Governance for the Millennium Development Goals: core issues and good practices

Lessons learnt on good governance for the MDGs

Published by: United Nations Online Network in Public Administration and Finance (UNPAN) , 2007
Via: Eldis

This paper contributes to the debate on democratic and good governance. Its aim is to provide interested governments and policy makers with the theoretical and practical tools leading to successful completion of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), and to show how this endeavour can subsequently be transformed into good governance. The paper argues that governance and MDGs are linked in two ways:

• the achievement of MDGs can potentially lead to high growth and better governance through improved human capital accumulation
• elements of governance required to finance both public and private investments to achieve the MDGs.

The paper discusses:

• key challenges for implementing good governance
• good governance in special situations (post-conflict and least developed countries)
• experiences, good practices and innovations in governance for MDGs
• factors contributing to success and lessons learnt.

The paper identifies some key common factors that contribute to success and extracts some lessons for future design of governance reform initiatives:

• national ownership by governments and communities
• continued political will and support through all phases of reform
• creation of a broad coalition of support for reform
• involvement of change agents or reform agents to anchor the reforms
• support and engagement of multiple stakeholders
• change management as an integral part of the reform process
• an understanding that there is no one-size-fits-all programme design
• a realisation that strategic “incrementalism” may be the most pragmatic and feasible option
• recognition of the need for system improvements
• realistic and well-defined targets
• learning from one’s own and others’ experiences, which can lead to significant value added
• assured financial and institutional sustainability
• the showing/publicising of “good results” and provision of incentives for continued progress
• attention to special considerations in implementing reform in conflict/post-conflict situations
• a supportive role for international organisations.

(http://unpan1.un.org/intradoc/groups/public/documents/UN/UNPAN025110.pdf)