ThE MEna-OECD gOvErnanCE prOgraMMEshare knowledge and expertise to modernise public governance
disseminate standards and principles of good governance
support the reform process in the mena region
The organisaTion for economic co-operaTion and developmenT
The OECD is a unique forum where the governments of 34 democracies
work together to address the economic, social and environmental
challenges of globalisation. The OECD is at the forefront of efforts to
understand and to help governments respond to new developments
and concerns, such as corporate governance, the information economy
and the challenges of an ageing population. The Organisation provides
a setting where governments can compare policy experiences, seek
answers to common problems, identify good practice and work to
co-ordinate domestic and international policies.
Contents
The mena-oecd governance programme: a strategic partnership 2
FOCus On FivE kEy arEas 3 1. Open governments 4
2. Efficient machinery of government 6
3. Gender equality 10
4. Local government 13
5. Rule of law 14
MulTilaTEral iniTiaTivEs 15
COunTry prOjECTs 17
FOrThCOMing highlighTs 24
sElECTED publiCaTiOns 24
ThE prOgraMME´s gOvErnanCE sTruCTurE 25
DOnOrs 26
COnTaCT Back cover
MEna-OECD gOvErnanCE prOgraMME . 1
The MENA-OECD Governance Programme is a strategic partnership between MENA and OECD countries to share knowledge and expertise, with a view of disseminating standards and principles of good governance. The Programme closely co-operates with national institutions, regional and international organisations, universities, bilateral donor agencies, and representatives of the civil society.
The Programme strengthens collaboration with the most relevant multilateral initiatives currently underway in the region. In particular, the Programme supports the implementation of the G7 Deauville Partnership (Governance Pillar) and assists MENA countries in meeting the eligibility criteria to become a member of the Open Government Partnership. Through these initiatives, the MENA-OECD Governance Programme acts as a leading advocate of managing the ongoing transition process in MENA countries.
The Programme provides a sustainable structure for regional policy dialogue as well as for country specific projects. The projects correspond to the commitment of MENA governments to implement public sector reforms in view of unlocking social and economic development and growing expectation among citizens to benefit from quality public services, inclusive policy making and transparency.
By drawing on its network of peer experts and policy-makers, the MENA-OECD Governance Programme brings together high-level practitioners from MENA and OECD countries. Through constantly exchanging best practices, providing capacity building seminars and implementation support, the MENA-OECD Governance Programme helps foster a more social and economic development in the region.
a sTraTEgiC parTnErship
2 . MEna-OECD gOvErnanCE prOgraMME
MEna-OECD gOvErnanCE prOgraMME . 3
FOCus On FivE kEy arEas
1. open governments Open and inclusive policy making,
citizen participation
Digital government and innovation in the public sector
public sector integrity and anti-corruption frameworks
3. gender equality institutional frameworks for gender
equality, including in private and public employment
reform to fi ght legal discrimination and support gender-sensitive policy frameworks
5. rule of law performance of justice institutions
4. local government reform to reduce disparities
between territories and citizens
institutional capacity building at the (sub-)national level
local development based on policy recommendations
2. effi cient machinery of government
Effi cient and eff ective budgeting and expenditure frameworks
regulatory reform and administrative simplifi cation
peer dialogue between senior budget offi cials and procurement leaders
OpEnnEss TransparEnCy parTiCipaTiOn
TrusT
2. Application of corruption prevention tools:
Asset declaration and codes of conduct;
3. Engagement of independent institutions and their role in
promoting integrity;
4. Participation of citizens and civil society in developing policies
to prevent and fi ght corruption.
