Accountability Lab’s Post

The world is facing a polycrisis, and that’s because our global governance institutions privilege state interests determined by political and economic elites. To fight the polycrisis, global governance institutions must be influenced not just by states, but by people, writes CIVICUS’ Mandeep Tiwana in this piece. Specific proposals he highlights are the creation of a World Citizens' Initiative, a UN Parliamentary Assembly, and a UN Civil Society Envoy. These are the demands of the "We The Peoples" campaign for inclusive global governance jointly convened by CIVICUS, Democracy International, and Democracy Without Borders. Read the article here: https://lnkd.in/es5qFkiz Subscribe to our newsletter: https://lnkd.in/ekPGH6bx

The UN yesterday adopted a Pact for the Future that was negotiated for nearly two years based on consensus. In an opinion piece republished on our blog, the Permanent Observer of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance at the UN, Annika Silva-Leander, takes a look at the document from the perspective of democracy. She concludes: "The Pact for the Future has the potential to reshape global governance and address pressing global challenges, but it fails to emphasize support of democratic institutions, inclusive governance, and civil liberties. Without addressing the rise of authoritarianism and the erosion of democratic systems, the Pact may fall short in achieving sustainable peace, security, and development. To build a more just and stable world for future generations, the future of democracy should have been prioritized." Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/e_RMxNpi Subscribe to our newsletter: https://lnkd.in/ekPGH6bx #SummitoftheFuture #PactfortheFuture

Ahead of Ursula von der Leyen's presentation of her Political Guidelines this week, I have been taking a look back at the 2019 version to see how well, or not, different elements have aged. There are bits where it really hits you what a different era it was: pre-Covid, pre-full-scale invasion of Ukraine, pre-the rise of the "economic security" doctrine. The opening section notes confidently that: "We have moved out of the era of crisis management and can now look forward", with Europe as "the world's trading superpower". Also, the ordering of von der Leyen's "headline ambitions" is interesting, with "A European Green Deal" being at the top of the list of the six policy themes that would guide her mandate, ahead of "An Economy that Works for People" and "A Europe fit for the Digital Age". Couple of things of note there: 1) Those headings went on to become the job titles of the vice presidents and executive vice presidents in her College. 2) Also, will be really interesting this week to see how these headings shift, including in how they are ordered (will green still be top?) But most important thing is that the Guidelines really did offer a blueprint, in some detail, of what the Commission programme would be -- be it steps that were achieved, like large chunks of the European Green Deal agenda, or initiatives that were attempted and sunk, like completing the Banking Union. So the 2024 edition will be a key reference point, building on the European Council Strategic Agenda from last month, and paving the way for other crucial agenda-setting moments such as the Draghi report, mission letters to incoming Commissioners, and, finally, a new Commission work programme once the new mandate has begun. In practice, this overarching agenda-setting will not stop then: with EU leaders having already called for a series of reviews that the Commission should present in Spring 2025, covering values (rule-of-law), budget, EU governance, and policies -- incl. those aimed at ensuring "the EU’s long-term competitiveness, prosperity and leadership on the global stage and to strengthen its strategic sovereignty". The Political Guidelines are the next milestone on that journey. And there's a lot to think about. https://lnkd.in/eJJVRzNz

🌎 Our global governance systems are no longer fit to address the compounding crises the planet is facing. Today we are launching a Challenge Paper, “Strengthening Citizen Participation In Global Governance” co-authored by Maiara Folly, Aishwarya Machani, Andrea Ordóñez Llanos and David Steven and supported by The United Nations Foundation, Iswe Foundation, Plataforma CIPÓ, United Nations Association - UK, and Southern Voice. ➡️ The paper recommends a renewed commitment to informing global citizens in an age of division and polarization, more systematic efforts to understand people’s opinions, ideas, and values, and regular use of a citizens’ assembly as a deliberative body at a global level. ➡️ The paper is intended as a roadmap, with the main recommendation to establish a permanent Global Citizens' Assembly at the UN Summit of The Future in September 2024. ➡️ We’re gathering organizations, individuals and governments interested in coming together to place citizens at the heart of global governance, to create a Coalition for a Global Citizens’ Assembly. Today marks the release of the paper, and also a six-month campaign to build this coalition in the run-up to the Summit of The Future. ➡️ Based on the learnings of the previous #GlobalAssembly, a permanent Global Citizens’ Assembly, is intended to restore trust in global governance, provide people with routes to action on the issues that affect them, and decentralize power. ➡️ Sign up to our mailing list at www.gcacoalition.org to read the paper, join the Coalition, learn more or receive updates. #CitizensAssemblies #SDGs #ClimateCrisis #Globalcitizensassembly #SummitOfTheFuture #GlobalGovernance #UnitedNations #GlobalGoals #CitizensAssembly #CitizenVoice #PeoplePower #GlobalDemocracy #UN

