Participation and representation are two fundamental elements and principles of democracy: they affirm that a democracy is dependent on its citizens and that this ownership is expressed through meaningful participation by and representation of all citizens in democratic institutions and processes. Underpinning all this is the idea that every citizen—regardless of class, age, gender, sexual orientation, ability, group, culture, and ethnic or religious background—should have an equal right and opportunity to engage with and contribute to the functioning of these institutions and processes. This publication documents and highlights the experiences and innovation of regional organizations in promoting inclusive political participation and representation. Focused on civil society engagement, gender mainstreaming, and regional parliaments, this publication not only provides food for thought for policymakers and practitioners but also facilitates understanding of the contexts in which regional organizations operate.

In most countries, parliament has the constitutional mandate to both oversee and hold government to account. In light of the increased focus on good governance, academics and legislative strengthening practitioners are re-examining parliament's oversight function with a view to increasing public financial accountability, curbing corruption, and contributing to poverty reduction. This volume brings together research from many different perspectives and many different legislative settings worldwide. As the country case studies in section III demonstrate, the accountability mechanisms or oversight tools available to the legislature vary based on constitutionally defined powers of the legislature, institutional arrangements between the branches of government, divisions of authority between national, regional, and local governments, the degree of legitimacy conferred on the legislature, and the resources available to it. The budget process provides critical opportunities. Section II of this volume is devoted to examining budget oversight from the formulation and approval of the budget, to implementation and the ex post examination of the public accounts. Special attention is also paid to mechanisms to assist parliaments such as Public Accounts Committees and independent parliamentary budget offices. This title will be of interest to parliamentarians and parliamentary staff, legislative strengthening practitioners, and students of legislative development.

Actors in the world of work are facing an increasing number of challenges, including automatization and digitalization, new types of jobs and more diverse forms of employment. This timely book examines employer and worker responses, challenges and opportunities for social dialogue, and the role of social partners in the governance of the world of work.

European policymakers are attempting to develop immigration policies that meet economic needs and promote greater competitiveness and growth —without undermining the social models so valued by their electorates. To succeed, they must take into account aging populations, high and persistent levels of overall unemployment, even higher levels of unemployment among immigrants and ethnic minorities, and sector- and location-specific labor mismatches and shortfalls. Europe and Its Immigrants in the 21st Century examines many of the critical issues facing European economies and societies with regard to immigration. The authors juxtapose these issues with those facing the "traditional countries of immigration" (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United States) and offers policy recommendations to address them. Among other topics, this book examines options for immigrant selection and managing all forms of migration better (including "irregular" migration), and offers recommendations for immigrant and minority integration policies at the EU, national, and local levels - where most integration work takes place. Contributors include Wolfgang Lutz (Vienna Institute for Demography), Klaus Zimmerman (Institute for the Study of Labor/DIW, Berlin), Louka Katseli (OECD), Grete Brochman (Institute for Social Research, University of Oslo), Heaven Crawley (AMRE Consulting), Demetrios G. Papademetriou (Migration Policy Institute), Sarah Spencer (COMPAS, University of Oxford), Brian Ray (University of Ottawa), Rinus Pennix (University of Amsterdam), Jorge Gaspar (University of Lisbon), Lucinda Fonseca (Centro de Estudos Geográficos), Kathleen Newland (Migration Policy Institute), Doris Meissner (Migration Policy Institute), T. Alexander Aleinikoff (Georgetown University Law Center), and Patrick Weil (CEPIC/ Centre d'histoire sociale du 20e siecle).