In its first year of operation (2003-2004), ECA-GDLN conducted 143 video conferences for around 2,500 participants in the region. Besides gains in specialized knowledge,   participants surveyed reported that they:

• Considered the information presented practical and actionable.
• Particularly appreciated the feedback from countries undergoing and undertaking similar transition and development.
• Learnt what mistakes to avoid and how to benchmark their own progress.
• Were exposed to ways in which people elsewhere take ownership of change.
• Were exposed to new perspectives (“We never knew there were gender aspects to land reform.”).
• Had engaged in new dialogues; GDLN’s convening power has initiated discussions between high level public officials, the private sector, and civil society.
• Felt empowered to use electronic tools to access information.
• Felt more connected to the world.
• Felt that videoconferences contributed to faster decision making, improved resource allocation, and enhanced participation and motivation.

Partners

A large number of partners are involved in supporting the effort to expand ECA’s network of GDLN centers and in developing appropriate content.

Key partners for the region include the British Council, the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), the Department for International Development (DFID), the European Union (EU), the International Development Law Organization (IDLO), the Government of Italy, the Government of Spain, the International Trade Center, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the United Nations Development Program (UNDP),the University of Alberta, and the World Trade Organization