Governance Issues Affecting Development in Kiribati

Abstract

The aim of this study is to examine governance issues affecting development in Kiribati from the perspective of the citizens. A range of information sources were used. First an understanding of the concept of governance is established from the differing perspectives of scholars, aid donors, international, regional and non-government organisations, and the people themselves. While there are differences in the understanding of what governance is, it emerges from this study that governance in Kiribati is seen as entailing the networking of government with other stakeholders such as the private sector, non-government organisations, traditional leadership groups and the people in order to work together and solve problems and to create opportunities for the well-being of the people and the growth of the country. The adoption of a democratic form of government and the promotion of favourable socio-political conditions in the governing process which includes transparency, broad consensus, efficiency, inclusiveness and the rule of law are among the important factors for consideration in promoting good governance and the fight against corruption. ... The study examines the implications of the findings for possible application in the Kiribati context and suggests that three major areas need continuous improvement: the strengthening of the democratic governance of the country; improving the performance; transparency and accountability of the government's institutions; and enhancing the government's engagement and partnership roles with the private sector, NGOs and the people. While the main political, legal and social institutions in Kiribati show resilience, the economic resource base is unavoidably fragile and climate change issues present a major cloud on the horizon.