Governance as a Panacea for the Realization of Education for All Targets and the Attainment of the Millennium Development Goals in Developing Countries

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to explore whether by addressing issues of good governance, it would help the developing countries in the realization of the Education for All (EFA) targets and the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The methodology used is mainly a review of current literature in the area of good governance, applying it to developing countries and linking it to critical issues that are likely to affect the realization of the EFA targets and the attainment of the MDGs in developing countries. Based on the literature reviewed and the discussion presented, the following conclusions and recommendations are made: 1) There is clear evidence that governance issues are at the core of realizing the EFA targets and attainment of the MDGs in the developing countries; 2) Realizing the EFA targets and attainment of the MDGs require radical improvement in key factors that are linked to governance. For example, political support from the highest level of government is essential in order to create a momentum for reform and drive the implementation process; 3) In order to realize the EFA targets and attain the MDGs, there is a need to create a broad coalition of support for reform; 4) Significant policy changes are needed to correct the existing structural imbalances which might hinder the realization of the EFA targets and attainment of the MDGs. In particular, it is important to explore new approaches to policy and to be innovative; and 5) Poverty Reduction Strategies need to be pursued more vigorously in developing countries since there is a close link between poverty reduction and the attainment of the MDGs.