democracy

Democracy

Participant der Alumni Konferenz in Peking 2007; Inwent has been cooperating with the China Association of Mayors (CAM) for 25 years. Copyright Inwent gGmbH

A commitment to democracy is the basic framework for Inwent’s political work. Promoting democracy entails much more than just supporting free and fair elections. A decentralised administration and strong local governments are just some of the elements encompassed by the idea of good governance, which is in turn the basic foundation of democratic structures. But there is no blueprint for democracy. The cultural, historical and tradition-influenced backgrounds in partner countries vary widely, and they must be taken into account.

German development policy seeks to ensure that all people and population groups live in freedom and dignity, can pursue their rights and interests, and lead self-determined lives. For only then, our policy dictates, can each and every individual completely unfold his or her full development potential. The democratic principles that are deeply rooted in all levels of society serve as a foundation. In its Human Development Report from 2002, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) emphasised that democracy is the best way to achieve sustainable human development. Participation, the report continues, is a goal of development, not merely a means of achieving it.

Democracy can take different forms. But certain constitutional criteria apply to all democratic systems, such as the division of power, the protection of minorities and human rights, the ability to influence governmental decisions outside of the election process, an independent media and, not least, rule of law.

Rule of law and legal security play an important roll for the sustainable economic development of a country. Companies only invest in foreign markets if they can rely on the stability of the laws and know their money is invested securely. Additionally the principles named above serve to protect citizens: legal security and rule of law create freedom for personal development. They contribute to the development of social peace and reduce corruption.

Inwent supports developing and transition countries as they strive to establish democratic values and principles. Through our capacity building we promote the development of democracy and rule of law in our partner countries. We encourage the sensitisation of executives and young professionals to the needs of minorities and disadvantaged segments of the population. We strengthen those institutions that work to encourage participation by citizens in the political process. For democracy and development can only be sustained by a civil society that is not afraid to express itself and is sufficiently empowered to ensure that its own interests are part of the political process. Inwent’s rule-of-law programmes are part of our inter-agency dialogue on justice with China and Vietnam: They support the goals dialogue on the rule of law. These in turn contribute to the global implementation of ways of thinking that comply with the concepts of the rule of law.

Dialogue events on a national and international level at which the necessity for democratic reform can be explored in an informal framework are just one of the tools we use to promote democracy. Our “Encouraging Social Cohesion in the MERCOSUR States” (Mercado Común del Sur, Southern Common Market) programme is one example. It creates a space for the state, the business community and civil society to engage in dialogue on economic policy dialogue. Increasing the fairness of systems of taxation and the social responsibility of companies are subjects of discussion. Our “Vocational Training and Good Governance – Contributing to stability in Iraq” programme provides advanced training to educational planners, teachers and trainers with the objective of assisting former soldiers in particular in re-entering the job market. We support local administrations in China via a programme on sustainable city management. Decision-makers from local governments get the know-how they need to improve their cities in keeping with the Chinese concept of the “development of a harmonious society” despite the rapid economic growth in China and the problems it brings.

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