United Nations Development Programme Presentation by Deputy Resident Representative – UNDP Suriname Democracy Month Democracy, Sustainable Development and Good Governance November 10, 2014
Introduction • In 2007, the United Nations declared September 15 th as International Day of Democracy. • to celebrate the benefits that democracy has brought to people around the globe and • would take the opportunity to examine that state of democracy in one’s own country. • In Suriname, you have taken the idea further and have declared an entire month as Democracy Month
Structure of the Presentation 1. What is democracy? 2. How is democracy linked to Good Governance? 3. What is the role of the state visa viz the role of citizens (Civil Society)? 4. How do the SDGs help develop and sustain democracy? I will conclude by drawing a reflecting on why there is need to continuously work towards building a more democratic state.
What is Democracy? • Democracy is an aged old concept which has its origins in ancient Greece • It was later adopted by the Romans and inspired much of political and philosophical thought of the Roman Empire in the middle ages • There is no universally acceptable definition • democracy is a form of governance in which all eligible citizens have a right to participate equally. It is a political system for choosing and replacing a government through free and fair elections.
some basic precepts that for the cornerstone of democracy Respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms Freedom of association Freedom of expression and opinion Access to power and its exercise in accordance with the rule of law The holding of periodic free and fair elections by universal suffrage and by secret ballot as the expression of the will of the people A pluralistic system of political parties and organizations
The separation of powers The independence of the judiciary Transparency and accountability in public administration Free, independent and pluralistic media
How is democracy linked to Good Governance? • democracy does not guarantee good governance • some dictatorial regimes lay claim to good governance whilst examples of bad governance abound in countries that profess to be democratic • the primary focus of Good Governance is on the process whereby public institutions conduct public affairs, manage public resources, and guarantees the realization of human rights.
Actions of government that respects human rights, protects and defends rights and freedoms and that values accountability will help secure good governance. Operating in a manner that is free of corruption, that allows the public access to information, that respects dissenting views and demands accountability from public officials will form a bridge that links democracy to good governance.
What is the role of the state visa viz the role of citizens (Civil Society)? • good governance is not only about the elected government
Role of the Citizen • Citizens groups must serve as the conscience of any democracy. • NGO’s and other civil society organizations have an obligation to objectively assess issues relevant to the country’s democracy and good governance. • Democracy is not an end product but a process and the only way to secure advancements and gains is to constantly assess your achievements and demand even higher standards from your public officials.
How do the SDGs help develop and sustain democracy? • Millennium Declaration which gave birth to the MDGs, world leaders affirmed their commitment to promote democracy and strengthen the rule of law and Human Rights, democracy and good governance. • It is not possible to suffer serious violation of democracy and good governance and yet perform optimally on the MDGs
Conclusion • Democracy is not a product. It is a process. • Democracy is not defined by political leadership. “five seconds in five years” • In a democracy, the people are sovereign — they are the highest form of political authority. • Citizens have an obligation to become informed about public issues, to watch carefully how their political leaders and representatives use their powers, and to express their own opinions and interests. • The sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) need an environment of democracy and good governance to reap beneficial results for the population. • Putting the resources of the state at the disposal of the population is a clear display of the interplay between good governance and achieving development goals.
• The sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) need an environment of democracy and good governance to reap beneficial results for the population. • Putting the resources of the state at the disposal of the population is a clear display of the interplay between good governance and achieving development results.
heel hartelijk bedankt
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