Collaboration is embedded in the pursuit of public purpose – between and across tiers and spheres of government, with private, not for profit, and community actors, and through market and network instruments.      Collaboration came of age in the late 20th century, a consequence of changed global conditions and sweeping public administration reforms that re-shaped policy and practice.     Until now.      The current global instability, the uneven legacy of reform and the emergence/persistence of public policy challenges suggests we need a new approach.      The Irene Longman Oration, taking place on the 20th November is a timely opportunity to think about where we are and to draw inspiration from Irene’s preparedness to challenge the status quo to consider how we can shape what comes next.      The Oration begins by asking what is the ‘status quo’ in public policy and administration and draw on the enduring power of ideas about economics and security to provide an answer. It argues that a new approach is required built on values of sustainability, sovereignty, and justice.   To find out more, and to join as a member to secure you seat, check out the link below.   https://lnkd.in/gi7iDdBM #ipaainsights #ipaaqld2024 #keepinformed #challengeyouthinking #buildconnection

We support the requests of the Members of the European Parliament, in line with the Future Generations Initiative, to establish effective mechanisms of representation of future generations’ rights in today’s policy making. Institutions and politicians work and act with a short term perspective, when a future view is most needed. Amid a triple planetary crisis and demographic challenges, it is a joint responsibility to call for ambitious intergenerational mechanisms. A Commissioner for Future generations, an intergenerational test on all EU files and an interinstitutional declaration on the rights of Future Generations can really contribute to give the EU the long-term sight it needs. Read the joint letter ➡  https://lnkd.in/dB6QH4Rj 🌱🤝 Let's make the EU #FitForFutureGenerations Oikos - Cooperação e Desenvolvimento #futuregenerations #futures #foresight

#Democracy plays no role in the #UN’s #Pact for the #Future   by Annika Silva-Leander The Pact for the Future, adopted at the United Nations Summit of the Future on 22-23 September in New York, is a pivotal framework designed to address global challenges with a long-term vision extending beyond 2030. It includes two annexes: the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration for Future Generations, focusing on digital governance and the rights of future generations. The Pact’s five broad focus areas include: sustainable development; international peace and security; science and technology; youth and future generations, and transforming global governance. This comprehensive framework is critical as it proposes reforms to global institutions like the UN, aiming to tackle issues such as climate change and peace and security amid increasing geopolitical tensions. Critical gaps from a democracy lense However, one of the key global challenges missing from the Pact is the decline of democracy, a pressing issue that has significant implications for the other areas the Pact seeks to address. International IDEA’s “Global State of Democracy Report 2024: Strengthening the Legitimacy of Elections in a Time of Radical Uncertainty” highlights how democratic decline and rising authoritarianism are undermining political rights and civic space, which are fundamental for achieving the Pact’s goals on peace, security, and sustainable development. ... Global threats to democracy Democratic institutions Civil society Media freedom Inclusive governance ... https://lnkd.in/gZ-Xn4TC

