UNSIA Newsletter Issue 1, December 1997
Governance: Priority Component of SIA
The ECA and UNDP, under the UN Special Initiative on Africa (UNSIA), have a mandate to lead consultations on governance reform, coordinate programmes for implementation, and mobilize resources and political support for good governance. It is now understood that economic and social progress on the continent hinges on the fostering of good governance norms.
The first Africa Governance Forum, held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on 11-12 July 1997 provided a platform for stakeholders in governance reform—representatives of African governments, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), international organisations, and the donor community — to engage in dialogue. The Africa Governance Forum was co-chaired by ECA Executive Secretary, Mr. K.Y. Amoako and UNDP Administrator, Mr. James Gustave Speth.
Prior to the Forum, more than 30 African NGOs and CSOs held a two-day consultation on governance in Addis Ababa, 23-24 May 1997. Representatives of this consultation participated in the Forum and made known their views on good governance.
Fourteen African governments sent ministers to the Forum. Togo was represented by Prime Minister, Mr. Kwassi Kluste. Twenty-two other African countries participated as observers. International organisations and the donor community sent over twenty representatives each and seventeen international and regional NGOs participated.
The Forum’s tone was set by a message from the United Nations Secretary-General, Mr. Kofi Annan. The Forum deliberated ongoing constitutional, judicial, and administrative reforms in African countries. Consensus emerged with regard to accelerating the reform process with emphasis on leadership building; transparency and accountability; civil society empowerment; institutional capacity building; the rule of law; constitutional guarantees; and media freedom.
The Forum adopted a programme of action to assess reform progress in the various countries and it was agreed that yearly forums be held. It was further recognized that there was need for the Forum to liaise with other institutions, within and outside Africa, that are engaged in the governance reform effort.