Momentum is building for governance and accountability issues to have a greater profile in the post 2015 framework, and there is a growing recognition that we cannot afford to ignore governance even if it is politically challenging to incorporate.

This briefing provides an assessment of some of the main proposals on the table that have been gaining traction in the debate, as well as some potential risks in the direction that these debates are heading.

The research finds that there is a need for greater reflection on some of the developmental functions of governance, aside from particular forms of governance or institutions. Based on this assessment we propose ideas on which aspects of governance could usefully be built into post 2015 goals.

As the UN and partners host their final meeting within the global consultation on governance and post 2015 goals this week, we argue that the approach taken in this area needs to be ambitious. But it must also leave behind the policy prescriptions and blueprints of the past. We need to recast the conversation by opening it up to new actors and debates, and thinking creatively about how to develop targets and indicators.