4 . MEna-OECD gOvErnanCE prOgraMME
mena-oecd WorKing groUp on civil service and inTegriTY (Wg i)
By uniting policy practitioners from the MENA region and
OECD countries engaged in promoting integrity and preventing
corruption, WG I acts as the leading network to promote
regional dialogue on public governance reform for integrity,
innovative anti-corruption strategies and institutions.
implementing the steering group conclusions of february 2015, Wg i is currently engaged in a regional policy dialogue on the:
1. Alignment and integration of anti-corruption and open
government strategies;
Open governments
chair:Morocco
co-chairs:spainTurkey
Annual meeting of Working Group I on Civil Service and Integrity, 24 March 2015 , Paris
1
kEy OuTCOMEs
by using the political momentum for open government reforms, governments should exploit synergies in anti-corruption and open government strategies.
anti-corruption tools should be developed in an inclusive manner and build on eff ective enforcement mechanisms.
independent institutions, anti-corruption agencies and Ombudsmen can act as crucial intermediaries between governments and citizens to promote integrity.
nEXT sTEps
OECD was invited to conduct a regional study on integrity.
youth issues shall be integrated in Wg i.
independent institutions can play a key
role in fi ghting corruption and ensure fair
and equal treatment of citizens by the
public administration.
delivering on the steering group conclusions, Wg ii is working in the following thematic areas:
1. Assessing the implementation of open government and
citizen participation policies in the MENA region by
administering the OECD Open Government Survey;
2. Assessing current e-government and ICTs policies
and initiatives against the new principles of the OECD
Recommendation on Digital Government Strategies.
MEna-OECD gOvErnanCE prOgraMME . 5
mena-oecd WorKing groUp on open and innovaTive governmenT (Wg ii)
Technological innovations bear the potential of redefi ning the
relationship between governments and citizens. WG II supports
MENA countries in exploiting the potential of open government,
digital government and innovation policies for more accountable
and participatory governance and responsive public sectors.
chair:Dubai
co-chairs:south koreaitaly
Annual meeting of WG II, 8 February 2015 , Dubai
1
kEy OuTCOMEs
Open government policies: should meet the demands of citizens and business, contribute to national policy goals, and be measured against concrete outcomes.
Open data: critical element in supporting economic growth, improving public services, promoting transparency and accountability.
innovation: considering context allows innovative practices to be aligned with regional priorities.
nEXT sTEps
Drafting of the regional study “Benchmarking Digital Government Strategies in the MENA Countries”.
next Wg ii meeting: February 2016, Dubai (TbC).
Open governments
2. Discuss priorities in budgeting and public fi nancial
management reform (e.g. expenditure prioritisation,
performance budgeting and medium term expenditure
frameworks).
mena-oecd senior BUdgeT officials neTWorK (mena-sBo / Wg iii)
Public budgets are key policy documents to reconcile policy
objectives and are thus subject to special requirements with
regard to transparency and accountability. The MENA-SBO
is a unique forum for exchanging best practice to modernise
governance structures and operations for more effi cient,
transparent and participatory budgeting and public fi nancial
management processes.
The mena-sBo is the leading regional forum of budget directors to:
1. Gather OECD and MENA delegates and international experts
(IMF, World Bank);
chair:abu Dhabi
co-chair:sweden
7th annual MENA-SBO meeting, December 2014, Abu Dhabi
2
6 . MEna-OECD gOvErnanCE prOgraMME
kEy OuTCOMEs
The new OECD Principles on Budgetary Governance were highlighted as a useful tool to create the multi-pronged framework needed for good public fi nancial management (pFM).
Each participating country had the opportunity to present its latest budgeting developments, challenges, and opportunities; this provided insight that was highly welcomed by participants.
nEXT sTEps
hosting of the 2015 MEna-sbO by the Qatar Ministry of Finance in Doha.
increased collaboration with the region to spread OECD best practice and help build pFM capacity (e.g. through topical meetings / seminars).
Effi cient machinery of government
manage regulatory reform in eight
MENA countries;
2. Introduces tools to increase
transparency and ensure good quality
of new regulations;
3. Provides recommendations based
on the Regional Charter for Regulatory
Quality (2009) and the OECD
Recommendations on Regulatory Policy
(2012).
mena-oecd WorKing groUp on regUlaTorY reform (Wg iv)
Enhancing the regulatory environment through systematic
consultation, the use of regulatory processes and tools and
reviews of the stock of legislation is a common concern of MENA
countries. WG IV promotes a forum for MENA countries and
international experts to exchange on good practices in regulatory
reform.
