Multi Stakeholder Processes for Governance and Sustainability

Governments, businesses, international organizations, local groups and numerous other publicly engaged bodies are turning to multi-stakeholder processes (MSPs) because conventional party politics is just not working. MSPs involve bringing together all those whose interests are at stake in crucial social, economic, developmental and environmental debates, and finding practical ways forward as well as ways in which these might be implemented. The new politics is about recognizing the rights of, and the risks faced by, all those involved, and about moving beyond conflicts towards a more equitable state. This is a practical guide that explains how MSPs can be organized to deliver their potential for successful resolution of complex issues and for sustainable forms of development. It includes detailed examples and provides functional checklists, explaining how to get beyond adversarial politics and achieve positive results. This significant contribution to understanding new participatory approaches will be essential reading for the stakeholders, governmental agencies, NGOs as well as students and academics in politics, development studies and environmental sciences.

Minu Hemmati is a consultant with UNED Forum in London