Redefining the Future of Global Governance

Governance Vocabularies Initiative

In a world grappling with a global crisis in democracy, this urgent question arises: how do we collaboratively shape decisions that resonate with the diverse fabric of our societies? Currently, the lens through which we view governance is narrowed, limiting our access to the vast reservoir of human knowledge that guides collective action and collaborative decision-making. We find ourselves at a crossroads, having condensed the expansive concept of democracy solely to electoral representation. Yet, this crisis extends beyond its visible manifestations—it calls for a profound reimagining of governance.

From 15 to 17 September 2023, Innovation for Policy Foundation, UM6P School of Collective Intelligence, and Participedia organized the “Governance Vocabularies Conference” gathering a diverse group of governance innovation networks, practitioners, academics, researchers, and activists in UM6P Rabat Campus, in Rabat, Morocco. Their mission? To decolonize the very fabric of governance models and vocabularies, spotlighting transformative practices and ideas emerging from the Global South. It's a call to action, a plea for shared understanding that transcends traditional boundaries and builds essential connections between tools and databases.

The Governance Vocabularies Initiative, advocates for bold change, present the Rabat Declaration. This manifesto was born from the voices of the Global Majority, echoing a call to diversify and forge governance models that dance with the richness of our societies and languages. It's a fusion, laced with words from the manifesto that tease – these words may look familiar, but they hold the key to uncharted universes waiting to be explored. 

Today, we're not just seeking your input—we're inviting you to bring your passion to amplify this declaration and elevate the goals of our transformative crew. It's your moment to contribute, speak out, and let the echoes of change resonate globally! Share the excitement!

Rabat Declaration, September 17, 2023

We believe that the challenges of this century demand new, dynamic and fair models of governance.

We believe that the complexity of these problems require our Àjọṣepọ̀ (collective intelligence): the participation of many and diverse citizens, not just a privileged few.

We believe that there is no “one best model“ of شورى (citizen participation) and that useful Nunya (knowledge) can come from all places and cultures.

We believe that the vocabulary and language used in governance have an essential, and often hidden, impact on processes and institutions.

We believe that the languages of the Global South have too often been suppressed or ignored in the discourse of governance, both in these countries and globally.

We believe that better models of governance will use language and concepts that resonate with local realities.

We believe that we can support one another across borders of all kinds in reinventing the language of governance around the globe. 

We believe that words create worlds of possibility.

How can we turn these beliefs and commitments into action? 

The Governance Vocabularies Initiative has ignited the first sparks, summoning activists, researchers, practitioners, and organizations from every corner of the globe to unite in forging stronger, more resilient, and radically inclusive models of governance. It's time to roll up our sleeves and reshape the narrative by:

• Establishing common understandings and clarifying the discourse of governance, both the inherited terms of the West and the historic or emerging terms of the Global South.
• Creating new linkages between tools, platforms, and databases on governances, enabling them to be accessible and helpful to more communities.
• Using the vocabulary of governance more intentionally, critically, and inclusively, and supporting one another in creating these practices.
• Leveraging this treasury of words, ideas and practices to build better, more resilient and inclusive models of governance for humanity and our planet.

Be part of the movement! Join us as we dive into the journey of discovering multiple paths to construct governance models that are not just better but also resilient and inclusive. Your involvement matters – let's build together!