In this presentation given at the Justice Conference 2022, Dr. Sylvia Karlsson-Vinkhuyzen gives a talk called "Trust and Accountability in Global Governance: Exploring A Challenging Dynamic and Ways Forward".

Trust and accountability are both concepts hailed as desirable traits of governance at all levels, including the global level. Multilateral collaboration is, however, plagued by distrust and the lack of accountability of particularly the most powerful actors in global governance is glaring. At the same time, the building of accountable institutions at all levels is one of the targets of the Sustainable Development Goals. But what is the nature of the relationship between these two concepts – trust and accountability? Does trust foster accountability, or is it the reverse? Trust is considered a requirement for collaboration, and accountability is often seen as essential to build trust where there is little of it. However, reliance on accountability can also erode trust. This presentation will first explore the current theory and practice of the dynamic between these two important concepts in international affairs. Then it will lay out some possible directions, based on guidance from the Baha’i writings, for how to propel this dynamic towards what it needs to be in a New World Order that serves justice and shared prosperity. Central in this narrative will be the requirements of individual moral leadership based on trustworthiness and self-accountability.

Dr. Sylvia Karlsson-Vinkhuyzen is Associate Professor in political science at Wageningen University, the Netherlands. Her research focuses on state accountability for global commitments on climate and sustainable development. Sylvia is a long-serving member of the boards of the One World Trust and the International Environment Forum.

The views expressed in this talk reflect the personal perspectives of the invited speaker to the Justice Conference and the views expressed does not purport to reflect the views of the institutions she is associated with.

The Justice Conference is an annual Baha'i-inspired forum for the exploration of international law, global governance, justice and ethics. It takes place in the Netherlands and all are welcome to participate! Check out the Justice Conference Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/JusticeConference

You can also listen to the audio version of this talk here: https://soundcloud.com/bahai-blog/trust-and-accountability-in-global-governance-a-talk-by-sylvia-karlsson-vinkhuyzen

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