Earlier this year, AL Co-CEO Jean Scrimgeour was invited to 'think-space' Wilton Park in the UK to talk about the threats and opportunities we're seeing in the governance field. She collects them here - from using civic technology cleverly, to building equity and inclusion for better outcomes.
Development Gateway: An IREX Venture and the Thai Youth Anti-Corruption Network convened a Bangkok roundtable on climate finance, highlighting the need for inclusive governance and transparency. Authors Tom Orrell, Kelley Sams, Kobchart Jaraswimol, and Stevie Harison discuss the complexities and stress the importance of youth involvement in shaping equitable solutions. In late April 2024, Development Gateway: An IREX Venture, together with the Thai Youth Anti-Corruption Network, organized an invite-only roundtable in Bangkok, Thailand to discuss how to efficiently and effectively use climate financing, which is money committed for activities to mitigate or adapt to the impacts of climate change. Participants [...]
We recently collaborated with the Love Foundation, the Ministry of Public Service, and the US Embassy to organize an integrity training and friend-raiser event in Belize. The event was designed to equip participants with essential skills and strategies to promote good governance and accountability in Belize. The training was led by Jaco Roets, Programs and Learning Manager at Accountability Lab, and brought together a diverse group of participants, including accountapreneurs, government reformers, and mentors. According to Jaco, the training program aimed to promote the principles of good governance, policies, and project management. "Networking is not just about giving a quick [...]
Increased climate funding requires a focus on existing governance challenges resulting from a fragmented and opaque climate finance architecture. Growing evidence shows climate finance does not reach communities most impacted by climate change. When projects make their way to the communities, they do not include local voices in decision-making processes. Civil society has been a critical player advocating for the most vulnerable communities and has been instrumental in driving local, regional, and global climate action. Despite setbacks and slow response from governments, it has been able to rally around common agendas demanding an end to fossil fuel, debt relief to [...]
Our HackCorruption Malaysia teams have pitched a diverse range of tech solutions in Kuala Lumpur, addressing challenges in climate finance accountability and public procurement, among others. This regional hackathon marks another milestone in the HackCorruption journey, following impactful events in South Africa, Nepal and Colombia. The program, supported by the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement at the U.S. Department of State and the USAID Countering Transnational Corruption Grand Challenge for Development, aims to support talented individuals from civic tech, CSO, and activist backgrounds. The Malaysian regional hackathon brought together changemakers from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand to collaborate and innovate. The Lab is implementing HackCorruption in partnership with the Center for International Private Enterprise and Development Gateway,
Queer Voices Unlocked (QVU) is inspired by Accountability Lab’s Integrity Icon campaign, honoring exemplary public servants by naming and faming them. QVU spotlights exceptional LGBTQI+ public servants championing positive change, breaking down barriers, and advocating for inclusivity. Celebrating their unwavering commitment to Queer rights, these role models tirelessly work towards visibility and representation at all levels of the public service. Our five winners, spanning diverse government departments, are featured in documentary films and podcasts. Led by and for the Queer community, this project aims to inspire people, foster understanding, and promote LGBTQI+ rights, leading to a more inclusive society. Why [...]
Accountability Lab is an agile and collectively managed civil society network. We make governance work for people by supporting active citizens, responsible leaders and accountable institutions. Our goal is a world in which resources are used wisely, decisions benefit everyone fairly, and people lead secure lives. We train, mentor and resource citizens to strengthen systems of accountability in order to unleash positive social and economic change. Accountability Lab is looking for a creative and multilingual Communications and Marketing Officer to support its work and activities globally. The Role We are looking for a meticulous team player who is passionate about [...]
By Kibo Ngowi The Accountability Incubator emerged out of a vision to train and support young people with innovative ideas around accountability, participation and open government to build sustainable, effective tools for change. In the decade that AL has run the Incubator, we've had more than 300 accountapreneurs from over a dozen countries go through the program. The initiatives we’ve supported run the gamut from integrity watch groups at primary schools; to building networks of music artists pushing for integrity; to tools using blockchain to secure elections. AL Programs & Learning Manager Jaco Roets has been at the forefront of [...]
Safdar Hussain came to IDSP 22 years ago with a degree in computer science and a vision to uplift the local communities, looking for support and guidance to realize his vision. Recognizing the potential of Safdar's vision, a symbiotic alliance was forged. It was not merely about providing resources but fostering an ecosystem where ideas could germinate and flourish. The result of this collaboration stands tall today in the shape of the University of Community Development (UCD), sprawled across eight acres, a testament to the boundless possibilities that emerge when vision gets the required support and appreciation. The story of [...]
Cities are made up of intricate systems with many interconnected elements such as transportation, housing, water, waste, politics, and health. The interaction of these elements can yield transformative outcomes, like establishing health centers fostering job opportunities and educational growth. Conversely, it can also introduce challenges, such as industrial activities adversely impacting the water supply. Despite the seemingly boundless complexities inherent in cities, sustainability is essential. Therefore, it is vital to cultivate accountable cities where decision-makers are aware of their impact and answerable to the citizens they affect. This accountability, rooted in transparency and responsiveness, becomes the linchpin for building trust [...]
