The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Regional Bureau for Arab States (RBAS) launched the Programme on Governance in the Arab Region (POGAR) in early 2000. POGAR was developed at the request of Arab governments, and therefore specifically addresses national needs and concerns. POGAR is dedicated to the promotion and development of good governance practices and related reforms in the Arab states in tandem with the Arab Human Development Reports.

POGAR works in partnership with key governance institutions in the Arab region, including legislatures, judiciaries, civil society organizations to identify needs and solutions. It delivers a wide range of services and activities to further the triple pillars of good governance: participation, rule of law, and transparency and accountability.

POGAR’s ten broad themes or substantive dimensions of governance embody the normative principles of participation, the rule of law and transparency and accountability. Although these standards all apply as yardsticks for evaluating political institutions and practices, their relevance varies with the nature of the concrete theme.