Developmental Local Government and

Participatory Governance

Commonwealth Foundation16 May 2013

Presentation Contents • Foundation’s Strategic Framework: 2012-16• Why Participatory Governance• Developmental Local Government and

Participatory Governance• CSO Legitimacy and Development

Effectiveness• Civil Society and the Post 2015 Development

Agenda

Commonwealth Foundation Strategic Framework

2012-16

CF Strategic Framework: 2012-161965 Established as a charity1982 Reconstituted as an intergovernmental organisation1999 Research on participatory governance and good

development outcomes - CHOGM in Durban2011 CHOGM Perth

EPG recommended support to civil societyMandate to re-launch in 2012Re-launched on 1 November 2012

CF Strategic Framework: 2012-16

Ultimate GoalMore effective, responsive and

accountable governance with

Civil Society participation

Why Participatory Governance?

Participatory Governance

• Central concept in programming to fulfil the Foundation’s mandate to strengthen and mobilize Civil Society in the Commonwealth

• Integral to the vision, mission and goal• Foundational piece to achieving development

outcomes

Participatory GovernanceCSOs• Independent non-market and non-state

organisations• to pursue shared interests in the public

domain• cover a wide range- includes membership-

based CSOs, cause-based CSOs and service-oriented CSOs

Participatory Governance• Participatory governance is about how state, the

market and Civil Society collaborate to effect change

inclusion of Civil Society in decision making processes

enabling citizens to exercise voice and vote engaging in policy formation among others.

Participatory Governance

• Civil society and the demand side for effective, responsive and accountable governance

• Meeting community needs, achieving sustainable results, promoting genuine democracy

• Dialogue - cornerstone of participatory governance

Developmental Local Government and

Participatory Governance

Developmental Local Government and Participatory Governance• Professionalising and transforming local government to

be developmental must include enabling citizen participation

• Governance and Development are a shared responsibility

• Inclusive governance = Government and citizens partnering. Not replacing government in delivering

services

• Results experienced and owned by citizens

Developmental Local Government and Participatory GovernanceEnabling environment for inclusive, participatory governance is imperative Policy support for collaboration Opportunities and spaces for legitimate civil

society participation Support to and counterpart by civil society

Developmental Local Government and Participatory GovernanceDemand side and accountable governance

Genuine Public Consultation and DialogueThird party monitoringMechanisms for more transparent and

accountable government

Developmental Local Government and Participatory GovernanceDemand side and accountable governance – at different levels, various methods

Village assemblies, traditional leaders, elders councils

Municipal / city development planning committees, working groups, procurement bodies, watch dogs

Developmental Local Government and Participatory GovernanceDemand side and accountable governance – at different levels, various methods National/representation of civil society in ministries

Citizen report cards, participatory budgeting, social audits, citizen charters, media for development

Developmental Local Government and Participatory GovernanceCSO Development Effectiveness

CSO Development Effectiveness Istanbul CSO Development Effectiveness Principles: Busan Partnership for Effective Development

Cooperation Raise levels of CSO accountability and impact

CSO Development Effectiveness Istanbul CSO Development Effectiveness Principles: Establishes standards for government to foster

enabling environment for CSOs to reach full potential

Challenges government, CSO and other actors to re-imagine development

CSO Development Effectiveness Istanbul CSO Development Effectiveness Principles: Justice not charity Address root causes and symptoms of poverty People as subjects of their own development

CSO Development Effectiveness

Istanbul CSO Development Effectiveness Principles (Cont)

Culture of Learning South to south learning Knowledge Sharing Replication of good and fit practices

Developmental Local Government and

Participatory GovernanceCivil Society and the Post

2015 Development Agenda

Civil Society and the Post 2015 Development Agenda• Commonwealth Foundation and UN Millennium

Campaign partnership• National research and consultations: 18

Commonwealth and two non Commonwealth countries

• Civil Society perspective on MDG attainment and Post 2015 Development Agenda

Civil Society and the Post 2015 Development AgendaKey Findings: Need for adaptable, localised goals Vagueness of MDG8 Need to improve data Quality beyond numbers Enabling conditions for civil society underpins

development effectiveness

Civil Society and the Post 2015 Development Agenda

Emerging Commonwealth Post 2015 Development

Agenda: Gender empowerment Youth and employment Small States and Vulnerabilities Non-communicable diseases Education

Civil Society and the Post 2015 Development Agenda

Ways Forward for Commonwealth Foundation National to regional consultations Regional Post 2015 Development Agenda Policy Briefs Advocacy: National Governments, UN,

CHOGM, G20, MDG-SDG process, Regional Bodies, World Economic Forum

THANK YOU