The Asia Foundation

In July 2011, Mongolia assumed the Presidency of the Community of Democracies (CoD) from Lithuania. Mongolia's priorities for its two-year term include education for democracy, strengthening regional cooperation, exchange of experiences,...

In July 2011, Mongolia assumed the Presidency of the Community of Democracies (CoD) from Lithuania. Mongolia's priorities for its two-year term include education for democracy, strengthening regional cooperation, exchange of experiences, collaboration with civil society, advancing women's empowerment and countering corruption. The Asia Foundation is supporting Mongolia in its efforts to make the CoD a more operational and action-oriented body.

As Mongolia moves into a new phase of its development, driven predominantly by rapid economic growth in the extractive industries, it faces a number of significant challenges. Rapid rates of urbanization are leading to an increasingly...

As Mongolia moves into a new phase of its development, driven predominantly by rapid economic growth in the extractive industries, it faces a number of significant challenges. Rapid rates of urbanization are leading to an increasingly overwhelming concentration of the population in urban centers, especially Ulaanbaatar.  As a result of this rapid population growth, more than half the area of Ulaanbaatar today consists of unplanned settlements called ger districts, which house more than half of the city's residents and nearly 25 percent of Mongolia's total population. The Asia Foundation has been working to support improvements in the ger districts for a number of years.

Mongolia is experiencing unprecedented growth and change, fueled by revenues from mining. Although the country's transition to democracy has been relatively smooth, citizen satisfaction is low. The concentration of economic opportunity in the...

Mongolia is experiencing unprecedented growth and change, fueled by revenues from mining. Although the country's transition to democracy has been relatively smooth, citizen satisfaction is low. The concentration of economic opportunity in the capital, Ulaanbaatar, has created a huge urban migration, with nearly 50 percent of Mongolians now living in the capital. Meeting the needs of recent arrivals in Ulaanbaatar and creating economic opportunities in other regional cities will be important if Mongolia is to deliver sustainable, broad-based improvements in the welfare of its population. The government of Mongolia is committed to fostering more responsive and capable local governments to improve citizen satisfaction, recognizing that decentralization often contributes to better development outcomes. Policymakers, led by the office of the president, are therefore pursuing an ambitious agenda to revive Mongolia's decentralization process.

Findings of the fifth Indonesia Rapid Decentralization Appraisal (IRDA) conducted between January 2004 and July 2004. The purpose of IRDA has been to monitor and assess Indonesia's ambitious program of decentralization of fiscal and political...

Findings of the fifth Indonesia Rapid Decentralization Appraisal (IRDA) conducted between January 2004 and July 2004. The purpose of IRDA has been to monitor and assess Indonesia's ambitious program of decentralization of fiscal and political responsibilities. IRDA provides a snapshot of the pace and progress of decentralization from the perspective of local stakeholders, and brings their views to the attention of policy makers at all levels of government.

The US Long Term International Observation Group (LTOG) was made up of fifteen international observers who were deployed in the provinces from May 20-Aug.15, 2003. The observation mission was administered by The Asia Foundation, and was part...

The US Long Term International Observation Group (LTOG) was made up of fifteen international observers who were deployed in the provinces from May 20-Aug.15, 2003. The observation mission was administered by The Asia Foundation, and was part of the US Government's contribution to the 2003 Cambodian National Assembly Election held on July 27, 2003. The observers monitored all provinces (except for Phnom Penh) during the pre-campaign period, the campaign period, polling and counting, and the post-election environment.

In Bahasa: Findings of the fifth Indonesia Rapid Decentralization Appraisal (IRDA) conducted between January 2004 and July 2004. The purpose of IRDA has been to monitor and assess Indonesia's ambitious program of decentralization of fiscal...

In Bahasa: Findings of the fifth Indonesia Rapid Decentralization Appraisal (IRDA) conducted between January 2004 and July 2004. The purpose of IRDA has been to monitor and assess Indonesia's ambitious program of decentralization of fiscal and political responsibilities. IRDA provides a snapshot of the pace and progress of decentralization from the perspective of local stakeholders, and brings their views to the attention of policy makers at all levels of government.

