Lobbying in the 21st Century
Transparency, Integrity and Access
Lobbying, as a way to influence and inform governments, has been part of democracy for at least two centuries, and remains a legitimate tool for influencing public policies. However, it carries risks of undue influence. Lobbying in the 21st century has also become increasingly complex, including new tools for influencing government, such as social media, and a wide range of actors, such as NGOs, think tanks and foreign governments. This report takes stock of the progress that countries have made in implementing the OECD Principles for Transparency and Integrity in Lobbying. It reflects on new challenges and risks related to the many ways special interest groups attempt to influence public policies, and reviews tools adopted by governments to effectively safeguard impartiality and fairness in the public decision-making process.
Methodology
On 18 February 2010, the OECD Council adopted the Recommendation on Principles for Transparency and Integrity in Lobbying [C(2010)16 and C/M(2010)3/PROV] (OECD, 2010[1]) (hereafter ‘the Recommendation’). The Recommendation recognises that lobbying in all its forms, including advocacy and other ways of influencing public policies, is a legitimate act of political participation, and grants stakeholders access to the development and implementation of public policies. Lobbyists, as well as advocates and all those influencing governments, represent valid interests and bring to the attention of policy makers much needed insights and data on all policy issues. It is this variety of interests and stakeholders that allow policy makers to learn about options and trade-offs. Such an inclusive policy-making process leads to more informed and ultimately better policies.
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