Governance Assessments and the Paris Declaration. A CMI Issues Paper Prepared for the UNDP Bergen Seminar September 2007

Abstract

Is it possible to carry out governance assessments and develop diagnostic tools for enhancing governance while adhering to the principles of the Paris Declaration? Or, are the two processes largely contradictory? What measures can be taken to promote greater harmonisation and reduce transaction costs on recipient countries? This paper aims to highlight some issues and provoke a discussion on governance assessments in relation to the 2005 Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness’ expressed goal of national ownership, harmonisation and alignment.