Search

This assessment is developed in the framework of the OECD Project "Citizens' Voice: Empowering Civil Society and the Media to Enhance Open Government" financed by the German Federal Foreign Office and implemented in the context of the MENA-OECD Governance Programme. It responds to a request from Lebanese governmental and non-governmental actors expressed during the inception phase of the project for policy advice on innovative channels for citizen participation. The paper explores whether and how representative deliberative processes could be considered and implemented in Lebanon. It looks at the feasibility and viability of such processes in the country by identifying the central barriers in their initiation and implementation, as well as what impact could be expected. The paper does not provide an overview of deliberative democratic processes or broader citizen participation efforts in Lebanon, both of which have been covered by recent OECD publications. While the authors recognize the Lebanese civil society's efforts to form coalitions and weigh in on the policy process (such as for example for the National Human Rights Strategy and Action Plan, and the National Anti- Corruption Strategy), these practices are not covered in this paper, which focuses specifically on representative deliberative processes. These processes give randomly selected citizens -- through a method called "civic lottery" -- a framework to learn, deliberate, discuss and analyse a policy issue of concern and provide them with the opportunity to make informed recommendations to decision-makers. The document is based on consultative interviews conducted with a range of governmental and nongovernmental actors, experts and organisations, as well as a current and former members of parliament involved in public governance reforms. Two OECD roundtables, one organised on 7 July 2022 in collaboration with the Maharat Foundation, and a second on 23 March 2023 under the patronage of the Office of the Minister of State for Administrative Reform (OMSAR), and in collaboration with the Lebanese Foundation for Permanent Civil Peace (LFPCP), introduced the concept and examples of deliberative democracy and gathered input from a variety of relevant stakeholders for the assessment. The findings of this document are indicative and are not designed to provide guidance on an implementable deliberative process, but rather to deliver an initial analysis on which more in-depth work could be based. The aim is to contribute to a national debate on the value of deliberative processes, raise awareness about their potential, and respond to the demand of a wide range of actors for support in potentially taking related efforts forward. The document could also be of use to inform donors potentially interested in supporting this type of initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of OECD Environment Working Papers is the property of Organisation for Economic Cooperation & Development and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This publication explains the social dimension of globalization. Several factors that influence globalization include new technologies, new economic relationships and the national and international policies of governments, international organizations, business, labour and civil society. The article cites the economic characteristics of the globalization process. The categories that characterize the globalization of international capital are also mentioned.

The idea that government can do something to improve American civil society is in many ways a contradiction in terms. The growth of the US government's reach has crowded out [...]

The Financial Transaction Tax (FTT) has been a spearhead demand of civil society for some 15 years now. Initially put on the table by the UNDP in 1996 as an instrument of innovative financing for development, also its regulatory dimension surfaced after the Asian financial crisis 1997/98. While some governments were open to the idea, in particular France and Belgium, there was strong opposition from other countries such as the US and the UK and of the finance industry. Therefore, the FTT seemed to be doomed to disappear from the agenda. The financial crash in 2008, however, was a game changer and the FTT had its come back with France and Germany as driving force behind it. After a failed attempt to get an agreement in the G20, the EU presented a draft directive, which was very close to the expectations of civil society. But as strong objections among the EU-27 occurred, in particular from the UK, a coalition of eleven countries chose the option of Enhanced Cooperation to implement the tax. The Enhanced Cooperation Procedure is part of the EU regulations and can be used for projects, which cannot be agreed among all 27 member states but have the support of at least nine member states. In February 2013 the Enhanced Cooperation Procedure was launched officially on the basis of a revised draft by the EU-Commission, which was even stricter vis à vis the financial sector, in particular through its strong and innovative provisions against tax evasion. The resistance of the finance industry against the FTT continued. Their lobby organised a campaign in order to reach at least a watering down of the proposal. Hence, the definitive outcome of the ongoing process is still open. For civil society the process is nevertheless a great success by now. The European campaign for the FTT can be seen as a showcase for single-issue campaigns. Over the years a sophisticated system of movement building, political alliances and mobilisation has emerged which uses a whole range of instruments. These include grass-root activities, such as demonstrations or signature collecting, interventions into the political system through petitions and other tools to put pressure on decision makers and a highly professional media work. Also inside the movement efficient structures and smooth work methods as well as a smart management of conflicts of interests contributed to a civil society campaign, which turned into a relevant factor at the centre stage of politics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explores the role of online public consultations in heightening democratic authority in the preparation of the European Union (EU) energy policy. It examines various perceptions of legitimacy and discusses the role of civil society as a remedy for the democratic shortfall of European policy-making. It also evaluates the impact of civil society participation on policy outputs, particularly the green paper on European strategy for sustainable and competitive energy.

