2007 Annual Report - Center for International Private Enterprise

CIPE Themes, Mission, ObjectivesThemesDemocratic Governance and Institutions: The key tobuilding successful market-oriented democraciesis democratic governance, which comprisesthe traditions, institutions, and processes thatdetermine – on a daily basis – how governmentdecisions are made. Engaging civil society increating these institutions helps countries toembark on a path of stability, growth, andprosperity.Empowering Private Sector Organizations: To drivedemocratic reform and protect economic andpolitical freedoms, the private sector must becapable and willing to provide an outside voicein the policymaking process. To become effectiveadvocates for reform, business associations,chambers of commerce, think tanks, andother civil society groups must first build theirorganizational capacity.Information and Values: Access to informationand a free and independent media are vitalfor educating citizens on public policy issues,helping them hold government accountable forits actions, and exposing instances of corruption.Independent media is also important inlaunching awareness campaigns and educationprograms that engage society in reforms.Access to Opportunity: Functioning democraciesrequire opportunities, between elections, forthe public – including women and youth – toprovide input into the policymaking process.When such engagement reduces excessiveregulation and barriers to entry, informalbusinesses can transition into the formal sector,contributing to job creation, the tax base, andeconomic growth.Grassroots Participation: Local participation inthe governance process is key to ensuring thatreforms take into account the needs of thepeople. Engaging people at all levels of societyin the governance process provides them withmeans of representation and improves the qualityof regulations and public services.MissionTo strengthen democracyaround the globe throughprivate enterprise andmarket-oriented reform.Objectives• Promote development of the legal andinstitutional structures necessary to establishand maintain open market-oriented societies.• Increase business participation in thedemocratic process.• Support private, voluntary businessorganizations and freedom of association.• Implement programs that enhancebusiness knowledge and strengthen theentrepreneurial culture of the private sector.• Increase support for and understandingof the rights, freedoms, and obligationsessential to a democratic private enterprisesystem among government officials,businesspeople, and the general public.• Expand business community access toinformation necessary for informed decisionmaking.4