Governance: National and Inetrnational

NATIONAL AND INETRNATIONAL
Governance
The concept of "governance" is not new. It is as old as human civilization. Simply put "governance"
means: the process of decision-making and the process by which decisions are implemented (or not
implemented).
Good Governance
Good governance has 8 major characteristics. It is participatory, consensus oriented, accountable,
transparent, responsive, effective and efficient, equitable and inclusive and follows the rule of law. It
assures that corruption is minimized, the views of minorities are taken into account and that the voices of
the most vulnerable in society are heard in decision-making. It is also responsive to the present and future
needs of society.
Participation
Participation by both men and women is a key cornerstone of good governance. Participation could be
either direct or through legitimate intermediate institutions or representatives. It is important to point out
that representative democracy does not necessarily mean that the concerns of the most vulnerable in
society would be taken into consideration in decision making. Participation needs to be informed and
organized. This means freedom of association and expression on the one hand and an organized civil
society on the other hand.
Rule of law
Good governance requires fair legal frameworks that are enforced impartially. It also requires full
protection of human rights, particularly those of minorities. Impartial enforcement of laws requires an
independent judiciary and an impartial and incorruptible police force.
Transparency
Transparency means that decisions taken and their enforcement are done in a manner that follows rules
and regulations. It also means that information is freely available and directly accessible to those who will
be affected by such decisions and their enforcement. It also means that enough information is provided
and that it is provided in easily understandable forms and media.
Responsiveness
Good governance requires that institutions and processes try to serve all stakeholders within a reasonable
timeframe.
Consensus oriented
There are several actors and as many viewpoints in a given society. Good governance requires mediation
of the different interests in society to reach a broad consensus in society on what is in the best interest of
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NATIONAL AND INETRNATIONAL
the whole community and how this can be achieved. It also requires a broad and long-term perspective on
what is needed for sustainable human development and how to achieve the goals of such development.
This can only result from an understanding of the historical, cultural and social contexts of a given society
or community.
Equity and inclusiveness

A society’s wellbeing depends on ensuring that all its members feel that they have a stake in it and do not
feel excluded from the mainstream of society. This requires all groups, but particularly the most
vulnerable, have opportunities to improve or maintain their wellbeing.
Effectiveness and efficiency

Good governance means that processes and institutions produce results that meet the needs of society
while making the best use of resources at their disposal. The concept of efficiency in the context of good
governance also covers the sustainable use of natural resources and the protection of the environment.
Accountability
Accountability is a key requirement of good governance. Not only governmental institutions but also the
private sector and civil society organizations must be accountable to the public and to their institutional
stakeholders. Who is accountable to who varies depending on whether decisions or actions taken are
internal or external to an organization or institution. In general an organization or an institution is
accountable to those who will be affected by its decisions or actions. Accountability cannot be enforced
without transparency and the rule of law.
Conclusion
From the above discussion it should be clear that good governance is an ideal which is difficult to achieve
in its totality. Very few countries and societies have come close to achieving good governance in its
totality. However, to ensure sustainable human development, actions must be taken to work towards this
ideal with the aim of making it a reality.

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Equity and inclusiveness

Effectiveness and efficiency

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