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. (Source: UNESCAP/What is good governance?)

The process of decision-making and the process by which decisions are implemented/ not implemented (in an environmental context). Governance can be used in several contexts such as corporate governance, international governance, national governance and local governance. (Source: draft based on UNESCAP, What is good governance?)