Economies

Economic development from a policy perspective is the development of economic wealth by a country or region which seeks to improve the economic well-being and quality of life for its inhabitants.

Development occurs with the reduction and elimination of poverty, inequality, and unemployment within a growing economy. This can be achieved by the production of more 'life sustaining' necessities such as food, shelter, and health care and by broadening its distribution; by raising standards of living and individual self esteem; and expanding economic and social choice and by reducing fear.

Sustainable development means meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, both environmentally and economically.

For the Ramphal Centre, Economies means exploring sustainable development policies. It also means examining the capability of nations to implement such policies, and the impact of international trade and financial systems on Commonwealth states in particular

Good Governance

Governance simply put means: the process of decision-making and the process by which decisions are implemented or not implemented. The aim of the Ramphal Institute is to promote Good Governance within the Commonwealth at all levels of society.

Good governance has eight major characteristics. It is participatory, consensus oriented, accountable, transparent, responsive, effective and efficient, equitable and inclusive and follows the rule of law. It assures that corruption is minimized, the views of minorities are taken into account and that the voices of the most vulnerable in society are heard in decision-making. It is also responsive to the present and future needs of society.

Environment

The current way of life, promoted in richer nations is placing an increasing burden on the planet. It is causing a loss of biodiversity, felling of rainforests and marine over-fishing. Current consumption patterns threaten on the global environment and climate.

Instead of the stress put on natural resources and systems The Ramphal Institute will assist in the protection of the Environmental sustainability and sustainable development. It will follow paths pioneered by the Brundtland Commission and Earth Summit in which Ramphal participated actively.

Societies

The Ramphal Institute is concerned with societies, not only within and amongst Commonwealth countries but because it affects how our societies are perceived internationally. To this end the promotion of racial and gender equality, tolerance and human rights are vitally important tools.

The Ramphal Institute will engage with civil society organisations which now play such a crucial role in the world. Civil society includes registered charities, development non-governmental organisations, community groups, women's organisations, faith-based organisations, professional associations, trades unions, self-help groups, social movements, business associations, coalitions and advocacy groups.