The OECD Review of Regulatory Reform in the Middle East and North Africa (2013):
1. Assesses the implementation of OECD regulatory policy
principles, strategies and institutional arrangements to
chair:Tunisia
co-chairs:Franceitaly
2
MEna-OECD gOvErnanCE prOgraMME . 7
Main FinDings
MEna countries implement reforms for greater regulatory transparency but explicit policies for a government-wide approach are lacking.
MEna countries lack systematic reviews of existing regulations.
Training and capacity-building is largely provided on an ad hoc basis.
rECOMMEnDaTiOns
Design a consistent whole-of government regulatory policy.
adopt legislative drafting standards across government; develop a strategy for reducing high administrative burdens.
Design a central institutional mechanism within government.
Effi cient machinery of government
WhaT do We learn from The reporT?
consultation procedures ex-ante impact assessments
2 Effi cient machinery of government
8 . MEna-OECD gOvErnanCE prOgraMME
0
5
4
3
2
1
0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
ad hoc/informal consultation of
stakeholders
public can propose regulations
systematic
use
some laws/r
egulations
no mechanism
s
num
ber of countries
public hearings
legal requirement for consultations
(ad hoc) publications prior to approval
Conferences, workshops and
seminars
Data based on the report (Total: 8 countries) Data based on the report (Total: 6 countries)
stocktaking report of mena countries procurement systems (in progress):
1. Identifi es whether and to what degree reforms have been
undertaken and measures progress against OECD Principles
for Enhancing Integrity in Public Procurement;
2. Identifi es common challenges that will inspire activities
to support MENA countries in implementing modern,
transparent and effective public procurement systems;
3. Results from the initial survey were compiled into a draft
report, and MENA countries are invited to continue sharing
updates at Network meetings and workshops.
iniTial sTOCkTaking rEsulTs
special provisions among the MEna countries surveyed to encourage the participation of sMEs, encourage national enterprises, and encourage green procurement.
Encourage SMEs participation
Encourage national enterprises participation
Encourage green procurement
Egypt yes yes no
jordan no yes no
libya no no no
Morocco yes yes yes
Tunisia yes yes no
yemen no yes yes
2Effi cient machinery of government
MEna-OECD gOvErnanCE prOgraMME . 9
Meeting of the MENA-OECD Network on Public Procurement, 26-27 September 2013, Seoul
mena-oecd neTWorK on pUBlic procUremenT
The MENA-OECD Network on Public Procurement assists
MENA countries in designing and implementing effective
reform to modernise procurement systems for greater integrity,
transparency, effectiveness and value for money.
mena-oecd gender focUs groUp “Women in governmenT plaTform”
Women play a critical role in demanding
openness, social justice and equal
access to opportunities. The MENA-
OECD Gender Focus Group promotes
legal equality as well as equality of
opportunity and political voice.
The report on “Gender, Law and Public Policies: Trends in the Middle East and North Africa” (2014) provides recommendations on:
1. How to bridge the gender gap:
Eliminating gender-based
discrimination;
2. Strengthening institutional frameworks for promoting
gender equality;
3. Enabling women’s access to decision making posts in the
public sector.
gender equality3
Main FinDings
almost all countries ratifi ed the Convention on Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women but reservations on key articles prevail.
While gender equality strategies and institutions to promote women’s empowerment exist, they are unevenly integrated in the policy process.
Women have experienced advances in access to decision-making posts, still mobility restrictions and discrimination in labour laws remain.
rECOMMEnDaTiOns
amend legal frameworks to remove gender-based discriminations and strengthen accountability mechanisms.
integrate international standards in gender equality strategies; strengthen capacities, mandates and coordination of institutions.
strengthen policies related to work-life balance and equal access; address social barriers and traditional gender stereotypes.
