You are here:

Government

Building states that are capable, responsive and accountable to their citizens.

Effective government is the single most important factor determining whether people are lifted out of poverty.

Without effective states, the MDGs will not be achieved. We work in partner countries to help states to be capable, accountable and responsive:
•Capable of delivering services such as security, job creation, education and health
•Accountable to every one of their citizens
•And responsive to the needs and expectations of their populations, including protecting the most vulnerable.

Choose from the topics below to find out more.

Just the facts

We have a wealth of information about the fight against world poverty on our site. Click on a topic below to find out more information.

Managing Public Finances

Goods, people and money move around the world more than ever before. But too often public money finds its way into private bank accounts.

Read full story on Managing public finances

Good Governance

Governance – or how a country manages its affairs – is at the heart of development. To achieve lasting improvements in living conditions for large numbers of people, the capability, accountability and responsiveness of state institutions needs to be strengthened...

Read full story on good governance

Fragile States

Fragile states are countries where the government cannot or will not deliver its basic functions to the majority of its people, including the poor. In many fragile states, basic rights to life and security are violated, sufficient food is a luxury and there is little or no public provision for water, health and education.

Read full story on fragile states

Back to How we fight poverty