UNDP/PAPP works extensively in this field primarily to develop institutions and processes that are not only reflective of the will of the people, but responsive to the needs of ordinary citizens, particularly the poor. UNDP/PAPP's governance portfolio has managed to establish the right balance between support to the three branches of government - executive, judicial and legislative - while also supporting the private sector, and has worked to encourage the increased participation and inclusion of women in all branches of government.
UNDP/PAPP’s governance portfolio focuses on five main areas:
- Public Administration Reform – Through the core-financed (TRAC resources of roughly USD 2million over two years), UNDP/PAPP’s Capacity Development Initiative (CDI) seeks to: i) enhance the individual, organizational and institutional capability of different line ministries to formulate and monitor the implementation of the national development plans (i.e. PRDP); ii) strengthen the individual, organizational and institutional capacity of the General Personnel Council to formulate and implement transparent and effective HRM and HRD policies and system, including reviews of civil service legislation; and iii) enable government institutions to implement institutional reform and development and better carry out their functions particularly in delivering improved and better services to the citizens. There is also a specialized programme focused on civil service training and leadership within the General Personnel Council funded by the Italians. This programme is concluding in December of 2010 but assessed as highly successful.
- Local Governance – UNDP/PAPP has a special memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Local Governance (MoLG) to focus on the following six areas: i) reforming the system of local governance through the preparation of comprehensive diagnostics and strategies for the sector; ii) strengthening the capacity of MoLG; iii) increasing the fiscal resources available to local government, mainly through property tax collection; iv) urban physical/spatial planning (pillar prepared jointly with UN-Habitat); v) openness and accountability of local governance systems mainly through the preparation of integrity toolkit for assessing municipal transparency; and vi) support in local economic development and public-private partnerships. This has subsequently evolved into the development of a comprehensive Local Government Support Programme (LGSP). The total budget for the LGSP is USD 15,220,425.00 (for all six areas of intervention) of which the current budget is modest with only USD 750,000 available (USD 500,000 from TRAC, USD 250,000 from the DGTTF).
- Civil Society Development – Although less present in this field, currently focused on small-grants, UNDP/PAPP is in the process of initiating discussions with different bi-laterals to focus on strengthening State/Citizen interaction.
- Civic Education/Electoral Support – Through a recent grant of USD 900,000 from the Global Programme on Electoral Cycle Support (GPECS), UNDP/PAPP will be working closely with the Central Election Committee to ensure that electoral processes (not specifically elections themselves) are conducted in a fair and transparent manner.
UNDP/PAPP’s main aim is contribute to the PA’s aspiration (as articulated in the PRDP) of “establishing a system of democratic governance characterized by respect for the rule of law and separation of powers, capable of protecting and managing natural resources and delivering public services efficiently, effectively and responsively, and supported by a modern and stable legal framework, a robust legislative process and accountable, honest and transparent institutions which protect the rights of all citizens.”
Press Releases
UNDP Signs a Cooperation Agreement with the Ministry of Telecommunications and Information Technology: 30.11.2010
UNDP Supports the General Personnel Council Launch E-Government Platform: 02.11.2010
Netherlands and UNDP Sign a US$2.8 Million Agreement In Support of the Palestinian Justice System: 17.06.2010
CIDA and UNDP Sign a US$7 Million Agreement in Support of the Justice System in the oPt:
05.05.2010
Under the auspices of H.E. Prime Minister Salam Fayyad, The General Personnel Council Graduates the First Group of Civil Service Leaders: 04.02.2010
UNDP continues to support school children with special needs: 19.11.2009
The Government of Sweden and UNDP sign a 6.24 million Dollar agreement targeting rule of law in the oPt: 12.06.2009
Ministry of Health, UNDP/PAPP and France Cater for mental health needs in the Jenin District: 02.06.2009
The Governments of India, Brazil & South Africa (IBSA), through UNDP, fund The Construction of a Multipurpose Sports Centre in Ramallah: 07.05.2009
Under the Auspices of H.E. President Abbas - The Government of Japan, High Judicial Council and UNDP inaugurate the Jenin Court House. 19.3.2009
