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Participatory governance and the Millenium Development Goals (MDGs)
2008
United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA)
Foreword
In evaluating the implementation of development targets such as the Millennium Development Goals, it is increasingly clear that success will require an approach which redefines the relationship between the government and civil society. In particular, there has been a growing need for more inclusive approaches to development which involve the participation of all involved stakeholders in the formulation of public policies and in the decision-making process particularly those that impact on social services and pro-poor development. In recognition of this increasing necessity and in the context of deepening citizens’ participation in attaining good governance, the Division for Public Administration and Development Management (DPADM) of UNDESA has focused much effort into a programme of “engaged governance,” through a comprehensive examination of pro-poor governance strategies at the national and sub-national levels as well as in the promotion of tools for self-empowerment by civil society partners in the governance process. DPADM has carried out a number of expert group meetings, regional workshops and international conferences, research and publications under this programme to identify and examine various tools, innovations, best practices and possible areas of cooperation needed to strengthen the capacities of governments and civil society groups for a participatory approach to governance and to the implementation of the MDGs.
This publication, Participatory Governance and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), is an output of the Expert Group Meeting (EGM) organized by UNDESA on Engaged Governance: Citizen Participation in the Implementation of the Developmental Goals including the Millennium Development Goals, which was held at the United Nations Secretariat, New York, from 1-2 November 2006. The EGM convened leading experts on the subject, with the goal of providing a platform for dialogue and exchange of insights and experiences on pertinent issues relating to the role of engaged governance and participation in the implementation of development goals. The meeting covered topics including the pre-conditions for effective participation, the impacts of engaged governance and civil society participation, the efficacy of community engagement in the attainment of the MDGs, and the lessons learned from case studies in community participation.
Chapter 1 of the publication presents an overview of the concept of governance and explores the complex interlinking between state, civil society, and the citizen stakeholders which participatory approaches to governance necessitate. Chapter 2 examines the effects of political institutions and regime type on issues of human development, including economic growth, education, health, and social inclusion. Chapter 3 focuses on cases studies involving innovations in participatory governance, particularly at the local level of government. Chapter 4 addresses the possible pitfalls of pursuing a one-size-fits-all approach to participatory development. Finally, Chapter 5 examines issues of participatory governance with respect to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) targets, linking improvements in good governance and participation practice with efforts to strengthen governmental capacity to address poverty issues and empower developing countries.
This publication represents a useful resource on citizen participation in governance and its role in effective realization of the internationally agreed development goals encapsulated in the MDG targets. The discussion contained herein should provide impetus for further dialogue among both government and civil leaders on this increasingly relevant and important topic.
Guido Bertucci
Director, Division for Public Administration and Development Management
Department of Economic and Social Affairs
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