Democracy and state structures

Citizens are demanding the right to have their say and access to public services. GIZ advises governments that are responding to these demands.
  

A peaceful, caring and productive society requires efficient state institutions that meet citizens’ needs. Not only must the institutional framework fit, but, above all, democratic principles and processes must be embedded in society. Only then can constructive relationships be established between state and society.

Around the world, democracies are being challenged: states are having to meet the growing expectations of citizens with scarce public resources. Increasing numbers of citizens are demanding greater involvement in decision-making and planning processes, and improved public services.

Moreover, GIZ believes that the only way to combat poverty effectively is to give poor and disadvantaged population groups the opportunity to articulate their interests and help shape political processes.

The 2030 Agenda also supports the demand for effective and inclusive national and sub-national institutions, which are of vital importance in achieving the SDGs. The Agenda assumes good governance as a prerequisite for sustainable development and stability.

GIZ advises governments, parliaments and administrations in building such institutions, while involving all levels of government and administration in the reforms. The objective is to facilitate citizens’ access to public services and enable their political participation in decision-making processes.

GIZ approaches this in a number of ways:

• It supports negotiation processes between representatives of the state and society.
• It advises civil society organisations on representing the interests of citizens and effectively feeding them into political reform processes.
• It promotes the creation and development of transparent and accountable institutions at national and sub-national levels.
• It advises its partners on allocating roles and responsibilities to differing levels of government and administration so that relevant public services can be delivered professionally.
• It supports the modernisation of administrative processes with the aim of providing high-quality citizens’ services.