Governance, much used and equally abused term, includes a wide range of topics under the rough heading of institutions and implementation – ie getting things done. It also draws in the complex debates around the significance of democracy, including empowerment and accountability.
An important dimension of these discussions, with special relevance for management of development programs, is addressing corruption.
The proposed program would push ahead WFDD/Berkley Center work designed to engage faith leaders and communities much more actively in global integrity and anti-corruption work. This would be in cooperation with Transparency International, the global NGO and partnership that works to fight corruption worldwide. The problem is that corruption is a major obstacle to development programs and faith leaders are vocally active but play limited roles in real action. The specific initiative would involve a consultation with both academic leaders and on the ground leaders as to how to overcome the obstacles to more effective engagement. Approaching this as a Muslim Christian venture – drawing on experience and theology from both sides – would give it real bite and attract interest.
The product of the consultation would be an action focused meeting making recommendations for follow up.
Proposed by World Faiths Development Dialogue (WFDD)/Berkley Center for Religion, Peace, and World Affairs at Georgetown University.