20 March 2014: The UN Development Programme (UNDP) has released an advance, “living” version of a discussion paper on the role of governance in the post-2015 development agenda. ‘Governance for Sustainable Development: Integrating Governance in the Post-2015 Development Framework’ draws on UNDP’s efforts to support the strengthening of democratic processes, deepening of the rule of law and developing responsive public services.

UNDP notes that: effective governance institutions and systems that are responsive to public needs deliver essential services and promote inclusive growth; inclusive political processes ensure citizens can hold public officials to account; and good governance promotes freedom from violence, fear and crime, and helps build peaceful and secure societies with the stability needed to attract and sustain development investments. It also argues that improving governance requires action in diverse areas, not all of which can be subject to global consensus.

The paper analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of different options for capturing governance elements in the post-2015 development agenda, including: stand-alone goals on governance, rule of law and peaceful and stable societies; and governance as an enabler that is referenced in accompanying text, and is “mainstreamed” across other targets.

Finally, the paper reflects on the challenge of measuring progress. [Publication: UNDP Discussion Paper: Governance for Sustainable Development]