After UNGASS – where do governments go from here?

2017 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 81-87 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mike Trace
Keyword(s):  
Policy Development ◽  
Policy Framework ◽  
Policy Debate ◽  
International Policy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Health And Human Rights ◽  
Future Potential ◽  
International Conventions ◽  
National Governments ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to indicate the outcomes, implications and possibilities for responses arising from the April 2016 UNGASS meeting and statement and to identify areas for future continuation of the debate and dialogue established at UNGASS. Design/methodology/approach This paper is a practitioner and participant commentary on the implications and openings for governments and jurisdictions of a revised international policy framework. Findings The UNGASS statement represented an increased emphasis on health and human rights considerations and a de facto flexibility of interpretation and implementation by national governments. The statement reconciled considerable differences of approach and expectation by the participating governments and organisations. Future developments are identified and practical responses outlined. There has been some move away from rigid prohibition and authoritarian stances. Research limitations/implications The points made could be developed and expanded by academics and NGOs. Practical implications Future areas for continued international policy development and governments’ activity are identified. Governments are encouraged to consider their national needs and priorities and the ways in which these can contribute to and be strengthened by and in the international conventions. Social implications The ability of governments to respond to national needs and situations has been strengthened and an increased emphasis on public health and harm reduction practices is implied. Policy pluralism is recognised. Originality/value The paper represents an assessment of the outcomes and future potential for development of the international conventions. It is written by a long-standing participant in the international drugs policy debate and is an early contribution to the practical and formative response to UNGASS.

Reflection on the UN General Assembly Special Session on drugs – one year on

2017 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 74-80 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steve Rolles
Keyword(s):  
Point Of View ◽  
General Assembly ◽  
Special Session ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Health And Human Rights ◽  
The Status ◽  
Un General Assembly ◽  
One Year ◽  
International Conventions ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to show a reflection of one year on how the UN General Assembly Special Session (UNGASS) event was unfolded and its impacts and longer term implications. Design/methodology/approach This paper is a consideration of relevant past and present documentation and commentary. Experiences as a participant at some of the events described. Findings UNGASS was called for by countries affected by the failings of the existing conventions who wanted to introduce reformed alternative policies. Representatives of the status quo who opposed such change were partially successful in retaining some aspects of the prohibition approach and in minimising dissent and debate. Research limitations/implications Some decision-making discussions were not open to all potential participants – governmental, regional and civil society, including the author. Practical implications The wider debate prompted by the UNGASS indicated a breakdown in the previous consensus around the prohibition and punitive paradigm of the international conventions. Social implications Greater emphases on health and human rights aspects of international drug policy were included in the final documents. This provides scope for continued evolution of these emphases in the future. Originality/value The paper presents an account of the UNGASS and pre-UNGASS proceedings from the point of view of a reform-minded participant.

Developing ASEAN India partnership for fostering technology development

2015 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 205-218
Author(s):  
Sunil Sahadev ◽  
Pongsak Hoontrakul
Keyword(s):  
Technological Innovation ◽  
Policy Development ◽  
Technology Development ◽  
Trade Flow ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Trade Agreement ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Conceptual Paper ◽  
Broad Policy ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – This conceptual paper aims to discuss issues relevant to fostering cooperation between India and countries in the ASEAN region in the area of technological innovation. Design/methodology/approach – This is a conceptual paper, based on insights from the existing body of literature and secondary data. Findings – The study looks at the competitiveness of different countries in the ASEAN region and considers their technological competitiveness vis-à-vis India. Broad policy issues related to fostering technological innovation as well as the main advantages of such collaboration are discussed. Research limitations/implications – This is a conceptual paper mainly intended for discussion. Practical implications – The paper provides guidelines for fostering technological innovation and could, therefore, help policy development. Originality/value – Although the Indo-ASEAN free-trade agreement is helping trade flow between the countries in the region, the potential for technological collaborations still lies unutilised. This paper looks at the possibilities for such collaborations and is one of the few papers that consider this line of thinking.

scholarly journals Accountability and governance in pursuit of Sustainable Development Goals: conceptualising how governments create value

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Subhash Abhayawansa ◽  
Carol A. Adams ◽  
Cristina Neesham
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Civil Society ◽  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Value Creation ◽  
Policy Development ◽  
Sustainable Development Goals ◽  
Stakeholder Participation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
National Governments

