"In the 21st century, capable, reliable, and transparent institutions are the key to success - strong parliaments; honest police forces; independent judges; an independent press; a vibrant private sector; a civil society. Those are the things that give life to democracy, because that is what matters in people’s everyday lives" (President Obama, speech in Ghana, July 11, 2009)
Good governance relies on a meaningful dialogue between state and society. Without responsive public institutions and inclusive citizenship, the social contract which binds Commonwealth democracies is broken. Calls for action fall on deaf ears and public services fail to reach those who need them.
We help ordinary people – young, old, professional and disadvantaged alike – to exert a real influence on policy processes and institutions. With our grant funding, we encourage diverse voices to be heard, strengthen relationships between individuals, groups and governments and stimulate a conversation among equal partners.
In boosting skills and knowledge through training for citizens and public authorities, we promote responsible and effective decision-making. Our toolkits and resources on accountability, transparency and citizenship are utilised across all regions of the Commonwealth – from South Asia and the Pacific to Africa and the Caribbean.
Using our unique leverage in the Commonwealth, civil society groups gain unrivalled access to their leaders at high-level meetings on finance, education, health and women’s affairs. Our assistance helps citizens and states to jointly pursue vital Millennium Development Goals such as ending of poverty and achieving education for all.