What can we say, in the light of new developments in the aid architecture and increased attention for the effectiveness of aid, about accountability? Accountability between different actors: civil society organisations being accountable to their supporters, donors and beneficiaries of aid; governments being accountable to their citizens with special attention to the different types of countries (fragile states or states with high inequality, low income countries with non-dominant fragility and middle-income countries with non-dominant fragility).

What was discussed during the start of the dialogue?
Too many numbers, too little passion. Accountability is part of democracy en that is a great thing. However, within accountability mechanisms too much emphasis is being placed on quantitative results; people experience this as so-called 'system pressure'. Unnecessary bureaucracy, which sometimes becomes a goal on itself. In addition increased focus on measuring results leads to avoiding risks, whereas taking risks in particular can contribute to change. Far less attention is being paid to qualitative results, while these are especially important when showing real results. In short; passion needs to be brought back into reporting mechanisms. This will be a positive motivation and is also important when being accountable towards the general public and creating support for development cooperation in The Netherlands. Thus: new aid architecture, new opportunities.

Within the new aid architecture we can observe a positive change of focus from Southern governments being accountable towards their donors to a greater focus on Southern governments being accountable to their own citizens. But this development can not be taken for granted; citizens have to demand their governments to be accountable. The role of civil society is crucial for good governance. Consequently Southern civil society needs to be strengthened in order to play this crucial role.

Questions for this forum:
1. What kind of experiences do you have using qualitative indicators within accountability mechanisms? Which treats and opportunities do you see?

2. New aid architecture offers unique opportunities for civil society, given the crucial role of governments being accountable to their citizens. How can this be developed? How can civil society in the South be strengthened, in such a way that the process of governments being accountable to their citizens is optimised? What kind of experiences do you have with this topic? Which treats and opportunities do you see?