Still a sensitive and misunderstood concept, governance remains on high priority of the practitioners, policy makers and all those who matter. In spite of the popularity it has acquired throughout the last two decades, the theme remains the most ambiguous an idea interpretation of which varies given the perspective of the people forming opinion around it. Of major definitions gaining currency in the rapidly growing academic and policy literature is the one used by the World Bank and United Nations which defines governance as ‘the manner in which power is exercised in the management of a country's economic and social development'.

Simply put: governance is the process of decision-making and the process by which the decisions are implemented (or not implemented).

Although the primary focus is on the functioning of political institutions within their societal context. But basically it is aimed at redefining the concept of governance with the perspective of poor and to use it as a lens. Interestingly, it is the concept of the good governance that broke a new horizon for the first ever dialogue between the arrogant state and the nascent civil society in Pakistan.

Mantra of good governance introduced by IFIs and promoted and institutionalized by states has been in currency in development sector since last 20 years. Action Aid Pakistan describes governance not only as a process of decision making and the process in which decisions are being implemented but it adds to it  We by saying that this decision making process which is influenced by powerful elite must be influenced by powerless and marginalized poor. The challenge of governance confronting the world today strongly argues against the "business-as-usual" modus operandi. A broader approach is needed. Good governance to Action Aid Pakistan is a fundamental right that is interlinked with human rights, democracy, rule of law, stability and the eradication of poverty.

Contact Person: Tasleem.Mazhar@actionaid.org