10 . MEna-OECD gOvErnanCE prOgraMME
gender equality
WhaT do We learn from The reporT?
significant disparities prevail with regard to female representation in mena countries´ legislatures
disparities between men and women increase as one climbs the organisational ladder
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
Kuwait
Share of men
Share of women
Qatar***
Yemen*****
Bahrain*
Jord
an
Oman**
Saudi Arabia***
*Syria
Djibouti
Morocc
o
United Arab Emira
tesEgypt
Iraq
Tunisia
Lebanon
Algeria
Perc
enta
ge o
f sea
ts in
Par
liam
ent
Egypt Jordan Tunisia
Morocco Bahrain Palestinian Authority
-20
0
20
40
60
80
100
49%
40%
9%
73%
TOP MANAGEMENT
Full and part-time employees, as of 2010
MIDDLE MANAGEMENT
26%
78%
23%18%
-6%
69%
-18%
58%
Dis
pari
ties
bet
wee
n pe
rcen
tage
sof
wom
en a
nd m
en e
mpl
oyed
Notes: *bahrain had no elections between 1975 and 2002; ** Oman had partial suffrage in 1994 and universal suffrage in 2003; ***Qatar only has women’s suffrage for municipal elections,**** saudi arabia has announced suffrage for 2015; ***** The data for yemen is according to the year of suffrage for the Democratic republic of yemen. The arab republic of yemen had women’s suffrage in 1970.
3
MEna-OECD gOvErnanCE prOgraMME . 11
mena-oecd gender focUs groUp: high-level seminar “gender, laW and pUBlic policY: Trends in The middle easT and norTh africa”
The main objectives of the seminar on 17-18 november 2014 in amman included:
1. Identifying and addressing strategic challenges faced by
MENA countries in closing remaining gender gaps;
2. Generating dialogue and exchange of good practices in
eliminating gender-based discrimination in laws and
policy-making;
3. Discussing and promoting necessary conditions for women’s
empowerment in public life.
High Level Seminar on Gender, Law and Public Policy: Trends in the MENA, 17-18 November 2014, Amman
12 . MEna-OECD gOvErnanCE prOgraMME
3 gender equality
COnClusiOns
amend inclusive legal reforms are required both on national and local levels
Fostering gender equality across the MEna region will contribute to social and economic well-being of citizens.
advancing gender diversity in public life contributes to trust in government and in public institutions in the MEna region.
Developing capacities across the public sector is crucial to enable change.
Developing inclusive and gender-responsive policies is necessary for economic growth and requires a whole-of-government approach.
removing reservations on CEDaW is vital for advancing gender equality in the region.
ThE sEMinar
brought together over 100 government senior offi cials, gender experts and key representatives from civil society organizations from MEna and OECD countries.
Was organised in cooperation with the arab administrative Development Organization (araDO) under the patronage of her Majesty Queen rania al abdullah of the hashemite kingdom of jordan.
benefi ted from the support of Centre of arab Women for Training and research (CaWTar) and the spanish agency for international Development Cooperation (aECiD).
MEna-OECD gOvErnanCE prOgraMME . 13
focUs groUp on local governmenT
Regions are the place where citizens and policies meet.
The Focus Group on Local Government assists MENA countries
in assessing and strengthening the capacities of public
institutions on the local level and citizens´ ability to participate
in the decision-making process.
The mena-oecd open government project Tunisia – case studies on local governments (sfax, gabés):
1. Assessment of the implementation of open government
policies at the local level;
2. Peer review with representatives from Bilbao (Spain) and
Milan (Italy).
local government 4
Main FinDings
Tunisia’s centralised governance structure has been limiting citizen participation, transparency and accountability mechanisms.
Tunisia’s transition is hampered by the split between the capital and the rural southern areas.
Distributing responsibility across levels of government and stakeholders is a way to capitalise on the demands of the revolution.
bEnEFiTs OF OpEn gOvErnMEnT
generate trust to facilitate collaboration between public offi cials, private sector and ngOs in sfax.
improve environmental sustainability and protect local jobs in gabés.
rECEnT prOjECT
The OECD conducted a case study of ajloun and Zarqa municipality in jordan (May 2014) and will conduct another in Tangier and Fez, Morocco (2015).
