Signature Solution 2 - Governance: Fairer, more effective governments for all

February 13, 2018

UNDP's Strategic Plan 2018-2021 sets out the direction for a new UNDP, optimized to help countries achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The Plan describes how UNDP will better adapt to the range of country contexts in which we work, part of which is a series of signature solutions that define the core work of UNDP.

Inclusive and accountable governance systems and processes are recognized as crucial to sustainable development and human security. This solutions package will therefore focus on supporting diverse pathways towards peaceful, just and inclusive societies, building on the UNDP comparative advantage and long track record in governance.

Some development contexts may require support for core governance functions, establishing local service provision, rule of law, anti-corruption capacities and access to justice. Some may require assistance with accessing and using development finance and official development assistance (ODA), which may be provided in collaboration with the Department of Economic and Social Affairs, UNCDF and IFIs. Others may request innovative support for improved regulatory capacities, enhanced legal frameworks, strengthened institutions and local governance capacities.

In crisis contexts, support may be requested for re-establishing core governance functions, to support long-term preventive solutions that address root causes of conflict and disasters. This solution will seek to build inclusive, effective and accountable institutions and mechanisms for the peaceful resolution of conflict and for advancing social cohesion.  This requires ensuring the inclusion of women, youth, people with disabilities and other traditionally marginalized groups, working in partnership with agencies such as UNICEF, UN-Women and others.

An improved reporting system for the Parliament: A monitoring and report-writing workshop was conducted for officials of the Parliament Secretariat to enable better monitoring, oversight and reporting of parliamentary functions.

Making it count: Voter education campaign proves an eye-opener

"Before I took part in the mock polling, I had no idea the ballot paper would be that complicated,” remembers Shakuntala KC from Banke. “I felt lost in the long list of symbols when I first looked at the sheet.” 

But after the mock polling session—part of a massive voter education campaign organized by the Election Commission Nepal (ECN) with the support of UNDP’s Election Support Project (ESP) and conducted by contracting local NGOs in 29 districts—where she and others were given clear instructions on navigating the voting process, Shakuntala says she was motivated to line up to cast her ballot.

A total of about 150,000 registered voters were oriented on the importance of exercising their voting rights, and the correct way to mark the ballot paper. These mock polling exercises, where participants were given hands-on training in the voting procedures, comprised the prime activity of the community-level voter education programme.  READ MORE

Hope at last

For Rupandehi’s Prem Kumari, being helped by UNDP’s Socio-Legal Aid Center through her legal problems was not just a reminder of the need to exercise her rights, but also of the many other women who were suffering from the difficulty of navigating a complex court system. READ MORE

‘UNDP’s preparatory support needs to continue in implementing federalism'

Joint Secretary of the Ministry of General Administration and the National Project Director for PREPARE under UNDP. Nita Aryal Pokharel talks about the Ministry’s expectations of UNDP as the country enters a federal set-up. READ MORE

Government Perspective: Yagya Prasad Adhikari, Deputy Director, National Human Rights Commission

NHRC Deputy Director, Yagya Prasad Adhikari reflects on how working with UNDP, particularly through the Strategic Plan Support Project (SPSP), has added value to and helped the Commission in its efforts to promote rule of law and a human rights-based culture in Nepal.

Donor's Perspective: Kati Bhose, Head of Cooperation, Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland

Head of Cooperation at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland, Kati Bhose elaborates on some of the key achievements of Finland's partnership with UNDP as part of the Strengthening the Rule of Law and Human Rights Protection System in Nepal (RoLHR) project.