The article chronicles the history of the Great Society launched by the administration of U.S. President Lyndon Baines Johnson. The author analyzes a U.S. welfare state described by Johnson during his Great Society address. Also discussed are the vision of Johnson to eliminate poverty and race discrimination and the role of the country's civil society in the Great Society.

An essay that examines the role of scientific professions in a modern, liberal democratic society and the effect on a country's civic culture. It recounts how the general public and the serving government have recognized the benefits of investing in scientific research throughout history and the continuing drive for scientific literacy. The author also recalls how advancements in technology have paved the way for industrial growth.

The article highlights ways to form environmental capacity in an agricultural setting. Capacity development is defined as a continuous cycle that is made up of accepting the need for change, identifying the things to be changes and implementing capacity development strategies. The private sector and the civil society at national and farm/community level are some of the entry points in implementing environmental management capacity.

The leading role of native peoples in natural disaster management within the framework of the Promotion of Food Security and Social Inclusion in the Lempa Region of Western Honduras Program (PROSADE LEMPA) involves: • Actions aimed at reducing the imminent risk to remnant forests and the most vulnerable populations due to "Natural Disaster" caused by fires and pests. • The participation of key actors such as indigenous peoples, government, civil society, private enterprise and international cooperation in fire management. • Systematization of PROSADE LEMPA's experience with vulnerable populations most affected by natural disasters. Brief description of the Program The program is run by CARE International, benefiting around 40 thousand people living in the 4 municipal groupings of the Lempa Region of Honduras. Among these municipal groupings, the following are represented and prioritized: Association of municipalities of the Frontera de Intibucá (ANFI), and the grouping of the municipalities of San Andrés, San Francisco, Erandique and Gualcince Lempira (CAFEG, MOCLEMPA and MANCOSOL). The main objective of this new project, PROSADE-LEMPA, is to eradicate the exclusion, vulnerability and extreme poverty conditions in Honduras. Therefore, interventions will focus on small-scale women farmers who do not benefit equitably from the economic growth of societies, as well as the Lenca indigenous peoples. In total, 252 communities, 23 municipalities, two departments and 7,560 families, equivalent to approximately 40,000 people, are directly benefited. The components of this innovative new program include: food availability and access, improved health with good hygiene and sanitation practices, food security governance, a drought early warning system and humanitarian aid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An essay is presented on history and its relevance to the needs of the present. Topics discussed include the decline in the discipline of history to the lack of confidence by practitioners and the public, the lesser importance of the broad commonalities of history and the need for history of address the common past and future as a healthy foundation for common civic existence.

The article presents a report on the decent work, youth employment and migration in Asia. It further reflects on the topical labour migration issues among policy makers, civil society and the media as well as suggests the best ways to address these issues. It also reviews the trends in the migration of youth for employment in the Asian region and discusses related policy issues as well.

The article offers information on a study conducted by the authors related to the democratic citizenship sought by the Russians. It states that the study focuses on agendas and ideals of these mostly young and mostly middle-class leaders and activists of six grassroots organizations and movements provides considerable evidence that a proactive civil society might be emerging.

The article reports on the economic and political conditions in Tajikistan. The author believes that the re-election of Tajik resident Imomali Rahmonov will keep the opposition weak and divided. The author stated that the draft law on public associations is a threat to the civil society. The country's budget surplus is 0.4 percent of gross domestic product. Trade deficit decreased in 2006 while foreign direct investments improved.

The article assesses the governance capacity of Afghanistan and its performance of duties. Details of the U.S. Afghanistan Strategic Partnership Agreement are given. Also highlighted are the improvements to the capacity of the Afghan central government, the expansion of its local subnational governance, and the reforms implemented to curb political corruption. The initiatives of the Afghan government aimed at promoting human rights and civil society are outlined.

The article looks into the politics, elections and government performance in Afghanistan. An overview of the historic patterns of Afghan authority and politics from Afghan ethnicities and communities to present day political parties is provided. It describes the post-Taliban transition and political landscape of Afghanistan and assesses the governance capacity and performance of the Afghan government with regard to curbing corruption and promoting human rights and civil society.

