..續本文上一頁 good institutions and sets of impartial legal system that effectively govern inpiduals and organizations, bringing about human well-being and happiness.

　　In terms of economic principles, good governance requires policies, based on efficient open market, leading to poverty reduction, economic growth and sustainable development. Comparative private sectors are encouraged to develop in order to supply the best and satisfactory services to the society. Effective institutions and corporate governance are needed to support investments that would lead to social and economic advancement in order to improve the welfare of the masses.

　　Responsibility for good governance

　　Respect for the rule of law is essential to good governance. Basing the government on rule of law is a must. While governments govern according to the law of the land, the maintenance of law and order, administration of justice, and welfare of society would lead to sustainable human development.

　　Good governance is not only an aim in itself but a key factor in attaining human development[2]. It should be guided by human rights, democracy, justice and equal political participation for all in order to ensure human welfare, security and peace-building. The central feature of good governance is to ensure government and administrative reforms on the one hand, and to support decentralization, regionalization and the development of local government, on the other. Promoting good governance is not only a co-operation within government institutions but also involves civil society participation.

　　Good governance is a cornerstone for countries at all stages of development, whether social, economic, moral and spiritual – both nationally and internationally. The significance of good governance is for economic efficiency and growth. Good governance is conducive to macroeconomic stability, external viability and sustainable development. In order to achieve this target, the national authorities should be responsible for governance issues. Their willingness, commitment and involvement would make governance a success. Good governance is principally of two spheres, that is, improving the management of public resources through all kinds of positive reforms and supporting the development and maintenance of a transparent and stable economy.

　　Key components of good governance

　　Good governance and democracy

　　The best possible investment in supporting good governance is democratic development. The true test of “good” governance is to bring democracy. Contributing to the goal of establishing sustainable democracies is the main concern of Buddhism. Buddhism can take a leading role in promoting and consolidating democracy worldwide. Promoting democracy is a better way to improve inpidual opportunity for prosperity and happiness, as well as to build a vibrant civil society. Expanding democracy in the society is to encourage pluralism, participation, and peaceful co-existence.

　　Good governance demands for democratization, political participation and impartial electoral systems. Democracy, either electoral or consultative, requires power be vested in the people through fair elections. It is a system of government respecting plurality of views and opinions, and inviting civil participation in the governance system.

　　The non-reform-minded governments should be encouraged to support the strengthening of governance in terms of democracy programs that are responsive and responsible to the citizens. Democracy programs would entail promoting the rule of law and human rights, fair elections coupled with a competitive political process, citizen participation in government, a free media and a responsive structure of governance. This would make a good impact on the democratic progress around the world.

　　Good gov…

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