UK leadership on aid transparency at MDGs
On 20th September, the first day of the MDG Summit in New York, Andrew Mitchell, UK Minister for International Development showed his intention to lead the world on aid transparency.
Donor government transparency levels impact aid allocation
Jorg Faust’s paper released on September 2nd tests the ideas that “higher levels of political transparency – ease with which the public can monitor the government – are conducive for limiting the impact of special interests on policy-making."
Transparency = Searchable, usable, accessible information
Russell Williams, writing for Government Technology, says online transparency remains a top priority for federal government agencies as it builds trust, saves money, and encourages users to come back. However, the ACSO E-transaprency Index report has shown a recent decline in citizen satisfaction with government transparency online.
What is highlighted is that while the information may be available online, it is not accessible or user-friendly enough: “Some sites may need to put more emphasis on improving search, navigation or site functionality.”
New Zealand confirms commitment to aid transparency
Today we welcome correspondence from the New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs in response to a letter which urged their ongoing commitment to IATI. The Minister, Hon.
UNDP Administrator states commitment to IATI
Helen Clark, Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has just stated UNDP’s commitment to making the International Aid Transparency Initiative (IATI) a success.
IT reform needed for effective government spending
Peter Orszag, Director of the Office of Management and Budget in the White House, wrote on 28th June that IT improvement was needed to increase spending efficiency and service quality in government.