Theoretical and legal approaches to defining the role and meaning of good governance

The article is devoted to theoretical and legal approaches to defining the role and meaning of good governance. It is determined that in international practice, the term «governance» is often used as part of the normative construct «good governance,» which can encompass the following aspects: respect for human rights, the rule of law, effective participation, multilateral partnership, political pluralism, transparent and accountable processes and institutions, and an effective and efficient public sector. Different approaches to defining the term «good governance» are analyzed. It is emphasized that good governance adds a normative or evaluative attribute to the management process and refers to the process by which state institutions conduct state affairs, manage state resources, and guarantee the realization of human rights. The author emphasizes the importance of good governance since the activities of state authorities and local self-government bodies aim to ensure citizens’ well-being through the provision of appropriate and effective public services. It is noted that the UN has identified eight principles of good governance: participation, rule of law, transparency, responsiveness, consensus-building, equality and inclusiveness, efficiency and effectiveness, and accountability. The author emphasizes that these principles are the foundation of the functioning of state authorities and local self-government bodies since if their activities do not comply with the above principles, the institutions may be ineffective. Good governance is a positive approach to management, which generally allows for achieving the best possible results. There is no single approach to defining «good governance» internationally in the scientific literature. It is emphasized that good governance should be based on the primary key principles since if political systems do not comply with these principles, this may lead to the inability to provide public services and, therefore, to meet the needs of society.