The article focuses on the historic patterns of elections, politics, and government performance in Afghanistan. Topics include the policy on corruption, promotion of human right and civil society, and role of the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission (AIHRC). Also mentioned are the social freedoms, human trafficking, and advancement of women in the country.

The article discusses U.S. foreign policy toward the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as of February 2014. Topics covered include governance, human rights and reform issues in UAE, the efforts to promote U.S. democracy, rule of law and civil society, as well as foreign policy and defense. Also addressed is the U.S.-UAE defense cooperation agreement.

The article presents an overview of trends of global investment policy developments in 2012. Topics discussed include the role of civil society and stakeholders for development of investment policy, a table depicting changes in national investment policies from 2000−2012 and investment incentive programs introduced by countries such as Armenia, Belarus and the Cayman Islands. Other topics include examples of investment liberalization and privatization measures from 2012-2013.

The article presents the report on topic regarding the U.S. Funded Assistance Programs in China released by the U.S. Congressional Research Service (CRS) as of April 24, 2009. Topics discussed include the civil society and law programs supported by the U.S. government in the People's Republic of China (PRC), role played by the U.S. Congress in determining funding levels, and promotion of democratic change in China.

The ongoing investigation into the killing of two American citizens, current human rights conditions, and reports of an Indonesian military build-up in Papua have led to increased Congressional attention to Indonesia's eastern-most territory. Papua, for the purposes of this report, refers to the resource rich western half of the island of New Guinea and not the nation or people of Papua New Guinea which is situated on the eastern half of the Island. While the people of Papua have been subject to human rights abuses while under Indonesian rule, the ongoing expansion of democracy and civil society in Indonesia and the leadership of President Yudhoyono hold out the possibility that the human rights situation in Papua may improve. Some view the current improvement in the bilateral relationship between the United States and Indonesia as providing an enhanced opportunity for the United States to continue to support the expansion of democracy, the rule of law, civil society, and human rights while developing closer military-to-military relations with a valuable partner in the war against terror and a key geopolitical actor in the Southeast Asian region. Such policies, by fostering a more democratic and open society, may also contribute to an improved human rights situation in Papua. Others, including some Members of Congress, contend that Indonesia's failure thus far to bring to trial those responsible for the Timika incident and other human rights abuses, suggests that the Indonesian military (TNI) remains, at least in part, outside government control and that the United States should continue to suspend some kinds of military assistance. The recent arrest of Anthonius Wamang, who is thought to have carried out the attack which killed two Americans near Timika in 2002, may resolve what has been a key obstacle to improved military-to-military ties between Indonesia and the United States. It also has the potential to raise further questions concerning the incident. This report will be updated as circumstances warrant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The perception that civil society is declining has gained currency in recent years. With increasing frequency, politicians and scholars talk about the need for Americans to pay more attention to values and individual responsibility.Meanwhile, many people long for the tranquillity and prosperity of the 1950s and blame many of today's social ills, including poverty and crime, on a dearth of morality and common courtesy.Concern for the nation's moral health has sparked a movement of ideologically diverse thinkers who are linked by the belief that institutions like family and community must be strengthened if America is to thrive. But others wonder whether the positive aspects of the past can be resurrected without also bringing back the conformity and discrimination thatf lourished in the "good old days." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents an overview of immediate response of the government, society, and International Labour Organisation (ILO) on the economic crisis in Argentina in 2002-2003. It mentions the Social Dialogue led by the Catholic Church and supported by interim President Eduardo Duhalde, which was participated by all sectors of the society to make immediate solutions to the crisis. Moreover, the special programme called Response to the Argentine Crisis reflected the urgent intervention of ILO.

The article presents a political stability risk assessment for Russia as of April 2008. It is stated that the elimination of liberal politicians has caused a shift in favour of more statist policies. The author notes that civil society has been weakened during the tenure of President Vladimir Putin, while political parties other than United Russia have been marginalised. Several risk scenarios are discussed, which include foreign policy tensions that affect businesses.

The article presents a political stability risk assessment for Russia as of February 2008. It is stated that the elimination of liberal politicians has caused a shift that is in favour of more statist policies. The author notes that civil society has been weakened during the tenure of President Vladimir Putin, while political parties other than United Russia have been marginalised. Several risk scenarios are discussed, which include foreign policy tensions that affect businesses.