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New Champions of Participation resource pack released  new

An international project to share learning among Champions of Participation in local government across 15 countries has culminated in the release of a resource pack.

http://www.research4development.info/news.asp?articleID=50220

(Added: Fri May 16 2008   Hits: 1)

A New Spring for the UN? Kofi Annan unveils ambitious agenda

Oli Brown, IISD, 2005. In this IISD Commentary, IISD Project Manager, Oli Brown, reviews Kofi Annan's suggested reforms for the United Nations. Annan's report, "In Larger Freedom", seeks to strengthen the UN by streamlining the deliberations of the General Assembly and expanding the Security Council. It also outlines an ambitious agenda to promote the three 'great purposes' of the United Nations: development, security and human rights.

http://www.iisd.org/publications/pub.aspx?id=683

(Added: Wed May 18 2005   Modified: Tue Jan 10 2006   Hits: 303)

Congo's Elections: Making or Breaking the Peace

The Congo's first free elections in 40 years should be a major step toward ending the country's long conflict, but any missteps could disrupt the fragile peace. The election date, already postponed five times, is still uncertain. There is potential for electoral fraud, parties are relatively weak, and the main opposition group plans to boycott. The most immediate threat to stability comes from the east where the Congolese Rally for Democracy (RCD) stands to lose most of its influence and could try to fuel chaos in hopes of undermining the polls. Disenfranchised politicians elsewhere might also challenge the results violently if the elections are not fair and inclusive. The international community and the transitional government must ensure there is adequate monitoring of the whole process, or the Congolese will suffer the consequences for years. (International Crisis Group, 27 April 2006)

http://www.crisisgroup.org/home/index.cfm?id=4081&l=1

(Added: Wed May 03 2006   Modified: Thu Jul 13 2006   Hits: 195)

Decentralisation and Poverty in Developing Countries: exploring the impact

OECD Development Centre. Working Paper No. 236. Johannes Jütting, Céline Kauffmann, Ida Mc Donnell, Holger Osterrieder, Nicolas Pinaud and Lucia Wegner.August 2004.Donors are increasingly concerned by the slow progress being made towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals and have identified new ways of strengthening the poverty focus of their policies and programmes. For this reason, decentralisation, the transfer of power and responsibility from the central to the local level, is receiving increasing international attention as a potential tool in the fight against poverty. Though decentralisation would not be implemented solely for the direct purpose of poverty alleviation, the ensuing changes in the institutional architecture are very likely to impact on governance, participation and the efficiency of public-service delivery, all of which are important variables for poverty outcomes. The findings of this study, based on a review of the experiences of 19 countries suggest that the impact of decentralisation on poverty is not straightforward. In particular, its usefulness as a tool for poverty reduction varies distinctly between poor countries on the one side and emerging economies on the other. In countries where the state lacks the capacity to fulfil its basic functions, there is a definite risk that decentralisation will increase poverty rather than reduce it. However, in countries with a functioning central state committed to the devolution of power to local tiers of government, decentralisation can be an excellent means of promoting improved representation of the poor and enhancing the targeting of service delivery. The study confirms that in addition to awareness of this country context, pro-poor decentralisation also requires a clear understanding of the key factors influencing the process. One of the major objectives of the Development Centre's ongoing work on governance is indeed to improve understanding of the mechanisms of such institutional change.

http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/40/19/33648213.pdf

(Added: Mon Oct 18 2004   Modified: Tue Jan 10 2006   Hits: 336)

Latin America Declares Independence

Throughout the region a vibrant array of popular movements provide the basis for a meaningful democracy. The indigenous populations, as if in a rediscovery of their pre-Columbian legacy, are much more active and influential, particularly in Bolivia and Ecuador. These developments are in part the result of a phenomenon that has been observed for some years in Latin America: As the elected governments become more formally democratic, citizens express an increasing disillusionment with democratic institutions. They have sought to construct democratic systems based on popular participation rather than elite and foreign domination. (Noam Chomsky, International Herald Tribune, 3 October 2006)

http://www.commondreams.org/views06/1003-20.htm

(Added: Thu Oct 05 2006   Hits: 203)

