Emma Clippinger, Cheng Jean Liang and Ian Murray

Commissioned by the United Nations Development Programme

Accountability has become a key focus of debate about the future direction and shape of the development agenda as the target date for the Millennium Development goals draws closer. Consultations conducted by the United Nations Development group have revealed widespread popular demand for the new post-2015 development agenda to be “built on human rights, and universal values of equality, justice and security” and for “a participatory framework for monitoring to ensure accountability during implementation.” Accountability in the post-2015 development agenda can be conceived both narrowly, as account-ability for the attainment of all post-2015 goals, and more broadly as part of a need for “open, inclusive, accountable and effective governance” at the global, regional, and national levels.