Civil society engagement and democratic governance: An introduction

Scholars and development practitioners recognize the centrality of governance capacity to achieve sustainable development objectives, including the eradication of extreme poverty, environmental protection, access to basic services and livelihoods and the promotion of economic growth. The 2005 UN World Summit Outcome document emphasized that effective democratic governance and public administration are necessary conditions to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in developing countries (UN General Assembly, 2005). Consequently, many developing countries within the Asia-Pacific region have aimed to improve governance systems and processes to promote people-centred and sustainable development. The United Nations, development banks, bilateral development partners and private sector foundations continue to support these national efforts through governance assistance programmes.

Related Subject(s): Democracy and Governance