Montenegro's Referendum

Montenegro's successful independence referendum should on balance increase stability in the western Balkans. Following the pro-independence victory, Podgorica still faces significant transition challenges, but none should affect regional stability, and all can be resolved as the country moves forward with the Stabilisation and Association process towards European Union membership. The EU and other international actors should do everything possible to speed its accession to international institutions. Most neighbouring countries are openly pleased with the outcome, which they feel marks the end of the Greater Serbian project. In Bosnia, however, there is loose talk about holding a similar referendum, but the international community must continue to make it absolutely clear that partition of Bosnia is not an option. Meanwhile, Belgrade is still in shock from the referendum loss and struggling to formulate rational policy. (International Crisis Group, 30 May 2006)

http://www.crisisgroup.org/home/index.cfm?l=1&id=4144

(Added: Wed May 31 2006   Hits: 188)

Poverty can be halved if efforts are coupled with better governance, says TI

19 January 2005. Transparency International calls on leading donor governments to respond positively to the UN Millennium Project report, and to conduct a major evaluation of the impact of aid.

http://www.transparency.org/pressreleases_archive/2005/2005.01.19.better_gov.html

(Added: Tue Mar 15 2005   Modified: Mon Jul 02 2007   Hits: 298)

Somaliland: Time for African Union Leadership

The dispute between Somaliland and Somalia will become an ever-increasing source of friction, and possibly violence, unless the African Union (AU) engages in preventive diplomacy. The self-declared Republic of Somaliland is marking fifteen years since it proclaimed independence from Somalia, and if Somalia's Transitional Federal Government (TFG) expands its authority across the shattered country, the dispute over Somaliland's status is likely to become an ever-increasing source of friction. The AU should appoint a Special Envoy to consult with all relevant parties and report on the legal, security and political dimensions of the dispute and offer options for solutions within six months. Its Peace and Security Council should organise an informal consultation round with eminent scholars, political analysts and legal experts. According to this report, pending final resolution of the dispute, Somaliland should be granted interim observer status at the AU. (International Crisis Group, 22 May 2006)

http://www.crisisgroup.org/home/index.cfm?l=1&id=4131

(Added: Wed May 24 2006   Modified: Thu Jul 13 2006   Hits: 206)

"Good Governance" and the MDGS: Contradictory or Complementary?

Focus on the Global South. By Alejandro Bendana, first presented at the Institute for Global Network, Information and Studies (IGNIS) conference in Oslo, 20 September 2004. "In much of the development debate today, the notion of governance has been presented as the missing link to successful growth and economic "reform" including the attainment of the MDGs. (1) But governance has diverse understandings. There is one that is people-centered and there is another-unfortunately predominant--which in our opinion takes us away from democracy and the possibilities of genuine development (including the attainment of the MDGs). In essence, a faulty notion of "good governance" is taking us away from the goals because it entails placing the state and society at the service of the market, under the presumption that economic growth alone will deliver development."

http://www.rorg.no/Artikler/740.html

(Added: Tue Oct 19 2004   Modified: Mon Jul 02 2007   Hits: 354)

A Grand Deceit: The World Bank's Claims of 'Good Governance' in Papua New Guinea (pdf)

(AID/WATCH) By Dr. Tim Anderson, August, 2003. An extensive critical analysis of the World Bank 'Good Governance' policy which includes case studies of the export model of development and detailed analysis of the impacts of the Good Governance model in PNG.

http://www.aidwatch.org.au/index.php?current=68&display=aw00492&display_item=1

(Added: Tue Jul 13 2004   Modified: Mon Oct 31 2005   Hits: 471)

Administrative theory, interpersonal relations and anti-corruption practice in Papua New Guinea

'Corruption' may be the dark side of the relationship between personal relationships and the work of organisations. The paper considers how studies of Public Administration, and related ideas such as bureaucracy, management and governance, have viewed personal relationships. It then links these views to corresponding approaches to preventing corruption. The third part of the paper looks at anti corruption activity in PNG in light of the relationship between personal relationships, the work of organisations and broader ideas of the public interest.(Peter Lamour, ANU, 2007)

http://www.crawford.anu.edu.au/degrees/pogo/discussion_papers/PDP07-02.pdf

(Added: Fri Oct 12 2007   Hits: 120)

Afghanistan's New Legislature: Making Democracy Work

The new National Assembly has the potential to play a vital role in stabilising Afghanistan, entrenching pluralism, institutionalising political competition and giving voice to the country's diverse population. By being accountable to the Afghan people it can demand accountability of the presidential government. However, the success of this fledgling institution remains delicately poised, particularly because of the absence of a formal role for political parties, essential for mediating internal tensions. The lack of such organised blocs has seen power-brokers of past eras try to dominate proceedings. New moderate forces need to move quickly now to establish formal groups within the houses to ensure their voices are heard. (International Crisis Group, 15 May 2006)

http://www.crisisgroup.org/home/index.cfm?id=4108

(Added: Mon May 22 2006   Hits: 190)

