Democratic governance is central to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), as it provides the ‘enabling environment' for the realization of the MDGs and, in particular, the elimination of poverty. The critical importance of democratic governance in the developing world was highlighted at the Millennium Summit of 2000 at the United Nations headquarters in New York, where the world's leaders resolved to "spare no effort to promote democracy and strengthen the rule of law, as well as respect for all internationally recognized human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the right to development." A consensus was reached, recognizing that improving the quality of democratic institutions and processes, and managing the changing roles of the state and civil society in an increasingly globalised world must underpin national efforts to reduce poverty, sustain the environment, and promote human development. UNDP's work in democratic governance is reinforced by its network of over 166 country offices, several regional centres, and its global partnerships with democratic governance institutions.

With the establishment of the Islamic Republic in 1979, a new constitution based on Islamic principles and compatible democratic values was formulated, enabling the creation of a state that merged Islam and republicanism. However, there have been challenges and obstacles in the way of full implementation of the principles embodied in the Islamic Republic’s Constitution. According to the 1999 National Human Development Report of the Islamic Republic of Iran, these challenges and obstacles have “reduced transparency and caused overlaps of responsibility, duplication in the decision making process, and some weaknesses in the application of law.”

Responding to the requests and needs of the Iranian Government, UNDP offers services in three areas of democratic governance: promoting human rights and greater access to justice; civil society capacity building; and decentralization and local governance.

For further information on UNDP’s services and support for Democratic Governance in Iran contact:

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