Democratic Governance

Supporting Efficient, Responsive and Transparent Public Service
In societies undergoing rapid change as an effect of globalization or other forms of transition, a strong administrative capacity offers much-needed clarity and coherence for the implementation of national priorities, including those connected with MDG targets. UNDP helps to build public services that are cost-efficient and results-oriented, transparent, responsive and accountable to the needs of citizens.

Support in this service line focuses on supporting efficient, responsive, transparent and accountable public administrations.

In an era of increasing globalization, governments play a critical role to ensure economic competitiveness and growth, good governance and sustainable development
Accountable and effective management of public financial resources constitute some of the most fundamental responsibilities and challenges of many governments in the world, particularly those in developing countries and economies in transition. In this era of increasing globalization of world markets and trade, public sector management and accountability have become critical elements in determining the over-all effectiveness, efficiency, and ability of governments to ensure economic competitiveness and growth, good governance and sustainable human development.

UNDP recognizes that minimizing corruption is critical to reduce poverty and promote social and people-centred sustainable development. UNDP's emphasis on long-term systemic changes and the human dimensions of development, coupled with its impartiality, underscore its unique contributions in promoting good governance and public accountability and transparency.

Promoting effective governance to meet the challenges
Public sector management is increasingly seen as more than just modernising state institutions, it is also about fostering dynamic partnerships with civil society and the private sector in order to improve the quality of service delivery, enhance social responsibilities and ensure the broad participation of citizens in decision-making. This calls for increased attention to the issue of decentralised government as a means to support poverty alleviation goals and conflict prevention policies. These trends put increased emphasis on the performance of the civil service and on the need for an effective and efficient public management that is transparent and accountable.

UNDP takes a special interest in promoting sound public sector management as one of the key enabling factors for sustaining progress and for meeting the Millennium Development Goals. As a neutral and experienced partner, UNDP is supporting public administration and civil service management reform. UNDP is a leader in coordinating external assistance in this field.