No abstract

Civil society organisations, including those that are faith-based, are increasingly viewed as key stakeholders that can influence government policies, advocate on behalf of poor people and contribute to service delivery and development. This paper discusses interactions between religious groups and the state and how they influence society in the ethnically diverse Asia-Pacific region. Through case studies of Indonesia, Fiji, and Samoa, the paper discusses various aspects of the political relationships between religious groups and states, the roles of religion in society and the engagement of religious groups in welfare and development. It concludes that while religious organisations are socially and politically influential in all the countries considered, certain aspects of their relationships with governments pose challenges for the achievement of stability, equality, and development.Donateurs et gouvernance : le potentiel du développement basé sur la foi dans la région AsiePacifique Les organisations de la société civile, y compris celles qui ont une base religieuse, sont de plus en plus considérées comme des parties prenantes clés qui peuvent influer sur les politiques gouvernementales, mener un travail de plaidoyer au nom des pauvres et contribuer à la prestation de services et au développement. Cet article traite des interactions entre les groupes religieux et l'É tat et de la manière dont ils influent sur la société dans la région d'Asie-Pacifique, où la diversité ethnique est très importante. À l'aide d'études de cas d'Indonésie, de Fidji et de Samoa, cet article traite de divers aspects des rapports politiques entre groupes religieux et É tats, des rôles de la religion dans la société et de la présence des groupes religieux dans le bien-être social et le développement. Il conclut que, bien que les organisations religieuses soient influentes sur les plans social et politique dans tous les pays étudiés, certains aspects de leurs rapports avec les gouvernements soulèvent des problèmes quant à l'obtention de la stabilité, de l'égalité et du développement. Doadores e governança: o potencial do desenvolvimento baseado na fé no Pacífico AsiáticoAs organizações da sociedade civil, incluindo aquelas que são baseadas na fé, estão sendo cada vez mais vistas como stakeholders cruciais que podem influenciar políticas governamentais, advogar em nome das pessoas pobres e contribuir para a implementação de serviços e desenvolvimento. Este artigo discute as interações entre grupos religiosos e o estado e como eles influenciam a sociedade na região etnicamente diversificada do Pacífico Asiático. Através de estudos de caso da Indonésia, Fiji e Samoa, o artigo discute vários aspectos da relação política entre grupos religiosos e estados, o papel da religião na sociedade e o engajamento de grupos religiosos no bem-estar e desenvolvimento. O artigo conclui que, embora as organizações religiosas sejam socialmente e politicamente influentes em todos os países considerados, certos aspectos de suas relações com os governos impõem ...

No abstract

In this paper we seek to answer some basic questions about the condition of local government in the Pacific. Firstly, we examine what is meant by ‘local government’ in the various islands and for that matter how Pacific Island states have perceived and accepted local government institutions in practice; second, we ask basic questions about existing legal and constitutional recognition and powers; and third, we provide initial findings on current per capita expenditure and local government financial viability in a number of Pacific cities and towns. We also make some observations on current moves towards local government reform.

No abstract