Institutional building is generally heralded as the missing link in development, as a primary objective of aid, and as a necessary condition for sustainable development. Such strengthening is especially pressing at the policy level where complex economic and political trends test the ability of institutions to deliver effective policies. Such change is prescribed for both the public and the private sectors, at local and national levels, to incorporate all actors, whether local, governmental or NGO, within the social partnership. However, coping with institutional change is a difficult, sometimes conflict creating, and often a time-consuming task, especially where needed technical capacities, and/or financial constraints, are lacking or redundant.    The focus of Consia is to provide civil, technical and political institutions with the necessary transfer of knowledge and know-how they need to sustain democratic transition, improve governance and achieve long-term development goals. This is enabled by strong participatory emphasis to development with considerable focus on transparency and accountability. These tested and proven techniques are formulated to improve operations and enhance both individual and organizational skills to meet development objectives.