Five Principles of Good Governance
1. Legitimacy
and Voice
Participation – all men and women should have a voice in decision-making, either
directly or through legitimate intermediate institutions that represents their intention.
Such broad participation is built on freedom of association and speech, as well as
capacities to participate constructively.
Consensus orientation – good governance mediates differing interests to reach a broad
consensus on what is in the best interest of the group and, where possible, on policies
and procedures.
2. Direction
Strategic vision – leaders and the public have a broad and long-term perspective on
good governance and human development, along with a sense of what is needed for
such development. There is also an understanding of the historical, cultural and social
complexities in which that perspective is grounded.
3. Performance
Responsiveness – institutions and processes try to serve all stakeholders.
Effectiveness and efficiency – processes and institutions produce results that meet
needs while making the best use of resources.
4. Accountability
.
Accountability – decision-makers in government, the private sector and civil society
organizations are accountable to the public, as well as to institutional stakeholders. This
accountability differs depending on the organizations and whether the decision is
internal or external.
Transparency – transparency is built on the free flow of information. Processes,
institutions and information are directly accessible to those concerned with them, and
enough information is provided to understand and monitor them.
5. Fairness
Equity – all men and women have opportunities to improve or maintain their wellbeing.
Rule of Law – legal frameworks should be fair and enforced impartially, particularly
the laws on human rights
