Promoting good governance for sustainable development

Project description

Title: Sector Programme Governance
Commissioned by: German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)
Country: Global
Overall term: 2020 to 2023

Many people with documents in their hands stand in front of a counter, behind which two men accept the documents. Copyright: GIZ, Michael Tsegaye, Good Governance

Context

‘Governance’ is the way in which decisions are taken and policies are formulated and implemented within a state. Good governance is inclusive, transparent, effective and accountable. The United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development thus ascribes governance a key role in achieving peace, security and sustainable development.

Governments in partner countries of German development cooperation are facing major challenges such as digitalisation, urbanisation, climate change and growing inequality. The complex nature of these global changes is stretching states to the limit.

The key approaches to good governance adopted by German development cooperation include promoting political participation, strengthening democratic institutions and supporting civil society organisations. Transparent administration systems are also important in setting up efficient public institutions and in framing effective, citizen-oriented policies.

Objective

The German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) is better placed to address governance-related issues.

Four people under a sign that reads "A government without women is like a pot sitting on one stone - vote for women." Copyright: GIZ, Stefan Erber

Approach

The programme advises BMZ and supports it in positioning and refining its strategies, methods and approaches in the governance sector in intergovernmental and international development cooperation. It is optimising the preconditions for German development cooperation to promote good governance as set out in the 2030 Agenda. A central component of the programme is the Secretariat of the Development Partners Network on Decentralisation and Local Governance (DeLoG). DeLoG comprises 44 development partners. The Secretariat promotes networking and cooperation among its members. Global Affairs Canada provides financial support for its work.

Another important component is the Secretariat of the Team Europe Democracy Initiative. This initiative, launched by the European Union, aims to establish a coordinated, strategic European response to support democracy and human rights worldwide.

Last update: October 2022

Additional information