The declaration also states that civil society must be empowered as a full partner in governance in order for trust to thrive in government institutions. It stresses that meaningful dialogue and regular face-to-face involvement in civil society organisations are the most direct and effective ways of building trust and trusting communities.

Transparency International was represented by its Chair Huguette Labelle who spoke at the plenary. Gillian Dell and David Koschel from the International Secretariat as well as Julieta Arias from Poder Ciudadano, TI’s national chapter in Argentina, organised a workshop looking into the critical role of civil society in holding governments to their commitments under the United Nations Convention against Corruption and public reporting.

For more information on the declaration, see www.7thglobalforum.org/Forum_Information/publications.htm