EGM on Decentralization and its Impact on Poverty Reduction

22-23 November 2005, Bangkok

Background

Decentralization is regarded by several development experts as one of the cornerstones of effective poverty reduction. It is argued that since many aspects of poverty are local in nature, responses to poverty reduction also need to be localized. Moreover, it is argued that the urban poor have a greater chance of participating in and influencing decision-making at the local level than at higher levels of government.
Effective decentralization is based on three “pillars:”

• Decentralization or devolution of executive, legislative and fiscal powers to the local level
• Capacity building of local governments to manage these powers effectively
• Development of a vibrant and effective civil society to ensure public participation in decision making and accountability of local government

Most developing countries of Asia and the Pacific have introduced, or are in the process of introducing, decentralization policies. Whether these decentralization policies have contributed to alleviating poverty, as predicted, needs to be examined. Some of these policies have been documented in the 14 country-study commissioned by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP). The country reports can be accessed through this link. (http://www.unescap.org/pdd/PRS/PublicationsResources/huset2003/lgstudy/lgstudy_index.asp)

Expert Group Meeting

UNESCAP is convening an Expert Group Meeting (EGM) on Decentralization and its Impact on Urban Poverty Reduction from 22 to 23 November 2005 to examine whether decentralization has actually contributed to urban poverty reduction in Asia and the Pacific.

Tentative Programme

Opening Session

• Presentation of UNESCAP’s work in decentralization and poverty reduction

Decentralization: Impact, challenges and lessons

• South-East Asia
• South Asia

What's Wrong with Decentralization? Ensuring Accountability in Basic Social Service Delivery through Decentralization Models that Work

Special lecture on “Reducing poverty now and forever” by Professor James A. Mirlees, Noble Laureate

Future directions: approaches and practices

Conclusions and closing