Governments worldwide have been confronted  with complex political, economic and social  challenges, exacerbated by the unprecedented  COVID-19 pandemic that has unveiled deep  structural flaws in terms of governance  and institutions. This context has further  eroded public trust in Governments and State  institutions at a moment when citizens expect  their leaders to apply the highest level of  transparency, accountability, integrity and  effectiveness in managing the crisis and related  recovery plans. Citizens’ pressing expectations  to fully participate in public affairs are also on  the rise in most parts of the world.