Exercise GroupWhy Measure the Progress of

Societies?

Jon HallGlobal Project, OECD

Jordisia• A small fledgling democracy• Somewhere east of Morocco, and

west of Afghanistan

Jordisia

• A small fledgling democracy• Somewhere east of Morocco, and

west of Afghanistan• Rapid economic growth, mounting

social problems and environmental degradation

Jordisia

The President Is Concerned

• About the growing social disparities and environmental problems

• About the lack of evidence-based debate

• About the lack of evidence-based policy

• And there are calls for a return to the “good old days” before Democracy

A Set of Progress Measures Could Help

Provide evidence on how things are changing for the better – the political economy of reform

Encourage facts-based debate Highlight growing problems – to

public and policy makers Provide a different lens to think

about policy – more “joined up government”

But there are those who say….

• Government has no right to talk about progress

• Citizens are not interested• Statistics office should be

focussing on other priorities• Policy experts know best

Your Job

You are a team of consultants. The President of Jordisia wants your advice:

1. Should he set up a regional roundtable for progress?

2. How should he do it?

Your Job• You report back to him and his

advisors on Monday afternoon. Prepare a 15 minute presentation about:

• the benefits and the risks• how to proceed if he decided to go

ahead• prepare some FAQs