Commonwealth Governance Handbook 2014/15 5 Foreword Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma Deepening democracy, raising standards of governance and promoting excellence in public service are prominent among the many ways in which Commonwealth member states work together to add global value. By offering mutual support and encouragement, the expectations that our members collectively set for themselves are progressively lifted, with cultures of responsiveness and transparency being woven ever more deeply into our societies, and into the institutions that serve them. Broadening participation by citizens in decisions that affect their lives and livelihoods is a primary Commonwealth concern, and motivates the technical assistance we provide to uphold electoral processes that are free, fair and credible. The Commonwealth Electoral Network and the Commonwealth Junior Election Professionals Initiative are each instrumental in opening up new opportunities for professional development and exchange between electoral commission officials in our member states. Equitable access to justice and confidence in the rule of law are fundamental to creating inclusive and open societies. Through the Commonwealth, valuable practical assistance is provided that helps towards the smooth running of courts in member states. This includes information and document management upgrades, improved systems for legal aid and witness protection, and strategies to eradicate inefficiencies and abuses of judicial processes. Impartial delivery of public services is a significant factor in building social and economic resilience, and towards providing an environment in which all are able to reach their potential. Member states benefit from the guidance and mutual support available through intergovernmental Commonwealth channels and other networks, including the Commonwealth Association for Public Administration and Management, on aspects such as human resource management and institutional governance. Commonwealth collaboration continues to accelerate change and to advance progress by sharing understanding of how obstacles can be overcome and new opportunities opened up. Within the rich diversity of Commonwealth experience, in the area of governance especially, immense benefit is derived by learning about what has been proved to work well and can be adapted to other settings so that the gains are multiplied. This publication provides many examples of the impact of good practice, and offers valuable wisdom and insights drawn from successes within the Commonwealth to be shared across the Commonwealth.
CEP template 2012
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