investing in sustainable infrastructure.
In addition to these themes, the early resolution of project disputes, legal best practices, the need to establish strong institutions, Blue Dot Network Initiatives, the use of PPPs as a tool of economic reconstruction and recovery, the importance of small scale PPPs, and sectoral discussions on doing more with less were also
discussed.
Participants from the host country, Türkiye, were valuable conference participants as they were able to provide real-life insights into Turkish projects that serve as applicable examples of lessons learned. It is important to point out that the PPP world does not exist in a vacuum. It is a truly global ecosystem supported by organizations that champion PPP best practices focused on delivering PPPs that do not just deliver latent infrastructure and service – but are also focused on future proofed project PPPs that improve the well being of communities. Three notable organizations – who are thought global leaders – participated at the conference. UNECE, WAPPP and the Istanbul PPP COE have formed an alliance to champion pragmatic PPP implementation knowledge in a changing world
driven by natural, socioeconomic, and geopolitical challenges: and new opportunities. Their common vision was evident during the conference and was appreciated by conference attendees.
An important initiative that was announced at the conference was the need for a Global PPP “Think Tank” that can promote collaboration between academics and the project implementing community in an education ecosystem. In collaboration with UNECE, this initiative will promote academic studies that can highlight the theory of PPP practice and provide a knowledge bridge that can be utilized by members of the PPP community of practitioners. It is exciting that UNECE’s compendium of 300 case studies will form the foundation of this initiative. Teaching, learning, and sharing of knowledge is an important goal of this initiative.
- In conclusion, some meaningful takeaway statements from participants are shared. They include:
- We are looking for collective intelligence to develop more sustainable resilient
and inclusive infrastructure - There is a need for a PPP project preparation fund in countries
- We have confidence in what we have done and we should use this to achieve more
- After natural and man-made disaster, we have to build back better
- We have achieved much – and the have the capacity to achieve even more
- We cannot look backwards while we try to move forward
- Challenges and opportunities need to be addressed in tandem
- The adoption of a PPP enabling environment is important to investor confidence
- We need an inclusive implementation process where all stakeholders should involved
- We need to focus on agreeing on policy – and not be tripped up by politics
- We need to expand the universe of investors
- Small scale PPPs that address the immediate needs of local communities are of paramount importance
- The private sector must have a voice
- Sustainable, resilient, and future proofed infrastructure is the backbone of civilization
- Doing more with less can be achieved through the use of groundbreaking technologies such as AI
- Financing by diaspora communities and local investors will play an increasing role in small scale PPP (Municipal) projects
- Resilience, recovery strategies, and modernization of infrastructure are foundational elements of transformation and recovery projects
The conference was a great success. A special thanks needs to be extended to DEIK, Invest in Türkiye, and the Ministry of Trade of the Republic of Türkiye. Without their support, this annual event would not have been possible.
We look forward to seeing you next year when we will hold our tenth conference.
– by Dr. Eyüp Vural AYDIN, Conference Chair
David BAXTER, Conference Co-Chair