Our global governance systems are no longer fit to address the compounding crises the planet is facing. Today we are launching a Challenge Paper, “Strengthening Citizen Participation In Global Governance” co-authored by Maiara Folly, Aishwarya Machani, Andrea Ordóñez Llanos and David Steven and supported by the United Nations Foundation, Iswe Foundation, Plataforma CIPÓ, United Nations Association - UK, Blue Smoke, and Southern Voice. The paper recommends a renewed commitment to informing global citizens in an age of division and polarization, more systematic efforts to understand people’s opinions, ideas, and values, and regular use of a citizens’ assembly as a deliberative body at a global level. The paper is intended as a roadmap, with the main recommendation to establish a permanent Global Citizens’ Assembly at the #SummitOfTheFuture in September 2024. We’re gathering organizations, individuals and governments interested in coming together to place citizens at the heart of global governance, to create a Coalition for a Global Citizens’ Assembly. Today marks the release of the paper, and also a six month campaign to build this coalition in the run up to the Summit of The Future. Based on the learnings of the previous #GlobalAssembly, a permanent Global Citizens’ Assembly, is intended to restore trust in global governance, provide people with routes to action on the issues that affect them, and decentralize power. Sign up to our mailing list at www.gcacoalition.org to read the paper, hear more about joining the Coalition, learn more or receive updates. #CitizensAssemblies #SDGs #ClimateCrisis #GlobalCitizensAssembly #ClimateActionNow #SummitOfTheFuture #GlobalGovernance #UnitedNations #GlobalGoals #CitizensAssembly #CitizenVoice #PeoplePower #GlobalDemocracy #UN 

World leaders have adopted a Pact for the Future at the UN Headquarters, highlighting the need for long-term thinking to safeguard the wellbeing of future generations. But commitments to future citizens are no longer just about symbolic declarations; Europe is already moving towards enshrining formal rights and protections for future generations, writes Beatrice White. “Notable examples in Europe include Finland’s Committee for the Future, established in 1993 as a parliamentary body to conduct research on the social effects of technological development. In Portugal, civil society actors collaborated with policymakers to establish a “Framework for Intergenerational Fairness” – a practical tool to evaluate public policies. In 2023, a citizens’ initiative led to the parliament of Spain’s Balearic Islands passing a law on the wellbeing of present and future generations.” Despite examples at the national level, the EU does not have explicit provisions in its treaties that would compel it to protect the interests of future generations. Given the nature of the European project, how can the EU seize this opportunity to better protect future generations? Find out more here: https://lnkd.in/exDJy-9C #ClimateAdaptation #ClimateChange #EuropeanUnion #FutureGenerations

Why Global Issues Matter When Voting Locally When you head to the polls, you might wonder: What do global issues have to do with our local problems? This question often pops up in debates, with journalists suggesting that prioritizing international concerns over local ones might mean you don’t care about your own community. They imply that focusing on the world makes you less patriotic. But is this really the case? The Importance of Global Awareness You might ask, "Why should I care about what happens overseas? Why not focus on our local potholes, rubbish collections, healthcare, or taxes?" The underlying message often is that local issues are more important and that caring about international events means you don't belong here. This mentality can be demeaning and insulting, causing many to apologize and reaffirm their loyalty to local issues to avoid being labelled outsiders. But where have we gone wrong? Philosopher John Donne famously wrote, "No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main." This highlights our interconnectedness. Local and global issues are intertwined; caring about global events doesn’t mean you don’t care about local matters. The Role of Politics Politics is often murky, full of vested interests and reciprocal favours. The real issues can become apparent over time as politicians’ hidden agendas come to light. Plato once said, "The price of apathy towards public affairs is to be ruled by evil men." This stresses the importance of vigilance and accountability in local and global politics. Guiding Principles for a Better World To make our world a better place, we should adhere to a few key principles: 1. Treat All People with Humanity: Value everyone equally, regardless of origin. Desmond Tutu said, "My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together." The blood of a Palestinian is the same as the blood of an Israeli. 2. Value Honesty, Integrity, and the Rule of Law: These should be paramount. Aristotle noted, "The virtue of justice consists in moderation, as regulated by wisdom." 3. Do not let anyone divide us. We are all humans and deserve equal respect. Nelson Mandela said, "No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin, background, or religion." If politicians followed these principles, the world would be a better place. When they fail to treat people humanely, or value lives differently, we must correct them. As citizens, we must hold our leaders accountable, regardless of whether their negligence occurs locally or internationally. P.S. Have you ever felt torn between local and global issues? How do you balance your concerns? Drop a comment! https://lnkd.in/enjETEYJ