Inclusive rule-making by international organisations: setting the scene

Abstract

The chapter introduces the theme and core concepts of the volume. It discusses why inclusive rule-making is important for accountability, legitimacy, and effectiveness, the different goals that can be achieved with inclusiveness, and current efforts of international organisations (IOs) to improve their practices. Furthermore, the chapter introduces the main challenges faced by IOs in developing inclusive rule-making processes that are discussed in the subsequent contributions in the volume. These challenges relate to the identification and selection of the relevant stakeholders, the redesign of decision-making processes to include opportunities for effective participation of stakeholders at various stages, and the prevention of the capture of rule-making by powerful actors. Finally, the chapter explains how the volume builds upon the ongoing work of the Partnership of International Organisations for Effective International Rule-Making on the identification of good practices and common challenges across IOs.