I would like to underscore the importance of optimising the use of resource centres through an organised network. It is through synergies and not through competition between resource centres and other actors that they can make their role in knowledge sharing effective and facilitate access to information for all stakeholders. This must not be seen as in any way undermining the viability or effectiveness of individual resource centres. Far from it. The combined strength will be much more than the sum of the parts, and will fortify the potential of each individual centre to serve a wide constituency.
Resource centres can avoid duplication of efforts by using partnerships and pooling resources.
Building alliances of resource centres in the regions will help to match the available expertise with the identified needs in the sector. The best alliances are based on equality of partners. And they focus their activities on building the capacities identified as priority needs in the sector. The priorities for action in various regions as well as on the global level have broadly been identified through the Vision process. Resource centres have participated in the consultations and have indicated their commitment to help realise the vision.