State, Governance and Civil Society

The Division of State, Governance and Civil Society (SGC) supports the Regional Departments both conceptually and technically in the identification and design of operations directed at modernization of the state, promotion and consolidation of the rule of law and strengthening of civil society. Since 1994, SGC has been working in innovative fields within modernization of the state such as judicial reform, modernization of the parliamentary branch and strengthening of control and supervisory agencies, as well as designing operations that promote a cooperative relationship between the state and civil society organizations. SGC, in cooperation with other specialized areas within the Bank, has been expanding its activities towards other fields of modernization of the state such as administrative and civil service reform.

SGC?s fundamental mission also includes research, study and dissemination (publications, seminars, etc.) These activities may help identify the policies and projects most appropriate to encourage a more efficient relationship between the state and the market, in terms of both growth and equality. These activities also aim at promoting an atmosphere of trust and cooperation between the state, the private sector, and civil society organizations.

Among the fundamental concepts that sustain the work of SGC, derived from the mandates and strategy orientations established by the Bank?s governing organs, is the recognition that "there is a direct relationship between economic development and the quality of government? Hence, the growing consensus on the importance of governance in fostering sound development policy." Moreover, it has been recognized that modernization of the state "entails a complimentary and reciprocal process of strengthening civil society. There can be no efficient State with a weak civil society. There can be no effective democracy or sustainable and equitable development without a strong civil society."