Good Governance is an approach to government that is committed to creating a system founded in justice and peace that protects individual’s human rights and civil liberties. According to the United Nations, Good Governance is measured by the eight factors of Participation, Rule of Law, Transparency, Responsiveness, Consensus Oriented, Equity and Inclusiveness, Effectiveness and Efficiency, and Accountability.
Participation requires that all groups, particularly those most vulnerable, have direct or representative access to the systems of government. This manifests as a strong civil society and citizens with the freedom of association and expression.
Rule of Law is exemplified by impartial legal systems that protect the human rights and civil liberties of all citizens, particularly minorities. This is indicated by an independent judicial branch and a police force free from corruption.
Transparency means that citizens understand and have access to the means and manner in which decisions are made, especially if they are directly affected by such decisions. This information must be provided in an understandable and accessible format, typically translated through the media.
Responsiveness simply involves that institutions respond to their stakeholders within a reasonable time frame.
Consensus Oriented is demonstrated by an agenda that seeks to mediate between the many different needs, perspectives, and expectations of a diverse citizenry. Decisions needs to be made in a manner that reflects a deep understanding of the historical, cultural, and social context of the community.
Equity and Inclusiveness depends on ensuring that all the members of a community feel included and empowered to improve or maintain their well being, especially those individuals and groups that are the most vulnerable.
Effectiveness and Efficiency is developed through the sustainable use of resources to meet the needs of a society. Sustainability refers to both ensuring social investments carry through and natural resources are maintained for future generations.
Accountability refers to institutions being ultimately accountable to the people and one another. This includes government agencies, civil society, and the private sector all being accountable to one another as well.
Good Governance training is a critical part of what Creative Learning does through its International Peace & Security Institute (IPSI) and Global Education Initiatives (GEI) divisions. IPSI regularly teaches courses on Good Governance and related topics through its Practitioner Intensives, as well as through its International Symposiums that bring together expert practitioners and academics from around the world. IPSI has also used the tenants of Good Governance as a building block for its Fragility Resilience Assessment Method (FRAMe) that it co-developed with Creative Associates. GEI regularly hosts individuals from other countries to learn about Good Governance and Federalism through their custom-tailored Student Education and Practitioner Education programs.
Creative Learning’s training methodology is founded in experiential education that involves interactive simulations, site visits, workshops, and many other tools designed to bring theory to practice. You can read more about Creative Learning’s recent programs here.
If you would like to know more about Creative Learning’s programs, please contact Amy at info@creativelearning.org
