OneWorld.net (U.S.)

OneWorld South Asia (OWSA), in collaboration with Public Affairs Foundation (Bangalore), the National Chapters of Transparency International (Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka) and BRAC (Bangladesh) has initiated a research project on developing a ‘Bottom up-Governance Barometer for South Asia’. This collaboration is directed towards exploring areas that are not being captured in official statistics at the international, national or regional levels. Thus, the research project is intended to develop an alternative set of indicators, specific to the South Asian region, that provide a qualitative counterpoint to the existing targets pertaining to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).These indicators are encompassed under the broad term ‘governance’. A key thrust area of the project will also be to examine how Information and Communication Technology (ICTs) can be harnessed towards meeting identified development ends. Two rounds of consultations with various experts and potential partners have already been undertaken. The objectives of the project have been defined and the inception stage is nearing completion.