ABSTRACT
The creation of alliances and associations of various natures among non-state actors and traditional bilateral and multilateral development actors has characterized the transformation of the international development cooperation scenario during the 1990s, modifying previous roles and balances. The UN engaged in normative work to regulate and monitor the activities of transnational corporations (TNC) through the United Nations Centre on TNCs and provided developing countries with advice about how to deal with TNCs that were perceived to be responsible for key aspects of underdevelopment and to exert undue influence over many third-world states. A multi-stakeholder approach to development was considered essential for success, as well as “an individual approach that recognize[d] diversity among countries and societies and that respected local ownership of the development process.” Partnership with businesses was possibly seen as a way for major multi-lateral institutions to regain a central position in global policy-making and to access new funding sources and greater legitimacy.