After Bhutto's Murder: A Way Forward for Pakistan

Gravely damaged by eight years of military rule, Pakistan's fragile political system received a major blow on 27 December 2007, when former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto was assassinated. Her murder, days before the parliamentary elections scheduled for 8 January 2008 and now postponed to 18 February, put an end to a U.S. effort to broker a power-sharing deal with President Pervez Musharraf which the centre-left Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader had already recognised was unrealistic. Her popularity and the belief Musharraf and his allies were responsible, directly or indirectly, have led to violent countrywide protests (International Crisis Group, 2 January 2008).

http://www.crisisgroup.org/library/documents/asia/b74_pakistan_bhutto.pdf

(Added: Tue Jan 08 2008   Hits: 81)

All Over Again: Human Rights Abuses and Flawed Electoral Conditions in Zimbabwe's Coming General Elections

In a 59-page report, Human Rights Watch documents how the government and the ruling party ZANU-PF, in the run up to the 2008 elections, have engaged in widespread intimidation of the opposition; have restricted freedom of association and assembly; and have manipulated food and farming equipment distribution to gain political advantage (Human Rights Watch, March 2008).

http://hrw.org/reports/2008/zimbabwe0308/

(Added: Thu Mar 20 2008   Hits: 45)

Assessing International Fiscal and Monetary Transparency

The IMF has been leading efforts to develop and implement Codes of Monetary and Fiscal Transparency. Such Codes aim to increase disclosure of public sector information on the Internet-representing a type of "e-transparency." Do such codes and increased Internet-based public sector information achieve their objectives? Much e-government theory sees electronic presence and e-transparency as a first step toward transformationary e-government. Yet, e-transparency itself represents a transformation in e-government. This paper will first describe the results of a private-sector based assessment of fiscal and monetary transparency and report cross-country ratings. Second, it will describe a new method of assessment which emphasizes the role of knowledge management and the critical role played by assessment project design. Lastly, this paper will discuss the extent to which such e-government efforts aimed at greater transparency achieve broader objectives -- such as increased trust, predictability, credibility, oversight, and political accountability in the public sector. The lessons in this paper are applicable to governments engaged in promoting and assessing transparency as well as corporations. (Submitted by Bryane Michael)

http://users.ox.ac.uk/~scat1663/Publications/Papers/Soros%20Policy%20E-Govt.pdf

(Added: Sun Nov 21 2004   Modified: Mon Oct 31 2005   Hits: 317)

Australia's governance aid: Evaluating evolving norms and objectives [PDF]

'Good governance' - the current buzzword of the international development community, despite its elusiveness - promises prosperity and democratic justice for all citizens of the world. Initially a peripheral concern for AusAID, the governance agenda had, by the mid-1990s come to dominate the character and objectives of the Australian aid program - with a decidedly greater emphasis on democratic governance. This paper aims to deconstruct the Australian approach to promoting 'good governance' with a view to answering four key questions: (1) What does the elusive concept of 'good governance' mean in the context of development theory and practice? (2) How did this concept evolve and become institutionalised as a core objective of AusAID's work? (3) How does Australia's conception of 'good governance' facilitate the pursuit of national interest? (4) To what extent does AusAID's foreign policy-focused conception of governance conflict with a more developmentally-focused conception of governance? By Susan Cirillo, Australian National University, 2006.

http://www.crawford.anu.edu.au/degrees/pogo/discussion_papers/PDP06-01.pdf

(Added: Thu Feb 09 2006   Modified: Tue Jan 30 2007   Hits: 278)

Bank anti-corruption framework: "A lot of rhetoric and arm-waving"?

This article takes a critical look at the Bank's new anti-corruption framework, entitled "Strengthening Bank group engagement on governance and anti-corruption". (Bretton Woods Institute, September 2006)

http://www.brettonwoodsproject.org/art.shtml?x=542334

(Added: Mon Sep 18 2006   Hits: 170)

Budget Analysis and Policy : The Role of Nongovernmental Public Action [pdf]

This paper examines the impact and significance of independent budget analysis and advocacy initiatives that are designed to improve budget transparency and the poverty focus of government expenditure priorities. It draws on case study research of six budget groups in Brazil, Croatia, India, Mexico, South Africa, and Uganda, which include non-governmental organisations, research institutions and social movements. (by Mark Robinson, Institute of Development Studies, September 2006)

http://www.ids.ac.uk/ids/bookshop/wp/wp279.pdf

(Added: Thu Apr 10 2008   Hits: 42)

