3.15.2005 ET

(CSRwire) LONDON - Traditional forms of accountability are in crisis.

Open any newspaper and look for the large print titles expressing outrage. Odds are the topic will be on accountability, or its lack - on part of governments, politicians, institutions, and corporations.

The popular demand for more accountability is perhaps more usefully framed as a demand for new types of accountability, and for new ways to implement and deliver them.

At the same time, it is far from obvious what sort of accountability innovations are required in this context, and where they should emanate from. Many of last century's most extraordinary accountability innovations, such as the United Nations, are themselves facing accountability crises. Our most durable accountability innovations, such as those underpinning the public ownership of incorporated business, increasingly parody their original purpose in the face of short-termism. Our most precious accountability innovations, such as democracy itself, are in disrepair in the face of falling civil engagement and trust in political representation.

As a consequence, 'Accountability 21' has been initiated as a programme of international multi-stakeholder dialogue, culminating in the conference, with the aim of identifying, developing and promoting accountability innovations that can overcome today's impediments to creating a civil society to underpin progress toward sustainable development.

We are in the process of confirming some of the world's pre-eminent thinkers on the subject of accountability from civil society, business and public bodies.

In the next few weeks, we will be sending you more detailed information regarding the conference themes and speakers. Also, more details on the conference will be continuously posted on our website www.accountability.org.uk.

For more information please contact: