Commonwealth launches handbook on democracy, development and public administration

Just and honest government is bolstered by best practices in good governance and innovations in public administration, said Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma.

In launching the Commonwealth Governance Handbook on democracy, development and public administration in New Delhi, India, on 25 October 2012, the Secretary-General said Commonwealth assistance to member countries is to develop a ‘best fit’ aspect of best practices in governance to meet national needs and challenges.

The Secretary-General, who is in India to officiate at the Commonwealth Public Service Ministers Forum from 24 to 26 October, said leadership and innovation in public administration are vital to meet national development goals and challenges.

In a foreword of the publication, the Secretary-General stressed the importance of efficient, accountable, effective and transparent public administration to advance Commonwealth values of democracy and development.

“It plays a pivotal role in strengthening democracy by building trust in government and provides the foundation for progress towards achieving internationally agreed goals for development,” said the Secretary-General.

He underlined the importance of political will to create a competent professional and non-partisan public service to implement the vision of the political leadership in determining progress on democracy and development.

“Effective and ethical public administration, demonstrating the essential characteristics of leadership, administrative skill and technical expertise, is vital to establishing and maintaining robust democracy and sustainable development. It achieves this and strengthens the democratic legitimacy of government by impartially creating and co-ordinating policy in accordance with agreed national priorities, appropriately allocating resources, and working effectively in association with private sector and civil society partners to deliver public services.”

Mr Sharma said just and honest government enables fair and efficient public institutions to thrive, enjoying broad popular support and operating within an effective state subject to the rule of law and the benefit of a strong civil society.

“Strengthening public administration is an area in which the Commonwealth, with its shared traditions in this field, has achieved much and continues to have much to offer,” said the Secretary-General.

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