A/HRC/4/WG.2/TF/2 page 19 82. The task force also discussed the possibility of considering bilateral partnerships, some of which involve significant flows of resources and potential implementation of the right to development. In this context, the task force felt that bilateral partnerships, while important, may need to be considered at a later stage, given the availability for assessment of other, more appropriate, strategic partnerships and its present resource constraints. The PRSP also provides the opportunity to examine the place of right-to-development concerns within a wide geographical range and as part of a highly significant form of global development partnerships. 83. Keeping in mind the above strategic approach, however, the task force is of the view that priority should be given to the additional partnerships outlined in the paragraphs below for continuation of the piloting exercise in the near future. Cotonou Partnership Agreement ACP-EU 84. The European Union and associated States suggested evaluating the Partnership Agreement between the EU and the ACP States as a global partnership for development from a right-to-development perspective. This agreement, commonly known as the Cotonou Convention, builds on 25 years of experience in development cooperation between the EU and ACP countries under the successive Lomé Conventions. 85. In 2000, the Cotonou Convention was concluded to cover a period of 20 years, with more specific periods for financial assistance to the ACP States (Financial Protocol to be renewed every 5 years) and for trade arrangements (to be made WTO-compatible). Apart from trade and aid, the cooperation under the Cotonou Convention encompasses a wide area of policy fields, including human rights, good governance, environmental conservation and peacebuilding. As a partnership agreement of a wide-ranging nature and involving more than 100 States, the Cotonou Convention and the practice based upon it could, in the view of the task force, be an interesting partnership for further study and evaluation. Africa Action Plan 86. In late 2005, the President of the World Bank announced that sub-Saharan Africa was its priority, given the serious state and chronic nature of the development and human rights challenges in that region. The World Bank, along with a number of other multilateral and bilateral donors, promised substantially increased levels of assistance to its development partners. In order to deliver this increased assistance more effectively, the Bank prepared the Africa Action Plan (AAP), which was approved by the Executive Board in September 2005, a comprehensive strategic framework for supporting the development of the continent’s poorest countries. Implementation of the plan has now been in progress since then, and will be reviewed by the Development Committee during the IMF/World Bank spring meetings in April 2007. 87. Given the preponderant role of the World Bank in the development of Africa and the influence of its thinking and operations on the African donor community at large, its partnership should be critically scrutinized. Accordingly, the Bank should therefore be invited by the Working Group to allow the Africa Action Plan and its partnership with the Governments of sub-Saharan Africa to be evaluated against the criteria on the right to development.