China Boosts Compensation for Millions Displaced by Water Projects

China is to increase compensation for millions of farmers relocated to make way for dams and reservoirs, in a bid to prevent rural unrest. The funding package is part of a new regulation that stipulates minimum levels of compensation and an annual subsidy for those displaced by water projects. The money will be transferred directly into the bank accounts of those affected in a bid to prevent corrupt officials from embezzling the funds, a common problem in China's land acquisitions. (VOA News, August 14, 2006)

http://www.voanews.com/english/2006-08-14-voa10.cfm

(Added: Mon Sep 04 2006   Hits: 194)

Climatic Disruption in 2002: A Scientific Puzzle and Political Dilemma (PDF)

by George M. Woodwell of the Woods Hole Research Center. Presented at The Granville H. Sewell Lecture in the Environmental Health Sciences, Joseph L. Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University. November 7, 2002. (PDF 407 KB).

http://www.whrc.org/publications/pdf/ClimaticDisruption.pdf

(Added: Tue Feb 03 2004   Modified: Mon Oct 31 2005   Hits: 353)

Critical Choices The United Nations, Networks, and the Future of Global Governance

Profound and continuing change in our global environment -- social, political, and economic -- today demands commensurate changes in our institutions of global governance, not least in the institution that lies at the core of the international system, the United Nations. The organization faces a series of critical choices in responding to these fundamental challenges. Creative new arrangements are needed urgently to allow governments, other organizations, both public and private, and individuals around the world to work together to address pressing global problems -- from weapons control, to the lack of adequate global labour standards, to climate change -- as they arise. This report examines one such set of arrangements: global public-policy (GPP) networks.

http://www.idrc.ca/en/ev-9312-201-1-DO_TOPIC.html

(Added: Mon Dec 04 2000   Modified: Tue Sep 26 2006   Hits: 422)

Crude Awakening

The oil wealth of the Niger delta has been both a blessing and a curse. A blessing to the international oil companies and corrupt Nigerian politicians who have prospered from the petroleum reserves; a curse to the local people of the region who have suffered water and air pollution and seen little in the way of oil revenues. Unsurprisingly, this iniquitous situation has spawned conflict. In this article, from the Observer newspaper, writer Sebastian Junger heads to the region to investigate the rise of Ijaw tribal militias who are threatening to destroy oil infrastructure and, potentially, cause a global oil price shot.

http://observer.guardian.co.uk/magazine/story/0,,2055426,00.html

(Added: Tue Apr 17 2007   Hits: 221)

Dealing with Somaliland

Soon after the state had collapsed in Somalia 1991, the self-declared Republic of Somaliland proclaimed independence from the rest of the country. Whereas the southern part of Somalia slid into anarchy, Somalilanders restored peace and built up effective government structures. Somaliland's application for African Union membership provides an opportunity to settle the issue peacefully. (Suliman Baldo, Development and Co-operation, No. 7 2006)

http://www.inwent.org/E+Z/content/archive-eng/07-2006/debate_art3.html

(Added: Mon Oct 02 2006   Hits: 153)

eGovernment Handbook for Developing Countries

A Project of infoDev and The Center for Democracy & Technology. E-government is not a tool limited to the richer countries. Indeed, some of the most innovative uses of the Internet in governance are appearing in the developing world, as ICTs are being used to streamline government and connect it more closely with the people it is supposed to serve. Our goal in creating this handbook is to offer concrete guidance to government officials and others in the developing world, presenting for the first time a comprehensive index of e-government models and resources, focused on success stories in the developing world. This handbook presents a roadmap - in fact, a compilation of roadmaps - for policymakers considering electronic government as a mechanism for reform. We do not seek to sell e-government. Other reports and papers have outlined the philosophy, the benefits and the general methodologies of e-government. Here, using specific examples, we show how it can be done, with a healthy respect for the realities and challenges that must be faced.

http://www.infodev.org/en/Publication.16.html

(Added: Mon Nov 14 2005   Modified: Fri Mar 28 2008   Hits: 279)

Enhancing the Capacities To Govern: Challenges Facing the CEE countries

Selected Papers from the 11th NISPAcee Annual Conference: Bucharest 2003. This page describes capacity building effects in Central and Eastern Europe as well as offers undergraduate and graduate syllabi. (Submitted by Bryane Michael)

http://users.ox.ac.uk/~scat1663/Publications/Papers/Govern%20Capacities.htm

(Added: Sun Nov 21 2004   Modified: Mon Oct 31 2005   Hits: 272)

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