The success of the Oslo Governance Forum (OGF), from 1 to 3 October 2011, is a testimony to the innovative and cost-effective ways of organising a global advocacy event and creating a global venue that can enhance the credibility and capacity of UNDP to play a transformative leadership role on the global level.
The  clear message the emerged in the course of three days of discussions and debates ( www.oslogovernanceforum.org) underscored that in the context of  economic, ecological and governance crises , UNDP is expected to play a more active, substantive and visionary leadership role  in strengthening Democratic Governance for sustainable development.
Implicit in the message  is the challenge that UNDP should be in the forefront, and at the cutting edge, of the nexus between democracy and development. It also serves as reminder that the UNDP, especially through its Human Development Reports, is that development is chiefly about communities and people beyond simple economic aggregates such as Gross National Product (GNP) and Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
The key question discussed and debated was how we can renew democratic governance processes and institutions for a new era?  This debate all point to the belief as argued by Amartya Sen that development is freedom.  President Nelson Mandela noted that in taking on the transformation of society our goal was to banish hunger, illiteracy and homelessness and to ensure that everyone had access to food, education and housing. We saw freedom as inseparable from human dignity and equality…  He also remarked that overcoming povertyis not a gesture of charity it is an act of justice.  It is the protection of a fundamental human right, the right to dignity and a decent life. While poverty persists, there are no true freedoms.

The events of this year lend deep significance to the Oslo Governance Forum. Since the beginning of 2011, millions of people have participated in movements for democracy and better governance. Millions more have followed with intense interest as dramatic and often inspiring changes have been set in motion. The issues you have come together to discuss are critical to supporting and underpinning the efforts of these movements as they strive to turn their aspirations and early achievements into a working, lasting reality.

How can governments be made more accountable to citizens? How can governance assessments contribute to citizens' empowerment and more responsive, democratic governance? These are among the highly topical issues discussed at the Oslo Governance Forum Monday through Wednesday this week, among 270 policy makers, experts and practitioners from 75 countries. The Forum, organized by UNDP together with UNDEF, ActionAid, PRIA, the World Bank Institute and NORAD,  appears to be a smash hit with vigorous discussions around the Arab Spring, anti-corruption, improving public service, REDD, post-crisis recovery and more. Kudos to the Oslo Governance Center, the entire Democratic Governance Group and to fearless leader Geraldine for pulling this off, and thanks for the strong cross-practice contributions, including by CD Director Nils!