..续本文上一页ernance and human rights

　　Good governance is established when the realization of the value of human rights is made. Good governance would thus conduce to the practice, observance and enjoyment of human rights, and contribute to sustainable human development in a manner which ensures transparency, responsibility, accountability, participation, responsiveness to the needs of the people.[3] Good governance would also guarantee freedom from abuse and corruption. Promotion of human rights, whether civil, cultural, economic, political, social or spiritual, is the best test of good governance. Satisfying these fundamental rights would effectively guarantee basic needs such as health, housing, food, education, justice, security and peace.

　　Good governance within each country would create a government conducive to sustainable development at the national and global levels.

　　Development cooperation is of utmost importance for securing good governance in countries in need of external support. The value of partnership in terms of development cooperation should be recognized.

　　Conclusion

　　Governance is an art which requires a progressive vision and consistent efforts to be effective. The goal of good governance should be to cater to the needs and aspirations of the citizens. Good governance works toward protecting the citizens” fundamental human rights while endeavoring to build and sustain a society which is progressive– socially, economically, politically and spiritually. It uses the resources at hand skillfully, while encouraging public participation and democratic systems and providing an environment where human beings can lead a peaceful co-existence. The progress of human race and protecting the environment, as urged by Buddhism, should be its aim at large. All said and done, eventually, only that governance which aims at working for larger human welfare – both nationally and globally– is a good one.

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　　[1] Governance can be used in several contexts such as corporate governance, international governance, national governance and local governance. According to Roderick Rhodes, a political scientist, the concept of governance is used in contemporary social sciences with at least six perse meanings: the minimal State, corporate governance, new public management, good governance, social-cybernetic systems and self-organized networks. For details, see R. Rhodes, “The new governance: governing without government” (1996), in Political Studies, Vol. 44, page 652.

　　[2] The United Nations” Millennium Declaration.

　　[3] The Commission on Human Rights resolution 2000/64. In The Millennium Report and Declaration, the Secretary-General emphasized that "better governance means greater participation, coupled with accountability. Therefore, the international public domain – including the United Nations – must be opened up further to the participation of the many actors whose contributions are essential to managing the path of globalization … For the United Nations, success in meeting the challenges of globalization ultimately comes down to meeting the needs of peoples. It is in their name that the Charter was written; realizing their aspirations remains our vision for the twenty-first century."

　　Good Governance for a Good Society

　　Ven. Dr. Thich Nhat Tu

　　Head of Department of Buddhist Philsopophy Viernam Buddhist University

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