The 4th Indonesia Rapid Decentralization Appraisal (IRDA) was conducted by the Foundation with our Indonesian partners to scrutinize standards of public service across Indonesia. Following the completion of the latest stage of this...

The 4th Indonesia Rapid Decentralization Appraisal (IRDA) was conducted by the Foundation with our Indonesian partners to scrutinize standards of public service across Indonesia. Following the completion of the latest stage of this unprecedented longitudinal examination of decentralization, the Foundation and our partners have been able to diagnose problems with precision and, more important, put forward nuanced remedies that are applicable to the highly varied conditions across this enormously complex country.

In Bahasa: The 4th Indonesia Rapid Decentralization Appraisal (IRDA) was conducted by the Foundation with our Indonesian partners to scrutinize standards of public service across Indonesia. Following the completion of the latest stage of...

In Bahasa: The 4th Indonesia Rapid Decentralization Appraisal (IRDA) was conducted by the Foundation with our Indonesian partners to scrutinize standards of public service across Indonesia. Following the completion of the latest stage of this unprecedented longitudinal examination of decentralization, the Foundation and our partners have been able to diagnose problems with precision and, more important, put forward nuanced remedies that are applicable to the highly varied conditions across this enormously complex country.

Findings of the third Indonesia Rapid Decentralization Appraisal (IRDA) conducted between February and June 2003. The purpose of IRDA has been to monitor and assess Indonesia's ambitious program of decentralization of fiscal and political...

Findings of the third Indonesia Rapid Decentralization Appraisal (IRDA) conducted between February and June 2003. The purpose of IRDA has been to monitor and assess Indonesia's ambitious program of decentralization of fiscal and political responsibilities. IRDA provides a snapshot of the pace and progress of decentralization from the perspective of local stakeholders, and brings their views to the attention of policy makers at all levels of government.

In Bahasa: Findings of the third Indonesia Rapid Decentralization Appraisal (IRDA) conducted between February and June 2003. The purpose of IRDA has been to monitor and assess Indonesia's ambitious program of decentralization of fiscal and...

In Bahasa: Findings of the third Indonesia Rapid Decentralization Appraisal (IRDA) conducted between February and June 2003. The purpose of IRDA has been to monitor and assess Indonesia's ambitious program of decentralization of fiscal and political responsibilities. IRDA provides a snapshot of the pace and progress of decentralization from the perspective of local stakeholders, and brings their views to the attention of policy makers at all levels of government.

Findings of the fifth Indonesia Rapid Decentralization Appraisal (IRDA) conducted between June and November 2002. The purpose of the IRDA, the second in a series of five appraisals to be conducted through 2004 is to monitor and assess...

Findings of the fifth Indonesia Rapid Decentralization Appraisal (IRDA) conducted between June and November 2002. The purpose of the IRDA, the second in a series of five appraisals to be conducted through 2004 is to monitor and assess Indonesia's milestone decentralization process. It is intended to provide a snapshot of the pace and progress of decentralization from the perspective of local stakeholders, and to bring their views to the attention of national policy makers.

In Bahasa: Findings of the fifth Indonesia Rapid Decentralization Appraisal (IRDA) conducted between June and November 2002. The purpose of the IRDA, the second in a series of five appraisals to be conducted through 2004 is to monitor and...

In Bahasa: Findings of the fifth Indonesia Rapid Decentralization Appraisal (IRDA) conducted between June and November 2002. The purpose of the IRDA, the second in a series of five appraisals to be conducted through 2004 is to monitor and assess Indonesia's milestone decentralization process. It is intended to provide a snapshot of the pace and progress of decentralization from the perspective of local stakeholders, and to bring their views to the attention of national policy makers.

Findings of the first Indonesia Rapid Decentralization Appraisal (IRDA) conducted between November 2001 and February 2002. IRDA is meant to provide a snapshot of the decentralization from local perspectives and to bring these perspectives to...

