Content
Good governance
Context: Good governance – an enabling environment for development
Progress and development are not underpinned by economic advancement alone, but also by good governance. "Weak" governments, arbitrary legal and judicial systems, corruption and poorly functioning administration are also massive impediments to development. Since the mid-1990s, good governance has therefore become a key concept in development strategies.
Governance comprises
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democracy and the rule of law,
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sustainable and pro-poor policy design,
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state effectiveness and transparency,
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protecting and guaranteeing human rights, and
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cooperative behaviour within the international community.
Apart from the action of governments, good governance encompasses the relationship between the state and non-state sectors. The concept also relates to the way in which a state makes decisions and formulates and implements policy content.
States with good governance are publicly accountable. They involve the entire population, taking account of the opinions of minorities and the needs of the weak. All citizens are provided with the necessary public goods and social services.
The German government sees good governance as a key objective of international development cooperation.
