Participation of Macao Associations in Public Governance

Macao has a long history of association development. With the establishment of the Macao Special Administrative Region, associations have entered a period of accelerated growth and have been deeply involved in public governance in several fields, from social services to policy advocacy and consultation, and from participation in elections to talent delivery and rights protection. The participation of Macao's associations in governance has achieved significant results. In the field of social services, a situation of cooperative provision between associations and the government has been formed. In terms of political forms, harmonious rather than confrontational politics have been formed. In terms of socio-political forces, a diversified and balanced distribution pattern has been formed. There are also some problems with the governance participation of associations, mainly manifest in weakening the policy capacity of the government due to the policy participation of associations and the lack of training of governance talents. Therefore, improvements should be made on the part of both the government and associations: on the part of the government, the system of associations' participation in governance should be continuously improved. On the part of associations, the capacity building of associations should be continuously strengthened.