The concept of local governance has now made its way to the core of the debate on ways to improve the effectiveness of policies. Local governance is considered today a key determinant of the outcome of economic and employment development strategies and action to improve the quality of life. Yet only a few years ago, it was still a vague concept, and one which moreover left many practical questions unaddressed. Part of the progress can be attributed to the work of the OECD’s Co-operative Act more...

The governance pathway, developed by the Institute for Solidarity in Asia, offers Philippine cities a vision and roadmap to achieve governance reforms and make democracy work. Thirty cities and two provinces have participated in a rigorous certification process that has improved city services, attracted investment, helped balance budgets, and raised citizens’ quality of life. Community groups participate in city planning and hold civic officials accountable for their promises, thereby deepenin more...

The color and quality of gems from Burma make them attractive for use in jewelry sold around the world, but the beauty of Burmese gems is marred by their association with serious human rights abuses. A growing number of governments, ethically-minded businesses, and civil society groups are working to curtail the international trade in Burmese gems through targeted sanctions and boycott campaigns.

A manual designed to provide guidance for implementation of each step in the Local Governance Barometer (LGB) process. The LGB was designed to measure the effectiveness of governance.The Impact Alliance, an international network of international NGO's supporting capacity building in civil society, designed the LGB to quantitatively express the measure of good governance of a given situation, using a participatory approach, and involving members of different sectors in society.

Cyber Forensics is an important part of any criminal investigation involving cyber crimes and contraventions. However, it requires a sound expertise to be practiced. Cyber Forensics in India has started gaining importance out of the necessity to deal with modern cyber crimes. Though India has taken some steps in the direction of enacting ICT related law in the form of Information Technology Act, 2000 (IT Act, 2000), yet by and large it failed to provide a sound and secure law in this crucial dir more...

Women are being locked out of the democratic processes in Ghana and argues that societies 'cannot claim to be committed to the principles and ideals of democracy and the universal values of equality' if groups within are marginalized.

For many citizens, the single most important opportunity they have to meaningfully participate in the democratic process is voting. It is also the primary means for Ghanaians, especially the poor, women and other disadvantaged groups of society, to participate i more...

'Switzerland is helping to ensure Afghanistan's police force gets paid correctly and on time in order to prevent corruption. A programme to ensure gender equity in the police force with the aim of reducing domestic violence in the country is another focus area.'

Kenya's Community Development Services Centre has been applying different approaches to government transparency and accountability, which have included public education, public participation as well as building trust among public agencies and other stakeholders.

MSI is seeking an experienced democracy and governance specialist with a focus on Africa to join our Washington, DC headquarters.
Responsibilities: Carry out short-term technical assignments and supervise long-term field projects in democracy and governance; Serve as a technical writer and/or proposal coordinator on democracy and governance proposals, especially for Africa; Develop new democracy and governance business initiatives for Africa.
Location: Washington DC, USA. Last Date: August 4 more...

At the Forum of Local and Regional Authorities of the Mediterranean June 22-3, 2008 participants adopted a final declaration inviting States to fulfil their commitments and to step up the amount of public aid in the Mediterranean. Moreover, it urges States to work together with local and regional authorities to afford this partnership greater effectiveness in the regions as well as greater proximity vis-à-vis the population. The Committee of the Regions was also invited to confer to attain a fo more...