14 . MEna-OECD gOvErnanCE prOgraMME
rule of law5
2. improving legal security for citizens and businesses;
3. Fostering trust in government and promoting social and
economic performance.
reinforcing rUle of laW for economic and social developmenT
MENA countries have expressed a strong demand for OECD
assistance in reinforcing Rule of Law principles for economic and
social development. The MENA-OECD Governance Programme
delivers on this demand through its country projects with Egypt
and Yemen and capacity building programmes to increase respect
for the rule of law and elevate citizens’ confi dence in the integrity
of the judiciary system and of other public institutions.
in line with the objectives of the g7 deauville partnership, mena Transition fund, the rule of law pillar assists mena countries in:
1. Increasing the effi ciency and public trust in the judicial
bodies and court system;
aChiEvEMEnTs
Establishment of an OECD stream of work on justice (justice performance, access to justice and aDrs).
OECD Trust strategy, including trust in justice institutions.
inclusion of justice data in 2013 Governance at a Glance.
nEXT sTEps
building an institutional framework to reinforce the rule of law component in the MEna-OECD governance programme.
Capacity building programmes to enhance the independence, autonomy and effi ciency of the judiciary in MEna countries, improve access to justice and increase public trust (e.g. introduction to legislative drafting, Cairo, april 2015).
MEna-OECD gOvErnanCE prOgraMME . 15
MulTilaTEral iniTiaTivEs
mena-oecd open governmenT proJecT
1. The OECD assists Jordan, Lebanon, Libya,
Morocco, Tunisia and the Palestinian
Authority in reviewing and assessing
institutions, policies and practices supporting
the implementation of Open Government principles;
2. At the OGP Summit in London 2013, the OECD was confi rmed
as an offi cial Multilateral Partner Organisation of the OGP.
iMplEMEnTaTiOn TOOls
access to international policy instruments.
Capacity building and implementation assistance.
policy dialogue.
policy analyses and recommendations.
nEXT sTEps
Jordan: implement the 2nd Ogp action plan.
Lebanon: implement policies to join the Ogp.
Libya: include open government principles in state-building.
Morocco: pass a law that guarantees access to information.
PA: implement policies to join the Ogp. Tunisia: implement open government
initiatives (Ogp action plan) with citizens.
Whole of government coordination
Budget transparency
integrity
citizen participation
icT for og
the implementation of Open Government principles;
Angel Gurría, Secretary General, at the International Forum on Open Government, 30 September 2014, Paris
mena-oecd open governmenT proJecT
With the support of OECD analysis and training, MENA
countries are designing and implementing open government
policies and are engaging in a dialogue with civil society.
1st international forum on open government, 30 september 2014 in paris:
1. Foster an international policy dialogue and enhance the use
of open government to promote economic prosperity;
2. Explore new areas of open government such as youth, rule of
law, local government and open data and shape the OECD’s
future agenda.
Multilateral initiatives
kEy OuTCOMEs
OECD Open government reviews of Morocco and Tunisia.
Tunisia joined the Ogp in january 2014.
Countries established mixed steering Committees to guide their open government agenda and Civil society Organisations created Ogp networks.
Training in the areas of aTi, civic engagement, integrity and budget transparency.
nEXT sTEps
strengthening the centre of government to coordinate open government policies.
Developing open government policies at the local level.
Enhancing the capacity to eff ectively engage citizens and civil society.
addressing youth and gender issues and the use of iCTs.
16 . MEna-OECD gOvErnanCE prOgraMME
International Forum on Open Government, 30 September 2014, Paris
kEy aChiEvEMEnTs
1. The Code of Conduct for public offi cials was signed by the head of government in October 2014.
2. implementation support to operationalise the code: 48 public offi cials participated in two train-the-trainers seminars in june/november 2014.
3. advocacy and awareness raising for good practices and tools in risk management, internal control as well as internal and external auditing among high-level representatives from the public adminsitration, control institutions, public enterprises and customs in two capacity building seminars in september 2014 and February 2015.
4. launching of the manual Aspects pratiques du décret 2014-2039 du 13 mars 2014: réglementation des marchés publics to facilitate the interpretation and application of the new legislation.
