The Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) was founded on the idea that economic freedom and political freedom are intertwined so that progress and development comes through a combination of political and economic liberalization. CIPE holds that democratic consolidation is not achieved through simply holding elections, establishing a free press, and recognizing human rights (although…
For 30 years, the IRI (International Republican Institute) has been helping to spread democracy through training sessions on political party and candidate development, democratic governance practices, civil society development, civic education, women and youth leadership development, electoral reform and election monitoring, and political expression in closed societies. From its earliest days, IRI has sought to build partnerships and…
Community Participation Improves Healthcare Community participation impacts multiple sectors. Typically, we hear about its impacts on a political decision or an election; however, community participation also has the ability to improve health standards. As part of the 1998 health reforms, Bangladesh’s government established Health Watch oversight committees to encourage community members to monitor health providers at…
Demonstrated as a recognized force for positive development, establishing and maintaining local government and good governance helps nations to attain the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). “Local Government and Good Governance: The Case of Samoa,” a 2010 report published by the Commonwealth Journal of Local Governance, argues that any attempt to build the capacity of Samoa’s local government should involve enhancing…
CIVICUS is an international alliance dedicated to strengthening citizen action and civil society around the world. The organization focuses on three main areas: Protecting the rights of civil society; Strengthening civil society good practices; and Increasing the influence of civil society. CIVICUS undertakes a variety of projects in each of the aforementioned areas including the…
Through conferences and events, programs and projects, and research and information, the Commonwealth Local Government Forum (CLGF) works to promote and strengthen democratic local government across the Commonwealth nations while also encouraging the exchange of best practice. Working with national and local governments, CLGF supports the development of democratic values and good local governance. The CLGF…
We understand the need to have working definitions of the key features of our agenda, particularly as the Community of practice grows more diverse. We would like to open the discussion to other members of our community and invite your input, beginning with a basic definition of “participatory democracy.” In order to facilitate this discussion, we…
Does Budget Transparency Lead to Stronger Human Development Outcomes and Commitments to Economic and Social Rights? International Budget Partnership Sakiko Fukuda-Parr, et al. (Number 4: December 2011) This working paper out of International Budget Partnership explores the relationship between the quality of the budget process and human development outcomes. Fukuda-Parr and colleagues look in particular…
This project is complete 