The National Democratic Institute for International Affairs and The Republic of Yemen Cosponsored by The United Nations Development Programme and The Government of Japan In Partnership with the Governments of: The Netherlands The United Kingdom The United States And the: Canadian International Development Agency Friedrich Ebert Stiftung International Labour Organization Irish Aid National Endowment for Democracy United States Agency for International Development Westminster Foundation for Democracy World Bank		Discussion Guide TOPIC IV: ACHIEVING GOOD GOVERNANCE Controlling Corruption, Improving Administration and Strengthening the Rule of Law Summary Discussions for Topic 4 Transcripts - Table of Contents Not only do new and emerging democracies face the enormous challenge of attempting to produce economic growth, they face the simultaneous challenge of demonstrating that, as a system of government, they are better than any other alternative. They must show that they are capable of agreeing on policies to address the challenges of society (Topic II) but also that they are committed to the public good. Managing and delivering the political "goods" -- including respect for political and civil rights, the accountable and responsive administration of government, and the establishment of the rule of law -- is no small task. The implementation of a new social contract between the government and the governed in which the former is perceived of, and in fact does, "serve" the public, is an enormous undertaking that is fundamental to the consolidation of democracy. Leaders are also competing with each other in the international arena to make their countries more attractive to and safe for investors. Securing a hospitable environment is dependent on a number of factors, including simple regulations for the establishment of businesses, a strong and fair legal system securing property rights, a non-corrupt political elite, and well trained and responsive civil servants. Progress in these areas must go hand-in-hand for countries to be successful politically and economically in the long run. In addition to establishing these conditions, political leaders must learn to better manage resources, human and financial, to generate better development policies. This may entail examining the ways political leaders are currently trained and the opportunities they have for enhancing their managerial skills throughout their careers. In discussing the challenge of managing new democracies, please consider the following: What are the key obstacles to a fair, efficient, and vigorous rule of law in emerging democracies today? What changes in the structure, training, and funding of the judicial system are most likely to strengthen the rule of law in the coming years? What steps have already been implemented to enhance judicial independence and to improve judicial capacity and the quality of justice available in the courts? What concrete steps can political leaders take to reform government, to reduce red-tape, and otherwise create incentives for investors? What measures have been effective in reducing corruption among elected and appointed officials, as well as the career civil service? What are the most urgent institutional and legal reforms needed to control and deter corruption? What measures to modernize government bureaucracy have enhanced the governments' delivery of public services? Has decentralization delivered on its promise to do that? What measures have governments implemented that effectively enhance government transparency, such as publishing government regulations, providing hearings and an opportunity for comment on draft regulations, etc. [ Introduction ] [ Declaration ] [ Conference Transcripts ] [ Discussion Board ] [ Forum Home ] [ NDI Home ]