Democratic Governance

About the Democratic Governance Practice

Democratic governance is central to the achievement of the MDGs, as it provides the ‘enabling environment' for the realization of the MDGs and, in particular, the elimination of poverty. The critical importance of democratic governance in the developing world was highlighted at the Millennium Summit of 2000, where the world's leaders resolved to "spare no effort to promote democracy and strengthen the rule of law, as well as respect for all internationally recognized human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the right to development." A consensus was reached which recognized that improving the quality of democratic institutions and processes, and managing the changing roles of the state and civil society in an increasingly globalised world must underpin national efforts to reduce poverty, sustain the environment, and promote human development.

UNDP's work in democratic governance is reinforced by its network of over 166 offices and its global partnerships with democratic governance institutions.

UNDP's core services to support national processes of democratic transitions, focus on:

1. Policy advice and technical support;
2. Strengthening capacity of institutions and individuals
3. Advocacy, communications, and public information;
4. Promoting and brokering dialogue; and
5. Knowledge networking and sharing of good practices.

New Reports and Publications

Local Governance in Tsunami Recovery: Lessons Learned and Emerging Principles

• Download report in PDF format (139 KB)

Primer on Fiscal Decentralization

• Download report in PDF format (448 KB)

Trends and Challenges in Public Administration Reform in Asia and the Pacific.

• Download full document in PDF format (5.0 MB)

Institutional Arrangements to Combat Corruption: A Comparative Study

• Download full document in PDF format (1.0 MB)