Good governance is a precondition for sustainable development. Good governance and sustainable development are interrelated. While good governance can improve development effectiveness, sustainable development enhances a good system of government. In countries where there is poor governance, corruption, abuse of human rights and lack of accountability, the development will not be possible.

With regard to political principles, good governance is a process of establishing an accountable form of government which promotes a pluralist civil society, freedom of expression and association. The basic requirement of good governance is to build good institutions and sets of impartial legal system that effectively govern individuals and organizations, bringing about human well-being and happiness.

In terms of economic principles, good governance requires policies, based on efficient open market, leading to poverty reduction, economic growth and sustainable development. Comparative private sectors are encouraged to develop in order to supply the best and satisfactory services to the society. Effective institutions and corporate governance are needed to support investments that would lead to social and economic advancement in order to improve the welfare of the masses.

Responsibility for good governance

Respect for the rule of law is essential to good governance. Basing the government on rule of law is a must. While governments govern according to the law of the land, the maintenance of law and order, administration of justice, and welfare of society would lead to sustainable human development.

Good governance is not only an aim in itself but a key factor in attaining human development[2]. It should be guided by human rights, democracy, justice and equal political participation for all in order to ensure human welfare, security and peace-building. The central feature of good governance is to ensure government and administrative reforms on the one hand, and to support decentralization, regionalization and the development of local government, on the other. Promoting good governance is not only a co-operation within government institutions but also involves civil society participation.