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Poverty and livelihoods. Poverty, inequality and governance are interrelated - for poverty and inequality can further undermine already weak governance. How can the cycle be broken? Only through civic and social education that promotes a broader understanding of individual rights and responsibilities. The problem is, the newly emerging interest groups in many developing countries do not always reflect or express the needs of the poor, making it difficult for them to organize and have their opinions heard. Poverty is not just a material condition - it is based partly on capabilities and values. For the poor, easier access to the education system can help reduce their poverty and inequality. Illiteracy in many of the poorest developing countries prevents people from getting a job or participating in decision-making. As the priorities of government and the private sector have changed over the past decade, the links between poverty, inequality, governance and sustainable human development have blurred. The legitimacy of the state’s role in dealing with poverty is increasingly being challenged. Yet, an enabling environment and the equitable distribution of resources remain crucial in dealing with poverty and inequality and in creating jobs. Once, government was expected to eliminate poverty. Now, there is growing recognition that poverty and inequality must be dealt with collectively by the state, civil society and the private sector. Gender. To develop good governance for sustainable human development, women must be involved in all decision-making - from the family to national politics. More than half the world’s population are women, and they must have equal opportunities to participate in public decision-making in legislative, judicial and executive branches of government. Representation without empowerment, however, is not enough. Three major elements are necessary for women’s leadership: an economic base (for example, access and control of funds); education and access to information; and legal rights. Inequality in power sharing leads to an unequal sharing of resources - time, income and property - between men and women. A gender analysis of national and local governance exposes the reality and severity of women’s subordination. But it also challenges power structures and so meets resistance. It should, however, generate an agenda for change, drawing on good practices, such as identifying electoral systems that support women’s participation. Environment. Governments need the right incentives, organizational structures and capacities to raise financial resources for protecting natural resources and enforcing environmental protection regulations. The state, civil society and the private sector each have crucial contributions to other areas of environmental protection regulations.
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