PurposeDrawing on Adams (2017a) conceptualisation of value creation by organisations published in the Accounting, Auditing and Accountability Journal, the purpose of this paper is to develop a conceptualisation of how national governments can create value for society and the economy through their approach to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).Design/methodology/approachAn initial conceptual framework was developed from literature situated at the intersection of accountability, public policy and sustainability/sustainable development. The authors' review of extant research on national policy development on value creation, sustainability and the SDGs identified gaps in (understanding of) approaches to national accountability and national governance (by state and civil society) processes. The subsequent thematic analysis of 164 written submissions made to the Australian Senate inquiry on the SDGs between December 2017 and March 2018, together with transcripts of five public hearings where 49 individuals and organisations appeared as witnesses during the second half of 2018, focussed on addressing these gaps.FindingsInput to the Australian Senate Inquiry on the SDGs overwhelmingly emphasised the importance of transparency and stakeholder participation in accountability systems, commenting on data gathering, measuring and communicating. There was an emphasis on the need to involve all parts of society, including business, investors and civil society, and for strong central co-ordination by the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. These data allowed the authors to refine the conceptualisation of how national governments can enhance social and economic value through a focus on the UN SDGs and their approach to accounting, accountability and governance.Practical implicationsThe findings have implications: for national governments in developing approaches to achieve sustainable development; and, for supranational bodies such as the UN in developing agreements, frameworks and guidance for national governments.Originality/valueBuilding on the extant literature about how global governance should be engaged to improve accountability in achieving the SDGs, the conceptual framework developed through the study shifts focus to national governance and accountability, and provides a blueprint for national governments to create value for the economy and society in the face of global sustainable development issues.

Towards an alternative economic development framework for Algeria

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 334-352
Author(s):  
Moula Cherikh ◽  
Nikolaos Karagiannis
Keyword(s):  
National Development ◽  
Developmental State ◽  
Policy Framework ◽  
Production Lines ◽  
Political Factors ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Economic Progress ◽  
Development Framework ◽  
Oil And Natural Gas ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to propose a national development framework for Algeria while considering the country’s historical, social, cultural, institutional and political factors. The main focus of this paper is to sketch out the policy framework that might be advisable to develop and diversify the production lines of Algeria – given the country’s excessive reliance on oil and natural gas exports – while helping the country move to the next level of socioeconomic progress. Design/methodology/approach The approach is based on the developmental state analysis. Findings A developmental state argument is proposed here as a necessary basis for the support of selected industries of high potential and achievability while leaving space for further social and political advancement. Practical implications It can help greatly Algeria’s policymakers. Social implications Socio-economic progress. Originality/value This paper makes a significant contribution to the development efforts of Algeria.

scholarly journals The impact of national social capital on business creation rates in the formal vs informal sectors

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (8) ◽  
pp. 1739-1768
Author(s):  
Mai Thi Thanh Thai ◽  
Ekaterina Turkina ◽  
Amon Simba
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Policy Development ◽  
National Level ◽  
Formal Sector ◽  
Entrepreneurship Policy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Business Creation ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Business Formation

PurposeThrough utilizing social capital as an overarching concept, the purpose of this article is to investigate cross-country rates of business formation in the formal vs informal sectors. Plus, empirically assess the impact of social capital constructs on the national rates of entrepreneurship.Design/methodology/approachAdopting a regression-oriented methodology, partial least squares (PLS), the study used a sample comprising 50 nations. National rates of registered and nonregistered business creation were utilized as endogenous variables. To determine the indigenous variables, constructs of social capital were measured which is consistent with the World Value Survey (WWS).FindingsThe results of this study show that in the formal and the informal sectors, social networking enables business creation with varying levels of impact. It establishes that institutional trust has a negative effect on informal business creation and a positive effect on business registration; interpersonal trust drives entrepreneurship in the informal sector but has less impact on business registration; norms of trustworthiness are related to business registration than informal business creation.Practical implicationsThe findings of this research have theoretical and practical implications. They stimulate academic debate on the application of social capital constructs at the national level. The indications that social capital promotes business formation in both the informal and formal sectors can influence entrepreneurship policy development in many countries.Originality/valueThe originality of the results of this study lies in how it conceptualizes social capital as having direct impact on business creation in the informal vs formal sector. Thus, the findings elevated the conceptualization of social capital to the national level thereby enhancing knowledge on the entrepreneurship process as well as developmental economics.

Services in the forest-based sector – unexplored futures

foresight ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 378-398 ◽  
Author(s):  
Annukka Näyhä ◽  
Päivi Pelli ◽  
Lauri Hetemäki
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Services Research ◽  
Related Services ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Case Examples ◽  
The Future ◽  
Future Potential ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyze and provide a synthesis of how services are understood, how they are likely to develop and how future development can be studied more closely in the forest-based sector (FBS). Services are likely to have an increasing role in the FBS in the future. Design/methodology/approach – The findings are based on a literature review of FBS outlook studies, strategies and programs and services-related studies in FBS and general services literature. Three case examples of services businesses in FBS companies are presented, and possible foresight approaches related to them are discussed. Foresight methods used in parallel sectors are also discussed. Findings – The study provides the first systematic introduction, classification and review of FBS services to include both industry- and non-industry-related services. The paper also points out the need for foresight studies and suggests various approaches for an analysis of the potential of FBS services in the future bioeconomy. Practical implications – The study shows that the role of services in FBS research has been understood too narrowly. As a result, services research has been rather lacking and the future potential of services in the FBS has not been fully acknowledged. The study argues for and points toward the need to use foresight approaches to update FBS strategies, business models and policies to fully benefit from the future potential of services. Originality/value – The study is a novel introduction, review and discussion of the role of services in the FBS and their future outlook.