The proJecT
The project “Deepening Tunisia´s integrity foundations” builds on two previous phases of collaboration with the Tunisian government to reinforce integrity and good governance. based on an assessment of the institutional and legal framework resulting in the 2012 OECD Integrity Review of Tunisia, the second phase provided technical assistance in elaborating a code of conduct and implementing an eff ective asset declaration system, and examined the audit and control system (2013). since january 2014, with the fi nancial support of the uk arab partnership participation Fund, the project implements OECD recommendations by providing:
1. Train-the-trainers seminars to disseminate the values of the Code of Conduct;
2. Capacity building programmes to strengthen risk management practices and the audit and control system;
3. Capacity building programmes and a manual to increase transparency in public procurement and make eff ective use of the e-procurement platform;
4. Technical assistance in elaborating a legal framework for protecting whistleblowers.
MEna-OECD gOvErnanCE prOgraMME . 17
COunTry prOjECTs – TUnisia i: promoTe inTegriTY and TransparencY in pUBlic governance
kEy aChiEvEMEnTs
5. providing tailored recommendations to align the draft law for protecting whistleblowers in Tunisia with international standards, in collaboration with unDp.
Train-the-Trainer programme for the Code of Conduct, 4-5 November 2014, Tunis
1. public fi nancial management: Enhancing performance-based-budgeting at the national and local levels and control and audit capacities;
2. local governance: building institutional capacities at the local level in line with the new Constitution.
accountability.The previous phase of the project (2013-2014) successfully supported Tunisia to publish its fi rst Executive budget proposal and Citizen budget, which allowed it to join the Open government partnership in january 2014. The current phase (2014-2016) assists Tunisia in the following key areas:
18 . MEna-OECD gOvErnanCE prOgraMME
The proJecT
in line with the priorities of the Tunisian government to build eff ective institutions for political stability and inclusive growth, this project fi nanced by the german Transformation partnership, builds on the OECD’s assessment of the Tunisian budget cycle and the recommendations provided to increase budget transparency, effi ciency and
COunTry prOjECTs – TUnisia ii: effecTive governance To consolidaTe poliTical TransiTion and promoTe economic prosperiTY in TUnisia
rECEnT aCTiviTiEs
1. The high level seminar on strenghtening public Financial Management on 11 May 2015 in Tunis gathered 80 high-level public offi cials to discuss eff ective strategies for developing a strategic vision of public expenditures and promote good governance in public fi nancial management.
2. The seminar on promoting Decentralisation and regional Development in Tunisia on 15-16 june 2015 was the fi rst to bring together the secretary of state for local Communities and the secretary of state for Development, investment and international Cooperation. participants from the central and local level discussed regional inequalities and a whole-of-government approach to strengthen local governance, to promote horizontal and vertical dialogue and improve capacities at local level.
Minister of Finance opens the Seminar , 11 May 2015, Tunis
MEna-OECD gOvErnanCE prOgraMME . 19
kEy aChiEvEMEnTs
1. at the national conference in january 2015 the role independent institutions play to promote good governance and open government was reinforced.
2. The Instance Centrale de Prévention de la Corruption (iCpC) and the Institution du Médiateur du Royaume set-up a common committee to jointly promote good governance.
3. 20 staff members of the institution du Médiateur participated in a seminar on strategic planning to draft their own strategic action plan in March 2014;
4. Consensus reached among participants for developing a single integrity online portal guided by Terms of References prepared by the OECD.
5. 30 government representatives discussed the implications of the iCpC’s power to conduct corruption investigation as defi ned in the new Constitution.
6. The OECD Communication Manual gives clear recommendations on how to improve information fl ows within government and with citizens.
The proJecT
The project supports the Institution du Médiateur du Royaume and l’Instance Centrale de Prévention de la Corruption (iCpC) in carrying out their new constitution mandate. it is fi nanced by the uk arab partnership programme Fund.
The project supports public institutions in implementing reforms and reinforcing capacities to provide quality services to Moroccan citizens.
The project provides:
1. a review of the institutional, legal and regulatory frameworks and management practices of the Institution du Médiateur and ICPC;
2. Capacity-building activities;
3. Citizen participation and communication measures;
4. support to the iCpC and the institution du Médiateur du royaume at the local level.
