#Singapore #Chandler Good Government Index #Financial Stewardship #Global Influence

Chandler Good Government Index 2025

The 2025 Chandler Good Government Index (CGGI) has been released, shedding light on the ongoing challenges and successes faced by governments worldwide amid significant political transitions. Now in its fifth edition, the CGGI assesses the performance of 120 countries based on 35 indicators categorized under 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 secured the top position, confirming its reputation for governance excellence. Following Singapore, the Nordic countries—Denmark, Norway, Finland, and Sweden—occupy the next four spots in the top five rankings. Notably, this year's report marks a significant achievement for the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which has entered the Top 10 for the first time and stands as the only Middle Eastern nation within the Top 20. The UAE's rise is attributed to its remarkable progress in Financial Stewardship and Strong Institutions, marking it as the most improved country globally.

However, not all nations fared as well. The United States, alongside another G7 country, did not make it into the top 20, settling at 23rd place. This decline is largely due to its subpar performance in the Financial Stewardship pillar, which scrutinizes areas including budget surplus and spending efficiency. The Financial Stewardship aspect has noted the steepest decline since 2021, largely influenced by continuous post-pandemic financial constraints and mounting debt—a primary concern for global governance.

Moreover, the Global Influence & Reputation indicator has also seen a notable decline in the past year. Decreased diplomatic engagements and evolving geopolitical dynamics are significantly impacting how nations establish partnerships and earn external trust. On a positive note, there’s evidence of improvement in governance across several nations, as 73 out of 104 countries boosted their CGGI scores between 2024 and 2025, validating a trend where strengthening institutional capabilities emerges as a pivotal factor in effective governance. Nations like Mongolia, Vietnam, and Jordan exemplify this trend, indicating that resource availability is not the sole determinant of governance effectiveness.

Kenneth Sim, Managing Director of Strategy and Research at the Chandler Institute of Governance, emphasizes the importance of government capabilities, stating, "This year's results illustrate a strong correlation between government capabilities and a country's success in achieving outcomes that significantly impact citizens' lives, such as education, employment, and health."

For comprehensive insights and to explore the full 2025 CGGI report, visit the Chandler Institute's official website. Here, readers can delve deeper into the indicators and country-specific performances that shape global governance today. This index serves as a crucial tool for policymakers, researchers, and citizens alike, providing a clear lens through which to view governance quality across different nations and highlighting areas ripe for improvement and investment.