Findings of the first Indonesia Rapid Decentralization Appraisal (IRDA) conducted between November 2001 and February 2002. IRDA is meant to provide a snapshot of the decentralization from local perspectives and to bring these perspectives to national attention.

In Bahasa: Findings of the first Indonesia Rapid Decentralization Appraisal (IRDA) conducted between November 2001 and February 2002. IRDA is meant to provide a snapshot of the decentralization from local perspectives and to bring these...

In Bahasa: Findings of the first Indonesia Rapid Decentralization Appraisal (IRDA) conducted between November 2001 and February 2002. IRDA is meant to provide a snapshot of the decentralization from local perspectives and to bring these perspectives to national attention.

The Asia Foundation's Consultation, Documentation & Advocacy Report on Electronic Procurement in His Majesty's Government of Nepal. The study was conducted by Information Technology Professional Forum between April to September 2003. The...

The Asia Foundation's Consultation, Documentation & Advocacy Report on Electronic Procurement in His Majesty's Government of Nepal. The study was conducted by Information Technology Professional Forum between April to September 2003. The Electronic Procurement System in general and in His Majesty's Government in particular analyzes the awareness, preparedness, and requirements of using information and communication technology in all public procurements of Nepal. The objectives are to (a) review the present legal framework for financial transactions to be carried out online, (b) build consensus for IT-based procurement systems, (c) develop an e-Procurement strategy for the growth of e-Governance and e-Commerce, and (d) draft a pilot project document to demonstrate the viability of e-Procurement in Nepal.

Impunity or lack of fear of punishment not only weakens the concept of the rule of law but also violates the human rights of others, the victims and society at large. Human rights violations in Nepal are taking place on a day-to-day basis. The...

Impunity or lack of fear of punishment not only weakens the concept of the rule of law but also violates the human rights of others, the victims and society at large. Human rights violations in Nepal are taking place on a day-to-day basis. The political debate on whether it is right or wrong to absolve violators of the rights of citizens during transition is argued well by both sides—those for and against. However, because no conclusion has yet been reached—let alone anyone being punished—the rights of victims to see justice done continue to be violated. This study seeks to document the level of impunity in Nepal and identify areas and actions that may be undertaken to remedy the situation.

In November 2008 the Election Working Group (EWG) completed a twenty-first rapid assessment of citizen perception of recent events. This preliminary report focuses on citizen perceptions on issues related to the national election.

The...

In November 2008 the Election Working Group (EWG) completed a twenty-first rapid assessment of citizen perception of recent events. This preliminary report focuses on citizen perceptions on issues related to the national election.

The data reflect the situation in the last week of November 2008. The Asia Foundation and Data International Ltd. provided technical support. Conducted in 12 districts of the country (two in each of the six divisions), the perception study gathered impressions from a cross-section of ordinary citizens, civil society representatives, and local businesspersons through informal individual interviews in (i) each divisional headquarters and a proximate rural thana in the same district; and (ii) district headquarters of another randomly chosen district in each division and a proximate rural thana in the same district. A formal questionnaire with a mix of quantitative and qualitative questions was administered.

Summary: In November 2008 the Election Working Group (EWG) completed a twenty-first rapid assessment of citizen perception of recent events. This preliminary report focuses on citizen perceptions on issues related to the national...

Summary: In November 2008 the Election Working Group (EWG) completed a twenty-first rapid assessment of citizen perception of recent events. This preliminary report focuses on citizen perceptions on issues related to the national election.

The data reflect the situation in the last week of November 2008. The Asia Foundation and Data International Ltd. provided technical support. Conducted in 12 districts of the country (two in each of the six divisions), the perception study gathered impressions from a cross-section of ordinary citizens, civil society representatives, and local businesspersons through informal individual interviews in (i) each divisional headquarters and a proximate rural thana in the same district; and (ii) district headquarters of another randomly chosen district in each division and a proximate rural thana in the same district. A formal questionnaire with a mix of quantitative and qualitative questions was administered.