COunTry prOjECTs – morocco: fighT corrUpTion and engage ciTiZens
20 . MEna-OECD gOvErnanCE prOgraMME
The proJecT
This MEna Transition Fund project of the g7 Deauville partnership is a joint-cooperation with the african Development bank, which supports:
1. Effi ciency and eff ectiveness in the delivery of justice;
2. Transparency and public participation in the rule-making process.
The project supports the implementation of an automated case management system for the Court of Cassation; build capacity to use new systems; reduce case delays and improve the provision of judicial services to the public. The project will further work with the Ministry of justice to build capacities in legislative drafting and strengthen mechanisms for public consultation in the rule-making process.
COunTry prOjECTs – egYpT: sTrengThening The rUle of laW – effecTive and TransparenT deliverY of JUsTice and rUle-maKing, mena TransiTion fUnd proJecT
kEy aChiEvEMEnTs
1. inauguration of the project at ministerial level on 25 september 2014 in Cairo.
2. Capacity building for the Court of Cassation and Ministry of justice with peers from OECD countries.
3. Consensus reached on developing a reform action plan on the priority recommendations to automate the court.
Project started in September 2014.
g7 deauville partnership – mena Transition fund project
Launching Conference of the MENA Transition Fund Project, 25 September 2014 , Cairo
MEna-OECD gOvErnanCE prOgraMME . 21
The proJecT
This MEna Transition Fund project of the g7 Deauville partnership builds judicial capacity to improve integrity, the effi ciency and eff ectiveness of the court system and access to justice. it will provide technical assistance for the government of yemen in the implementation of the 2013 action plan within the framework of the strategy prepared by the Ministry of justice (Moj) in coordination with the Ministry of planning and international Cooperation. The project addresses four components:
1. assessing and peer reviewing the capacities of judiciary;
2. Enhancing judicial capacity and integrity, such as through “train-the-trainers” programmes for judges and a code of conduct for judges and prosecutors;
3. improving the judicial infrastructure and institutional capacities in the Moj;
4. improving court management and access to justice.
COunTry prOjECTs – Yemen: reinforcing The rUle of laW – developing The capaciTies of The JUdiciarY, mena TransiTion fUnd proJecT
kEy aChiEvEMEnTs
1. inauguration of the project at ministerial level.
2. Completion of the peer review assessment for the judiciary in yemen.
3. Consensus on the action plan to build capacities in the judiciary. study visit to the netherlands Forensic institute and seminar on Code of Conduct.
g7 deauville partnership – mena Transition fund project
society participation;
2. improve gender sensitivity of parliament by responding to the needs of men and women in policies and structure;
3. secure women’s continued and equal access to parliament, by encouraging women candidates to run for election, changing electoral and campaigning laws and promoting gender equality legislation.
reforms and transformation on the ground. in this context, “feedback loops” or “learning loops” will offer a multi-level mechanism for interaction and new policy approaches among parliamentarians and policy makers in the region.
The intended impacts will be:
1. To make parliaments open, accountable and transparent through measures to promote greater gender awareness and increase Civil
The proJecT
This MEna Transition Fund project of the g7 Deauville partnership starting in autumn 2015 will support the eff orts of Egypt, jordan and Morocco to maximise women’s integration in public life and policy-making process.
More specifically, the project aims to “promote women’s participation in parliaments and policy-making” by :
1. Making legislatures transparent, equitable and gender-sensitive; 2. Empowering (potential) women parliamentarians and strengthening their capacity and skills at the national and local levels; 3. improving public consultation capacity of parliaments and women’s CsOs in law-making processes.
This will be complemented by regular regional policy dialogue as an integral part of this project. This dialogue is a cross-cutting element for the continuity of the knowledge sharing process for implementation of
22 . MEna-OECD gOvErnanCE prOgraMME
g7 deauville partnership – mena Transition fund project
COunTry prOjECTs – egYpT, Jordan and morocco: ToWards inclUsive and open governmenTs: promoTing Women’s parTicipaTion in parliamenTs and policY maKing, mena TransiTion fUnd proJecT
The proJecT
since 2009, the OECD is engaged in a partnership with the palestinian authority, the MEna-OECD initiative to support the palestinian authority (Mip), to assist in the implementation of core public governance reforms:
1. Fighting corruption;
2. strengthening the rule of law;
3. improving public service delivery.
