The 2019 Annual Progress Report provides an overview of the major improvements and transformational changes to the FMM since 2018, in addition to presenting key achievements, challenges and lessons learned thus far in the implementation of the Mechanism over 2019.

Following its renewal in 2018, the number of resource partners committing funds to the FMM’s third phase (2018-2021) doubled in 2019, reaching a total of around USD 41 million. These new commitments were largely the product of major transformational changes to the FMM. As part of this evolution, the FMM has seen important progress in the streamlining of its governance arrangement, and the definition of clear criteria for prioritization and application of a programmatic framework for allocating resources. In addition, key programmatic improvements include the development of a dedicated FMM Project Cycle Pilot Appendix and a new theory of change, a results framework, a risk analysis and an Operational Guide. Taken together, in 2019 these changes helped the FMM secure more resources and begin delivering more profound results.

The FMM is comprised of 24 subprogrammes working across six thematic umbrella programmes. In 2019 a total of 12 subprogrammes received funding with the remaining seven yet to be funded. Moreover, five subprogrammes were approved in early 2020 following additional contributions to the FMM.

As the world grapples with the profound challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, implementation of some FMM field activities for 2020 might face delays, but all efforts are being taken to mitigate the impacts of the pandemic. The flexible nature of the FMM will be vital in responding to the current crisis while helping to address the complexities of development cooperation and advancing the achievement of the SDGs.