With financial support from the British Embassy, The Asia Foundation sponsored a survey on voter and civic education issues in November and December 2008. The survey results provide a better understanding of public knowledge and expectations...

With financial support from the British Embassy, The Asia Foundation sponsored a survey on voter and civic education issues in November and December 2008. The survey results provide a better understanding of public knowledge and expectations in relation to elections and democratic processes in Mongolia. The objectives of the survey is to: identify potential interventions that will enhance public participation and support free and fair elections; and help ensure that the outcome of elections are accepted as accurately representing the will of the Mongolian people.

With financial support from the British Embassy, The Asia Foundation sponsored a survey on voter and civic education issues in November and December 2008. The survey results provide a better understanding of public knowledge and expectations...

With financial support from the British Embassy, The Asia Foundation sponsored a survey on voter and civic education issues in November and December 2008. The survey results provide a better understanding of public knowledge and expectations in relation to elections and democratic processes in Mongolia. The objectives of the survey is to: identify potential interventions that will enhance public participation and support free and fair elections; and help ensure that the outcome of elections are accepted as accurately representing the will of the Mongolian people.

Mongolia's legal framework for elections generally conforms to most international principles associated with free, fair and credible elections. However, the absence of implementing regulations, ordinances and policies means that the spirit and...

Mongolia's legal framework for elections generally conforms to most international principles associated with free, fair and credible elections. However, the absence of implementing regulations, ordinances and policies means that the spirit and intent of the laws is not fully realized. The objective of this assessment, and other elections-related interventions, is to improve voter registration and balloting procedures, in order to build trust and confidence in Mongolia's elected officials, its government, and its democracy.

Mongolia's legal framework for elections generally conforms to most international principles associated with free, fair and credible elections. However, the absence of implementing regulations, ordinances and policies means that the spirit and...

Mongolia's legal framework for elections generally conforms to most international principles associated with free, fair and credible elections. However, the absence of implementing regulations, ordinances and policies means that the spirit and intent of the laws is not fully realized. The objective of this assessment, and other elections-related interventions, is to improve voter registration and balloting procedures, in order to build trust and confidence in Mongolia's elected officials, its government, and its democracy.

Between August and September of 2008, The Asia Foundation conducted the first nationwide community-police perceptions survey in Timor-Leste. The aim of this survey was to gather first-hand opinion of a large sample of Timorese citizens,...

Between August and September of 2008, The Asia Foundation conducted the first nationwide community-police perceptions survey in Timor-Leste. The aim of this survey was to gather first-hand opinion of a large sample of Timorese citizens, community leaders, and members of the PNTL on a variety of contemporary local security and police-related issues so that the information generated is useful for policy makers and opinion shapers in government, the international community, and the broader Timorese public.

Organizational Development and Community Mobilization in the Policy and Law-making Process

Civil Society Empowerment and Participation in the Policy and Law-making Process in Vietnam Project

This assessment provides a...

Organizational Development and Community Mobilization in the Policy and Law-making Process

Civil Society Empowerment and Participation in the Policy and Law-making Process in Vietnam Project

This assessment provides a basis for developing a training program within a project on internal governance and advocacy for VNGOs.

(Vietnamese Version.) Organizational Development and Community Mobilization in the Policy and Law-making Process

Civil Society Empowerment and Participation in the Policy and Law-making Process in Vietnam Project

(Vietnamese Version.) Organizational Development and Community Mobilization in the Policy and Law-making Process

Civil Society Empowerment and Participation in the Policy and Law-making Process in Vietnam Project

This assessment provides a basis for developing a training program within a project on internal governance and advocacy for VNGOs.

The Transparent Accountable Governance (TAG) Project of The Asia Foundation was a well- respected and extremely effective endeavor supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The project was based on the twin...

The Transparent Accountable Governance (TAG) Project of The Asia Foundation was a well- respected and extremely effective endeavor supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The project was based on the twin goals of 1) promoting good governance and 2) strengthening the foundation for sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction in the Philippines.

TAG Tools is a guide primarily for local governments planning to embark on a program of reform in their selected area or areas of concern.