PART II  Commitments Related to Structural Components of a Democratic Society 79 Maastricht 2003 (OSCE Strategy Document for the Economic and Environmental Dimension) 2.2.1 Good public and corporate governance and strong institutions are essential foundations for a sound economy, which can attract investments, and thereby enable States to reduce poverty and inequality, to increase social integration and opportunities for all and to protect the environment. Good governance at all levels contributes to prosperity, stability and security. Peace, good international relations, the security and stability of the State and the security and safety of the individual within the State, based on the rule of law and respect for human rights, are crucial for the creation of the climate of confidence which is essential to ensure positive economic and social development. 2.2.2 Good governance is of critical importance for all the participating States, and we are agreed to work on a national basis, with the support of relevant international institutions, to strengthen good governance in all its aspects and to develop methods of co-operation to assist each other in achieving it. 2.2.3 Achieving good governance requires a comprehensive and long-term strategic approach, so that successes in one area are not undermined by weaknesses in others. We will co-operate in the development of our strategies for good governance and will share experience regarding best practices. Helsinki 2008 (Ministerial Declaration on the Occasion of the 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights) We recognize that human rights are best respected in democratic societies, where decisions are taken with maximum transparency and broad participation. We support a pluralistic civil society and encourage partnerships between different stakeholders in the promotion and protection of human rights. (…) Helsinki 2008 (Decisions: Decision No. 7/08 on Further Strengthening the Rule of Law in the OSCE Area) The Ministerial Council, (…) 4. Encourages participating States, with the assistance, where appropriate, of relevant OSCE executive structures in accordance with their mandates and within existing resources, to continue and to enhance their efforts to share information and best practices and to strengthen the rule of law, inter alia in the following areas: (…) • The role of constitutional courts or comparable institutions of the participating States as an instrument to ensure that the principles of the rule of law, democracy and human rights are observed in all state institutions; (…)