Singapore Maintains Governance Leadership as UAE Makes Significant Strides, According to 2025 Chandler Good Government Index
Singapore, May 15, 2025 — The recently released 2025 Chandler Good Government Index (CGGI) presents a comprehensive analysis of governance among 120 nations, highlighting both the challenges and triumphs of political leadership during an era marked by significant transitions. Now in its fifth edition, the CGGI utilizes a robust framework of 35 indicators organized into seven pivotal pillars: Leadership & Foresight, Robust Laws & Policies, Strong Institutions, Financial Stewardship, Attractive Marketplace, Global Influence & Reputation, and Helping People Rise.
For the third consecutive year, Singapore has claimed the top position, underscoring its enduring reputation for governance excellence. The Nordic countries have reinforced their standing in global governance, with Denmark, Norway, Finland, and Sweden completing the top five slots. These nations have not only excelled in maintaining effective leadership but have also demonstrated the ability to adapt to changing circumstances in governance.
In a noteworthy development, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has entered the prestigious Top 10 for the first time, making it the only Middle Eastern nation featured within the Top 20. This leap forward is attributed to the UK’s remarkable improvements in the pillars of Financial Stewardship and Strong Institutions. The UAE’s ascent marks a significant shift in the regional governance landscape, showcasing the country’s ongoing commitment to enhancing institutional effectiveness and transparency.
Contrastingly, China, ranked 41st in the index, stands out as one of the few nations that have shown consistent improvements in their scores since 2021, signaling a stable trajectory in governance effectiveness despite global challenges. This sustained improvement reflects China’s adaptability and perseverance in governance, navigating complex socio-political terrains.
In a surprising revelation, the United States ranks 23rd—its absence from the Top 20 is indicative of considerable governance challenges, particularly in the Financial Stewardship sector. This pillar assesses critical areas such as budgetary efficiency and the management of public resources, where the US has struggled. The findings illustrate how rising national debt and post-pandemic fiscal constraints have hindered potential progress, raising questions about long-term sustainability in governance practices.
The Financial Stewardship pillar has witnessed the most significant global decline since 2021, a trend that highlights the broader repercussions of pandemic-related economic stress. Of 104 countries evaluated, only 26 recorded improvements, emphasizing global governance concerns regarding economic management. In tandem with this financial strain, the Global Influence & Reputation pillar also reported a decline, largely attributed to changing geopolitical norms and diminished diplomatic engagements. Nevertheless, a silver lining emerged as 73 nations improved their CGGI scores from the previous year, reflecting a revitalization of governmental capabilities essential for fostering partnerships and rebuilding external trust.
As Kenneth Sim, Managing Director of the Chandler Institute of Governance, succinctly noted, “Government capabilities matter. This year’s results continue to show a strong relationship between government capabilities and a country’s attainment of outcomes that are important for individuals’ lives and livelihoods, such as education, employment, and health.” This assertion underscores the critical necessity for nations to invest in governance frameworks that not only foster economic growth but also prioritize the wellbeing of their citizens.
Examples of countries such as Mongolia, Vietnam, and Jordan exemplify that effective governance is not solely determined by available resources. These nations have made impactful strides, demonstrating that strategic governance initiatives can lead to significant advancements even in the face of economic constraints.
The 2025 Chandler Good Government Index (CGGI) serves as an insightful barometer of governance trends worldwide, providing governments and policymakers with a framework to measure their progress and identify areas in need of reform. The index underscores the inherent complexity of governance, emphasizing the necessity for continuous adaptation and learning in an ever-evolving global landscape.
For additional insights and a detailed examination of findings, the full report can be accessed at this link.
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