2016 ICT4D Conference

eGovernance approaches in German Development cooperation
Chances and risks of ICT for strengthening good governance are highly debated in government, civil society and business both in our developed and developing countries. eGovernance is one key area when thinking about innovations in supporting good governance, with eGovernment as one tool to improve the administrative performance and eParticipation as a method to transform political participation and increase the constructive dialogue between state and citizens. With the adoption of the SDGs finally the importance of good governance as an enabler of change has been internationally recognized. With the inclusion of goal 16 for peaceful and inclusive societies the focus on good governance and human rights has increased. This chance to boost the engagement in this sector needs to be taken, but it will also be more observed than ever and needs to deliver more visible results. Understanding the risks and chances of ICT and using the latter to foster the engagement of the international community and our partner countries is absolutely necessary.
Germany has presented a systematic whole-of government approach with a Digital Agenda. One main area of the Agenda is supporting an innovative state and increasing digitalization in the administration. The Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development BMZ is taking this topic serious and will specify in an own agenda what digitalization means for the approaches and activities of the German development cooperation. Governance and human rights aspects are foreseen to take a prominent position in this framework and shall give clear indications on how to integrate the chances and opportunities of digitalization.