ABSTRACT
Since the outset, in the aftermath of World War II, the United Nations development system has constituted an essential pillar of the world organisation’s activities, along with those devoted to peacekeeping, humanitarianism, human rights and justice. This introduction begins by briefly reviewing some key concepts. It continues with an overview of the main issues that arise from the 10 articles in the issue. Emerging economies may be more inclined to enter into a dialogue with traditional donors, even if such actions mean participating in the Global Partnership for Effective Development Cooperation led by the OECD and the UN Development Programme. More significantly, poorer countries may not perceive BRICS positions to be aligned with their own interests. In addition, there is considerable political contestation of BRICS’s claims to leadership, including within their own regions, suggesting that there are limits on how far the grouping may mobilise support for its positions among other developing countries.
