In many places in the world citizens feel excluded from decision making by their authorities. Yet, that decision making effects citizens’ lives, their day-to-day environment, and their future perspectives. Local governments often lack the skills or tools to encourage participation and for being accountable for what they do.

In many places in the world citizens feel excluded from decision making by their authorities. Yet, that decision making effects citizens’ lives, their day-to-day environment, and their future perspectives. Local governments often lack the skills or tools to encourage participation and for being accountable for what they do.Citizens participation is essential for good local governance, a basis for increased welfare and stability. But then again: how do you organise participation and public accountability?

A selection from the issues addressed in our projects in this field of expertise:

  • bringing local governments and stakeholders together, to learn appreciate each other’s roles,  and to build trust and confidence in working together
  • setting up of municipal information and resource centres
  • accountability tools for local governments, related to the use of public resources
  • participation in modern forms of public administration versus traditional leadership