Democratic Governance

More countries than ever before are working to build democratic governance. Their challenge is to develop institutions and processes that are more responsive to the needs of ordinary citizens, including the poor, and that promote development. UNDP helps countries strengthen electoral and legislative systems, improve access to justice and public administration and develop a greater capacity to deliver basic services to those most in need.

Our Goals

Through its programmes, UNDP brings people together within nations and around the world, fostering partnerships and sharing ways to promote participation, accountability and effectiveness at all levels. We aim to build effective and capable states that are accountable and transparent, inclusive and responsive — from elections to participation of women and the poor. Learn more about our work with the Youth.

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Facts and Figures

UNDP backed the My Voice for Her campaign in Libya, which encouraged 1.3 million women to register to vote in 2012 elections.

UNDP supports 1 in 3 parliaments in the developing world and an election every 2 weeks.

Our Stories

Projects and Initiatives

Local Governance in Cambodia

Few countries have faced such monumental challenges as Cambodia following the Khmer Rouge regime. Shattered infrastructure, hundreds of thousands of displaced persons and limited subnational governance capacity remained barriers to stability long after the 1993 elections. more

Georgia: Justice for All

Kakha Kisishvili might have gone to jail for a theft he did not commit. Emma Esiava, who had fled from conflict in Abkhazia, might have lost her apartment and ended up on the street. Both escaped these injustices because they were able to seek free help from Georgia’s Legal Aid Service. more

8th Annual Meeting of the Development Partners Working Group on Decentralisation and Local Governance
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4 -7 June 2013 - United Nations Headquarters in New York
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Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi:

"Local Governance is the Lynchpin of an Effective Post-2015 Framework"

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Beyond 2015
Helen Clark's Opening Remarks at the Global Thematic Consultation on Post 2015 and Governance

By focusing global attention on clear and measurable human development outcomes, the MDGs have helped improve the lives of many. The agenda which follows them must build on these achievements, and be even more ambitious in seeking to build a better future for all.

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Featured Publications
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Governance and the Post-2015 Development Framework

This series of Issue Briefs have been prepared as part of the Global Thematic Consultation on Governance and the Post-2015 Development Agenda.

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From Connectivity to Service Delivery: Case Studies in E-Governanc

This report provides insight into the role ICTs can play in achieving development goals, distilling lessons learned and good practices for e-governance implementation, while also identifying core challenges. These case studies show how successful programming must be linked to existing national development priorities and targets.

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Informal Justice Systems

This study seeks to identify how engagement with informal justice systems can build greater respect and protection for human rights, and examines the value of informal justice systems in offering, in certain contexts, flexible structures and processes, cost-effectiveness and outreach to grassroots communities.

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