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Key Message

Enabling sustainable public procurement (SPP) in emerging and developing economies through targeted research, SPP preparedness assessments and pilot projects.

Sustainable Public Procurement

What's New in Sustainable Public Procurement?

  • Harnessing the Power of Public–Private Partnerships: The role of hybrid financing strategies in sustainable developmentHarnessing the Power of Public–Private Partnerships: The role of hybrid financing strategies in sustainable development
    When it comes to commissioning major public infrastructure projects or delivering on public services, "Public–Private Partnerships" (PPPs) is the phrase on everyone's lips. Representing cost savings to governments, earning opportunities to the private sector and improved quality of services to the public, the attraction of PPPs has only increased as shrinking budgets and a growing focus on austerity have driven government spending habits in the years following the global financial crisis of 2007–2008. The question, however, is do PPPs justify the hype, and can they deliver in practice on what they promise in theory?







Governments are the largest consumers in an economy. The public sector on average spends 45 per cent to 65 per cent of their budgets on public procurement, which amounts to 13 per cent to 17 per cent of the GDP. If governments make a concerted effort to purchase environmentally- and socially-preferable products and services, their substantial buying power will drive the delivery of sustainable development policies and stimulate markets for sustainable products and services.

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