Governance
Introduction
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Governance
Introduction
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Appropriate, fair, and effective governance was clearly one of the cornerstones of the founding fathers. Today good governance is also one key to sustainable development. Honest and competent governance affects every aspect of one’s life from the protection of our basic human rights to food and water security. Governance is more than just “government,” it includes everything from an impartial and efficient judicial system, to schools and healthcare, to an economic system that offers job security and a living wage. Its foundation is a strong and vital civil society.
The impacts of poor governance are severe. Ineffective or corrupt governments
can allow, or even promote, resource depletion and environmental destruction.
They can distort and disrupt local and national economies, impoverishing
citizens as well as frightening away investors. In extreme cases, poor
governance leads to civil or international conflict. This conflict perpetuates
a cycle in which all the components of a healthy civil society are destroyed,
and government itself loses connection with its people. In industrialized
nations, unresponsive, careless governance produces equally devastating
results: the apathy and disengagement of its citizens. People adopt
a “why bother?” attitude about politics and government.
Stronger institutions of governance can manage more effectively the interdependence between economies and eco-systems. In such a way, capable governance can develop lasting solutions to key environmental issues such as global climate change, ozone depletion, and associated health risks.
There are many ways to strengthen governance. One of them is to create conditions supportive of democracy such as literacy, a free press and flow of information, and gender and class equality. Nations can recognize and train effective leaders at all levels. Pioneering organizations have also created ways of identifying and publicizing corrupt behavior and then insisting on accountability. Effective economic development that benefits all segments of society is also an essential ingredient in strengthening governance.
The benefits of good governance range from an enhanced quality of life for all citizens of each nation to a more responsible, accountable relationship with the environment. A strong and healthy civil society carries with it an almost automatic assurance of reduction in poverty. And, most importantly, the spread of good governance within nations will ultimately lead to diminished conflict and greater possibility of peace between nations.