The partnership is fi nanced by the government of norway and anchored in a solid institutional platform, coordinated by the Ministry of planning and administrative Development.
The project is fully operational with over 50 activities implemented, numerous OECD peers involved and permanent on-the-ground assistance provided by a local senior fi eld manager.
COunTry prOjECTs – palesTinian aUThoriTY: BUilding sTaTe-insTiTUTions
KeY achievemenTs
1. The pa Code of Conduct is aligned with OECD integrity standards;
2. The rule of law manuals support a systematic introduction of consultation mechanism in the decision-making process;
3. The e-government strategy is pioneering work to support better public service delivery;
4. The prime Minister announced the strategic objective of joining the Open government partnership (Ogp).
MEna-OECD gOvErnanCE prOgraMME . 23
Forthcoming highlights selected publications
OECD Open Government in Morocco (English and French, 2015)
OECD Open Government in Tunisia (English and French, 2015)
Examen de l´OCDE du système de contrôle et d´audit de la Tunisie – Gestion des risques dans les institutions publiques (French, 2014)
Renforcer l´intégrité en Tunisie: L élaboration de normes pour les agents publics et le renforcement du système de déclaration de patrimoine (French, 2014)
Women in Public Life – Gender, Law and Policy in the Middle East and North Africa (English, 2014)
Effective integrity in practice: Designing and implementing the code of conduct of the Palestinian Administration (English, 2013)
Palestinian Authority – E-Government Policy Document (English, 2013)
Palestinian Authority – E-Government Implementation Roadmap (English, 2013)
OECD Review of Regulatory Reform in the Middle East and North Africa – Implementing Regulatory Policy Principles to Foster Inclusive Growth (English, French and arabic, 2013)
OECD Integrity Review of Tunisia – The Public Sector Framework (English and French, 2013)
Consolider la transparence budgétaire pour une meilleure gouvernance publique en Tunisie (French, English and arabic, 2013)
second seminar on performance-Based Budgeting in Tunisia21 September 2015, Tunis
study visit to Justice institutions (g7 dp mena Transition fund project strengthening the rule of law)21 september- 2 October 2015, paris
Joint seminar with the ogp on “including civil society in morocco for open government”29 September 2015, rabat
launching conference “Towards inclusive and open governments: promoting women’s participation in parliaments and policy-making” (g7 dp mena Transition fund project)30 September 2015, rabat
seminar on the role of the parliament in increasing accountability October 2015, Tunis
8th annual meeting mena-senior Budget officials (Wg iii)3-4 november 2015, Doha
mena-oecd steering group meeting 9-10 november 2015, Morocco
high level conference on promoting gender mainstreaming: Towards gender sensitive policies December 2015, bahrain
24 . MEna-OECD gOvErnanCE prOgraMME
The MEna-OECD governance programme’s governance structure
MEna Co-chair (Morocco) h.e. mr mohamed moUBdii Minister Delegate to the head of government in charge of the civil service and the modernisation of the administration
regional partners
arab administrative Development Organization (araDO)
Center of arab Woman for Training and research (CaWTar)
gCC
giFT-MEna
Middle East partnership initiative (MEpi)
international partners
anna lindh Foundation
European Commission
iMF
Open government partnership
union for the Mediterranean
unDp
World bank
OECD Co-chair (spain)h.e. mr ricardo dÍeZ-hochleiTnerambassador, permanent representative of spain to the OECD
1. integrity and civil service
mena-oecd Training centre of caserta (italy)
2. open government and innovation
3. mena senior Budget offi cials
4. regulatory reform
7. network of public procurement practitioners
6. focus group on local government
5. gender focus group “Women in government platform”
regional networks
MEna-OECD gOvErnanCE prOgraMME . 25
civil society advisory Board
Donors 2013-2015
regional programme coUnTrY proJecTs
spain germanyTurkey united kingdom
usa MEpiitaly MEna Transition Fundg7 Deauville partnership
south korea France norway
abu Dhabi and Federal government of uaE
Qatar
www.oecd.org/mena/governance
contactsmr martin forsthead of the governance reviews and partnership [email protected]
ms miriam allam policy analystMEna-OECD governance [email protected]