Some are more equal than others

2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 22-25
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Policy Development ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
National Policy ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Local Implementation ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach – This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings – It is commonly accepted in many European countries that equality between men and women is generally “a good thing”. So much so that governments have passed legislation placing a duty on public sector bodies to explain what they are doing to actively promote equality. So far, so good. Except that in practice, there still appears to be quite a gap between national policy development and local implementation. Practical implications – The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations. Originality/value – The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

scholarly journals Climate justice: contested discourse and social transformation

2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 477-487 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eurig Scandrett
Keyword(s):  
Social Movement ◽  
Policy Development ◽  
Social Transformation ◽  
Research Policy ◽  
Social Groups ◽  
Climate Justice ◽  
Theoretical Frameworks ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Material Interests ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to argue that climate justice constitutes a contested discourse reflecting the material interests of social groups that contribute to its production. For climate justice to have integrity, it must be rooted in the material interests of those social groups negatively affected by, and engaged in struggles against, the hydrocarbon economy. The paper locates contestation of discourse production in an understanding of social movement processes. Design/methodology/approach The paper is a theoretical contribution to the debate about climate justice, drawing on data (published and unpublished) from Scotland. Findings The paper concludes that scholars engaged in climate justice work should have consideration to the material interest embedded in the discourse. The pedagogical and dialogical work of engagement with the militant particularism of local struggles against the hydrocarbon industry is an important contribution to discourse construction, and ultimately social transformation is required to achieve climate justice. Research limitations/implications This is primarily a theoretical paper, although it draws on limited case study data from environmental conflicts in Scotland. Practical implications The argument has practical implications for work in climate justice, including research, policy development and social movement mobilisation. Social implications This is intended as a contribution to the social transformation required to achieve climate justice. Originality/value The paper draws on existing theoretical frameworks, especially Marxian approaches to discourse and social movement studies, to critique and contribute to the newly developing field of climate justice.

scholarly journals Adult safeguarding in Northern Ireland: prevention, protection, partnership

2017 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 199-208 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorna Montgomery ◽  
Joyce McKee
Keyword(s):  
Northern Ireland ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Research Evidence ◽  
Current Model ◽  
Policy Framework ◽  
Northern Irish ◽  
Policy And Practice ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Distinct Features ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to outline and critique the current model of adult safeguarding in Northern Ireland (NI). Design/methodology/approach The paper offers a critical analysis of adult safeguarding, legislation, policy and practice. Insights are offered from the Regional Adult Safeguarding Officer for NI, and available research evidence is cited. Findings Distinct features of Northern Irish society have shaped its adult safeguarding policy and practice in ways which differ from those in England, Scotland and Wales. The strengths and limitations of the legal and policy framework, and practice systems are discussed. Research limitations/implications The paper offers the viewpoint of the authors, which may not be representative. Practical implications The potential advantages and challenges of the Northern Irish safeguarding systems are presented, and potential future developments are highlighted. Social implications Changes have been highlighted in the way adult safeguarding has been conceptualised. An emphasis on prevention and early intervention activities, with a key role envisaged for community, voluntary and faith sector organisations, have been noted. Originality/value This paper provides an accessible overview of adult safeguarding in NI, which to date has been lacking from the literature.

scholarly journals Engagement and observation: a review of local policies in England and Wales

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 169-183
Author(s):  
Russell Ashmore
Keyword(s):  
National Standards ◽  
Policy Framework ◽  
Freedom Of Information ◽  
Local Policy ◽  
Freedom Of Information Act ◽  
England And Wales ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Local Policies ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to report on the content of local policies on engagement and observation written by National Health Service (NHS) organisations in England and Wales. Design/methodology/approach Engagement and observation policies were obtained from all (n = 61) NHS mental health trusts in England and health boards in Wales via a Freedom of Information Act 2000 request. Data were analysed using content analysis. Findings All organisations had a specific policy referring to either “observation and engagement” or “observation”. The policies varied considerably in quality, length, breadth and depth of the information provided. Significant variations existed in the terminology used to describe the different types of enhanced observation. Inconsistencies were also noted between organisations regarding: which members of the clinical team could initiate, increase, decrease and terminate observation; who could undertake the intervention (for example students); and the reasons for using it. Finally, despite rhetoric to the contrary, the emphasis of policies was on observation and not engagement. Research limitations/implications This research has demonstrated the value of examining local policies for identifying inconsistencies in guidance given to practitioners on the implementation of engagement and observation. Further research should be undertaken to explore the impact of local policies on practice. Practical implications Local policies remain variable in content and quality and do not reflect contemporary research. There is a need to produce evidence-based national standards that organisations are required to comply with. Originality/value To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first research in 20 years examining the local policy framework for the implementation of engagement and observation.

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